2017 Spring Home & Garden by Joe Awad

2 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

Post-winter garden prep Lawns and gardens can bear the brunt of winter weather and are often in need of tender loving care by the time spring arrives. Preparing a garden for spring and summer involves assessing any damage that harsh weather might have caused. As temperatures climb, gardeners can heed the following post-winter garden preparation tips in an effort to ensure some successful gardening in the months ahead. • Assess the damage. Even if winter was mild, gardens might still have suffered some damage. Inspect garden beds and any fencing or barriers designed to keep wildlife from getting into the garden. Before planting anew, fix any damage that Mother Nature or local wildlife might have caused over the past several months. • Clear debris. Garden beds and surrounding landscapes that survived winter without being damaged might still be littered with debris. Remove fallen leaves,

branches and even litter that blew about on windy winter days before planting season. Make sure to discard any debris effectively so it does not find its way back into the garden. • Turn the greenhouse into a clean house. Spring cleaning is not just for the interior of a home. Cleaning a greenhouse in advance of spring can help gardeners evict any overwintering pests that can threaten plant life once spring gardening season arrives. A thorough cleaning, which should include cleaning the inside of greenhouse glass and washing flower pots and plant trays, also can prevent plant diseases from surviving into spring. • Check for pests. Speak with a local gardening professional to determine if there are any local pests to look out for and how to recognize and remove these pets from gardens. Pests may hibernate in the soil over the winter, and such unwelcome visitors can make it difficult for gardens to

SEE Garden Prep PAGE 8

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Understand the mechanics behind a saltwater filter Summer is pool season. Come spring, homeowners prepare their backyard pools for several months of leisurely floating or engaging games of aquatic volleyball. This preparation includes uncovering the pool and rebalancing the pool’s chemical levels. Pool preparation and maintenance also includes installing a working filter. While there are many different types of pool filters and filter mediums, in recent years, saltwater filter systems have been growing in popularity. Consumers who want to upgrade to a saltwater system may be interested in learning a bit more about how such systems work. Saltwater systems are those in which chlorine is generated by the

system itself. These systems do not usually require the addition of a powdered or liquid form of chlorine. Electrolysis occurs thanks to a chemical process that involves pool water passing through a salt cell and being exposed to a low-voltage current. This essentially breaks up the sodium chloride molecules (salt) into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, which are sanitizing agents. Therefore, saltwater systems are not chlorine-free. They just produce chlorine from a less caustic material. One of the main advantages to a saltwater system is the constant generation of free chlorine. Pool water chemistry is often broken down into FC (free chlorine) and CC (combined available chlorine). FC is yet untouched chlorine that can do its sanitizing job. CC contains chlorine and chloramines, which are produced when the chlorine comes in contact with urine, sweat and other

contaminants present in the pool. CC is what contributes to the “chlorine smell” of the water. When there isn’t enough FC and there’s too much CC, pool water levels need to be returned to optimal conditions, usually through a shocking process. However, with saltwater systems, there’s always an abundance of FC being delivered into the water, making levels superchlorinated, and these systems eliminate the formation of CC. Saltwater chlorine generators require few, if any, additional chemicals, as they produce nearly neutral pH levels. This isn’t always the case with other chlorine sources, which can raise or lower pH or add to the presence of other substances, such as calcium, in the water with calcium hypochlorite sanitizers. Because these saltwater filtration and chlorine-generating systems are relatively automatic, they also can mean less

maintenance. This is handy for homeowners who go on vacation or do not want to be hassled by the daily care other systems may require. One of the disadvantages to saltwater systems is the cost, which can be prohibitive to some people. According to Thursday Pool Manufacturing, installing the average system costs anywhere from $800 to $2,000. But some feel that cost is offset by the money saved on pool chemicals over the course of a season. Switching to a chlorine-generating saltwater filtration system can be a worthwhile investment for many pool owners.

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4 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. Paint colors can dramatically change the mood and the design of a home. And depending on a homeowner’s goals, paint can make a statement or blend into the background. Many people are now looking to bold colors to make spaces stand out. But choosing a paint color can be challenging. Homeowners looking to update walls and complement decor may want to look at some of the more impactful colors that Pantone indicates will be popular for the 2017 season. Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, Pink Yarrow, and Greenery are some of the more eye-catching selections. Once colors are selected, consider these guidelines for using bolder colors in room designs. • Decide how big an impact you want to make. Are you looking for color overload or just a small focal point of vivid color? Remember, using bold color doesn’t mean every wall must be lathered in that hue. Instead, select one wall to serve as an accent point and use that spot as your bold color display. Otherwise, rely on bold colors to dress up otherwise mundane areas, such as the back wall of a cupboard or moldings and trim. • Try bold in a small space. Many people are surprised at how well bold colors work in small spaces. Powder rooms can be an ideal spot to experiment with paint colors. Try deep colors that can make the area seem intimate and even exotic. Dark, bold hues can be toned down by different accents, such as neutral colored fixtures and towels. • Go bold in the kitchen. Incorporate a splash of color in the kitchen without going overboard. Try an appliance or design fixture in a

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If you think that the only way to exercise and burn calories involves gym equipment, think again. Yard work can be just as challenging as a thorough aerobics workout at a nearby fitness club. To reap the greatest benefits, gardeners should use as little motorized machinery as possible. Manual tools will get you moving and can burn a substantial amount of calories. Try to vary positions and alternate which hands you use to reduce strain and get an even workout. Fitness experts say that gardening can improve strength, increase endurance and assist with flexibility. According to a report in the UK publication The Telegraph, clearing a pond or weeding can burn some 300 calories in an hour. Forty-five minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.

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6 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

Why honeybees need protection Honeybees flitting from flower to flower is one of the first signs that warm weather has arrived. Honeybees are a welcome presence in the garden, pollenating plants and contributing to local honey supplies. Despite their importance in the ecosystem, honeybees are in grave danger. In 2014, U.S. President Barack Obama created a task force comprised of various agencies to address the growing issue of rapidly diminishing honeybees and other pollinating insects. This initiative was a response to reports from American beekeepers indicating hive deaths have been on the rise, gravely affecting the honeybee population. Honeybees pollinate many fruit trees, nut plants and vegetables, playing a crucial role for many nations’ food industries. In addition to government involvement and honeybee conservation methods designed by environmental agencies, there are many things that regular citizens and homeowners can do to protect honeybees this summer. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Pesticide Ac-

tion Network offer these tips. • Use caution when applying any pesticides to home gardens. Be especially cautious when applying pesticides when bees are likely to be flying. If you must apply pesticides, do so only after dusk. • Stagger your planting throughout the growing season. Rather than planting everything at once, stagger planting for flowers and other plants that have blooms. This gives bees plenty of pollen sources throughout early summer and into fall. • Provide clean sources of water. A small garden feature or a rainwater collection is enough to provide bees with a drink when needed. • Honeybees and other bees require some sort of shelter. Dead trees and plants provide adequate shelter, so don’t be so tempted to pull out all of the under-

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growth in the name of aesthetics. • Plant a garden that will attract bees. Resources for planting a bee-friendly garden can be found by visiting http://www.panna.org/sites/ default/files/Bee-FriendlyGardening_PAN.pdf. • If you come across a hive, leave it alone. It’s best not to disturb a hive and honeybee colony. If bees are located where they can become a nuisance, contact a local bee expert to see if the hive can be moved. • Think about becoming a beekeeper yourself. There are many different resources available to help you get started. Bees are being threatened at an alarming rate. Educating yourself about what to do to protect honeybees can help to restore the valuable honeybee population.

Home improvement projects that increase home value When granite countertops or shiny, stainless steel appliances beckon homeowners from the display areas of home improvement stores, it’s tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward the items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. E v e n though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult. Return on investment, often referred to as “ROI,” varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best invest-

ments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects bring substantial returns. Real estate professionals routinely weigh in with their expert advice, and homeowners can couple that advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Index” to reap the greatest financial impact from their renovations. The following were some of the projects that garnered the greatest ROI in 2015. • Open the door to improvement. Region by region across the United States, installation of a new steel

door on the front of a home can have a large impact on the resale value of a property. The ROI ranges from 123 percent at the highest, to 86 percent at the lowest — which is still a considerable investment return for such a simple project. Match the door’s style with the style of the house for the best value. • Turn up the kitchen heat. An attractive kitchen can encourage buyers to overlook some of a home’s less attractive components. In the kitchen, replacement countertops, wall color changes, new cabinetry and flooring offer the biggest ROI. • Dreaming of a new bedroom. Remodeling magazine also points to creating an attic bedroom to increase home value. The ROI of an attic remodel that adheres to code can garner an 83 percent ROI. • Home maintenance projects. There’s little good to improving the aesthetic appeal and functionality of

a home if there are existing structural or maintenance issues, warn experts. Siding replacement, HVAC system repair or replacement, a new roof, and basement dampness prevention solutions can be smarter investments before other flashy remodels. Many buyers have a strict budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with little or no maintenance issues. Such buyers will then upgrade the kitchen or baths themselves, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. • Worthy window replacement. Angie’s List, a home services review and referral resource, has found that the average ROI of new windows is 77 percent. The cost of installation and energy savings tend to offset at around the 10-year point. If remodeling is on the horizon, homeowners should give strong consideration to ROI before choosing a project.

8 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

Paint Colors FROM PAGE 4 bright shade. Or paint the inside of the cabinets in your favorite color and install glass inserts in the cabinet doors so that everyone gets a peek of the color beyond. A neutral kitchen also can be brightened up with the use of silverware, dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items featured in bold hues. • Stick to boldness on interchangeable items. Those who like to experiment with color may find that they like to switch out the colors now and again. Instead of having to repaint every few months, use decorative items in bright shades to make swapping out color that much easier. For example, replace area rugs, throw pillows and drap-

eries. Paint over terra cotta flower pots when the mood strikes. • Establish balance. Rely on neutral furniture, rugs, moldings and baseboards if you decide to take bold colors up a notch. This will help create a sense of balance in the room. Painting is a fun way to experiment with color. Many homeowners are not hesitant to use bold shades of color when they learn the right techniques. And because paint is an inexpensive option for making over a room, homeowners who find they do not like a particular color can easily paint over it with a new color.

Garden Prep FROM PAGE 2 flowers or gardens have struggled in recent years or never grew especially vibrant, then gardeners may want to assess the location of their plant life before spring gardening season begins. Some plants may not be getting enough sunlight in certain locations on a property, while others

might be overexposed to the sun during spring and summer. Moving plants that are not thriving prior to the start of spring gardening season may be just what gardens need to flourish in the coming weeks. Spring gardening season is right around the corner, so now is an ideal time to prepare gardens for the warmer seasons ahead.

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How to graft a favorite plant Plants can be propagated in various ways, including grafting. Grafting involves slicing off a piece from one plant and connecting it to another to create a new plant. Grafting can be an interesting hobby, and even novice gardeners can become skilled at grafting. Grafting is actually botanical surgery. The grafted parts eventually grow together to form a single grafted plant, which will produce leaves, a stem, flowers or fruit on top known as a scion. The bottom part of the graft is known as the rootstock. Production of grafted plants requires time, and grafting involves more than just propagating plants from seeds or cuttings. But the benefits of grafting include the propensity for grafted plants to flower or bear fruit more quickly than traditional plants. Grafting also can help a plant thrive, by selecting a root system adapted to a particular climate. Grafting is particularly advantageous when one wants to produce a plant that is an exact duplicate of the parent plant. Planting from seeds can produce inconsistent results. If grafting seems like something you want to try, consider the following tips. • Seek help from experienced grafters. Many grafters work at nurseries or in the research field. If they’re

too busy to work with you, you can likely find a video online that can show you the proper techniques. • Invest in a quality, sharp knife. According to horticulture expert and teacher Dr. Malcolm Manners, grafting requires very sharp cuts. The knife needs to be razor sharp for it to be effective. Dull knives and cuts can sabotage your grafting efforts. • Do test cuts first. Before you decide to work on a plant, select a trial stem to practice on. This can give you a better feel for making smooth, precise cuts. • Purchase high-quality rootstock plants. The rootstock plant is the plant that provides a root system and base. Rootstock is bred to have certain qualities, whether it’s to put more plant energy into producing flowers or fruit or to be more durable. • Choose compatible plants. Not every scion can be grafted on every rootstock. You likely will need a related species or genus for success. Speak with a horticulturist if you need assistance. • Work quickly so that grafts do not dry out. As you become more experienced, this will be easier to do. Grafting is a technique that can produce true plants and may help generate new but similar species. Plant lovers may want to give it a try and see if grafting is for them.

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10 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

Understand hardiness zones before planting Gardening benefits the environment in myriad ways. Maintaining natural landscapes and preserving green spaces can reduce the collective carbon footprint of the human race. Trees, flowers and other greenery filter the air and create welcoming habitats for all species of animals and insects. Many home gardeners set out each spring to create landscapes that cater to all of the senses. But choosing plants that are unlikely to thrive in certain climates can lead to dissatisfaction and premature plant demise and may require gardeners to use more fertilizers, pesticides and other not-so-Earth-friendly techniques to help plants thrive. One of the more important steps gardeners can take before spring arrives is to educate themselves about plant hardiness zones. Hardiness zones are defined by the average climatic conditions of the region and are broken down into various zones. The USDA Hardiness Zone map divides North America into 13 separate zones. Each zone is marked by 10 F incremental differences from the last zone. In some versions of the map, each zone is further divided into “a” and “b” regions. The National Gardening Association says the USDA Har-

SEE Hardiness Zones PAGE 11

Hardiness Zones FROM PAGE 10 diness Zone Map was revised in 2012. The latest version was jointly developed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group. To help develop the new map, the USDA and Oregon State University requested that horticultural and climatic experts review the zones in their geographic areas. As a result, the zone boundaries in the 2012 edition of the map have shifted in many areas. Canada’s Hardiness Zone map, updated in 2010, uses nine different zones. Zone maps are tools that show where permanent landscape plants can adapt. Home gardeners who are looking for shrubs or perennials to last year after year should recognize that such plants must tolerate year-round conditions, including the lowest and highest temperatures and the amount of precipitation. Snow cover and humidity also can im-

pact a plant’s propensity to thrive. While zone maps are not perfect, they can be useful in planning and ensuring the survival of future gardens. Plant and seed manufacturer Burpee says that other factors to consider that also affect the viability of plants include wind, moisture and soil condi-

tions. The company offers an interactive zone finder on their website that will indicate the hardiness zone as well as average first and last frost dates. Visit www.burpee.com/findgrowzone to enter a zip code. Learn more about plant hardiness at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb.

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12 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

How does solar electricity work? Solar panels are seen more and more on roofs of residential homes and even some businesses. Due in part to more aggressive marketing by solar energy companies, as well as greater awareness by customers, solar energy has become increasingly popular in recent years.

The Solar Energy Industries Association® reports that solar energy in the United States is booming. The association offers that, since the passage of The Solar Investment Tax Credit in 2006, solar has experienced a compound annual growth rate of more than 60 percent. While many might assume

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that environmental preservation is the driving force behind the growing popularity of solar energy, it’s actually the financial benefits of solar energy that are leading the way. One Block Off the Grid polled nearly 200 solar homeowners to learn more about their motivations for going solar. Roughly 75 percent would not have gone solar if there was no economic benefit to doing so. A number of people who have switched to solar say they are getting a high rate of return on the investment. The average electricity bill a person saw prior to solar energy hovered around $177 a month. After the conversion, bills were now as low as $55. Those who are still pondering the decision to go solar may want to know more about how it works. Although the guidelines vary depending on location and the energy company

issuing the bill, here are some of the basics. GENERATING SOLAR ELECTRICITY Solar electricity is generated through a process known as the photovoltaic affect. Sunlight shines on solar panels, which are mounted on the roof of the home or in another prominent location. Each panel typically has between 60 to 72 solar cells strung together. These photovoltaic cells use the irradiation in sunlight to stimulate the flow of electrons in the semiconductor material, which creates direct current, or DC, electricity. Systems that directly convert the DC to alternating current, or AC, the type of power voltage used in a house, do so by way of an inverter. The inverter feeds power to the circuit board. DEMAND AND EXCESS When the demand from a home or business is equal to the amount of solar power being generated, the system is working optimally. When solar power

falls a bit short, grid power will make up the deficit. There’s also the possibility that excess electricity will be produced. In a grid connect system, certain areas may operate with a 1:1 net metering policy, states Solar Reviews, which offers consumer reviews of solar products. This means that the utility company will credit a homeowner 1 to 1 for every kilowatt hour produced in excess because the excess energy goes back into the grid system. This is called “back-feeding” the grid. It’s handy for powering homes at night with standard electricity at no additional cost. If the production of kwhs exceeds what is purchased from the utility each year, some utility companies will continue to credit for the excess. Solar electricity systems are changing the way people think about energy. With the financial motivation to do so, consumers who embrace solar energy are helping the environment while also saving money.

Addressing spring ant problems The return of warm weather in the spring often marks the return of animals and insects as well. The spring season is a popular time for insects to mate and build nests. This also may be a time when homeowners see ant “swarms” in or around their homes. Ants and termites are social creatures, and when their colonies become too large, flying ants will spread out in search of new territories and to establish new queens. This mobility may also be coupled with an increasing number of ants marching on the ground and scaling walls. Although many species of ants are harmless, homeowners do not want to see ants inside their homes — especially in large numbers. The following strategies can help homeowners address ant infestations this spring. • Identify the type of ant around your property. Consult with online guides or books to identify the spe-

cies of ant on your property. Knowing which species of ant is in or around your home can help you address the problem more effectively. • Create a food trap. Ants are attracted to various food sources, such as fats, sweets and proteins. Mixing a very small amount of a food with boric acid can help control ant populations. Ants will bring tainted food back to their colonies and perish. • Keep a clean house. Use vinegar, soap and water to clean areas where ants are seen. Many leave a scent trail of pheromones to tell others where to go for a food source. • Treat carpenter ants at the source. Carpenter ants will not bring back food to the nest. Instead, sprinkle diatomaceous earth, or DE, around outdoor nests to eradicate colonies. • Work with an exterminator. If home remedies do not work, consult with a trained exterminator.

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Is it time to update your home s electrical system? The invisible systems in a home often are taken for granted. When such systems are working as expected, daily life moves along smoothly. However, when a system goes awry, it can negatively impact routines and may create a dangerous home environment. This is especially true when something goes wrong with a home’s electrical system. Faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires. Many homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes, might be living in properties that have outdated electrical systems. The experts at Lowes ProServices state that having old wiring and/ or insufficient amperage in a house can endanger residents. It also may damage appliances and make it difficult to sell a property in the future. It can be difficult to gauge exactly when to overhaul an electrical system. Unless circuits

routinely trip or lights often dim, homeowners may put off the work. But degrading wires or overextended circuitry can pose a fire risk, so it is best to address electrical systems promptly. Home inspections may uncover electrical problems. Some homeowners may discover potential trouble while making renovations that require opening up walls or tearing them down, exposing the wires. Still other homeowners learn about electrical systems when they’re adding new, large appliances or other gadgets that consume more power than existing items. These devices may continually cause power outages in the house, such as tripping the circuit breaker or popping a fuse. When it comes time to update the electrical system, it is always best to work with licensed and bonded electricians who have the expertise to work with electrical wiring without getting

injured. This is not a do-it-yourself type of job since it requires specialized training. Electricians likely will recommend upgrading the electrical panel to bring more power from the utility poles into the home. This can include replacing the existing meter and circuit breaker box to allow it to handle more power or replacing items that are obsolete or dangerous. Many older homes are only capable of handling a minimum number of amps, utilizing just a few circuits. But nowadays, when homeowners have far more electronics in their homes than they once did, increased demand on electricity can overload a circuit (all of the outlets linked on one wire). Tripping a circuit breaker is a safety measure to prevent the wire from becoming overheated and causing a fire. However, in some old systems, the circuit breaker will not trip, and this can be problematic. Rewiring a home is another step. Wire insulation can deteriorate over time, and new wires may be needed. This can be messy and time-consuming,

SEE Electrical PAGE 19

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Homeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones or concrete. When young children are part of a household, homeowners may benefit by designing yards that are both functional and fun. Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both big and small backyards. As children run off to enjoy a playground, safety is the last thing on their minds. Kids are most interested in scaling ladders

to treehouses or coasting down slides. That’s why adults must take it upon themselves to keep injury prevention in mind. SafestPlayground.com indicates that playground-related injuries routinely result in severe fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and dislocations. In the majority of playground injuries to children younger than age 5, the head and face are affected. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 experience more leg and arm injuries than younger kids. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states 70 percent of children’s injuries occur on home playgrounds. More than 28,000 children are injured each year on playgrounds across Canada, according to Parachute, a national injury prevention organization. When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority. The Canada Safety Society advises parents to follow the “5 S’s of Playground Safety”: Surfafce, structures, site, supervision, and safety. • Surface: Parents should assume that children will fall. To lessen the blow of falls, choose playground equipment with a perimeter of six feet of a softer surface, such as sand, pea gravel, rubber pieces or wood chips. This material should be between six and 12 inches deep. • Structure: The structure of the play equipment should be built from sturdy materials. Pressure-treated lumber was

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16 • REGISTER PUBLICATIONS • SPRING HOME AND GARDEN 2017

Problems that can lead to lawn damage

A beautiful lawn is a goal for many homeowners. Some homeowners may find that lovely lawns may last momentarily, only to disappear when damage — be it pest-, weather- or child-related — sets in. While well-established turf can be resilient, even the most well-maintained lawns can be vulnerable. Preventing lawn damage first involves getting to the root of the problem. • Lack of sunlight: All plants need the proper ratio of sunlight to grow. Too much sunlight and plant blades can scorch. Too little sunlight and grass may turn brown and die. Although there are shadetolerant varieties of grass, homeowners also can explore alternative landscapes. Work in a garden bed or create a design that utilizes gravel or mulch. Avoid aggressively pruning back trees to give the lawn more sunlight in that area, as this may just damage the trees. • Chemical spills: Gasoline and fertilizer spills and

pesticide applications in high concentrations can cause the lawn to yellow or brown in spots. Carefully refill lawn gas tanks and fertilizer spreaders on the sidewalk or driveway to avoid overflow onto the lawn. If spills occur, flood the area promptly with water to dilute. • Foot traffic: Lawns can take a pounding from foot traffic, leading to compaction and spots of dead lawn. Try to redirect the traffic elsewhere to give worn down areas a break. Aeration can relieve soil compaction. If a certain area has become the de facto pathway, install a paver, gravel or concrete walkway in that spot. • Debris: Leaving a tool, kids’ toys, piece of wood, or any debris on the lawn can quickly suffocate the grass beneath and cause the lawn to die quickly. Make sure that no items are left on the lawn for an extended period of time. • Mowing patterns: Running the mower in the

same pattern over and over can cause ruts in the grass that lead to damage, so avoid mowing in the same direction on consecutive cuts. Avoid mowing on very hot days or when the lawn is soggy. Both can cause tracks to form in the lawn. • Mowers: Dull lawn mower blades can damage lawns, as can mowing too fast. Grass blades can be torn, snapped and more, resulting in brown spots. • Wildlife: Animals and insects can destroy turf roots. Animals or insects may feed on the grass from underneath its surface, compromising the lawn’s ability to procure nutrients and water. Animals like moles or raccoons may feed on grubs in the lawn, and treating for grubs can alleviate torn-up turf. Lawns can be hearty, but they’re also highly susceptible to damage. Even seemingly harmless things can compromise the integrity of a lawn. Understanding the causes of lawn damage can help homeowners protect their lawns.

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HEL PFUL AND HARMFUL INSECTS Although it’s virtually impossible to count them, insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Nine hundred thousand different kinds of insects are known to exist. At any given time, it is estimated that there are around 10 quintillion individual insects living. Gardeners grow frustrated when seeing their gardens infested with insects. In an effort to restore their gardens, homeowners might be tempted to eradicate any bug that moves in their yards. But gardeners would be wise to first learn which insects are hurting their gardens and

which can actually help gardens in the long run.

HARMFUL Certain insects can be dangerous to animals and plants. The following are a handful of insects that can threaten the vitality of gardens. Aphids: These insects suck on the juice needed to sustain plants, particularly when they congregate. Bald-faced hornet: Hornets tend to be an aggressive species that can sting repeatedly. Should

you find a nest near an entertaining space or garden, it can cause trouble. Carpenter ants: These ants will burrow into wood causing damage. They may compromise any wooden structure in and around a home. Locusts: Various species of locust can damage plants and crops due to their voracious appetites. Treehoppers: These small, green insects mimic the look of leaves, and their appetites can affect crops and gardens. Red pavement ant: As they feed on all manner of

human food, these ants can quickly overtake areas with their staggering numbers and deliver painful bites. G ra s s h o p p e r s : Cer tain grasshoppers, like the red-legged grasshopper, can decimate food crops and transfer parasites to birds when eaten as prey. Caterpillars: Many caterpillars, the precursor to adult moths, will feed constantly on leaves, stems and other parts of plants. The tobacco hornworm moth caterpillar can damage potato

SEE Insects PAGE 19

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How building permits protect homeowners You are thinking of making a major renovation to your home. Perhaps it’s time to create that master bedroom suite you long have admired or install that wrap-around porch? What is the first thing that should be done before getting down to business? The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipalities request individuals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. It’s important to check with the local building office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor. Due to the cost and time involved

with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeowners in various ways. • Permits ensure safe workmanship. Permits provide a blueprint by which contractors and do-it-yourselfers must complete renovations. Because inspections will take place, there is no wiggle room. Shortcuts often translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run. Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeowners can feel confident in the work being done. • Permits reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes. As inspectors go through their checklists, they may notice things

that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situation. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.

fines. Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. Permits are an important part of the home improvement process. Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.

• Permits protect against fines. Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspections years earlier, leading to

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Insects FROM PAGE 17 and tomato plants.

Electrical FROM PAGE 14

spiders can be venomous, many are quite handy to have around the garden. They’ll help control pest populations that can damage plants and crops. Dragonflies: These arial artists that zip around the yard are consuming smaller insects that would otherwise pester plants and humans. Blue-winged wasp: This wasp attacks the larvae of Japanese beetles, helping to control beetle populations. Bees and butterflies: Butterflies and bees are some of the best pollinators out there, and each can add whimsy to gardens.

HELPFUL Plants depend on insects to transfer pollen as they forage, and many insects are quite beneficial to have around. While some pollinate, others are predators of other pests. Antlion: A foe of ants, they’ll help eat and control ant populations and pollinate flowers. They pose no threat to humans, either. Big dipper firefly: These colorful insects feast on earthworms, slugs and snails during the larval stage. Fireflies add drama to evening gardens with their twinkling lights. Garden spiders: Although some

but it’s a small price to pay for safety. When rewiring an electrician also may suggest new outlets. Many home building codes now require outlets with ground fault interruptors, or GFIs, in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms exposed to moisture. Some older homes may

not even have three-pronged outlets, so this will necessitate an update as well. Electrical systems are the heart of a home, delivering power where it is needed. It is essential to keep such systems upto-date so they can handle the power demands of everyday life.

Shouldn’t everyday be

Play Area FROM PAGE 15 once the standard, but it’s not advisable for kids’ playgrounds, as the chemicals used in the lumber can leach and young children may actually bite or pick at the wood. Use cedar or another wood that resists decay. Once the structure is built, inspect it frequently for damage. • Site: Look around the landscape for an ideal place to locate the playset. There should be no obstacles that children can hit while sliding or swinging. Avoid overhanging branches and do not place equipment too close to trees or fencing. Try to keep the set out of direct sunlight, which can make components heat up and scald young bodies.

Day?

• Supervision: Do not leave children alone while they are playing. Prevent children from using the playset in an incorrect manner. • Safety: Follow the directions for installation. Make sure all posts are anchored into the ground securely. Railings should be spaced so that children cannot get stuck between them. Check that metal components have not rusted and that there is no additional excessive wear. Be sure that no tools or other dangerous items are left around the yard. Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Learn the rules of play equipment and yard safety.

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Design a garden for all senses

Gardens add visual appeal to a yard, but gardens also can appeal to individuals’ senses of smell, taste, touch, and sound. Gardeners who want to create gardens that appeal to various senses can do so in the following ways. Sight Aesthetic appeal is one of the most soughtafter benefits of gardening. However, many homeowners put in so much effort planting for one particular season that they may not give thought to ensuring the garden looks vibrant no matter the time of year. Gardeners can research planting zones to find plants that will blossom at different times of the year so they can enjoy impressive, aesthetically appealing gardens year-round. Spring bulbs can bloom early on, while annual and perennial summer favorites will thrive under the summer sun. Beautyberry and caryopteris will fill out in the autumn, while holly or mahonia can look lovely in the winter.

Smell Gardeners can dot their landscapes with aromatic trees, shrubs and flowers that will make stepping out into the garden that much more special. Some of the more fragrant plants include gardenia, dianthus, calendula, lavender, and jasmine. Shrubs such as fragrant pineapple broom, Anne Russell viburnum and Christmas box can add fragrance as well. Sound The lively sounds of the garden are created by the wildlife that come to pollinate and enjoy the environment gardeners have created. By choosing indigenous plants, gardeners can be sure that insects and small critters will seek refuge within the foliage. Songbirds also will add character to a yard. The Audubon Society suggests including a water source and a songbird border of shrubs along your property’s edge. Provide food sources and make sure they are located a fair distance from

the main action of the yard so as not to scare off birds. Wait for musical chickadees, goldfinches, orioles, and cardinals to arrive and enjoy the accommodations. Taste Gardeners can expand their gardens to include fruit-bearing trees and rows of vegetables. Produce can be harvested from early spring through late fall depending on the crops planted. Touch Apart from including trees and shrubs of various textures in the garden, look for other ways to stimulate a tactile response. Water features add relaxing sound and beauty. Stones, moss, mulch, and other accents have varied textures that can stimulate the sense of touch in various ways. Don’t forget to include a sitting area so that you can immerse yourself fully in the garden. Go beyond visual appeal when designing a garden. When gardeners tap into all five senses, they can enjoy their landscapes even more than they already do.