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HOUSE & GARDEN

MERRICK HERALD LIFE — April 30, 2015

APRIL 30, 2015

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April 30, 2015 — MERRICK HERALD LIFE

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Each spring, you should inspect your gutters to ensure they are still attached to their homes and free of debris.

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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 you 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. CHECK FOR FREEZE DAMAGE Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike people 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 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 This is the time of year to patrol your property 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. Q

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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 ice 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

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hose winter chills are ﬁnally history and it's time focus on the outdoors again.

Your lawn is the perfect spot for family gatherings, sports competitions, barbecues and relaxing afternoons, so why not make it the best it can be? Before your calendar fills up, spend the time to get your lawn in great shape for the entire season. If the grass always looks greener on the other side, it might be time to reassess your approach to the care and feeding of your lawn. You, too, can achieve a lawn that’s full and healthy by following some basic rules. Clean up. Whether it was packed under the snow or blown in by the wind, the winter season leaves more than its fair share of debris behind. Grab a rake and get started raking up all of this garbage. Once the lawn is clean, apply a thin layer — about a quarter-inch thick — of compost to Lawn care doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be done thoroughly. give your lawn a boost and start it in the right direction. watering a few minutes every day. Reseed the bare Add color and contrast. Landpatches. Your travels scaping adds immediate scenic interaround your lawn to rake est to your space and allows you to up debris will probably showcase your creativity as well. If you reveal some bare patchchoose to add annuals or perennials es. If you do happen to your space, plant them in odd numupon a patch of barren bers and in tiny pockets around the ground, loosen the top yard—this produces a more natural 2-4 inches. Level the soil appearance. You can also add a cenwith your garden rake terpiece to your yard, such as a sculpand cover the area with a ture, fountain, fire pit or horseshoe pit. mixture of grass seed Any of these focal points provides a and fertilizer. You could gathering place and an excuse to also replace the fertilizer Removing more than 1/3 of the grass enjoy relaxing afternoons on your with compost. Pat the surface with blade will stress out your lawn. If you beautiful lawn all season long. the flat end of the rake when finished cut or take out too much of the grass Q to ensure the seed remains in place. blade, your lawn will have a difficult Water as necessary. time thriving and will instead Aerate your lawn. Aerating allows look burnt out. When you oxygen, water and other nutrients to have long grass blades, your reach your grass's roots, and it's one of roots will grow deeper. Grass the best things you can do to support that has deeper roots will your lawn. Travel across your yard with withstand drought and a manual or gas-powered aerator, oppose pests and diseases. punching holes in the ground. Make Water wisely. Deep (rathsure to pass over each area only once. er than shallow) lawn waterAfter you've finished aerating, spread ing is encouraged to grow compost, fertilizer or peat moss over deeper roots. One inch of your yard. The fertilizer will be water to 12 inches of soil is absorbed quickly through the holes the preferred ratio for watercreated by the aeration. ing actively growing grass. It's time to mow. Optimal grass Watering your lawn every length is 2.5-3.5 inches, so cut your three days is better than grass as frequently as needed to achieve this length without cutting Publishers Editorial Designer Production Manager more than third of each grass blade. CLIFFORD RICHNER JEFFREY A. NEGRIN K.L. MENGEL Vice President Mowing high and often will produce STUART RICHNER Art Director of Sales CRAIG CARDONE a heartier lawn that is more adept at Executive Editor RHONDA GLICKMAN JOHN C. O’CONNELL Cover Design keeping weeds away, as well as makVice President JEFFREY A. NEGRIN of Operations ing it less susceptible to heat and Section Editor MICHAEL BOLOGNA KAREN BLOOM drought. AT HOME is an advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2015 Richner Communications, Inc. Remember, the one-third rule. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.liherald.com

Want to get the best out of your lawn this year? Implement these simple hacks to keep your lawn green and growing, your equipment up and running, and your yard looking great: 1. FEED YOUR LAWN. In order to maintain a healthy lawn, you should fertilize twice a year. Start the process one month after the lawn starts growing in the spring, and one month before the lawn goes dormant in the fall. Spring fertilization is imperative, as it replenishes nutrient reserves that have been used up during the first growth spurt of the season. Avoid "burning" the lawn by only fertilizing at the recommended rate and ratio for your lawn. Check with the experts at your local lawn care supply store to choose the correct dose. 2. PERFORM MOWER CHECKUPS. A properly running mower is essential to keeping your lawn looking great. Make sure it's ready for every mow by incorporating these maintenance tips into your routine: Change your mower oil. This should be done every 25 hours of use for a walk-behind mower, which is once a year for most users. For a lawn tractor, change the oil every 50 hours. Keep your mower clean. Brush away grass clippings from the cooling fans and keep air intake screens clear so air can pass through. Make sure that all safety shields are in place to protect you and your family. Sharpen your blade. A dull blade will split grass blades, leaving them susceptible to disease. Sharpen the blade to about one sixtyfourth of an inch for a clean cut. Also, be sure the blade is balanced to ensure an even cut. 3. MULCH INSTEAD OF BAG. Mulching while you mow leaves a thin layer of grass clippings on the lawn. These clippings gradually break down to provide additional nitrogen to the lawn. This provides a natural fertilizer throughout the mowing season. Look for mowers with specifically designed mulching mower decks and blades that cut clippings into tiny pieces, returning them to the turf. A riding mower, like the John Deere S240 Sport allows you to choose if you want to mulch, sidedischarge or bag clippings without the need for additional tools. 4. DO MORE WITH YOUR MOWER. You can now do more than ever with your mower equipment by adding implements to help complete yard tasks more quickly. Use utility carts for hauling, spreaders for applying fertilizer, aerators to renew the soil, and so forth. From mulching to mowing to feeding, keeping your lawn green and growing requires a little strategic care, but the reward is as sweet as the smell of fresh cut grass.

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ew things are more annoying than mosquitoes, especially when you have a great outdoor terrace and pool area you'd like to enjoy without itchy memories. Even worse than those itchy bumps are the diseases that can be transmitted by mosquito bites. The New York State Department of Health says that several species of mosquitoes can transmit eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus and other viral infections that can cause serious illness and even death. That said, there are many ways to reduce the amount of mosquitoes in your yard: The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home is to find and eliminate their breeding sites: standing water, according to health department experts. Dispose of old buckets and watering cans that you may leave out as decor in your gardens. These receptacles hold water, providing an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty accumulated water from trash cans, wheelbarrows and flower pot bottoms. Even small collections of water can give mosquitoes a place to breed. Included in this are pet water dishes. Bring them in after use, and only put them out when your pet will need a drink. Turn all empty receptacles over when not in use. The same rule applies to birdbaths and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week. Be sure to empty out wading pools and store them away when not in use. Keep swimming pools well-maintained and chlorinated. Dirty pool water also can attract mosquitoes. If you have ornamental ponds, make sure they're aerated and stocked with

mosquito-eating fish. Water movement helps ward off mosquitoes, because the insects prefer quiet, non-moving water for their egg-laying and development, say University of Kentucky experts. Fill or drain any swampy areas in your yard to eliminate standing water. Tree holes and septic tank depressions can be ideal breeding grounds. On a regular basis, have your gutters cleaned. Gutters and clogged storm drains attract mosquitos, so having a professional do the job is a sound investment. Use caution if you're planning to clear out your own. Maintain outdoor faucets and hoses. Repair leaking outdoor faucets, and dispose of leaky garden hoses. Water your lawn carefully, without creating puddles and muddy patches. Talk to your garden center about recommended organic insecticides. You'll be instructed on the proper application of insecticides, such as applying them to lower limbs of trees using a garden hose sprayer. Or, you might opt to hire a professional lawn service company to undertake this task for you, using approved and safe chemicals. Generally, bug zappers don't reduce mosquito populations by much. They target larger insects like moths instead. Therefore, these may not be ideal as your sole tactic to reduce mosquitoes in your yard, according to the experts. Citronella candles and oils can provide some relief, especially when used in sitting areas. And those with a pleasant smell can add to the spring and summertime ambiance of your outdoor play and entertainment. Scout out organic citronella products, and keep small children and pets away from these and other mosquito repellant products. Q

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MERRICK HERALD LIFE â€” April 30, 2015

Rethinking outdoor living ideas

nspired by neighbors and home improvement shows, today's homeowners are entering the deck planning and building process more informed than ever before.

But sorting through this wealth of information and inspiration can make it hard to decipher what's really hot for today's outdoor spaces â€” and to choose what's right for your home. Surveying the wide variety of options is the first step in deciding how you'll approach designing your outdoor space. Start by considering some of the top influences expected to dominate the outdoor living landscape this season. Designing outside the box. Gone are the days of simple squared-off decks and basic slab patios. Regardless of the size of the yard â€” or budget â€” homeowners today are thinking and building beyond the basic square space. Remodelers and architects report increased interest from customers in decks with multiple levels, curves, cantilevers, pergolas and even walls to create three-dimensional interest and define different functional areas. Bringing the indoors out. The lines between indoors and out will continue to

blur as homeowners look to extend the style, comfort and function of their interior spaces to their outdoor living areas. More and more indoor activities are migrating outside with the addition of features such as outdoor kitchens, dining nooks and fireplaces. Demand also is up for features like integrated benches with cushions and accent pillows, storage components and lighting, along with accessories such as ornamental post caps and railing with decorative balusters similar to those found inside the home. Tropical staycation. From the South Shore to Southern California, the look of the tropics will dominate as a top outdoor design scheme. Materials that evoke the ambiance of an exotic island getaway are all the rage, from tiki torches, cabanas and waterfalls to deck boards featuring warm colors and multi-colored streaking inspired by tropical hardwoods. High performance, low maintenance. While aesthetics drive many deck-building

Give your deck a new look with new furniture, fabrics and accessories and details that turn a basic space into an outdoor room. decisions, performance is just as important. Increasingly, homeowners are seeking high-performance, low maintenance

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£ ¬ ¨¥ £ ¤£ ¡ £ £¨ Bigger style and smaller energy bill By ERIC CHRISTENSEN

Installing a ceiling fan is an easy, inexpensive project that just about any homeowner can tackle. Ceiling fans are a great way to add personal style to a room. And by making your home more energy-efficient, this small investment of time and money can create year-round savings on your power bill. The first step is to pick the right fan for the room. Focus on the features that will have the greatest impact. First, let the size of the room dictate the size of the fan blades. Rooms under 100 square feet can be cooled with blades 36 inches long or shorter. Rooms between 100 and 200 square feet can be cooled with blades 36 to 44 inches long. And rooms over 200 square feet might need fans with blades in the 50-inch range. Second, check the pitch of the blades. Fan blades usually have between 12 and 16 degrees of pitch, and generally speaking, the greater the pitch of the fan blade, the more air the fan will move. Only after considering these details should you look at a fan's style and materials. The next step is to focus on the fan's motor. An undersized motor made from inferior materials will lead to burnout, humming or clicking. A stronger, sturdier

motor is worth the money. Look for the motor that generates the most watts and highest speeds. Additionally, pick the fan with the highest airflow efficiency at each of its speeds. A precision die-cast aluminum motor will last longer and run quieter because it resonates less than steel. A diecast zinc motor can run even more quietly. Next, choose an energy-efficient fan. Ensure the fan has received the Energy Star rating for superior energy efficiency. Such fans move more air, and they use less energy than some light bulbs. Finally, decide what fan controls you want. All fans come with pull chains and will be attached to a wall switch, but homeowners with mobility issues might want one with a remote control. And if your fan incorporates lighting, purchase energyefficient bulbs. Otherwise, fan's energyefficiency gains will be lost through wasteful bulbs. After choosing a fan, it's time to think about installation. Ceiling fan installation is a great beginner DIY project because if you are replacing a lighting fixture in the ceiling with a fan, the wiring is already in place, and the fan can use the same wall switch the light used. However, ceiling fans are often far heavier than lighting fixtures, so a new electrical box is probably neces-

Whichever model you purchase, look for a UL-listed metal electrical box marked, "For use with ceiling fans." To further ensure a stable fan, make sure all connections are fastened tightly and check the level of your blades. And, of course, be sure to turn off the room's circuit at the breaker box before doing any work! Finally, in order to maximize energy efficiency, use the new ceiling fan correctly. Turn the fan off when it's not in use or when no one is in the room. Next, clean the fan blades regularly to prevent heavy, dusty blades from unbalancing your fan. Lastly, choose the spin that is appropriate for the season. During hotter months, the blades should turn counterclockwise. People standing under the fan should feel a cool breeze. And during the colder months, the Installing a ceiling fan is one of the blades should turn clockwise to pull warm easiest ways to save on your power bills. air back down to the floor, warming the entire room. By controlling spin, you can sary to support the added weight. adjust your thermostat by a few degrees, Remember that poor installation will leading to additional energy savings. result in lost energy efficiency. Inspect From sleek and modern, to warm and your lighting fixture's electrical box. If it cozy, fans are built to suit every taste and was not anchored to a ceiling joist, look for every space. And by not overlooking some an electrical box with a brace that can be of the smaller, more technical details, you installed between joists in order to prevent can combine style with efficiency, adding a wobbly fan. Otherwise, secure your new style to a room and subtracting dollars box to the joist in place of the old one. from your energy bills. Q

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When replacing an existing driveway, homeowners have an array of new surface materials to choose from, and each material has its pros and cons.

®¤£ © ¡ ©¤¥ Options abound when laying a new driveway sionals may recommend that a new top layer of gravel be laid once or twice a year to replace material lost to wind and everyday usage. ASPHALT Asphalt remains a popular driveway material, thanks in large part to its practicality and ease of installation. Unlike other driveway surface materials, asphalt is available in just one color, black, and that lack of versatility has led many homeowners to consider other options. But asphalt remains an affordable driveway surface material that’s relatively easy to repair. Cracks and holes in asphalt are somewhat common, but resealing such blemishes once every three to five years is typically enough to maintain the appearance of an asphalt driveway. CONCRETE Concrete driveways are popular thanks in large part to their affordability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete can be susceptible to extremely cold weather, but many homeowners prefer concrete because of its versatility. Concrete can be stamped or dyed to provide a unique look, which can increase curb appeal. However concrete can be expensive to maintain, particularly when the material cracks. In addition, gas and oil spills are more noticeable on a concrete surface than other driveway surface materials. Q

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A driveway is more than just a place to park your car. The right driveway material can add considerable curb appeal to your home, increasing its resale value along the way. Homeowners have many options at their disposal when choosing a driveway material, and the right material for one home may not be the best fit for another. BRICK Many homeowners believe brick driveways provide the most aesthetic appeal, and it’s hard to argue with the beauty of brick driveways and walkways. Brick driveways come in various colors and hues, and many homeowners opt to have the color of their brick driveways match their landscaping, which further adds to curb appeal. But that curb appeal is only appealing if the driveway is designed and installed correctly, and homeowners can expect to pay a premium for that, as brick driveway installation is very labor intensive. GRAVEL Gravel driveways may not be as commonplace as they once were, but this cost effective driveway material is still an option. Homeowners who live in regions with mild winters without snow might benefit most from gravel driveways, which can be difficult to negotiate when shoveling snow. Gravel tends to be the least expensive driveway material to install, but profes-

¥¤© ¤§ ¥¡¤© 'Right-size' plant picks for gardening success Have you ever walked into a room that was so full of over-sized furniture it made an already small space feel miniscule and unusable? Or tricked your tummy into being satisfied with less food by using a small plate to make a modest portion look huge? Scale makes a decided difference in many aspects of life, and gardening is no different. Whether you're gardening in containers or have a big plot in your backyard, right-sizing your plant picks to coincide with your available garden space can yield a more productive and pleasurable gardening experience. More than a third of all American households now grow some type of food themselves, making food gardening the third largest yard activity after landscaping and lawn care, the National Gardening Survey shows. Whether you aim to trim grocery bills by growing your own produce, add your own fresh herbs to your summer cooking, or just plain love to garden, choosing the right plants for your gardening space — pot or plot — is your best bet for great success. GET YOUR GARDEN GROWING Veggie and herb gardens need plenty of sunshine and water, no matter what you're planting, or growing them in. Six to

eight hours of bright light every day is best, so choose a sun-drenched spot in your yard for raised beds or larger gardens, and place pots and containers on sunny porches, decks or patios. Use a good potting mix for containers and raised beds; it should be light weight and provide fast drainage. For garden plots, till soil, test for quality and work any necessary amendments into the soil before planting. All food plants need to be fed. Consistent and frequent watering, good drainage and a quality plant food are needed for good plant health and harvest. CULTIVATING IN CONTAINERS AND RAISED BEDS Gardening doesn't require a huge plot of land for hefty harvests and good success. Planting in containers can solve space problems and raised beds allow you to enjoy a garden if you're short on space or have poor soil quality in your yard. Place containers in a sunny spot, whether it's an apartment balcony or backyard patio. Make sure the pots are large enough for the plants you'll put in them and have good drainage holes. Consider container color; dark containers will absorb more heat, so try using lighter colored containers.

There are few things that are as satisfying to a home gardener, than to wander out to the vegetable garden, harvest and consume the fruits of their labor. PLANTS SUITED FOR CONTAINERS INCLUDE: All herbs. All greens - Add flowers to the same pot for an ornamental touch. Tomatoes - For larger varieties, use a large pot, at least five gallons for each plant and support plants with a cage. Smaller eggplants - Peppers, especially ones that are smaller in size and high in yield. Cucumbers - if you add a trellis to the pot and train them to climb. Raised beds can host bigger veggies like beefsteak tomatoes, or varieties that require more room to spread on the ground, like zucchini. They're also great for greens, such as collards, lettuce, mustard and Swiss chard, and a variety of peppers,

beans and eggplants. PLANTING PLOTS In-ground gardens allow you much more room for larger plants. Even if your plot isn't huge, it can accommodate plants that require more room, like watermelon and corn. In addition to staples for your table like greens, tomatoes and peppers, a garden plot allows you to incorporate a greater variety of veggies, like beans, peas and squash, in your garden plans. No matter how much or little space you might have, you can enjoy growing your own food. Be sure to right-size, according to your space and need. Once you get growing, you'll love the homegrown flavor of your harvest and the enjoyment gardening brings. Q

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MERRICK HERALD LIFE â€” April 30, 2015

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516.783.4904

Licensed & Insured #H1303610000

LET OUR CERTIFIED ABORIST EVALUATE YOUR TREE BEFORE A STORM HITS!

The most referred plumber in town

5% OFF Lic.# www.responsibleremodeling.com W/ THIS 1851250000 For All Your Home Improvement Needs AD! "Constantly Improving 24/7 Since 1986" Phone Answer

0MGIRWIH -RWYVIH

Showroom Located at

HOWARD'S

1) Trustworthy, Honest. 2) Dealing with Integrity. 3) Accountable.

[[[ TMTIPMRIR] GSQ

Min. Purchase $1,500

Must Be Presented At Signing Of Contract. Not To Be Combined. Exp. 7/31/15. FAMILY FENCE 516.783.4904 L.I. Herald

Over 15 Years Experience Licensed â€˘ Insured FREE ESTIMATES

763644

763970

JIM CUCCIAS & SONS

& PVC Railings â€˘ Wood & PVC Arbors â€˘ Baby Loc

2207 Newbridge Rd. â€˘ Bellmore

Since 1962 Hardwood Floor ReďŹ nishing & Installation Laminate & Carpet Installation

www.cucciascontracting.com

150 OFF

â€˘ Iron, Aluminum

763598

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE SENIOR DISCOUNTS â€˘ FREE ESTIMATES â€˘ LIC#H2903260000/Ins.

Customed Wood PVC Chain Link Ornamental Aluminum

766609

516-414-4750

â€˘ â€˘ â€˘ â€˘

â€˘ PRUNING â€˘ REMOVALS â€˘ STUMP GRINDING â€˘ STORM DAMAGE â€˘ LAND CLEARING

763610

764007

We specialize in: Pool Installations â€˘ Pool Renovations Pool Opening/Closing â€˘ Patio Installations Driveways â€˘ Custom Waterfalls BBQ Pits â€˘ Retaining Walls

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL â€˘ INDUSTRIAL

AERIAL BUCKET AVAILABLE

767253

â€œ Your One Stop Backyard Shopâ€?

516-221-6400

â€œYour Neighborhood Fence Companyâ€? Installation & Repair

760559