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Why do trees fall and/or uproot during monsoons? Are there signs you should look for? What can you do differently?

The Palo Verde tree, one of the most commonly planted trees in residential areas is native to Arizona. So why are they uprooting during monsoons? Jessie Byrd with the Native Plant Nursery in Pima County says it’s mostly due to overwatering. Since Palo Verde trees are native to Arizona they are not meant to be watered as frequently as most people do. This makes the trees grow a lot faster, making the wood really weak.

Some other warning signs to look for that can help you catch damage before it happens.

1. Hole in the trunk

2. Cracks and/or missing bark

3. Falling or dead branches

4. Trunk is leaning

5. The leaves fall inside out

6. Branches grow in a tight V shape

If you are unsure if the tree has any of these signs, you should consult a qualified tree expert. Professionals can help you avoid preventable property damage from your trees.

Having issues with your garbage disposal? Here's a quick video on how to reset your garbage disposal.

Rental properties are a big investment, so making sure you are protecting your investment is a must! Here is a breakdown of what your landlord insurance can cover:

Property damage: This covers damage to the home itself and personal property due to fire, storm damage, theft, vandalism and tenant damage. Ideally, your landlord insurance will cover the replacement costs for your entire rental property in the event of a total loss.

Liability insurance: This coverage protects you against liability claims and lawsuits. Whether a tenant, visitor or even a trespasser is injured on your rental property, you could find yourself in a legal headache. Your liability insurance will help you cover these costs. These costs can include medical payments, legal fees and judgment or settlement costs. You will also be covered if you, as the landlord, are found responsible for another person’s property damage. For example, if you neglect to fix a leaking water pipe and mold damage destroys a tenant’s expensive collection of vintage albums, a liability claim can be filed against you by the tenant.

Loss of income: This insurance will help compensate you for lost income in the event that your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, such as a storm or fire. Your loss of income coverage, or “rental reimbursement,” will prevent you from losing the income you would have had if you were collecting rent.

Optional coverage: As a landlord, you can buy additional coverage, such as rent guarantee insurance, natural disaster insurance, employer liability insurance and landlord contents insurance to cover your personal property items such as furnishings or carpet in the rental property.

Be sure to contact your insurance company to ensure you are getting the best coverage possible for your investment or to go over additional options you may benefit from.

Here are some helpful tips to reduce your utility bills!

1. Light Bulbs

Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving CFLs, which provide high-quality light output, use 75% less energy, and last 6–10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs, according to the US Department of Energy.

2. Thermostat

Get a programmable thermostat. Set the program around your schedule to save on your heating and cooling bills.

3. Laundry

Try to avoid doing partial loads of laundry, this saves on both power and water costs. Wash your laundry in cold water whenever possible as well.

4. Blinds and Window Coverings

Hang blinds, shades or coverings on windows that might receive direct sunlight throughout the day, particularly windows that face the south. Keep them closed during the day to keep your home cooler.

5. Switch out shower heads and faucets

You can get low flow shower heads and faucets that use a lot less water when using.

6. Lower the temperature on your water heater

Turning it down just 10-20 degrees will show definite savings

Any of these tips alone can save money on your utility bills. When you combine several, you’ll be surprised how much you can save every month!

1. YOU'RE THROWING MONEY AWAY

WHILE YOU MAY NOT BE GAINING EQUITY IN A HOME, YOU ARE PAYING FOR SOMEWHERE TO CALL HOME, WHICH IS NOT THE EQUIVALENT OF THROWING MONEY IN THE TRASH

2. YOU HAVE NO NEGOTIATING POWER

RENT PRICES AND LENGTHS OF LEASES ARE OFTEN NEGOTIABLE. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK THE PROPERTY MANAGER OR LEASING AGENT TO SEE WHAT THE OWNER WOULD CONSIDER.

3. IT'S DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF A LEASE

ALTHOUGH YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEASE, DEPENDING ON THE LEASE TERMS, LEASE BREAK POLICIES CAN DIFFER. RESEARCH YOUR LEASE OR AS THE LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGER FOR MORE INFORMATION

4. THE LANDLORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS

AGAIN, DEPENDING ON THE LEASE TERMS, THIS CAN DIFFER FROM RENTAL TO RENTAL. BE SURE TO UNDERSTAND THE LEASE AND WHAT IS COVERED BEFORE SIGNING

5. A LANDLORD CAN END YOUR LEASE EARLY

THE LANDLORD HAS TO FOLLOW THE LEASE, UNLESS THEY SELL THE PROPERTY TO AN INVESTOR WHO WILL KEEP THE RENTER IN PLACE THROUGH THE LEASE DATES.

KEEP IN MIND, WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS ASK YOUR LANDLORD OR PROPERTY MANAGER BEFORE MAKING AN ASSUMPTION.

About two years ago Arizona became the 20^th state to completely do away with breed-specific legislation - laws that ban or otherwise regulate dogs by breed.

However, HOA’s and insurance requirements can vary.

Some other helpful information:

• The law in Arizona (and most other states) says that when a dog bites,

The dog is always GUILTY, even if he was provoked by someone or something

• Renters insurance carried by the tenant, usually covers dog bite lawsuits

• The Landlord’s insurance policy usually protects the landlord when a tenant’s dog bites. In most cases, the landlord is not the responsible party, and the insurance pays for lawyers to get Landlord removed from any lawsuits.

• In one year, State Farm pays over $60 million (total) for dog bite claims

• Pet damage to a house, whether chewing, scratching, or urine or feces, is not covered by insurance. This is not always normal pets. I once saw a home where a Parrot had destroyed the doors, walls, and molding by chewing on these.

• If a dog bites and there is an insurance claim, the insurance company will usually require that the tenant or homeowner get rid of that particular dog. For homeowners….not tenants… the insurance company will sometimes allow the owner to keep the dog, but the owner must sign a bite exclusion that says that their dog is no longer covered by their insurance.