Ahmed Hassan TV

Consultation · Design · Nursery · Build

More Than a Landscaper

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Folks, my title of Landscaper is actually a bit deceptive. It’s a label which society has given to me and I wear it proudly, but as the saying goes, “don’t box me in” because I’m so much more. As I’ve expressed before, I am a multi-dimensional being, just as you are, and I seek to continue developing the different dimensions of me as time progresses forward.
If you must label me then consider philosopher, author, teacher, motivational speaker or charitable cause badass. Based on these titles alone, you can see that I really am More Than a Landscaper and it’s due to this fact that I am currently working on a book of the same name for release next year. My co-author, Marie Blackstock and I, began working on the content last year; however writing a book is a highly personal and creative process so it’s important to respect the organic flow of such a project. In other words, you can’t force things.
As this will be my memoir, the content is being created with each new daily experience that I live through. Marie and I recently met in person to wrap things up and one of the first things she said to me was, “This book isn’t happening right now because it isn’t the book we are supposed to be writing.” I surprising didn’t protest as I knew she was absolutely correct.
My life has been transforming in major ways over the past few years and I continue to learn from the multitude of experiences coming my way. I’m positive that this growth pattern will continue throughout my lifetime. Many of these recent growth spurts have been huge so that the book we began writing in August is far from the same story I wish to share with you folks today.

Ahmed Hassan Love

Both books will be available May 29th!

We did decide to create two books that will be ready for purchase by the end of May and neither are about landscaping in the least. They are tentatively titled, Philosophical Rants & Analogies for Life and LOVE.
You might be wondering where you can get an autographed copy when they come out, right?
I’m happy to announce that I’ll be making a special guest appearance at the Alive Again Positive Living LIVE EVENT in Palm Desert, California on May 30th. This weekend will be filled with dynamic presentations on love, light, joy, success, health and wellness so I encourage you to invest in yourself and buy a ticket to join us. I have the honor of covering the topic of LOVE and you’ll be able to purchase copies of both books onsite. There will be opportunities to have them personally autographed by both myself and Marie too. So are you still wondering why a landscaper is writing and talking about love? Well, as I stated above, I’m far from just a landscaper and LOVE is likely the most misunderstood yet commonly used word in the English vernacular. I spend much of my life teaching and helping people with their landscaping and gardening woes and while landscaping is important and critical in terms of agriculture and the planet, love is something that’s even more critical to our existence here on earth.

Ahmed Hassan Philosophical Rants

I will be signing both copies in Palm Springs

The next few weeks will be focused on combining my big, badass landscaping talents with loving compassion in order to see the #DoItForDaniella campaign through to fruition. Daniella, and all of these precious children living and dying of cancer, inspire me to work harder than I’ve ever worked before. I’m completely coming from a place of love and a state of love expressed outwardly towards others. This love is keeping me in the frame of mind that I need to be in, so that I can stay positive, even when things aren’t necessarily feeling good or going my way. The love I have for self and this project have radiated out to others who are sharing their love by donating their time and products to the project.

Thank you to Southwest Airlines, My Splash Pad, Cascade Outdoor Design, Deck King Corp. and Genovations decking, Tremron pavers, Forever Lawn, Valley Crest Tree, Vista Pro landscape lighting is being donated and installed by Magic Irrigation’s Michal Wilk, Todd Chambers of TC Masonry, Mayor Zavier and the City of Miami Springs, Leah and Mike owners of Cascade Outdoor Design, electrician Ken Morningstar and Joe of Plumbtech, Miami Dade College horticulture department, The Fresh and fantastic EB Hotel, Corona brand gardening tools, Hunter Industries and recently committed Costa Farms plus the list continues to grow. Beautiful people everywhere continue to step up, step in and donate time, materials, products and services.
My own fans, friends and loved ones have raised an amazing $10k in cash through our Crowdfunding and all of our efforts are impacting the Collazo family and the Childhood Cancer community at large. Lead Designer and fellow badass, Duane Draughon of VizX Design; and I really had no concept of how awesome and powerful love was until we started this journey. I continue to give thanks and am in awe.
So, next time you hear The Beatles sing, “All ya need is love,” remember that there really are no truer words ever spoken.

Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!  #MoreThanALandscaper #DoItForDaniella #AliveAgainPositiveLiving

Abundantly Blessed!

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In spite of California’s current drought, in spite of the global evolutionary changes taking place everywhere, in spite of sweet little Daniella Collazo, and the fact that three minutes from now another child will be diagnosed with cancer, in spite of the fact that I’m an unemployed TV host….

I recognize how abundantly blessed I am.

Yes, this is one of those optimistic, acknowledgment, blog posts. So what that my dad died. So what that I lost my house 4 years ago and had to file for bankruptcy. So what that I have a felony for selling pot when I was 19.

I am still BLESSED.

Blessed to be here to see my children grow. Blessed to have had a career where I get to do what I love and enjoy daily, because of my freedom. Being black in America is no longer the excuse or reasoning for any limitation in my life.

ahmed and tiffanie hassan blessed

We are blessed

Being raised by 2 parents, a step mother and having step and half siblings is what’s made my life experience so wonderful. Having broken up and now reconciled with Tiffanie, my wife for the past 23 years; is what’s given us the opportunity to learn how to love, live, and raise our own kids. Raise them together in such a way that they will have even more tools and experience than we did growing up.

Life on planet earth is hard and yet we’re all endowed with the same common rights, responsibilities, and talents. The same get down attitude that we can each step into when and where we need to.  No matter how much challenge and strife life delivers to me, I maintain my warrior attitude. I teach others to tap into this same warrior mindset and be the badasses, the talented and the optimistic characters, in their own life stories. It’s about taking limits out of our lives. The last time I argued with the producers of my former show Yard Crashers was when they tried to put me in a limited box called “Host”. I sent my executive producer the video of a song I so enjoy by Lauren Hill titled, “I Get Out“.

Marie Blackstock Author and Intuitive Counselor

Marie is another powerful, positive blessing in my life

No matter what the challenge, no matter what the pain, no matter what the struggle and small mindedness around me is; I seek to be big, be loving, and give thanks for my opportunities. The opportunities to reach, teach, and express a love and optimism for life.  As many of you might know. I’m in the process right now of writing my very first book with Author and all around positive chic Marie Blackstock. She and I are both students and teachers of positive living. That is to say that we have both experienced many of life’s challenges and are completely obsessed with figuring out life’s mysteries and sharing these truths with the rest of humanity. Please continue to follow all things for positive change both here and at Alive Again Positive Living.

I know that I am abundantly blessed and I know that these blessings will continue and expand so long as I am willing to acknowledge them and give thanks, and so it is!

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#GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV #DoItForDaniella #BlessedBadass

Evolution

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It’s not a conspiracy theory, it’s merely our reality and evolution. Humankind’s impact on the planet is largely responsible for the climatic changes we’re experiencing back east and out west. Flooding and drought conditions are just a few of the causes and effects that we have going on in our ecosystem. This is nothing to be alarmed about or freaked out about. I mean really…
Ahmed hassan Business Card

AHLS at your service

When has your freaking out ever helped bring about sustainable solutions for change? As for me, I choose to take responsibility into my own hands. As a professional landscaper, former TV host, and Celebrity Landscaper, I travel the country spreading knowledge, goodwill, and what I know to be good horticultural practices. Locally, around the greater Sacramento, California area, I continue to offer landscaping services via my small business… Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services (AHLS). I love what I do and plan on doing it for a long, long time.

 My own prediction is that for the next decade or more, I will continue to be solicited, and encourage best management practices while assisting folks with creating drought tolerant/friendly, and ecologically friendly landscapes, at home and abroad. Take a look at these two examples to give you an idea of what I mean. Here is a before and after of my client Annie Tran’s Yard
Ahmed Hassan Trans Home Before and After

Drought tolerant plants make for easy maintenance

And another example… the Hughes’ Lawn Before and After Transformation

Hughes Project by AHLS Ahmad Hassan Landscaping Services

Here we transformed the lawn into a dry creek bed

In order to keep the cost down in both instances we used lots of small plant material. Most folks have more time than money. As the plants grow, the boulders and rock work will diminish, as the garden and greenery take center stage. At the end of the day, my goal was to be ecologically sustainable, as well as create something for both of them that presents well aesthetically. This is my obligation to the planet, and a commitment I make to myself and the human race. I get a real kick out of being a role model for change.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan loves being a role model for change.

This guy wants to be a role model for change

I intentionally plan to leave my mark on the planet with my life and impact the world in my own small way.
Ahmed Hassanpresenting at a home and garden conference

Educating people on sustainability

Television allowed me to grow my popularity, and because of this, I am committed to returning to TV in order to become the next Anthony Bourdain of the environmental industry. Bourdain  is best known for his ability to communicate and share folks experiences around food, wine, and culture. He loves what he does and it definitely shows through in the programming. This is why he has been so successful.

My interests lie more within our local and global environment. I seek to give people an expanded awareness of what’s going on in both their own backyards, and the local community, and beyond. I enjoy creating these outdoor living spaces and giving my clients and fans the tools that they need in order to make a positive impact during our evolutionary period. It’s all about educating and then putting that education to use if we’re going to make a difference. I believe most people will do whatever is necessary to live in a sustainable manner if they just knew what to do. My job is to teach them those very things.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan often calls himself the big mouth landscaper

Watch out… big mouth landscaper coming through!

I don’t claim to be an expert in all things environmental, but I do understand soil, plants, water management, and how water is utilized by plants. I also understand our need for plants as a part of our human diet and overall nutritional health. I’m a nerd in case you haven’t noticed… A garden nerd who gets by with the title of “Gardener”.  I’m ok with that. I often introduce myself to people and call myself the “big mouth landscaper” because it’s true!

It’s this big mouth that let’s me bring about awareness within the Green Industry and affect sustainability. It also helps me affect positive change. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease because the squeaky wheel gets things done. Last week I had the opportunity to meet with the director of sustainability at Ewing Irrigation to discuss having me join their team of speakers and teachers on that subject.
Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan at Ewing Irrigation in Phoenix, Arizona

Partnering with Ewing Irrigation to make a difference!

A little later this year you’ll have an opportunity to learn even more about what I’ve been doing over the past year with another irrigation manufacturer, Hunter Industries. I feel like all of us humans, landscapers, gardeners or not, need to take responsibility for ourselves and this planet. We don’t have another planet to move to and if we did, we’d likely throw that one out of balance as well.  Learning what we need to, in order to improve and make living conditions better, is a real trial and error process. It took us many years to get to where we’re at. I only hope that we can expedite our learning curve so we can enjoy the years we have left and create something sustainable for our children, and their children, to enjoy.
Thank you for reading and sharing and caring.
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#GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV

I Too Have a Dream, Actually, I Have Many!

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Dreams are what life is made of. Good dreams, bad dreams, insignificant dreams, and great big, “OMG that would be awesome if we ever got there dreams!”

When I look back over the landscape of my life, I notice how all of my dreams have either come true, lost their direction and focus, or simply evolved into something new and different. Dreams by definition are something that you think about, envision, or imagine. They are something that has yet to be fulfilled.

Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper Go Green Event

How many do you have?

Once they are, we simply call it life. Dreams are those things we FOCUS and meditate on. This is referred to by many as prayer. The difference with praying and dreaming is the “wanting” or “petitioning” aspect. When we pray, we often ask God or the Universe for what we desire. A dream has nothing to do with God, necessarily, but everything to do with our belief system.

This is why we believe what’s happening around us, or to us, is real when we are in a dream state. For example, I had a dream the other night that I was boxing with rats. I was punching them. Large kitty-cat sized rats. Apparently in my sleep I actually lunged out. It scared the heck out of Tiffanie, who was lying next to me.

Contrast that dream with this one. When I was 19yrs old, I had a dream that I’d own a landscaping business complete with trucks, trailers, tools and equipment. I have all of that now, its called Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services! I also had a dream I’d be a TV host, done! I had a dream I’d be a dad and I am. The span of my life, just like your life, has been filled with dreams. It’s been filled with prayer.

So I ask you just like I ask myself.

What are your DREAMS?
Beyond that… What are you DOING in order to make your DREAMS come true?

Most of us have heard that all things are possible to those that believe. I’ll tell you that belief starts with what we envision. It begins with what we dream up, what we agree and say yes to. I let go of the dream where I woke up swinging at rats. I merely cast it off and said “It was just a dream.” In this sense, I allowed myself to detach from that altered state of reality.

ahmad Hassan- Martin Luther Quote

Your dream could make the next big difference.

We can all do this. Reality is merely a choice by which we confirm what is true and real versus what doesn’t really exist. Time is the greatest teacher of this truth. Time will tell us what is real and what was just a farce or a dream. For instance, I could say that I live in Timbuktu, but over TIME I would begin to realize other indicators that point closer to Sacramento. An elementary example, but you get the point. If there’s something that you truly want, something that you truly believe in, then keep on dreaming. Hold fast to that dream. Give it time.

However, If you wake up to the reality that you’re swinging in your sleep at rats…you might wanna change your thinking and let go of whatever it is that’s causing you strife. Oh, and if your dream happens to involves other people, I should warn you. Those other people have dreams of their own and in no way are your dreams more powerful, nor do they take precedent over their dreams. We must respect, work with, and acknowledge other people in what they want to accomplish. We must collaborate with, rather than fight with one another. We must possess a certain amount of respect for other beings and subscribe to the fact that we’re all dreamers.

We all have the same capacity and birthright as I’ve said before, to say “Yes, no, maybe so, and I’ve changed my mind”. We all have the power to shape and mold our dreams into our a unique picture of reality. Little by little (time), life, and nature continue to show us what’s real. Give thanks for the life you’ve created thus far. If you’re not enjoying where things are at and would like to see or experience a change, then start dreaming a new dream!

Modify your thinking and your perspective, believe a new thought, take hold of a new idea. Start a new dream. It’s your life and your reality. Turn life’s lemons into lemonade by being responsible in this… acknowledging you are a dreamer. Yes, you too have a dream!

 

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!  #GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV

Balancing Kids, Family Life, Work, and Fame

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This week’s Blog Topic was inspired and requested by none other than my Facebook friend Maria Strickland.

The week of Jan 12th has been quite a busy week indeed. I realized late on Wednesday that I had yet to write a blog for this week, so I put a post on my Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper page. I asked for inspiration for today’s blog post because this week’s project is very time and energy consuming.

Ahmed Hassan - Richie Rich

Richie Rich was very different than me in many ways.

Maria offered a suggestion, and this morning I’m refreshed and ready to delve in head first! First of all, I want to acknowledge and share with so many of you that while you might see me as some big time celebrity, I waiver and waffle at this notion. I consider myself a regular guy. I know that I’m popular and all, but I’m in no way an “A List” celebrity. Here’s a funny story that I’ve rarely shared. When I was a kid growing up, I watched a cartoon character named “Richy Rich”. What fascinated me about this cartoon character was that he was so much different than I was. He was white, I was black. He was rich, I grew up poor. He had everything; I was taught by my dad, mom, and step mother Mabel, to appreciate everything I did have.

I actually remember stating to God or the Universe, “I don’t wanna be rich”. It was one of those prayer like affirmations that we sometimes make when we “claim” something. We’ve all heard that money is the root of all evil and I distinctively remember this Richie Rich character having so many challenges to deal with because he had so much money. I was like, “I just wanna be comfortable, but not rich”. It wasn’t until my 30’s that I realized that being comfortable in today’s society was considered being “rich” by the standards I was raised by.

You see, everything is relative. Some people might see me as some big time celebrity that’s got it made. In fact, I’m that same kid who’s been hustling, doing yard work all my life. I finally decided that I would be “ok” with being rich. Yet, I want to also be responsible and enjoy my life, family, and fame. I’m not rich now, but I am willing and wanting to experience the reality so I continue to prepare.

Ahmed Hassan- Power Partner Tiffanie Hassan

My Power Partner, Tiffanie Hassan!

You’re probably wondering, “So what about the balancing act that Maria asked about?”. When it comes to balancing and being there for my kids, I could not do it without Tiffanie. It’s Tiffanie who is the primary chauffeur, back to school mom, the one that pays the bills, and the one that creates most, if not all, of the structure that the Hassan’s have at home. Tiffanie and I are business partners, friends, lovers, and co parents. I often refer to us as “Power Partners”. We have teams of others that we work with in order to do all that we do, but it’s she and I that manage all things Ahmed Hassan Celebrity Landscaper, as well as Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services.

I actually run and maintain 4 businesses. I create and provide web video assets and content for my industry and national brands like Monrovia Nurseries, Hunter Industries, FX Luminaire, and Shindaiwa, just to name a few. I also do personal appearances at home, garden, and builder shows around the country. I continue to maintain and operate my own business in the greater Sacramento area, and in 2014 we began operating a couple of small nurseries in Shingle Springs where we live. The way I manage everything is with a little bit of patience, understanding, love, and inspiration. I’ve learned that being perfect is overrated, it’s merely a matter of being present.

Ahmed Hassan- Family

Tiffanie helps keep the smiles on these faces!

I love my wife and kids. I love my fans and friends. I love my work and creating beautiful, functional, outdoor living spaces. I love teaching and inspiring others to find, explore, and exploit their passions. I continue to dream up new things and ideas because I’m in love with life. Truly I am! There’s absolutely no reason that Yard Crashers should have become as big a hit on television as it did except that it was a show with this crazy, energetic guy who was in love with what he was doing. He actually knew something about landscaping, building, creating, and gardening.

That brings us full circle to the work I have this week. I am going to design, build, create, and develop a new presentation for the Like Water Event at Free Flow Academy’s Rocklin, CA location. It’s a health and wellness event happening this weekend. I’ll be right there in the gorgeous space that my team and I are developing. Everything I do requires the help, assistance, and buy in from so many others. This weekend’s event is no different. This space is an area that a couple of Master Gardeners are going to use. I’ll be using it to host a workshop on Gardening, The Original Crossfit.

I’m tired and fatigued this week because I’m creating. I work within the metaphysical realm, designing, plotting and planning. Then I utilize all of my natural powers to communicate, explain, design, acquire, and create what it is that I see in my minds eye. It’s tiring work. It’s physically and mentally taxing. Yet it is what my life looks like and I’ll continue down this path. I love life and seek to do everything, and experience anything, I see as beautiful and worthy while I’m here. Thanks for this mornings inspiration Maria Strickland. Thank the rest of you all for reading.

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to stay current on upcoming events! Check out the sponsors below for this weekend’s event!

 

#TeamAhmedTV #GoGreenWithAhmed

 

Energy, Intention, and Faith for the New Year!

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The 3 ingredients in the title are needed to accomplish anything.

I sometimes lie in bed in the morning and begin to think about what I want, or need to do, on a given day. At some point I’m finally inspired to get up and get things going. I’m either INSPIRED or MOTIVATED with fear. I don’t wanna miss out or be late!

My ENERGY and intentions have me living the life that I do and chasing after those dreams that inspire me. I take full advantage of my Celebrity status wherever I can and yet I’m fully aware that I’m the same kid that dropped out of High school in the 11th grade because I was simply more interested in smoking weed and hanging out than I was in academia. Today I intentionally live my life in a way that pleases and inspires me. It seems foolish to do anything but this! Being clean and sober was the best choice I could make 22 years ago.

My ENERGY and INTENTION are the fuels that keep me going. My FAITH, coupled with the conscious action I put towards making my dreams come true, helps me execute my wants around my business, and the whole of my life.

The concept of ENERGY is used everywhere around us, but what is energy?

The dictionary definition of the word states as such:

: The ability to be active
: The physical or mental strength that allows you to do things
: Natural enthusiasm and effort
: Usable power that comes from heat, electricity, etc.

So it seems that energy is any number of things, but they all come from the state of being alive, able, and capable… which is what we all are.

When you’re dead. You’ll lack any energy or capability.

Now let’s consider the word INTENTION. It means:

: That thing you plan to do or achieve
: An aim or purpose

Bear with me for a moment and assume that you’re just like me; a regular person that lives, breathes, and goes about your day doing things that you either need, want, or have to do. Have you ever noticed how different tasks during your day affect you emotionally?

This is true for EVERYONE.

I have things that I’m inspired to do that come from something I might have imagined, or something that someone else has collaborated with me around and we’ve decided we’re going to make it happen. My energy and intention around this event might range from, “I’m super excited and can’t wait to get started with things!” OR “I know that things need to get done but I lack the urgency or desire to get them going right now”. I choose to focus daily on staying inspired.

Ahmed Hassan - Celebrity Landscape - Energy

Here’s to a beautiful day!

I’m best known for my television work on HGTV and DIY Networks Yard Crashers. This is a show that came into existence because of my passion and love for landscaping. The show was developed by me, a few producers at a very small production company, and Scripps Networks. We developed a show that was based around me, playing myself, on television. At the time of the shows creation, I was merely a landscape gardener. I wasn’t yet a licensed contractor. I became one because the network wanted to feature me as such, and I had already intended on becoming one because I wanted to grow my vision for Ahmad Hassan Landscape Services. However, I lacked the money and was already over booked with local work through my word of mouth network.

DIY paid for the cost involved with me obtaining my license. I took the classes, passed the contractors exam, and to date, I am still a licensed, bonded and insured C-27 (California Landscape Contractor). Sacramento never had it so good! I have been learning and working in landscaping most of my life. My bio says since the age of 10 because that’s when I recall having the drive and ambition.

While landscaping isn’t all that I do, it’s what I call my occupation and what people mostly know me for. I was featured on HGTV’s “Landscape Smart” shows dating back to 1999. I didn’t start hosting until 2007 for DIY Network. As a kid I always imagined myself as someone that would be in the limelight. I sang choir and did a little acting in junior high and always enjoyed entertaining, teaching and leading.

As a host for a landscape and gardening show I believe I’m unparalleled due to the energy and excitement I have around the Green Industry. When you’re interested in something, it’s amazing how much you’ll commit to learning, exploring, and becoming the best at it. When Yard Crashers first came out it was a dynamic television show. My energy mixed with my creative team of professionals, artists, and contractors; our real world approach to making Outdoor Living spaces,it was all something that hadn’t yet been featured on television. Not like this at least.

As each season was produced, I evolved. As a professional, I became interested in making more of an impact with what I taught and the messages I sent out to folks. I eventually out grew it and became bored with the format of my own show. Folks began recognizing me everywhere and that too changed the dynamic of the show.

Oh yeah, another word to define! “Dynamic” Means:

: always active or changing
: having or showing a lot of energy
: of or relating to energy, motion, or physical force

Ahmed Hassan - Celebrity Landscape - Action

Whatever you do in this life remember… results require action!

As a result of my becoming complacent with producing the same formatted show again and again for television; many of my fans are beginning to see why the man that they first became interested in on TV is no longer there. I get bored easily and have to switch things up here and there. While TV evolves as an industry, a particular show doesn’t typically allow for evolution to happen within a formatted program. Yard Crashers had awesome appeal and was real when it began. What it evolved into was a tightly formatted television program that no longer held my interest.

In 2015 I intend to return to television. That is to say that my Energy, Intention and my entire life’s work will be focused on bringing this idea, and plan, into existence.

When you have dynamic energy like I have you’ve gotta simply support your thoughts and ideas with one key ingredient in order to make life happen. You’ve gotta take ACTION. Even if you don’t know how or know where to start.

All of us started life in the same way. We had no clue or idea. We grew up and we acquired all of what we needed to get us right here. If we want to go further, we must focus on what it is that we want. We must set our intention; focus, manage, and maintain our energy and momentum; and apply the action that’s required on a daily basis to bring our life’s desire into reality. Sure it’ll be a challenge. All of life is!

Religious people say just pray on it. Others say to meditate. Then there are those that subscribe to the law of attraction and understand that it’s merely your energy, intention, and action bringing all of what you focus on into reality. You decide which concept works best for you but at some point you’ve got to DO. Take action and make things happen. As you believe, so shall you receive.

I have faith in you. 2015 is a new year. I know that if I can do it, so can you!

#GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmedTV

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Twitter and Facebook. If you are brave and really want to have your mind blown, check him out on Pinterest!

Keeping Your Christmas Tree Healthy for the Long Haul

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The folks over at the Today Show asked me to stop by and do a segment on Christmas trees with them. So earlier yesterday, I joined Al Roker and Natalie Morales on the outside studio plaza to educate the masses on different types of Christmas trees and the best way to keep them looking healthy throughout the holiday season.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan Three Christmas Trees

Three types of Christmas trees used for my segment on the Today Show (pictured in photo background). Douglas, Fraser, and Noble Fir (l to r).

To begin with, let me just say that there are many types of trees that are used for Christmas trees depending on where you might live. Today we only focused on what I’ll call the big three during our 4 minute Today Show segment. These are the Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, and Noble Fir evergreen varieties.

Douglas Fir
There are a few differences worth mentioning between each type of tree. For starters, the Douglas Fir is the most popular because quite frankly, it’s the cheapest. I mentioned on the segment that back here in Sacramento, we commonly use this type of tree for construction lumber because it is so plentiful and grows relatively fast. As such, it makes for a cheap Christmas tree during the Holidays as well. That’s why many families choose this common evergreen. It’s a great way to get a live tree without breaking the bank.

Fraser Fir
Second, the Fraser Fir has been rated as America’s favorite Christmas tree year after year. Part of this reason lies in the fact that the leaves are somewhat two-tone with their blue green color, and they also give off a fantastic scent! Also, their limbs are much sturdier than the Douglas Fir, making them the perfect appendages for holding all of those ornaments, garland, and lights.

Noble Fir
Finally, we have the Noble Fir. This is one of those grand statement piece trees. Nice full branches that are evenly spread out, an aroma that makes you feel like you’re in the forest, and available in any type of size you need, these are majestic trees for sure. In fact, the one pictured below is the tree that they will be lighting in Rockefeller Center tonight. While it looks a lot like a large Noble Fir, it’s actually a Norway Spruce.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This majestic Norway Spruce will serve as the Christmas Tree for Rockefeller Center this year

Maintaining Your Tree
Regardless of which variety of tree you choose, there is one thing you need to do in order to get the most out of your cut specimen during the holiday season. When you take your tree home, make a fresh cut towards the bottom of the trunk just before you place it into your already, water filled, tree stand. Be sure to not put too much, since it’ll over flow. You can always top off the tree stand with water once you’ve got the tree straightened out to your liking.

Keeping the fresh cut moist so it takes up water will ensure that the sap does not run to the bottom of the tree trunk and seal it off. This can happen really quick, that’s why I suggest you cut the tree just before you place it in your tree stand rather than at the tree lot. Many Christmas tree farms will offer to cut trees on site, however, don’t do it. Just kindly thank them and make this final cut when you get home; that will be sufficient. Your tree will continue to take up water, just like cut flowers do. Ideally it should last for the entire month of December or at least until until the last Ho, ho, ho is heard and many memories are made; since that’s what it’s all really about right? 😉

Christmas trees are about tradition. For the last 5 years or so, we at the Hassan household have used a wonderful fake Christmas tree. It came with lights and it spun. I say that as past tense because it no longer spins and half of the lights no longer work. Oh, and it’s a hand me down. Tiffanie’s sister Angelique had it for a year or two prior. Have I mentioned that I’m frugal? I’m also a “Green Industry” pro and a believer in recycle/reuse.  As such, I haven’t been willing to toss this tree into the landfill.

My kids, however, were vocal this year and asked if we could get a real live (actually, cut down and dead they just don’t know it) Christmas tree next year. Something about my son Julian wanting to cut down his own tree and them all wanting the smell of Christmas, aka the smell of juniper or pine, in our house. I did, of course, invite them to go outside and cut some of the green juniper to bring in and decorate with. That’s when my daughter Faith rolled her eye’s and exclaimed, “Dad!” I just smiled like a dad who knows that in spite of what makes good, financial sense… I need to encourage the exploration of my lil one’s dreams.

After all:

Who am I to stand in the way of Julian being a lumberjack on my dime?

Who am I to limit the essence of that beautiful fresh cut pine smell throughout my home each year?

Who am I to think about sustainability and being frugal over the dreams and aspirations of these young Hassan’s?

Come January 1st I’ll take on the task of figuring out just how complicated it will be to recycle the metal framed tree that used to spin and light up. I imagine I’ll need wire cutters and a whole lotta patience. I will likely get lil to no help from momma and the kids, but then again… that’s why they call me Daddy.

 

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The Truth About Sustainability

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Join Celebrity Landscaper – Ahmed Hassan, in Fairfax, Virginia on Saturday, October 4, 2014 to learn the truth about sustainability. Those who attend can expect to be both informed and entertained, but most importantly Ahmed will demystify the process for you.

If you aren’t in the local Fairfax region, you can tune into Merrifield’s weekly televised gardening program, Merrifield’s Gardening Advisor. This popular television program airs Saturday at 8 a.m. on NewsChannel 8 in District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia as well as  being seen on DIRECTV.

Would you like to ask Ahmed a question? Visit Merrifield’s Facebook page before 4:00 PM on Friday, October 3rd and post your questions on their wall and your question may be selected for Ahmed to answer on their live TV show!
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