cleaning our your gutter
is a must...
you need to go out there and make it save it for you," Adams said. Another way to help save money while getting ready for summer, Smith said, is to have lawnmowers, weed eaters and even chainsaws serviced in the spring. They've been sitting all winter, and any gas and oil left in them has been sitting there aging, too. "Most people have probably just stuck their lawnmower in the garage after the last time they mowed, so it's got old gas in it, it's got old oil in it, the carburetor is probably fouled," he said. "If it had any issue before they put it away, that issue is probably going to be exacerbated." Taking the time to service engines on lawn-care machines before starting them will save wear-and-tear and possibly avoid damaging an engine, that will cost more to repair or replace later. One more area where forethought can save considerable time and money, as well as help avoid hassles and injury, is concrete in patios and walkways. Concrete can be sealed, said Alexander, and these sealants help keep the concrete from deteriorating due to salt damage from products used to melt ice in the winter. Though most concrete in this northern climate is installed with reinforcement to avoid cracks and hazards from frost heaves cause by winter's cold, it should be examined and any major displacements repaired, said Smith. And Adams advised that frost heaves can be avoided altogether with paving stones in areas where they would be appropriate. "Paver stones are much nicer for our climate because they're laid over a base of gravel
and a little sand compacted into it. They move with the frost which makes them kind of nice; you don't have cracks," he said. "With pavers they just get sort of rustic." All the experts interviewed recommended starting as early as possible in the year to get your home's exterior and lawn in shape. Some people are good about researching the best time and methods for doing the different types of work around their home and yard. But for those home owners who don't have the time or knack for staying on top of these matters, some landscaping companies, like Frontier, can help, Smith said, by putting them on a schedule for weed control and fertilizing. Prepaying for this service ensures that the service providers have you on their schedule from the start, they have needed products and the work will get done when the experts know it's the right time, he said. Lohse also cautions that waiting until later in the summer, or worse, fall, to find a construction contractor to do needed repairs or installations can be detrimental. "The earlier that you can talk to a contractor, the better the odds," he said, "of getting your project done this year." With all of these springtime honey-do items, the key is starting now to get ahead of the curve and more easily stay ahead of it. This will give you time to enjoy your summer and to enjoy a beautiful home and yard.
16 LIVING MAGAZINE APRIL 2013
Roll out the green carpet NEWSPAPER TOOLBOX
Spring is finally here, although it seems like it took at eternity to arrive. Now Mother Nature is unrolling her green carpet and her colors are exploding in trees and gardens and filling us with joy. We all have our own ways to make the most of the return to warmer weather. Some of us start by sorting through our closets, a way to fall into step with this season of renewal and transformation. Stores are bursting with the new spring fashions: rainwear, unlined boots, and trendy outfits seduce us with their lightweight materials. And we sure like to let more vibrant tones take the place of those gloomy winter colors. When spring fever takes hold, it’s so hard to resist! Owners of convertibles waste little time in folding back the roofs of their cars and savoring their newfound freedom, hair flying in the wind. Others head for car dealerships in search of their dream car for exciting summer driving. But most of us just make the most of the warm weather by enjoying the fresh air as we polish our vehicles to a beautiful gleam. No more winter hibernation! Spring fever also hits
the restaurants, as patios open and sidewalk cafÊs fill up at noon. How great it feels to sip a drink in the great outdoors rather than sitting inside with a cup of coffee and salt-stained snow boots. Even menus change to reflect the arrival of spring, as chefs revel in combining fresh herbs and exotic flavors. However you choose to enjoy the spring sunshine, make the most of it by getting outdoors as much as you can. After the long winter, we certainly deserve to tread on Nature’s green carpet!
PHOTO: DOUGAL WATERS / THINKSTOCK
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Every reason is a good one to enjoy the warm spring weather.
H AV R E D A I LY N E W S