Spring Home Improvement 2022

Spring H OME

TEG

Tuesday March 29, 2022

It’s always spring at Earthly Delights, Page 3 MexUs makes mailboxes for ‘curb appeal’, Page 9 Six ways to make your garden more successful, Page 12

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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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FROM NEWBIES TO VETERANS, EARTHLY DELIGHTS HAS THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR PLANT-BASED QUESTIONS

TIM MOHN/GAZETTE

Plants bring a certain something to the home environment, but not everyone was born with a “green thumb.” We recently spoke to Earthly Delights owner Shannon Takla on the do’s and don’ts of plant care and she offered some advice for budding — and seasoned — plant owners.

What plant would you recommend to a ‘newbie’ If a person has pets or toddlers, I recommend a trio of non-toxic plants: Fittonia, Peperomia, and Aglaonema. These three plant families have some beautiful varieties to choose from.

If plant toxicity isn’t a concern, I also recommend Philodendron brazil, Jade or Golden Pothos.

These are all hardy, adaptable and attractive choices.

What is your most popular plant you sell and why?

For new plant people, the aforementioned Golden Pothos is the most popular choice. Golden Pothos is also known as ‘The Devil’s Ivy’ because it’s almost impossible to kill! It’s the perfect starter plant for anyone.

For intermediate plant people — even though it’s a bit of a fussy plant — Stringof-turtles is the most popular plant I sell, because it is absolutely adorable. It looks like tiny little turtle shells lined up on a string!

It’s a great choice for people who are looking for plants with intermediate difficulty of care.

For people who have mini-greenhouse cabinets or terrariums, Alocasias are the most popular plant. Alocasias do not tolerate sub-standard care or less-than-ideal conditions for very long. That said, if you have the right set up, these plants are absolutely Once a plant comes out of quarantine, stunning. Excellent for plant people who with rare exception, most plants really thrive want a good challenge. with what I like to call ‘benign neglect.’ The number one contributor to household plant What are the best/easiest plants to buy death is overwatering: if we all created a for indoors? (Low maintenance) ZZ Plants, snake plants, and better watering routine, we would alleviate spider plants are planty clas- almost 90% of house plant deaths! The easiest way to prevent overwatering is to use a sics for a reason!

These plants will grow water meter, or even a chopstick—much in in a wide range of condi- the same way you check a baking cake with tions; suffer from very a toothpick, you can check the wetness of few care problems; and your plant’s dirt! have a pretty hands-off What are the most frequent questions care routine. Plus, the larger they grow, the less you get about Plants?

I do plant doctoring, so I receive two genattention they need. I have a huge ZZ Plant that I only eral categories of questions: ‘Inauspicious Results’ questions and water 4-5 times a year! That’s the very definition of low mainte- ‘Seasonal Mishap’ questions. Inauspicious results questions are always a variation on nance. the theme of ‘why is my plant failing/dying’ and ‘can it be saved?’ The great answer is, What are some tips/tricks to keeping most of the time it can be saved! plants alive?

‘Seasonal Mishaps’ questions are heat/ Start by protecting your plant collection from any incoming pests by quarantining burn damage or cold/freeze damage probyour new plants. Pests are part of the hobby, lems. This can commonly happen in winand quarantining new plants can help pre- dowsills; with plants outdoors; or plants vent a lot of issues. Water new plants with received in the mail. Any kind of burn dam3/4 water and 1/4 hydrogen peroxide (3%) age always has to be cut away, because the to kill any sneaky eggs/larvae. Spray down plant cannot revitalize that damaged part. the leaves with Peppermint Castile soap and But many times, with the right care, these plants can come back strong. water (1 Tbps to 1 Qt of water).

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Advice for new/existing ‘plant parents’?

Only keep the plants that help you cultivate joy in your life, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and get recommendations on what type of plant is going to work for you. Find the right plants for your lifestyle!

For example, if you are perpetually busy, or are living with ADHD, ADD, or Long COVID, lecca might be an option to free up your time while still being able to enjoy your houseplant hobby.

Or If you’re buying a new plant and you don’t know anything about it and there’s no one to ask, Google ‘is (plant name) difficult’ — so many woes could be avoided if you knew that Calatheas are kind of jerks and that Fiddle Leaf Figs are temperamental!

And if your plants aren’t bringing joy to you, change them: gift them to a friend/ family/coworker; donate to the store; trade them, or sell on Facebook marketplace — there’s a huge and amazing plant community in Emporia, and there is always someone who is looking for the plant that doesn’t work for you.

The pandemic had sent so many of us on the road to becoming houseplant hobbyists, and now that people are comfortable with the basics, they have time to hone in on the best plants for themselves that bring them happiness.

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How to corral a crabgrass infestation A well-manicured lawn adds undeniable curb appeal to a property. Homeowners who take pride in their lawns should know that they can take that pride all the way to the bank, as investing in a pristine lawn can provide a significant return at resale.

their own lawns.

Crabgrass is one lawn problem that can compromise the look of an otherwise lush lawn. Thankfully, crabgrass can be controlled without much effort.

A 2019 report from the real estate experts at HomeLight found that a $268 investment in lawn care service can add $1,211 at resale. That’s a 352 percent return on investment.

Homeowners can capitalize on a pristine lawn even further by tending to

Identifying crabgrass Crabgrass is a weed that grows in areas of a lawn that are bare or where the grass is thin. Crabgrass gets its name from its appearance, as it grows from the center outward and mimics the look of crab legs emerging from the center shell.

The growth of crabgrass The University of Minnesota Extension notes that crabgrass is an annual plant.

That means a crabgrass infestation that’s problematic once the mercury rises in the summer will die out in late fall or early winter. But crabgrass germinates in the spring, so homeowners will want to take steps to prevent it long before it becomes an eyesore in summer.

How to corral crabgrass The UME notes that application of a preemergent herbicide before crabgrass seeds can germinate is an effective way to eliminate it. The timing of that application can be tricky, as jumping the gun and applying the herbicide too early can prove fruitless.

The same goes for applying herbicides too

late. Crabgrass will likely still grow if the herbicide is applied too early or too late.

UME recommends applying a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures approach 55 F. Home Depot notes that a chemical treatment may be applied after crabgrass has already grown in, but this option requires careful application to avoid killing surrounding healthy grass.

Crabgrass can be pulled out by hand, but such an approach can be physically daunting. That’s especially so because crabgrass thrives when the weather is hot and dry. So homeowners who intend to pull crabgrass by hand can decrease their risk of dehydration or heat-related illness by drinking plenty of water and pulling the grass during early morning or evening hours when the sun is lower and temperatures are more mild.

Planning ahead is important to a successful renovation Remodeling projects are significant undertakings. Homeowners must consider a host of variables before any such project can begin. While planning ahead may take time, it is essential to ensuring successful completion of a renovation project. Consider these pre-renovation planning pointers to help any job go smoothly.

Determine your motivation for renovating Renovation projects often involve balancing needs and wants, and determining if a project is a necessity or a luxury can set the timeline and course of the project.

Is the roof leaking? If so, immediate action is necessary. Could the kitchen be a bit more functional? If the kitchen is still manageable, a homeowner may be able to wait a little bit to get better prices on appliances or contracting services.

Separating needs from wants helps homeowners map out a viable timeline that maximizes productivity and affordability.

Get professional advice Many homeowners are under the impression that doing the work themselves

can save a considerable amount of money.

This may be the case for homeowners with renovation experience. But by and large, professional contractors are an asset to any renovation. They can provide a realistic overview of the project, map out projected costs, point out areas that could be troublesome, and may have industry contacts that can keep supply costs low.

Even if a homeowner will do a portion of the job, a contractor can do the bulk of the work and keep the project on budget.

Get necessary permits Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done to code and in a safe manner. However, they are not without additional costs and processing time, and that can cause some homeowners to skip this step. According to the home information site The Spruce, building permits cost anywhere from $400 to about $2,200 for new home construction. Building permits for smaller projects can cost $100 or less, and typically are based on a percentage of the anticipated cost of the project.

A permit may be issued the day the application is submitted, while other cities and towns may issue permits up to two or more weeks later. Factor permit fees and processing times into the renovation plan.

If it comes to light a homeowner did work without a required permit, he or she may face penalties; may have to tear out work done to have it inspected or redone; some may be unable to sell a home until permits have been obtained and work has been done to code. Homeowners insurance coverage also may be affected if homeowners do not obtain the proper permits.

Other considerations when planning a renovation include writing out a strict budget, gathering inspiration, drawing up to-scale renovation plans, pouring over material reviews, and getting recommendations for reliable professionals to do the job. While not every obstacle can be avoided, planning is a good way to start successfully.

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Resurfacing According to the home improvement price comparison site Kompare It, resurfacing is simpler and faster than installing a new asphalt driveway. With resurfacing, any cracks are filled in to create an even base.

Then a new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing one. That new layer can range in thickness from 1.5 to 3 inches. A heavy rolling machine will then smooth and flatten the layers together. If the driveway has minor pitting or cracking, then resurfacing can be a cost-effective strategy, as it may be a $3,000 to $6,000 job as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 with repaving.

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Pros and cons to open-concept homes

Different ways to repair a driveway Asphalt driveways do not last forever. Over time, weather and general usage can degrade the driveway surface, resulting in cracks, pitting and more. Ultraviolet rays, salt and automotive fluids also can affect the appearance and functionality of a driveway. An unsightly driveway can adversely affect curb appeal and resale potential.

Homeowners have to consider various factors when it comes to repairing driveways. They may have the option of getting the driveway resurfaced, resealed or repaved, and each project is unique.

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Resealing Resealing a driveway, also called sealcoating, is another repair strategy. HGTV says resealing can be a do-it-yourself project. Resealing helps the driveway last longer.

The driveway needs to be clean and dry, with holes and cracks filled prior to sealcoating. Start at the far edge of the driveway and seal that area by “cutting-in” by hand for a neat edge. Afterward the rest of the driveway can be sealed using a squeegee or broom. This project can be completed within two or three days if no precipitation is forecast.

Repaving A project best left to professionals, repaving typically involves the removal of an existing driveway and the installation of a new one. The subgrade layer is essential in the process for a smooth look. Contractors also will assess soil and grading when doing work. The construction blog Main Infrastructure says the new asphalt driveway can vary in thickness between 2 and 6 inches, depending on budget and need. The contractor also can advise if full-depth asphalt application or an aggregate base is practical.

Open-concept homes have become increasingly popular in recent years. An open-concept home is one in which the rooms flow into one another with limited obstruction from walls or other barriers.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 84 percent of new singlefamily homes have fully or partially open layouts.

While they may seem like a new trend, open floor plans are anything but. Early American homes featured open, often oneor two-room units built around the central kitchen/hearth. This maximized warmth and functionality. Homes evolved as incomes grew, and soon homes had several smaller rooms with specialized functions.

What’s old has become new again.

However, before diving head first into a new home purchase or a big renovation to realize an open-concept dream, consider the pros and cons of this type of setup to determine if it’s really right for you.

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A smaller home can feel much larger if it employs an open concept. The square footage is not divided into smaller quarters, which sometimes are rooms (such as formal dining rooms) that are only used a few times per year. This eliminates underused spaces and opens up sight lines in the layout.

The value of real estate has risen dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and prospective buyers may prefer an open-concept plan because it can help them minimize building costs.

Disadvantages of open floor plans

Open layouts are not for everyone. The same sense of space that occurs when walls are taken down may make rooms feel cavernous and less cozy, particularly in homes with ample square footage. In addition, privacy can be hard to come by when all rooms feed into one another.

Advantages of When the kitchen is not separate from the family room space, that makes it easy open floor plans for noise to compromise the area’s comfort levels. There is no hiding from noise in Open floor plans facilitate the flow of an open floor plan, as sounds from voices, natural light throughout a space and can television shows and appliances tend to promote air flow, helping to reduce warm echo and blend together. And if the home or cool pockets of air in otherwise closedis a single-story layout, those noises from off rooms. the main living areas also may carry to adOpen homes make socializing easier, jacent bedrooms. even when people are doing different Smoke and smells are another thing to things. While someone is cooking dinner in the kitchen, he or she can still interact with consider. When something on the stove spills over, a small range hood will not be someone else playing video games in the family room or paying bills in the home of- practical for clearing smoke from a large fice. Entertaining also is easier, as mingling space. Though the aroma of freshly cooked with guests is much more convenient when food is enticing, it can make it hard for cooks to keep guests out of the kitchen. walls are not getting in the way.

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Tips for negotiating with contractors

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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Spring is the season for fixing up a home.

Homeowners who aren’t interested in doing the work themselves turn to contractors to ensure the job is done not only to code, but on time and efficiently.

After receiving an initial estimate from a contractor, homeowners may wonder if there is any additional wiggle room in contractors’ costs.

Certain contractors are willing to negotiate while others are firm in their prices. However, learning the basics of negotiation can put homeowners in position to save money on dream renovations.

of year. General contractors may be more willing to negotiate for a lower price depending on when their busy season may be. Jobs may slow down in winter, for example.

Do your homework

Ask to do a portion

Getting the best price typically requires shopping around and not settling on the first bid. Experts recommend getting at least three estimates on the same job — and be sure to let each contractor know that you are soliciting multiple bids. This alone may entice a specific contractor to give you his or her best offer up front. Avoid simply choosing the lowest bid. Look at quality of work, reputation and reviews. If you like a costly contractor more than another, see if that contractor is willing to match a lower bid to win the job.

Pick the right season As with other industries, home renovation work heats up during certain seasons or times

Talk about supplies Even after getting a good bid, you may be able to speak with your contractor about lowering costs even more by choosing less costly supplies. Find out if contractors can source materials from a low-cost supplier. In addition, discuss if you can purchase your own supplies.

Be honest with the contractor about your budget and figure out if there is any way for you to do some of the work to lower costs.

The contractor can give you jobs that are within your abilities, which can shave dollars off the final price.

Know your rights and laws Understand the laws governing contract language in your state or province. Contracts should also spell out the change order process so that expectations of changes and costs will be known in advance.

These are just some of the tactics homeowners can use when negotiating the price of home remodels or improvements.

How to cut costs on home renovations Do you still have an avocado green kitchen? Is your living room dank and dark? Perhaps there is only one bathroom for a family of six? Answering yes to any of these questions could serve as the catalyst for a home renovation project.

Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes — some with huge budgets and others that are more cost-conscious. Regardless of what homeowners hope to achieve with their renovations, a common goal across any price point is a desire to save as much money as possible. Home renovations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. ✦✦Assess the merit of the project. Remodeling magazine annually publishes a “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists the average cost and return on investment homeowners can expect of

various types of projects. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it may be best to focus on repairs and renovations that will generate the most substantial ROI. ✦✦Hire a contractor. Even avid do-ityourselfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several different contractors and figure out the best value. ✦✦Refurbish existing features. Rather than a complete gut and rebuild, figure out where you can revitalize existing fixtures and more. For example, refinishing existing cabinets can save you up to 50 percent compared with the cost of new cabinetry, ac-

cording to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a cost comparison and business review resource. ✦✦Choose midgrade materials. Certain materials may be all the rage but they come with a higher price tag. Angi reports that granite counters could be $60 to $100 per square foot. However, a composite or laminate that looks like granite and wears well may be $10 to 40 per square foot. Figure out where you can choose middle-of-theroad materials for maximum value. ✦✦Avoid peak seasons. You’ll pay more to install a deck or a pool right before

the outdoor entertaining season.

There also may be a premium to get work done right before a major holiday. Therefore, consult the calendar to find an off time for a renovation and book it then to save. ✦✦ Do some prep work. You might be able to save by doing some of the demolition and preparatory work yourself. For example, you can tear up old carpeting before the installation of new tile floors. Perhaps you can mend and patch up walls before a paint job. ✦✦Buy a display item. Former showroom kitchens and baths often are sourced at a fraction of their recommended retail prices, according to Real Homes, a home remodel guide based in the United Kingdom. Retailers often update their displays and you may score existing showroom items at a discount.

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Did you know?

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omeowners should give due consideration to whether or not plants are considered invasive species before introducing new plants on their properties. According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, invasive species of plants can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals. Invasive plant species also can reduce biodiversity and cause significant fundamental disruptions to local ecosystems. Though non-native plants are often cherished for their unique looks, homeowners planting new gardens or supplementing existing gardens with new plants are urged to plant only native species. Such an approach benefits plants and also local wildlife that depends on native plant species for food and cover.

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K-STATE RELEASES PUBLICATIONS TO BOOST KANSAS SCHOOL GARDENS Free online training planned March 31

By Pat Melgares

K-State Research and Extension news service

MANHATTAN – A pair of publications now available from Kansas State University are designed to help the growing number of Kansas teachers and students who are planting gardens at their schools.

Rebecca McMahon, a horticulture agent in K-State Research and Extension’s Sedgwick County office, said the publications were created based on an increasing number of requests for help.

“Most of the teachers and volunteers didn’t know what and when to plant to have a successful garden,” McMahon said.

“There has also been increasing interest in school gardens as an outdoor, hands-on learning activity due to the pandemic.”

The publications — available online from the K-State Research bookstore — are:Considerations and Resources for School Garden Design in Kansas

Garden Templates and Plant Choices for Kansas School Gardens “A school garden is about learning and new experiences, not about maximizing your harvest,” McMahon said. “Things that we might normally consider a failure or a problem in a regular garden are just another chance to learn something new when it happens in a school garden. But if we never get the garden planted, we can’t learn from the challenges. I hope these publications will make it easier for teachers, parents and schools to jump in and

get their school gardens growing.”

McMahon will offer free, online training on March 31 for teachers, staff, volunteers or any others who “currently work or hope to work with a school or youth garden,” she said. Interested participants are required to register online at http:// tinyurl.com/2022schoolgardens.

“The publications are designed primarily to help schools that are in the process of developing a garden or have a garden established be able to use their garden more effectively by providing guidance on what

to plant during different parts of the school year so there is always a learning opportunity ready for students,” McMahon said.

“The publications also help direct schools to sources for lesson plans and curriculum or other gardening resources.”

She added that she hopes school employees and students will be inspired by new ideas contained in the publications.

“It is so common for schools to focus on the spring season in the garden, but there are so many ways they could be taking advantage of the fall growing season to plant, grow, and harvest amazing learning opportunities for their students,” she said. “The publications are filled with garden templates for each season to make it easy for a school to find a garden plan that fits their needs and can be adapted to fit their school culture and desired learning outcomes.

“A school garden doesn’t need to be all about vegetables or all about pollinators.

It can include herbs, flowers, grains, vegetables, and fruit — even in relatively small spaces.”

More information on gardening also is available at local extension offices in Kansas.

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MEXUS MAKES ‘CURB APPEAL’ MAILBOXES

By Chris Walker

and

Richard Burkard

The Emporia Gazette

Email might be making the U.S. Postal Service obsolete, but the right mailbox outside your home can add a distinctive look to your property.

Artemio Vitela of Emporia can add what’s known as “curb appeal” with a mix of mail and masonry. It’s something he started doing four years ago, when he lived in Virginia.

“We saw ordinary mailboxes,” Vitela said. “Why not give them a little life?”

His first work was garden boxes, which he says people really liked. Now he’s preparing to do two in Emporia with his MexUs Precast business.

“Once people start seeing them, they’ll probably like it and want more,” he said.

Vitela’s primary ingredient in the process is a concrete block. He believes they provide more value over a lifetime than wood.

“First we go and show it to the owner,” he said. “We give them options — create your own. Add this. Take away this.

That way, it’s unique for them. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same.”

A lot of people prefer to go ahead with natural stone, Vitela Please see MexUs, Page 11

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MexUs Precast has prepared garden mailboxes for four years. MexUs owner Artemio Vitela.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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MEXUS From PAGE 9

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Siding improvements from MexUs Precast can give a home a “more modern look,” owner Artemio Vitela says.

said. But then he can add a stamp that’s a concrete mix.

“That’s the fun part about it. With natural stone, customers can decide if they want two, three, four colors. We can add them,” he said.

The process of creating a precast mailbox takes a few days. Concrete blocks are set at the base. Then Vitela and his team try to get the mailbox done in a day.

They return after that for cleaning.

“That way, it’s solid,” he explained.

“Typically, we paint them a day or days after. ... It’ll paint a bit better.”

The work is painted to mimic stone.

It provides an expensive look, but at a lower price.

“We can get that for 100 square feet for around $350-400,” Vitela said.

“That’s a bit less than half.”

Vitela guarantees his work against strong Kansas winds or wild drivers.

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“It’s going to have to be a pretty big hit for them to be knocked down,” he said.

MexUs Precast also offers home facades.

“We take down part of the siding to give it that more modern look,” he explained. “Depending what’s on the back of the siding — if it’s already concrete, it’s better for us.”

Vitela says the finished work increases the value of a home. That leads to what he enjoys most about his job.

“The look on the peoples’ faces,” he said; “giving a new face on their homes and saving them money at the same time.”

Vitela’s business also has built outdoor fireplaces in Virginia. He takes “solid blocks or concrete and make them look like stone,” he said.

MexUs Precast also can make barbecues completely from stone, as well as concrete tables that “look really modern”.

For more information, visit MexUsPrecast.com online or 620-794-0171.

CO U RT E SY P H OTO S

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SIX WAYS TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN MORE SUCCESSFUL Tribune News Service

Homeowners enjoy gardening for many different reasons. In addition to adding beauty to a property, gardens can offset grocery costs by yielding tasty produce.

They also offer important habitats and food sources for both insects and animals.

While growing a vegetable or flower garden can turn into a rewarding hobby, or even a passion, gardening also can be overwhelming — particularly when the results are less than stellar. Novice gardeners have scores of resources at their disposal, including the advice of gardeners who have made mistakes and learned from them. The following guidance can make home gardens that much more successful.

build on what you find successful, which includes plants that thrive in your lawn and garden.

This also is beneficial if you are unsure of vegetable yields. Several blooming plants producing bushels of crops can be overwhelming, especially if you can’t get to harvesting or cooking them in a timely fashion.

Arm yourself with knowledge

Do you know how deeply to plant seeds and how far apart to space plants?

Are you aware of the sunlight needs of certain flowers or plants? If not, read the packaging and do your research so your plants have the best chance of not only sprouting, but also surviving. Many Assess the soil people prefer to start seedlings indoors Plants need nutrient-rich soil to en- in late winter and then transfer those courage extensive root systems and plants outdoors when they are stronger produce strong, hardy plants, accord- and more established. ing to the gardening resource GrowVeg. Nourish soil with organic matter, such as Sit in your yard and observe manure, compost, shredded leaves, and Watch the way the sunlight dances natural mulch. Add this organic matter in the off-season to give it enough time over areas of your landscape. Take note to be incorporated into the ground before of which areas get the most sun and Start small spring. You can have your soil tested for shade. This will help you plan what to You may have visions of an expansive pH and other characteristics that make it plant and where to plant it. Vegetable garden growing rows of crops or acres of friendly or averse to plants at a local gar- gardens tend to need ample sunlight to bear pick-worthy produce. You can give flowers. But it is smart to start small and den center.

plants a leg up by growing them in optimal conditions.

Choose hardy varieties Certain plants have been bred to thrive in your climate, including heat-tolerant plants for climates with sweltering summer sun. Consult with a local gardening center to figure out which plant zone you are in and which plants will do best within that zone.

Use rainwater Rainwater contains fewer contaminants and additives than tap water, which can benefit garden plants. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use irrigation systems to deliver it to the garden.

Home gardens can yield many gifts, from flowers to fruit. Beginners can utilize some time-tested strategies to increase their chances of planting a successful garden.

How to pick the right trees for your property Trees benefit a landscape by serving both aesthetic and utilitarian functions. A home surrounded by healthy green trees can be a sight to behold, and those same trees can benefit surrounding plants and wildlife at the same time.

As appealing as trees are, not all trees and landscapes make for the perfect match. The Arbor Day Foundation notes the importance of planning when designing a landscape.

Planning ensures the trees homeowners ultimately choose for their properties will grow well in the soil and moisture present in their yards.

Careful consideration of a handful of variables can help homeowners determine which trees will make the best fit for their properties.

HEIGHT: Homeowners must consider the projected height of a tree before planting it. Avoid trees that will bump into anything when fully grown, as that can adversely affect surrounding greenery and pose a safety hazard.

The ADF’s tree sizing guide can be accessed at https://www.arborday.org/ trees/rightTreeAndPlace/size.cfm and serves as an invaluable resource for homeowners who want to plant new trees around their properties.

CANOPY SPREAD: Trees grow out as well as up, so it’s important to consider their potential width at maturity as well. The ADF sizing guide can help homeowners get an idea of how wide a tree is likely to be at maturity.

Trees that spread out quite a bit don’t necessarily need to be avoided, but it’s important that they’re planted far enough apart so they don’t adversely affect surrounding plants. In addition, wide trees that are planted too close together can make the landscape appear crowded, taking something away from its aesthetic appeal.

GROWTH RATE: Growth rate is an important variable because it can affect how quickly homeowners will see changes in their landscapes. Home-

owners who want to plant for privacy can consider trees with quick growth rates or purchase more mature trees that are already near full growth.

Those who are not in need of instant transformation can try trees with slower growth rates, which the ADF notes typically live longer than fast-growing species.

REQUIREMENTS: Different trees require different amounts of sun and moisture and different soil components to thrive.

Homeowners can have their soil tested to determine which trees will thrive in it. Local garden centers can be a great resource for homeowners who want insight as to which trees will thrive in their local climates.

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Did you know?

It’s no secret that a good-looking lawn can entice buyers when selling a home, but homeowners may not realize just how much they can benefit from even the smallest investments of time and money in their home exteriors. According to the Top Agent Insights Q2 2019 Report from HomeLight, low-cost outdoor home improvements to a landscape provide sizable returns on investment. For example, the report found that a $268 investment in a lawn care service can lead to a $1,211 increase in home value at resale. Similarly, $340 worth of fresh mulch can increase home value at resale by $769. More than 85% of real estate professionals who participated in the HomeLight survey recommended other small and simple projects, including removing dirt, grime and cobwebs from a home entrance and trimming trees and shrubs prior to putting a home on the market.

Telling signs 3 common insects are infesting a lawn Well-maintained laws are a byproduct of hard work. That hard work is a point of pride for homeowners who spend countless hours throughout spring, summer and fall tending to their lawns.

All that hard work can be compromised when uninvited guests, namely insects, show up in a lawn. Insect infestations can turn a normally pristine and lush green lawn into a brown and sickly eyesore. Identifying which type of insect is damaging a lawn is the first step toward returning that lawn to its green glory. These are three common lawn insects and signs that they’re infesting a lawn.

Grubs Grubs like to feast on the roots of grass right below the surface. Michigan State University Extention Turf & Landscape reports that grub damage can appear from March to early May or from mid-September to early November.

The lawn and garden experts at GardenTech® note that wilted grass blades are often the first indicator of a grub infestation, which is followed by patches of brown turf and eventually death. Crows, skunks and moles eat grubs, so the sight of them in a lawn could indicate an infestation.

Chinch bugs The experts at BobVila.com report that chinch bugs are not necessarily problematic when their populations are limited to around 10 to 15 bugs per square foot of lawn. In such instances, chinch bug populations are generally controlled by ants and ladybugs. However, extreme heat and drought, prob-

lems that have plagued various regions in North America in recent years, reduce the populations of bugs that feed on chinch bugs, thus increasing the population of these unwanted guests that feed on grass. GardenTech® indicates that damage from chinch bugs is most visible between June and September. That damage begins with grass taking on a purple tinge before it turns yellow and then brown after wilting.

Cutworms The lawn care experts at Scotts note that cutworms are moth larvae that hide in the thatch layer of a lawn during the day before emerging at night to feed on grass blades. Patches of brown grass between one and two inches in width is a sign of cutworm infestation. Homeowners who notice a growing number of birds pecking away in their lawns may have a cutworm in-

festation, which can be confirmed by peeling up a section of damaged grass and looking for cutworms, which are brown, gray or black and tend to be around two inches long.

The good news is that grub, chinch bug and cutworm populations can be controlled. Local turf specialists can recommend strategies to curtail such populations and help homeowners restore their lawns to full health.

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Budget-friendly ways Explaining easements, to upgrade a landscape setbacks and CCRs

An inviting, well-tended landscape can add significant curb appeal to a home.

Such a landscape also can serve as a point of pride and welcome homeowners each evening as they arrive home from work.

Landscaping projects run the gamut from simple changes that can be accomplished on a weekend afternoon to more significant and costly undertakings that require the work of a professional. Budgetconscious homeowners may be looking for simpler projects, and the following are some less costly ways to upgrade a landscape. ✦✦Add a pop of color with planters. Aweinspiring colors can make a landscape stand out from surrounding properties.

Flowers, bushes and plants may be the first thing homeowners consider when trying to add color to their lawns, but planters can provide a more immediate way to give exterior grounds some color. Bold planters won’t lose their color in a matter of weeks like many flowers do, and homeowners can switch planters so the colors align with the season.

For example, some pastel planters can evoke the spirit of spring, while orange planters can be filled with mums to give a landscape an autumnal feel. ✦✦Plant perennials around the property.

Well-maintained perennials grow back each year, making them ideal for homeowners who don’t have the time or desire to map out new gardening

arrangements each spring. Planting perennials also is a great way to add color around the property without breaking the bank. ✦✦Upgrade walkways. Though it’s more expensive than adding planters and planting perennials, upgrading old and cracked walkways is a great way to give a property a whole new look.

According to the renovation experts at HomeAdvisor, homeowners typically pay between $6 and $12 per square foot for new concrete walkway installation.

Homeowners working on a budget can target spots where walkways have already cracked and fix those areas first before continuing the project piecemeal until all the old walkways have been replaced. ✦✦Plant to create privacy. Homeowners spent more time at home than ever before during the pandemic, and some might have grown tired of seeing what their neighbors are up to. Fencing might be the first solution homeowners consider when looking to make their landscapes more private. But new fencing installation can be expensive, costing homeowners between $1,667 and $4,075 on average, according to BobVila.com. A more costly and natural solution is to plant trees around the perimeter. Speak with a local landscaping professional, who can survey the property to see which trees might thrive and provide the privacy homeowners want.

Property setbacks as well as easements and conditions, covenants and restrictions (CCRs) must be considered before renovating an existing home or building a new one. Setbacks are mandated buffers between surveyed property lines and permanent structures. Easements are legal designations that enable individuals or entities to use portions of a person’s property for physical access or to build on it for one reason or another. Easements may be owned by utility companies for gas lines or government agencies when sidewalks are on a private property. Additional examples of easements include greenbelt conservation easements, beach easements or view easements, according to The Spruce, a home and lifestyle resource.

CCRs include rules established by many planned communities, subdivisions and planned unit developments. CCRs, easements and property setbacks can affect which type of renovations are allowed on particular plots and may affect the issuance of permits. It’s essential to learn about property easements, CCRs and setbacks in advance and discuss them with contractors when drawing up preliminary plans. Your property deed or plat map as well as the local building

inspection offices can highlight any regulations that may be in effect on your property and if they may affect future projects.

Did you know?

Certain home improvement projects are more complex than others. Projects that involve working with gas lines are among the most complicated and risky undertakings, and even seasoned do-it-yourselfers are urged to leave such tasks to certified professionals. According to Angi, the average cost to move a gas line is between $15 and $25 per linear foot, and homeowners can expect to pay an additional $1 to $10 per linear foot for pipe materials. A natural gas plumber can install, extend and repair natural gas lines and ensure that the project is completed safely, on time and within homeowners’ budgets. Angi notes that the average cost to move a gas line is between $250 and $750 for the whole project. However, if a bur-

ied line must be excavated, that cost could run into the thousands of dollars.

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The National Association of Landscape Professionals notes that lawns can support a significant number of insects feeding on them because the grass grows much faster than the insects can damage it. But noticeable damage, such as brown patches in the grass, severed roots and grass that is easily pulled up, indicate that insect infestations are significant enough to require intervention.

Lawn care professionals can work with homeowners to develop solutions to address insect infestations. Infestation prevention involves a handful of strategies, not the least of which is ensuring a lawn is properly cared for. Such care delivers nutrients to the lawn and reduces its risk of becoming undernourished.

Undernourished lawns are more vulnerable to insect infestations and weeds.

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