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Seeing green
Help your lawn bounce back from winter Lawns are exposed to the elements throughout the year, and each season brings its own unique set of challenges. Summer heat waves can make it hard for lawns to maintain their lush green appeal, while the falling leaves of autumn can threaten root systems if not handled properly. Winter frost and snow also can pose a threat to lawns, leaving homeowners with some work to do when spring arrives. Spring is a season of revival, and that spirit of rejuvenation extends to lawns. When the last vestiges of winter begin to disappear, homeowners can dust off their gardening gloves and start taking steps to revitalize their lawns for the months ahead. • Look for signs of damage. Winter can be hard on lawns, so it’s important for homeowners to look for signs of damage before they begin planning any springtime landscaping projects. Salt damage can occur in areas that received heavy snowfall over the winter. Many communities use rock salt to de-ice snow- and ice-covered roads, and that rock salt is largely made up of sodium chloride, which can draw moisture from grass and cause
it to brown. Salt trucks used during winter storms often spit salt out onto lawns, so don’t be surprised if you notice brown spots on your grass, especially in those areas closest to the road. Winter lawn damage may also be caused by voles, burrowing mouse-like rodents that make paths beneath the snow to hide from predators and feed on grass blades and roots. Lawns with distinctly matted areas may also have been damaged by snow mold that can weaken turf. • Consult a professional landscaper. Homeowners with considerable experience tending to damaged lawns can
no doubt identify and address problems on their own. That’s because many problems are a result of the weather, which tends to be similar and produce similar problems from one year to the next. But inexperienced homeowners should consult professional landscapers before attempting to address problems on their own. Winter lawn damage may be caused by a variety of factors that can produce similar symptoms, and professional landscapers can identify the culprits behind such damage and provide the most effective solutions to restore the lawn. • Remove debris. A light
raking can help remove any debris that accumulated over the winter. Such debris, which may include fallen branches and fallen leaves left behind from the final days of fall, can prevent lawns from getting the sun and water they need to thrive. Remove this debris, but make sure the grass is not frozen when you do, as walking on frozen grass can cause further damage. • Let the grass grow. Mowing the lawn is a chore that’s reserved for spring, summer and maybe early fall, but it’s important that homeowners don’t jump the gun and mow too early after winter. A patient approach allows the grass to reestablish itself, so let it grow a little higher than you normally would before the first cut. When the grass is roughly 4.5 inches high, you can cut it down to three inches and then maintain your normal mowing routine throughout the rest of spring and summer. Revitalizing lawns in springtime is a priority for many homeowners, who should always consult landscaping professionals if they feel uncertain about addressing any damage they discover during their postwinter lawn inspections.
Stop weeds early Mow at the right height: Crabgrass is a notoriously virulent weed that can quickly snuff out blades of grass. Crabgrass likes hot, dry conditions, and it only takes one plant to spread the seeds that can overtake the lawn. Mowing at higher heights and leaving grass blades taller can shade the soil, helping to prevent the germination of crabgrass. Shady conditions also will help the soil retain moisture and prevent the arid conditions crabgrass likes so much. Water deeply: When watering, wet the soil to a depth of four to six inches. This helps grass to establish strong root systems that will help lawns overpower pesky weeds. Combat weeds in the early spring before they have a time to fully form and start proliferating through seed dispersement. Once seeds spread, their growth is difficult to control. Recognize that no single herbicide or weeding tactic will work for every type of weed.
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Home trends to expect in the year ahead
Don’t be surprised to notice a resurgence of metallic shades and metals incorporated into home designs in the year ahead.
Spring Home and Gardens
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Spring Home and Gardens is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Spring Home and Gardens is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.� We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
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example, YourArtGallery. Trends in home com provides an online remodeling and decor marketplace for artists to tend to come and showcase and sell their go. Something that work, and buyers looking is popular for a little to support independent while can fall out of artists can rest easy favor when the next knowing that 90 percent new idea comes along. of all image royalties go New trends are always The Pantone Color Institute directly to the artist, a stark on the horizon, and released a blending of two contrast to the roughly 50 2016 may encourage colors, Rose Quartz and homeowners to try Serenity, as their 2016 Color percent offered by more traditional galleries. something new. of the Year. • Fabric on the walls: • Metallics and Walls also will be covered in texture metals are back: Although stainless and pattern. Textiles will increasingly steel accents in the kitchen have long turn up on walls and in places they been popular, the glistening look of haven’t traditionally been seen. Patterns metal and metallic shades are back may lean toward floral, tropical and in a big way. Inspired by the 1950s indigenous artisan weaving designs. and 1970s, brass, gold and metallic • Pinks and blues: Expect to see finishes are popular right now. • Texture: Texture is a big component of pale pink and blue in various design applications. The Pantone Color Institute interior design. Furniture and accessories released a blending of two colors, Rose featuring faux fur and natural fibers are Quartz and Serenity, as their 2016 Color becoming popular. Pieces adorned with of the Year. This has impacted color trends cozy materials can seem more inviting. through all areas of design—including Organic shapes, such as tables looking like home touches. These colors pair well with the tree trunk they were cut from, also mid-tones, like browns and greens, as well are expected to become more popular. as the increasingly popular metallics. • Artisanal touches in accessories: • Smart homes: Technology is It’s all about getting back to basics, with changing the way people look at their homeowners desiring pieces that are oneof-a-kind and handmade rather than mass- homes. Water-resistant music systems for the bathroom, wirelessly operated produced. Expect to see more accessories Bluetooth devices that turn on lights or that are made by hand or in small batches, appliances from a smartphone and even like pottery or handwoven textiles, as fixtures that use technology to selfhomeowners are increasingly turning to clean are turning up more and more. independent artists and artisans when Home decor trends are always changing, decorating their homes. Homeowners adding new life to homes and keeping can even support independent artists armchair interior decorators on their toes. when choosing art for their homes. For
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Spring Home and Gardens | Thursday, April 7 and Sunday, April 10, 2016
The problem with hard water magnesium and calcium water dissolves, the harder it becomes.
Home ownership opens people’s eyes to many new experiences, even requiring homeowners to familiarize themselves with certain things they never encountered as renters. Homeowners become novice plumbers, electricians, horticulturists, and even chemists as they wade through the projects and repairs involved with owning a home. Outside of high school chemistry class, you may never have given thought to water composition and how it changes. However, once you become a homeowner, you may have to pay special attention to the type of water bubbling out of your faucets. Hard water is a common concern, and it can affect appliances and other parts of the home.
From nuisance to damaging
Hard water can not only be a minor headache, but also something more serious. Hard water can interfere with various cleaning tasks and also personal grooming. Clothes washed in hard water may not be fully clean and may appear dingy. Hard water can cause a film on surfaces, such as bath tiles and tubs. Some people find that their hair and skin can appear dull and sticky due to hard water. Hard water can have other effects, too. Over time, the water can deposit minerals on the inside of pipes, reducing water flow. If these deposits grow thick, you may have a plumbing issue on your hands. Furthermore, mineral deposits can harm appliances, such as water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers. Eventually, hard water may render these appliances ineffective, and they will need to be replaced.
What is hard water?
Hard water affects about 85 percent of the United States, according to the Water Quality Association. Although not harmful to human health, hard water can impact one’s daily life in other ways. Hard water is formed when water moves through soil and rock. It dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in a solution. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals to turn water “hard.” The more
Treatment options
Considering hard water is such a common concern, a number of treatment options exist. The main types of watersoftening systems use either a
packaged water softener or a mechanical water-softening unit. Packaged water softeners are chemicals that bond with the calcium and magnesium ions in the water so that they cannot interfere with cleaning efficiency. These chemicals fall into two categories: precipitating and nonprecipitating. Precipitating softeners are borax and washing soda and can affect pH levels of water and make water cloudy. Nonprecipitating softeners use phosphates. Alkalinity won’t be increased, and usually there is no cloudiness or buildup. These products are typically added to laundry loads and the like and are not recommended for drinking water. Mechanical water-softening systems are hooked up directly to the plumbing of the house. They are ion-exchange systems that will add salt to the water. Although it can be safe to drink, softened water may not be recommended for those who are on low-sodium diets. Hard water is a problem many homeowners have to face. It can affect a home’s appliances’ performance and cleaning abilities. Water hardness can be managed, and it is best to consult with an expert watersoftening system manufacturer about your options.
Do you have hard water? The term hardness was originally applied to waters that were hard to wash in, referring to the soap wasting properties of hard water. Hardness prevents soap from lathering by causing the development of an insoluble curdy precipitate in the water; hardness typically causes the buildup of hardness scale (such as seen in cooking pans). Dissolved calcium and magnesium salts primarily responsible for most scaling in pipes and water heaters can cause numerous problems in laundry, kitchen and bath. Hardness is usually expressed in grains per gallon (or ppm) as calcium carbonate equivalent.
Symptoms of hard water include: • Stiff, dingy laundry • Mineral deposits on dishes and glassware • High soap usage and need for fabric softeners • Dry, itchy skin and scalp • Unmanageable hair • Extra work to remove soap curd on bathtubs and shower stalls • High energy costs, possibly due to scale build-up in pipes and on appliances
Read this and other special sections online at
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• Scale build-up in sinks, tubs, faucets and appliances
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Small tasks, big results Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households. After a winter spent cooped up indoors, spring cleaning can rejuvenate a household and provide a great chance to rid a home of a season’s worth of clutter. Donating old clothes and cleaning out the garage are popular spring cleaning projects, but don’t forget these basics:
Floors
Simply vacuuming or sweeping the floors might not be enough to banish some of winter’s most uninvited guests. Go over floors with a mop. Doing so can remove any lingering dust, dirt, debris and allergens the vacuum or broom failed to pick up. Apply wood cleaner and polish.
Baseboards
Substantial amounts of dirt and dust can accumulate over the winter months. Use hot water and a sponge to remove any debris.
Spring Home and Gardens | Thursday, April 7 and Sunday, April 10, 2016
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Home projects perfect for spring The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists. While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.
Inspect the gutters
Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might
have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.
finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.
Examine the lawn for low spots
Take stock of roof shingles
Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.
Each spring, homeowners should inspect their gutters to ensure the gutters are still attached to their homes and free of debris.
Check for freeze damage
Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or
Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation. Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.
Curtains
As the days get longer and the sun shines more, homeowners might notice that their curtains need a good clean. Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning before you open windows for the season so any wind that blows in does not spread debris onto nearby furniture. Once the curtains have been washed, opening windows may help them dry more quickly.
Bathrooms
Mold and grime can accumulate throughout a season in which it’s too cold to open windows to let fresh air in after bathing. Inspect ceilings, tubs, shower stalls and floors for any signs of mold growth or grime. Mold growth in a home can lead to respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma.
Furniture
When possible, vacuum furniture to remove any debris that might have accumulated while windows and doors were kept shut, and shampoo any cushions or seat covers that don’t pass the smell test.
How to take care of your trees Lawns and gardens tend to draw the bulk of homeowners’ attention come spring and summer. But it’s important that property owners tend to the trees that dot their property as well. The types of trees homeowners have on their property may influence when it’s time to trim and prune the trees. Homeowners concerned about tree maintenance should speak with local landscaping professionals and tree services about caring for the trees on their specific properties, but there are a few tricks to pruning trees that homeowners should keep in mind when dusting off their gardening tools. • Prune at the right time. The Arbor Day Foundation¨ notes that pruning during dormancy (i.e., winter) is the most common practice. Pruning in late winter, after the season’s coldest temperatures have passed, can lead to impressive and healthy growth in the spring. The ADF advises that some trees, including maple and birches, may bleed sap during pruning. But this is normal and should cease as the tree starts to bloom. Novice landscapers should confirm with landscaping professionals about the best time to prune trees on their properties to ensure they are not inadvertently harming the trees or making them more vulnerable to fungus. • Use appropriate tools. When removing branches, use sharp tools to minimize damage to the bark. The ADF notes that young trees are best pruned with one-
hand pruning shears with curved blades. For trees with high branches, use a pole pruner or hire a professional tree service. Novices should avoid anything too risky when pruning their trees, leaving the
more difficult jobs to the professionals. • Follow the rules of pruning. When pruning trees, the ADF advises homeowners follow the one-third and a quarter rules of pruning. In adherence to these rules, no more than a quarter of a tree’s crown is removed in a single season, and main side branches are at least one-third smaller than the diameter of the trunk. When trimming deciduous trees, homeowners should never prune up from the bottom more than one-third of the tree’s total height. Finally, where possible, homeowners should aim for side branches that form angles that are one-third off vertical to form 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock angles with the trunk. • Water correctly. Like lawns and gardens, trees need water to thrive. Insufficient watering can make it hard for trees to thrive in summer, but overwatering can be harmful, too. The ADF suggests that watering each tree for 30 seconds with a steady stream of water from a garden hose equipped with a diffuser nozzle should be sufficient. Newly planted trees may need more help as they try to establish deep root systems, so consider laying mulch around newly planted trees. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and form deeper, stronger root systems. Trees maintenance should be a priority as homeowners once again start tending to their lawns and gardens. More information about caring for trees is available at www.arborday.org.
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Spring Home and Gardens | Thursday, April 7 and Sunday, April 10, 2016
Make the most of mulching Lawns and gardens can often benefit from the laying of mulch. Mulch serves various purposes in lawns and gardens, and many experienced lawn and garden enthusiasts lay mulch to ensure their properties make it through spring, summer and fall unscathed. First-time homeowners with little or no landscaping experience may not understand the benefits of mulch, which can be used to strengthen soil and protect properties from the elements.
What is mulch?
Mulch refers to a material spread around or over a plant to enrich and/or insulate its soil. Many homeowners prefer mulch made of wood chips, which is both effective and readily available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that organic mulches, which include leaves, wood chips, compost or grass clippings, can be used by homeowners who want to develop eco-friendly landscapes.
Why mulch?
Mulching can benefit plants around a property in various ways. Many people lay mulch because the mulch helps soil retain moisture in the summer, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. This can help plants survive summer heat waves. Mulch also can be used to suppress weeds. Weeds, which steal moisture plants need to build strong roots and survive summer, need light to grow. When laid correctly, mulch deprives weeds of the light they need to grow. Organic mulches can even provide homes for crickets and a type of beetle that feed on weed seeds. Mulch also can deter harmful pests depending on the type of mulch homeowners choose. When purchasing
mulch, homeowners will have to choose between the aforementioned organic mulch or man-made mulches, which may be made of plastic or rubber. While man-made mulches may repel pests, they also can have adverse effects. Plastic, for example, can heat up in the summer and cause plants to burn. Certain organic mulches can repel insects that can threaten plants. That’s because the majority of organic mulches increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the soil, and they also increase the presence of helpful insects that do not pose a threat to plant life. Those helpful insects help keep harmful insects at bay. Compost is a type of organic mulch that may attract harmful insects. While that does not mean homeowners should shy away from using compost as mulch, they should know that they may need to employ organic insecticides to combat their unwanted guests. Mulch is a potentially valuable tool homeowners can use to improve the look and health of their properties.
7
Are formal spaces becoming extinct? Formal dining and living spaces could once be found in every home. But such rooms are becoming more and more rare, thanks in large part to the rising popularity of multipurpose open spaces. As early as 1992, architects and builders were predicting the demise of formal living spaces in homes. At that year’s International Geographical Congress, architectural geographer Artimus Keiffer estimated the living room and dining room would disappear from the American residence in the next century, to be replaced by the family-entertainment room and the computer room. According to North Carolina-based builders Stanton Homes, many home buyers have inquired about converting their formal dining rooms into office spaces or rooms to be used for purposes other than dining. The National Association of Home Builders also released a special report listing home features expected to become the norm within the next several years. More than half of the NAHB study participants expected the living room to merge with other spaces in the home, while 30 percent expected it to vanish to save on square footage. So what is taking the place of living
rooms and dining rooms? Great rooms and open-concept kitchens have steadily caught the eyes of designers and homeowners alike. Such rooms enable a free flow between lounging and entertaining spaces and the heart of the home—the kitchen. On-the-go families may not be sitting down to the same formal dinners they once were, or they don’t need the pomp and circumstance of formal meals. Large eat-in-kitchens function well for family meals and even for entertaining friends in a relaxing way. Thanks to the advent of wireless technology and mobile devices, home residents no longer need to be relegated to one room in the house for their media watching or computer use. This may have helped to accelerate the disappearance of living rooms. In addition, the concept of devoting one space as a media-free zone (traditional formal living or sitting rooms tend to be tech-free) may seem antiquated to this plugged-in generation. Rooms that are comfortable and serve various purposes better suit today’s homeowners. Homeowners’ preferences are having a greater impact over which rooms are now being included in new homes and which ones are soon to be history.
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Other Plant Specials
Coupon valid only on newsprint. Not valid with other discounts, clipped savings, or on prior purchases. Garden store sales only. Limit $20 off.
on a Potted Rose Bush
(valid April 1st - April 30th)
2 cu.ft., Reg $3.99
1032997
SAVE $200
each
Mulch Sa le!
Gro Your Oww na Save $ nd
potted No. 1 Grade
Vegetable Plants
with purchase of $200 or more
Expires 6-12-16
4
$ 99
(3-inch pot)
every day low price
25% Off
$
Arborvitae, Barberry, Boxwood, Dwarf Lilac, Juniper, Mugo Pine, Spirea, & More
Blue Star Juniper, #1 ......................$999 Dwarf Korean Lilac #2 ................ $1699 Ornamental Grasses........... from $1499 Hardy Boxwood ................. from $1999 Emerald Green Arborvitae, #3 3-4 ft. ...................................... $1999 Potted Trees (select #2 and select #3 varieties) ................ $1999
ral Cent plant ’s ! Ohio uar ters q head nts from Pla 0 ft! 2-2
All trees & shrubs are guaranteed for one full year! r
FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Columbus:
Delaware:
614-268-3511
740-369-5454
1156 Oakland Park Ave. 25 Kilbourne Rd.
Visit our website for more Specials!
Dublin:
New Albany:
614-874-2400
614-917-1020
4261 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. 5211 Johnstown Rd.
www.oaklandnursery.com
“Serving Central Ohio Since 1940” Open 7 days a week “32 Acres of Gardening Pleasure”