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September 2019, FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE A Special Supplement to DEL NORTE TRIPLICATE & CURRY COASTAL PILOT

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Marie Curtis PG. 2, 11, 15 Jude Hodge PG. 16

Page 2 –September 28, 2019

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Why homeowners should add more exterior light to their properties

3

How to store firewood the right way

4

Steps to a more organized, functional garage

5

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Improve privacy and security at home

5

Tips for designing the perfect home gym

6

Your guide to proper tree pruning

7

Plumbing Repairs • Remodels • New Construction Water Heaters • Garbage Disposals • Walk-in Showers Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflow Checks • Pressure Tanks Wells & Pumps • Septic Systems • Water Purification & Filtration Equipment

Five weekend projects to try now

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Easy ways to clean up leaves

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Design a more functional pantry 10 Home improvement projects for your fall to-do list

10

Prepare your deck for winter 11 House powerwashing tips 12 How to re-caulk your bathtub in five simple steps

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Home improvements that increase home value

13

Three rules for remodeling your kitchen

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Upgrade your tool collection for fall home projects

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7 uses for fallen leaves 15

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Published Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Septmeber 28, 2019 – Page 3

Why homeowners should add more exterior light to their properties Homeowners are increasingly realizing the benefits of improving the exteriors of their home, which can be just as valuable as improving the interior spaces. As

individuals design picturesque garden beds and cultivate lavish lawns or revamp exteriors with architectural features, they probably want to spotlight these

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improvements. This is where exterior lighting can be put to great use.

Exterior illumination can cast a glow on various features, but there are many other reasons to increase lighting around the exterior of a home.

• Safety: Trips and falls can occur at night when trying to traverse walkways and landscapes in the dark, as it can be difficult to see rocks, stairs and uneven pavement.

Outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, entryways and other areas for safer access for homeowners and their guests.

• Extend outdoor entertaining: Ample lighting can increase the amount of time one can use outdoor spaces and make them the perfect gathering spot. As autumn arrives, days become shorter. However, patios, porches and more can get extended use with lighting.

• Safeguard security: A well-lit home may be less likely to be

targeted by burglars than one swathed in darkness and shadows.

Lights can remain on all evening or be motion-triggered. Setting lights on timers also ensures that the home is illuminated whether residents are home or not.

• Create drama: Landscape lighting designers can establish focal points around the landscape and highlight the best features of a property.

Uplighting in trees, silhouetting techniques to showcase plants and spotlights to show off architectural features are all options for homeowners to consider.

• Add value: The experts at Parker Homescape, a landscape design service, say that exterior lighting can add roughly 30 percent to the value of a home. They also indicate that 50 percent of all home buyers say that outdoor lighting is important when buying a home. If current residents are thinking about selling, now may be the time to invest in exterior lighting.

Improving a home’s exterior may be as simple as adding more lighting to improve functionality and beauty.

Page 4 – September 28, 2019

How to store firewood the right way

• • • •

improvement innovator, seasoning wood typically takes six months to a year. Homeowners may opt to purchase seasoned wood that already has sat and dried.

Homeowners who have an abundance of firewood have to store it somewhere.

Log Splitters Direct suggests choosing a dry, breezy area of the property that is about 20 feet from the nearest door to the house. This helps avoid hitchhiker pests from coming inside with the wood, such as termites, ants, spiders, and mice. Do not stack the wood flush against a structure. It should be at least a few inches away to allow airflow behind the stack.

Stick to organized rows of wood no more than four feet high. Log racks and pallets and posts will keep the wood up and off of the ground where moisture and rotting can develop.

Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede air flow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more.

Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the

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elements. Position a tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides.

Keep the sides mostly exposed to air. Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang.

Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood. Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months.

Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood varies across the country, but in general one can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. This price may be higher in midwinter when demand increases.

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A fireplace is a cozy and warm spot around which a family can gather. The home and real estate resource HomeGuides.com indicates that 60 percent of new homes have a fireplace, which is up from 36 percent in the 1970s.

Naturally, fueling a fireplace for the season may require homeowners with wood-burning units to keep an ample supply of wood at the ready. How that wood is stored is important, as properly stored firewood can prevent waste and other issues around the house.

Wood that is freshly cut has a water content of 60 percent or more. Yet, for best burning ability, wood should be near 20 percent in water content.

Green wood is hard to ignite and will not burn nearly as well or efficiently as seasoned wood. Another concern associated with green wood is that it can contribute more to creosote accumulation in the flue of a fireplace.

Creosote is a combustible material that may lead to fires if left unchecked.

According to BioAdvanced®, a science-based lawn, garden and home

September 28, 2019 – Page 5

Steps to a more organized, Improve privacy and functional garage security at home A fireplace is a cozy and warm spot around which a family can gather. The home and real estate resource HomeGuides.com indicates that 60 percent of new homes have a fireplace, which is up from 36 percent in the 1970s.

Naturally, fueling a fireplace for the season may require homeowners with wood-burning units to keep an ample supply of wood at the ready. How that wood is stored is important, as properly stored firewood can prevent waste and other issues around the house.

Wood that is freshly cut has a water content of 60 percent or more. Yet, for best burning ability, wood should be near 20 percent in water content. Green wood is hard to ignite and will not burn nearly as well or efficiently as seasoned wood.

Another concern associated with green wood is that it can contribute more to creosote accumulation in the flue of a fireplace. Creosote is a combustible material that may lead to fires if left unchecked.

According to BioAdvanced®, a sciencebased lawn, garden and home improvement innovator, seasoning wood typically takes six months to a year.

Homeowners may opt to purchase seasoned wood that already has sat and dried.

Homeowners who have an abundance of firewood have to store it somewhere. Log Splitters Direct suggests choosing a dry, breezy area of the property that is about

20 feet from the nearest door to the house. This helps avoid hitchhiker pests from coming inside with the wood, such as termites, ants, spiders, and mice. Do not stack the wood flush against a structure. It should be at least a few inches away to allow airflow behind the stack.

Stick to organized rows of wood no more than four feet high. Log racks and pallets and posts will keep the wood up and off of the ground where moisture and rotting can develop. Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede air flow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more.

Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the elements. Position a tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides. Keep the sides mostly exposed to air. Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang.

Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood. Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months.

Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood varies across the country, but in general one can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. This price may be higher in mid-winter when demand increases.

Living in close proximity to one’s neighbors has its benefits. But many homeowners would no doubt admit that privacy at home is a good thing.

Whether homeowners are enjoying their yard or simply want their in-home activities to be less obvious to neighbors, their privacy is a year-round concern. If privacy is a concern, homeowners can take certain steps to ensure their homes stay or become the sanctuaries they were designed to be.

Window treatments and frosting Windows allow natural light to enter a home, but windows also enable neighbors and others to see into a home. If thieves are the ones looking inside, wide open windows present a security issue.

Window treatments are an effective way to add privacy to a home. Closing curtains or blinds limits others’ ability to see inside the house. Switch to more opaque window treatments when using interior lighting more often, as gossamer draperies may still make it possible for outsiders to understand what’s going on inside the home if people and items are backlit.

For those who do not want to compromise natural light, frosted windows can satisfy a desire for privacy.

Windows can be purchased with frosting in place, and home improvement retailers sell various products that can create a frosted look.

Fencing and perimeter plantings Privet hedge, arborvitae or Italian cypress are fast-growing evergreens that provide privacy around a home for homeowners who do not want to install traditional fencing. These trees also provide a natural habitat for various yard animals.

Layering various plants of different heights and textures also can create a more natural and less imposing look.

Fencing remains a viable option to create privacy and stop noise pollution. Privacy fences come in various materials, colors and sizes, enabling homeowners to choose styles that fit their landscapes.

Pergolas and enclosed patios Homeowners who like to entertain outdoors may want to make their outdoor living spaces more private. Pergolas allow light to filter through but obstruct direct view of patio activity, especially when combined with some gauzy draperies hanging on the sides. An enclosed patio or three-season room can be a worthwhile addition for homeowners who like to enjoy the great outdoors without being in the elements or on display for neighbors. Structures vary from screened-in porches to greenhouses to removable gazebos. Potted plants or trailing vines can soften the structural edges and help the privacy devices blend in with the natural surroundings.

Personal tactics Homeowners who do not want their neighbors or others knowing what they’re up to in their free time can limit what they share through photos and descriptions on social media. Doing so also cuts down on neighbors’ curiosity.

Page 6 – September 28, 2019

Tips for designing the perfect home gym Do you feel like having a space where you can exercise (without judgment!) in the comfort of your own home? Here are a few tips to help you design the perfect home gym.

First, whether you choose to use your garage or your basement, make sure that you set up your personal gym in a brightly lit and well-ventilated area.

In order to maximize the square footage available and create a space that’s conducive to exercise, divide the room into different sections. For example, you could dedicate one area to cardio, another to strength training and yet another to stretching.

In terms of equipment, always keep your budget in mind and evaluate your needs accordingly before making purchases you may regret. You can surely find a multi-purpose, high-performance exercise machine at a specialty retailer in your area that won’t break the bank!

Furthermore, stocking up on basic equipment, such as free weights, elastic

bands, an exercise ball and a yoga mat, is always a great way to start.

Stay motivated!

Design a space that’s visually appealing and that you wouldn’t mind spending a few hours each week in by painting the room your favorite color or hanging some inspiring art on the walls.

You could also put up a chalkboard (or bulletin board) to track your progress on.

Finally, consider investing in a good sound system that will encourage you to keep moving to the beat of your favorite tunes.

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Your guide to proper tree pruning Trees may require pruning for a variety reasons. Storms may have damaged branches, necessitating a pruning. In other instances, trees may have outgrown their yards, overpowering the landscape.

Autumn and winter, when trees largely go dormant and fallen leaves make it easier to see the branches beneath, may be prime times to prune. Pruning during the dormant period also minimizes sap loss and stress to the tree, and can help cut down on the growth of fungi. In addition, insects are less likely to be problematic during the colder months of the year.

Branches also need to be trimmed properly to facilitate good healing.

Trees will form a callus bark covering

According to Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the radio program “Today’s Homeowner,” larger limbs may require three cuts instead of one. The first cut is a small notch in the bottom of the limb, around two to three feet from the trunk and about one-quarter of the way through. This helps prevent the bark from splitting. A relief cut is then made a few inches away from the notch cut, and goes all the way through. This removes the weight of the branch so that the final cut can be made without the branch splitting and falling. The final cut is made right where the limb extrudes from the branch collar, or the swollen bump that then forms into the tree limb.

Follow the slant of the branch collar when making the cut. Smaller or thinner branches may not require the same three steps, but every effort should be made to reduce injury to the tree.

pruning larger limbs. Always disinfect pruning tools after you’re done to prevent the spread of disease to other trees.

Consider hiring a professional tree service if pruning proves beyond your capabilities. Doing so is safe and often well worth the investment.

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When deciding how much to prune, less is usually more. All pruning can put some level of stress on the tree and increase its vulnerability to disease and insect infestation. A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than 25 percent of the crown. According to experts at TreeHelp.com, living branches should comprise at least two-thirds the height of the tree. In some instances, the rules may need to be bent if trees are interfering with utility lines or to meet community laws. However, always prune minimally to avoid damaging the tree.

The right tools also make the job safer and easier. Use a pole pruner and lopper, rope saws, folding pruner, and a bucksaw. A chainsaw can be used in some instances, especially when

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Trimming and pruning can be handled by do-it-yourselfers if the branches are smaller and more manageable. Practice on thinner branches before moving on to thicker ones, which may require extra help.

Branches may be heavy, and it takes a guided hand to ensure the branches fall in a safe manner so they do not cause damage or injury.

over cuts to keep out disease and decay, much as a scab forms over a person’s wound. Damaging the bark on a tree while pruning may interfere with that process, so do-it-yourselfers need to take the time to prune correctly.

Septmeber 28, 2019 – Page 7

Page 8 –September 28, 2019

Five weekend projects to try now

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Home improvement projects range from major construction overhauls like bathroom remodeling jobs to smaller renovations that may entail something as minor as painting the walls. Smaller projects can often be conquered in a typical weekend but still provide a strong sense of accomplishment. The following are five projects tailor-made for weekend warriors.

1. Improve storage in the entryway. Home entryways are the first places many people drop mail, shed their shoes and toss their keys upon arriving home. As a result, entryways can quickly be overrun with clutter. Storage solutions can include putting in a desk or hutch with baskets underneath to store umbrellas and backpacks.

Or hang a coat rack and create a shoe rack to store shoes until the time comes 4. Update hardware in the bath and to leave the house once again. kitchen. Switch the handles, draw 2. Shed new light. Add some design pulls and knobs on cabinetry with appeal to your home by replacing an new hardware. The time commitment is practically nil, but old lighting fixture with something you might just give rooms a whole more modern. Such a task is new feel. relatively easy, and you need not possess the skills of a trained 5. Patch and paint walls. Spend a electrician. weekend filling in holes left behind 3. Add molding for a finishing touch. by since-removed wall hangings. If the patches dry quickly, paint over Dress up spaces with crown them. If not, resolve to do your molding or a decorative chair rail patchwork one weekend and paint that goes around a room. You can the ensuing weekend. even use molding to frame new or existing artwork. Find a molding style that complements the architectural style.

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Septmeber 28, 2019 – Page 9

Easy ways to clean up leaves Autumn is marked by colorful foliage and plummeting temperatures. Once those leaves reach peak color, they fall from the branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects.

For homeowners with big yards, such a project can be tiring and timeconsuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier.

One of the easiest ways to clean up leaves is to reach for a lawn mower rather than a rake. The mower will cut leaves down to smaller sizes, creating an effective mulch that can add nutrients back into the lawn. Davey, a lawn and landscape solutions service, says that mowed leaves also can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles.

For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines that will not skewer the leaves in the process. Big rakes also can make faster work of gathering leaves into piles.

The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the

use of a lawn sweeper. This is a manual device that has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up lawn debris and leaves into an attached hopper bag. Like mowed leaves, the bag can be emptied into a compost pile or distributed where needed.

Raking leaves onto a large tarp is another option. Once it’s full, the tarp can be taken to the curb where many towns will collect the leaves seasonally. Otherwise, the tarp can be used as a funnel to put leaves into a gardening bag or another appropriate receptacle.

Leaf blowers remain a fast option for cleaning up yards, but they require electricity or gas and can be noisy. Still, they are a popular choice for large landscapes or when quick work needs to be made of leaf clean-up.

Leaves will fall in autumn, but luckily homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess.

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Page 10 – September 28, 2019

Design a more functional pantry Home improvement projects for your fall to-do list How many times have you sat on the sofa pouring over a home magazine wishing your rooms could be ripped from its pages?

Some people are gifted with a natural talent to impart a space with perfectly balanced colors and schemes that fit with one’s lifestyle and design preferences. Others are not as equipped. But that doesn’t mean design has to suffer. An interior designer with knowledge and resources who’s in your corner can make all the difference.

Many people are hesitant to bring in professional designers because of cost. But contrary to popular belief, working with an interior decorator is not something reserved for the rich and famous.

Designers actually can save homeowners money in the long run. A good designer will choose the right amount of high-quality elements that will be durable and timeless. This means less money will ultimately be spent on replacing cheap materials or redesigning rooms that have gone out of style.

According to the design experts at Homepolish, utilizing a designer to transform a space can create rooms that are more in tune and

balanced with homeowners’ needs — helping to improve mood and functionality. That can extend to other areas of a person’s life and well-being. Putting the task of designing a home’s interior in someone else’s hands frees up time to focus on other projects as well.

Designers can look at a space with a careful eye and not be influenced by items that have sentimental attachment. He or she can help decide if anything should be repurposed or removed. Plus, an interior designer can help homeowners stay on budget.

Designers also can serve as liaisons for clients who have difficulty communicating with builders and architects. Designers are trained to think about things that homeowners tend to overlook, such as placement of lighting, outlets and room flow. He or she also likely has contacts within the industry that can be utilized, saving even more time and money.

A good designer can be worth the investment. The end results will be an interior that homeowners will be proud to call home.

How many times have you sat on the sofa pouring over a home magazine wishing your rooms could be ripped from its pages? Some people are gifted with a natural talent to impart a space with perfectly balanced colors and schemes that fit with one’s lifestyle and design preferences. Others are not as equipped.

But that doesn’t mean design has to suffer.

An interior designer with knowledge and resources who’s in your corner can make all the difference.

Many people are hesitant to bring in professional designers because of cost. But contrary to popular belief, working with an interior decorator is not something reserved for the rich and famous.

Designers actually can save homeowners money in the long run. A good designer will choose the right amount of highquality elements that will be durable and timeless. This means less money will ultimately be spent on replacing cheap materials or redesigning rooms that have gone out of style.

According to the design experts at Homepolish, utilizing a designer to transform a space can create rooms that are more in tune and balanced with homeowners’ needs — helping to improve mood and functionality. That can extend to other areas of a person’s life and well-being. Putting the task of designing a home’s interior in someone else’s hands frees up time to focus on other projects as well.

Designers can look at a space with a careful eye and not be influenced by items that have sentimental attachment. He or she can help decide if anything should be repurposed or removed. Plus, an interior designer can help homeowners stay on budget.

Designers also can serve as liaisons for clients who have difficulty communicating with builders and architects. Designers are trained to think about things that homeowners tend to overlook, such as placement of lighting, outlets and room flow. He or she also likely has contacts within the industry that can be utilized, saving even more time and money.

A good designer can be worth the investment. The end results will be an interior that homeowners will be proud to call home.

September 28, 2019 – Page 11

Prepare your deck for winter Homeowners often take steps to winterize the interior of their homes in the weeks before winter’s arrival, but such efforts should extend to the outside of a home as well.

Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits. Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the temperatures climb and the sun sets well into the evening.

But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather.

• Inspect the deck for problems. Decks tend to be used more often in summer than any other time of year. That makes fall and early winter an ideal time to inspect for wear and tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout the summer. Damaged boards and loose handrails should be fixed before winter arrives, especially for homeowners who plan to use their decks in winter. Fixing such issues in winter and even into spring may be difficult thanks to harsh conditions, so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck.

• Clear the deck of potted plants. Even homeowners who intend to use their decks in winter should remove potted plants from the deck in the fall. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped between deck boards and plastic, wood or ceramic containers in cold weather, and that can contribute to mildew, discoloration or decay.

• Store unnecessary furniture. Homeowners who like to sit on their decks in winter will no doubt want to leave some furniture out over the winter. But those with lots of furniture for entertaining guests can likely move the majority of that furniture into a garage or shed for the winter. HGTV notes that doing so will prevent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from inconsistent weathering.

• Remove snow, but do so carefully. Prolonged contact with snow and ice can

damage a deck. As a result, homeowners should clear snow from their decks when accumulation is significant. HGTV recommends using a snow blower on the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck.

Homeowners who take steps to protect their decks throughout the winter months can ensure these popular areas are ready once entertaining season returns in the spring.

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Page 12 –September 28, 2019

House powerwashing tips Powerwashing, also known as pressure-washing, utilizes a high-velocity water spray to remove dirt and residue from the exterior surfaces of a home. It is frequently used on vinyl siding, concrete and sometimes wood decks to treat mildew and other growth that accumulates over time.

Powerwashing can be a great way to remove grime without having to scrub by hand. But it requires a delicate touch to get it right. Sometimes it is best to leave the job to professionals. But homeowners willing to give it a go can try powerwashing themselves, as various stores rent power washers.

The home improvement website ImproveNet says that, until very recently, pressure washers were almost exclusively commercial machines sold to professionals or rented to do-it-yourselfers. Lately manufacturers have targeted homeowners looking to buy with lightweight options. For those who see powerwashing as a routine venture, purchasing a unit may be worth the investment.

It is important to exercise caution when operating a powerwashing machine. The high-velocity spray can tear through skin. It is key to get a feel for the washer, and try less pressure first to get a handle on the magnitude of the tool.

Don safety gear prior to using a pressure washer.

Gloves, eye protection and ear protection can be handy. Most units will connect to a standard garden hose. Choose old clothing and expect to get wet.

Never point a powerwasher hose at anyone and do not attempt to rinse feet or hands in the spray.

The renovation resource The Family Handyman suggests starting with a wide-degree nozzle to test out the spray on the surface that needs to be cleaned. A 15- or 25-degree nozzle is usually the wand for general cleaning and paint stripping without damaging the surface of the home.

Experiment with an optimal distance of the washer wand to get the desired cleaning effects without causing any damage. Work using a horizontal and slightly downward angle to avoid driving water up under the siding of a home.

Avoid spraying any electric wires or components on the home. Also, try not to spray upward, and angle the spray away from doors, windows and vents.

Some washers have reservoirs that will hold a detergent solution. Choose the right detergent for the job. Keep in mind that cleansers containing bleach can damage surrounding plants, so they may need to be covered while the washing takes place.

Avoid the use of ladders when operating a powerwasher. The push-back from the wand can cause falls. Instead, opt for an extension wand to address the upper reaches of a home.

Powerwashing a home is an effective way to remove stubborn grime and refresh the look of a home’s exterior.

How to re-caulk your bathtub in five simple steps

2. Clean the surface Wash the area you just finished scraping with a sponge soaked in white vinegar. Make sure to remove all traces of dirt and mold, and then use a cloth or rag to wipe down the surface. This last step is particularly important to ensure the new caulk adheres properly.

3. Get your duct tape handy Border off the area where you’ll apply the new caulk with duct tape, much like when you trim a room for painting. It

might take a few extra minutes, but the final result will be much cleaner.

4. Apply the new caulk Apply the caulk with a caulking gun, ideally in a single stroke while maintaining constant pressure. Next, dip your thumb in soapy water and go over the new caulk to make it nice and watertight.

5. Remove the duct tape Wait at least 24 hours before removing the duct tape and taking a bath. If the caulk overflowed, carefully cut away the excess with a utility knife.

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Is the caulk around your bathtub crumbling or showing signs of unsightly mold? If so, it’s time to re-caulk! While it’s always recommended to entrust any plumbing work to a professional, repairing the caulk around your tub is a relatively simple task that you can easily do yourself. Just follow these five foolproof steps.

1. Remove worn-out caulk With the help of a utility knife, make an incision in the middle of the damaged caulk to make it easier to remove. Next, use a scraper or flathead screwdriver to scrape the remaining sealant free, if necessary.

September 28, 2019 – Page 13

Home improvements that increase home value Spring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with landscaping and lawn care, but tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. If lawn and garden responsibilities dip considerably in winter, then fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes.

Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn. Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues.

• Keep mowing, but adjust how you mow. It’s important that homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions into winter, lower the blades so the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than onethird. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to

reach the grass in the months ahead.

• Remove leaves as they fall. Much like applepicking and foliage, raking leaves is synonymous with fall. Some homeowners may wait to pick up a rake until all of the trees on their properties are bare. However, allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of sunlight and oxygen. The result is dead grass and possibly even fungal disease. Leaves may not need to be raked every day, but homeowners should periodically rake and remove leaves from their grass, even if there are plenty left to fall still hanging on the trees.

• Repair bald spots. Summer exacts a toll on lawns in various ways, and even homeowners with green thumbs may end up with a lawn filled with bald spots come September. Autumn is a great time to repair these bald spots. Lawn repair mixes like

Scotts® PatchMaster contain mulch, seed and fertilizer to repair bald spots, which can begin to recover in as little as seven days. Before applying such products, remove dead grass and loosen the top few inches of soil. Follow any additional manufacturer instructions as well.

• Aerate the turf. Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. While many homeowners, and particularly those who take pride in tending to their own lawns, can successfully aerate their own turf, it’s best to first have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send their samples to a lab for further testing.

Fall lawn care provides a great reason to spend some time in the yard before the arrival of winter.

Three rules for remodeling your kitchen Planning a kitchen remodel? Here are three golden rules you should follow to ensure your project’s success.

1. The work triangle When planning the layout of your kitchen, you need to consider the work triangle, a zone delineated by the washing, cooking, and food storage spaces. This triangle is where you will spend most of your time.

For the kitchen to function well, the distances between the dishwasher (or sink), the fridge and the stove must be equal, or almost equal. Don’t place these appliances too far apart.

2. Clearawnce Do you want to build an island in your kitchen? Make sure to leave about four feet of space between your cupboards and your island so that you can move around easily. Similarly, plan for at least three feet of clearance in front of your dishwasher for comfortable loading and unloading.

In all cases, make sure that you can move around without having to contort yourself, even when the fridge, oven or dishwasher door is open.

3. Lighting Generally, kitchens have four types of lighting: natural light (from a window above the sink, for example), general light (from a ceiling light or recessed lights), task lights (spotlights on your work surfaces) and accent lights (LED strips underneath the cabinets). Be sure to plan out the placement of your lights before beginning construction work.

Finally, for all your construction and renovation project needs, never hesitate to call on your local specialists.

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Upgrade your tool collection for fall home projects framing doors and windows and more, the lightweight, portable DeWalt 10» Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw will do the job. It has a 15 amp, 5,000 RPM motor and tall sliding fences that support 41⁄2» of crown molding vertically nested.

Sanding is a necessary part of many home and shop projects. For hand-sanding, the Preppin Weapon is an ergonomically-shaped ABS plastic sanding block that fits comfortably in your hand to reduce fatigue. Use wet or dry and load as many as four sheets of sandpaper at one time, removing each one as the abrasive wears out. For power sanding, the Norton 5» Random Orbital Sander features a 2.0-amp motor that generates 12,500 orbits per minute and provides a 3⁄32» orbit that helps make quick work of most sanding projects.

Ergonomic, rubber palm grip is comfortable and eliminates fatigue. An 8-hole, hook-and-loop pad face offers increased versatility in abrasive selection.

For cutting, grinding, sanding, carving and polishing, the Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool with 24 accessories is a good choice. The upgraded tool features an EZ Twist™ nose cap with an integrated wrench that allows the nose cap to function as a wrench to tighten accessories. A more efficient fan design and side vents for a cooler running tool make it comfortable for extended use.

Once a project reaches the finishing stage, the new HOMERIGHT Finish Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayer is a good choice for application. The Finish Max will handle any solvent- or water-based product

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— latex paint, milk paint, chalk paint, furniture paint, stains and finishes. It is easy to set up, use and clean. Features include precision volume control and an adjustable spray pattern. HOMERIGHT Small Spray Shelter and Large Spray Shelter will help contain overspray and drift when using the sprayer.

Brighten your workspace with the lightweight, portable Keystone 1200 Lumen Work Light that can be set nearly anywhere the 6’ cord will reach. Light can pivot 360° around its axis.

Products for working safely and in a clean environment are always important. FastCap Safety Glasses offer UV protection and have clear anti-fog lenses to allow maximum light transmission. Six-milthick Powder Free Nitrile Gloves in three sizes provide inexpensive protection for your skin, keeping your hands free of stain and glue. Deluxe Neoprene Gloves in three sizes are designed for heavy-duty tasks such as stripping paint or finish.

Lightweight, muff style SAS Hearing Protectors can be your first line of defense against hearing loss.

They are rated of NRR 23.

Keeping a clean work area is safe and healthy.

The 6.6-gallon Karcher WD5/P Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum has a powerful, 1800-watt, variable-speed motor. The onboard power outlet allows the vacuum to come on and go off automatically when the tool is turned on or off.

To learn more about these and other products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

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When the last cookout is history and it’s time to move indoors and on to fall home and shop projects, Woodcraft suggests that you consider adding some new tools to your collection for easier home improvements and repairs.

Change the look of your decor with new hardware in every room, and try out some new jigs from Kreg — Drawer Slide, Concealed Hinge, and Cabinet Hardware Jigs, along with the Kreg Shelf Pin Jigs (1⁄4» and 5 mm).

“Kreg Hardware Installation Solutions make it easy to add the perfect final touch to your projects by allowing you to confidently install knobs and pulls, concealed door hinges, drawer slides, and adjustable shelves,” Woodcraft senior product development manager Peter Collins said. “These durable, adjustable jigs position your hardware and guide your drill so you get accurate, repeatable, professional-quality results every time. These jigs are an essential part of the Kreg ‘Kitchen Makeover Series’ that provides a helping-hand for those folks that aren’t building new but rather changing hardware and paint colors.”

Installation of hardware, shelving, cabinets, doors and windows and many building projects require a driver, like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3⁄8» Drill Driver that comes in a kit. Lightweight and compact, the lithium-ion Bosch driver delivers 265 inchpounds of torque and is great for overhead and tight area work.

For projects that require crosscutting, whether straight or at an angle for joining crown molding,

Septmeber 28, 2019 – Page 15

7 uses for fallen leaves soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow.

5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake.

This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight.

6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages.

They can act as added insulation.

Bags of leaves also can be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost.

7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together.

Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect.

Fallen leaves can be used in many different ways throughout the year.

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By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to.

It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial.

1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/ bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter.

2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it’s actually a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil.

3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed.

According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost.

Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them.

4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain

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