M ay 2019
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Homes & Design
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MAY 2019
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With a little planning, DIY projects can be cost-effective, fun and truly rewarding to complete.
PLAN, FUND, GO
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5 tips for organizing your next DIY project If you prefer to take on your own home improvement projects instead of hiring professional craftsmen, you’re part of a growing trend. Americans are increasingly aware of the money they can save by completing their own renovations rather than paying premium prices for the work of others. And that’s reflected in sales figures; not surprisingly, the value of the DIY market rose a full 45 percent between 2012 and 2018, from $30.2 billion to $43.7 billion. With careful planning and budgeting, DIY projects can be fun, efficient and creatively satisfying while allowing you to customize your finished product to your own tastes. Is there a new DIY project in your future? If so, consider these tips for forming a workable strategy that ensures you’re prepared for every step of the process.
CREATE A WISH LIST
If you’re like most people, you have a list a mile long of the updates or fixes you’d like to make to your home. That ever-evolving wish list is one of the joys (and one of the challenges) of homeownership. Create your own list, then determine which projects you can do on your own and which ones will require
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professional help. This will give you a starting point.
PRIORITIZE THE PROJECTS
Once you have your list, you’ll need to prioritize and decide which projects come first. Take an objective look and assess “need” versus “want” to help you rank order. Improvements may be driven by plans to sell your home, host an upcoming social event or welcome a new family member. Consider all the variables. In a recent Coinstar survey, nearly 40 percent of homeowners’ DIY projects were initiated to increase the value of their home.
SET BUDGETS
Evaluate your top projects and estimate how much each one will cost. Some may be beyond your budget, some will be surprisingly affordable, and others may be achievable after you save a little money. One funding source you may not have considered is the spare change laying around your house or car. Round it up and you may be surprised how far it goes in financing your project. About half of U.S. homeowners surveyed already use spare change for DIY projects or like the idea of doing so, reports Coinstar.
Homes & Design Home Improvement
PLAN TIME AND RESOURCES
Before scheduling your DIY project, think about your free time and if your project has a deadline. To what extent are your nights and weekends open? Do you have the skills to get started on your own? Watching a YouTube video may give you that needed knowledge, or you may need the help of family or friends who can complement your skills or assist you in meeting a deadline.
GET SUPPLIES, THEN JUMP IN
Now that you’ve zeroed in on your project, identified financing and recruited helpers, you’re nearly ready to go. Next, create a supply list of the tools and materials you’ll need. To save money, check with those you know who may be willing to loan you tools or other supplies. Community groups like Nextdoor are also a great resource. When buying new, save receipts in case you purchase the wrong item, don’t like something when you get it home or buy too much. When it comes to financing, don’t forget to cash in spare change at your neighborhood Coinstar kiosk. It’s easy to use and you’ll have the option of getting cash or putting funds onto a no-fee e-gift card for retailers like Amazon.com or Home Depot. (BPT)
For advertising opportunities, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134, or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Edward Nadolski SPECIAL SECTIONS: Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff PAGE DESIGNER: Jen DeGroot
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MAY 2019
By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture. STOCK PHOTO Homes & Design
TOP 2019
outdoor living trends With busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles, outdoor living spaces offer a chance to decompress, enjoy nature and connect with friends and family. Thanks to the impressive design and quality of today’s outdoor products, these spaces often rival the convenience, comfort and design of the indoors. As the heart of the home shifts outdoors, following are some of the top trends that will dominate the outdoor living landscape.
Sustainable solutions There is a growing interest in sustainable alternatives to wood products, which contribute to deforestation and can leave a heavy carbon footprint. Composite decking offers an appealing option that outperforms wood, with greater durability, less ongoing maintenance and fewer harmful environmental impacts. Trex decking, for example, is made from 95 percent recycled and reclaimed materials, diverting more than 250 million pounds of plastic film and bags from landfills each year. Beyond decking, composite materials also can be found in today’s hottest outdoor furnishings. Manufactured from recycled milk jugs and other
polyethylene plastics, these high-performance, ontrend designs offer environmentally responsible options for comfortable, stylish outdoor living.
Cozy and clean As homeowners spend more time enjoying their outdoor living spaces, comfort is key. From plush cushions and throws to cozy pergolas, today’s outdoor spaces are designed to evoke serenity and peace. However, trend experts are quick to point out that cozy” doesn’t equal “clutter.” Clean, minimalist looks are growing in popularity, as homeowners emphasize quality over quantity. In outdoor spaces, this trend is manifesting in sleek lines, simple styles and a preference for longlasting products. On decks, this minimalist trend can be seen in the popularity of streamlined, aluminum railings. Another must-have is outdoor cabinetry such as built-in trash bins and ice chests that can be colorcoordinated to integrate seamlessly into a deck design.
Illuminated spaces From candles and tiki torches to fireplaces and integrated fixtures, outdoor lighting is another
“bright” idea that is in high demand. The right lighting can take any outdoor space from invisible to inviting – especially when it’s integrated in innovative ways to accentuate key features. Spotlights highlighting an accent wall or tread lights incorporated into a bar top are both popular options. Adding dimmable LED lighting to the railing and stairs not only adds ambiance but also enhances safety.
Decidedly DIY More homeowners than ever are feeling confident about building their own outdoor living spaces. Lighter weight deck boards such as Trex Enhance, as well as innovative, easy-to-install railing panels, have made creating a dream deck on your own easier than ever. If you are comfortable using a hammer, a power saw and a drill, you can build your own deck. Or, if you have a deck but it is showing signs of wear, you can easily resurface it in just one weekend, so long as the substructure is intact. For those ready to DIY, expert help is never more than a click away. Installation guides, instructional videos and detailed plans are readily available online. (BPT)
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STOCK PHOTO Homes & Design
There may be no such thing as a maintenance-free lawn, but choosing the right tools and techniques can make your life a lot easier.
5 TOP TIPS FOR
low-maintenance landscaping A lush lawn and garden boosts your home’s curb appeal, but it also takes a lot of your free time. You want to spend that time enjoying the space, not taking care of it. The solution? A few low-maintenance strategies to keep your yard looking great while maximizing your relaxation time.
INSTALL AN AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM
With an automatic irrigation system, you don’t even need to be home to water your lawn and garden. You can spend all that extra time kicked back on your front porch enjoying the view of a luscious green lawn. Automatic irrigation systems are also cost-effective providing water to your lawn exactly where and when it’s needed. Random dry patches or wet sidewalks and driveways will be a thing of the past.
USE HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT
When purchasing your next riding or walkbehind lawn mower, take time to make an informed decision. The engine is the most important part of the mower. Keep in mind, KOHLER engines are built to last, with many models having commercialgrade components. Additional features will help your mower to maintain engine speed in tough conditions and eliminate the need to prime or choke the engine so you can just turn the key and go.
CHOOSE PERENNIALS
Flower beds are the perfect complement to a lush, green lawn. Plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and Russian sage come back year after year and don’t need to be replanted.
FOLLOW LAWN CARE BEST PRACTICES
Save yourself the extra hassle by following basic lawn care best practices. For example, keep your grass-cutting blades sharp, avoid cutting the grass too short and mow when the grass is dry. Additionally, grasscycling - leaving grass clippings on the lawn after cutting - helps fertilize the lawn and creates less work for you. For more information, KohlerEngines.com.
STRATEGICALLY PLACED MULCH
Mulch is one of the best investments you can make in your yard. When it breaks down over time, mulch fertilizes your plants and can prevent weeds. It adds a pleasant aroma to your outdoor spaces and doesn’t require watering. (BPT)
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2019
THE LATEST ADVANCES IN HOME KITCHEN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Today’s home chefs are smart and sophisticated. They want the latest tools to simplify their lives and make their culinary dreams a reality. This year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, North America’s premier industry event, highlighted the top kitchen design innovations, including smart technology that helps the modern home chef achieve professional-level results in their own kitchen. Other top themes included sustainability and ways integrated technology can improve food and drink preservation, plus overall wellness. Here’s what we learned:
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SMARTER APPLIANCES OFFER RESTAURANT-WORTHY RESULTS All that practice and preparation won’t get the best results without professional-grade appliances offering the ultimate in culinary precision. Today’s home chefs want what professional kitchens provide, from multiple ovens to stovetop griddles and more. There’s also a rise in progressive home chefs called “Technicureans” who are socially conscious consumers who are passionate about cooking as well as technological innovation. One of the luxury kitchen appliance brands that caters to these individuals, Signature Kitchen Suite, offers an industryfirst 48-inch dual fuel pro range with built-in “sous vide” modality right on the cooktop, along with gas and induction. Its multiple cooking modalities and innovative technology earned the prestigious “Best of KBIS 2019” Gold Award. The sous-vide cooking technique has been the go-to method of the world’s best chefs for years. In sous-vide cooking, food is vacuumsealed and submerged in water, then slowcooked at a precise temperature to achieve perfect doneness, every time. “Sous-vide was the exclusive domain of top chefs for a long time,” said Mark Bittman, food author, educator and host of
the True to Food film series. “Now, there’s sous-vide in a pro range for the home.”
personal ratings, using its patented software – the first of its kind in cellar technology.”
THE NEXT GENERATION OF WINE STORAGE
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY CAN IMPROVE OVERALL WELLNESS
Wine connoisseurs and home chefs alike recognize the importance of proper wine storage. At this year’s KBIS, new 18- and 24-inch integrated column wine refrigerators captured another top award from the show – the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s inaugural “30s Choice Award.” Based on new “Wine Cave” technology these new wine refrigerators from Signature Kitchen Suite are designed to significantly reduce vibration – a major factor that can cause chemical imbalances affecting wine quality, flavor, aroma and texture – in addition to minimizing temperature fluctuations, limiting light exposure and locking in humidity. The refrigerators feature the True Sommelier app, powered by Wine Ring, helping wine collectors manage their personal cellars in a truly modern way. “There are a million wines in the world, so which ones should be in your wine cellar and which should accompany your dinner with friends tonight?” asked Pam Dillon, CEO and co-founder of Wine Ring. “Wine Ring makes recommendations based on your
“We’re continuing to see a convergence of technologies and design trends come together in the kitchen,” said Brian Pagel, senior vice president, Emerald Expositions/National Kitchen and Bath Association, producers of the annual KBIS show. “High-end cooking is of growing interest to consumers, and that will only continue.” In fact, leading appliance manufacturers now offer a variety of smart cooking platform integrations, including Innit, SideChef, Tovala and Drop, illustrating an emphasis on effortless meal preparation whether it’s step-by-step guided cooking or automated precision cooking programs proposing better nutrition. “Home chefs can now customize meals that fit their lifestyles and dietary preferences, all at their fingertips,” said Kevin Brown, CEO and co-founder of Innit. “Paired with the culinary precision of their appliances, we work to elevate the at-home meal prep and cooking experience.”
(BPT)
In today’s kitchens, luxury and intuitive smart technology merge to produce new capabilities that were once limited to the pros, proving that better cooking is possible through better thinking. STOCK PHOTO Homes & Design
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How to add a bathroom in an
HOMES & DESIGN
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‘IMPOSSIBLE’ SPACE
When it comes to real estate, kitchens and bathrooms typically sell houses. While you may not have enough money for a kitchen remodel, adding a bathroom can be a more affordable way to enhance your property and catch buyers’ attention. By adding another bathroom, you immediately increase your chances of your home getting noticed. Technology makes it simple for buyers to search properties of interest by their designated criteria. One of those is “minimum number of bathrooms.” By adding to that amount in your listing, you’ll be getting in front of that many more potential buyers.
Adding bathrooms to difficult spaces Bathrooms increase a home’s value and add to its functionality – both elements that buyers desire. Homeowners researching opportunities to add a bathroom to their property presale consider enhancing basements, garage slabs and other spaces so contractors can add plumbing systems with conventional in-floor drainage. If you have a space that would be ideal for a bathroom but appears to be
impossible due to the need to break through concrete or other types of flooring, there’s another solution to consider: above-floor, macerating plumbing systems. Developed a half century ago in Europe, these systems are still relatively unknown in the United States; however, they offer a vast opportunity for homeowners. Macerating systems from makers like Saniflo (Saniflo.com) reduce waste and paper from the toilet and send it under high pressure through piping directly into the septic or sewer system. No waste is stored, and the systems are low-cost compared to traditional plumbing. Systems are discreet, quiet and open the possibilities of affordable additions in less time. Here are five “impossible” home improvement scenarios where above-floor plumbing may be the solution:
Main floor on-slab construction Owners of slab-built homes may hesitate to cut into the concrete foundation to accommodate conventional plumbing. No matter how careful a contractor is when cutting into concrete, problems can
arise - from unexpected obstructions to poor-fitting patches and even stress cracks. Above-floor plumbing systems eliminate the need to cut into the slab, so integrity isn’t compromised.
bathroom.
Raised homes
If your home is built with a basement, bathroom additions can be problematic due to concrete and existing plumbing limitations. Above-floor, macerating plumbing is a smart solution for fast, costeffective bathroom additions in lower-level rooms.
Bayou and beach towns often boast charming raised homes. Adding a bathroom to the lowest floor of a raised home can be problematic; conventional plumbing pipes may detract from the aesthetic value of the space beneath the home, which is often used for car ports, porches and decks. Above-floor plumbing eliminates the need for unsightly pipes, so you can make a great first impression to potential buyers.
Historic homes
Warehouse rehabs
Opening walls or floors to accommodate piping may jeopardize important historic elements, such as original wood flooring or plaster walls. Systems like Saniflo’s macerating toilet and plumbing technology eliminate the need to cut through a floor to install new drainage, while minimizing the impact on walls as well. The system also fits easily into small areas like a closet or the dead space behind a stairway, meaning homeowners don’t have to compromise the flow of their historic homes to add a
In cities across the country, warehouses have found new life as condos and apartments. But heavy brick construction can make adding traditional plumbing difficult. Above-floor plumbing eliminates the need to cut into or remove bricks, and allows renovators to install attractive, cozy bathrooms in smaller spaces. Imagine how upgrading a one-bath condo to a property with two bathrooms will enhance resale.
Basements
(BPT)
If you’re preparing your home for the real estate market, you want it to stand out. An extra bathroom can help you do that and attract high bids from buyers.
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MAY 2019
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MAY 2019
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Get ready – Early spring
g n i p a c s d lan
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During the cold months of winter, many people stare longingly out of the window dreaming of spring and time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams. Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow and employ these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season.
Kill weeds One of the first steps is to apply a preemergent weed killer to get a head start knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season. Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and summer, and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year.
Don’t rush While it may be tempting to take a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and
purchase a bunch of annuals, it’s better to know the last of the possible frost dates (check “The Farmer’s Almanac”); otherwise, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day.
Ready the soil Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency – just crumbling when lifting it. Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can harden, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak with representatives at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in your particular area to enrich it.
Fix lawn Lawn and garden experts at The Home Depot suggest filling in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a few shovelfuls of soil with grass seed. Then apply this patch to the bare areas, water, and continue to care for the area until the spot fills in.
Clean up
Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment. Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed. Give outdoor entertaining spaces a good scrubbing, clearing away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the winter. Use a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves.
Inspect woodwork Check if the front porch, railings or decking need painting and/or staining. Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days.
Plan ahead Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape this year that will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials. Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is cohesive. (METRO CREATIVE)
TO BASICS BACK The importance of real grass
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MAY 2019
Well-maintained outdoor spaces increase curb appeal and can bolster property values. They inspire kids’ imaginations and support healthy play. They make a homegrown neighborhood hangout, ideal for spending time together. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking for ways to improve your lawn maintenance skills, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) is sharing the benefits of real grass, and why you should grow some, too:
HEALTHY KIDS NEED HEALTHY OUTDOOR SPACES TO PLAY Nothing brings loved ones together like a grass yard. Your yard and the green spaces around your home are an invaluable extension of playtime, exploration and memory making.
See BACK TO BASICS, Page 14
Real grass spaces provide a blank slate of possibility. A place to escape screen time, play with loved ones and enjoy time together outside. Visit www. debugthemyths.com to learn more and join the conversation. STOCK PHOTO Homes & Design
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KNOW YOUR OPTIONS WHEN CONSIDERING A HOME LOAN By Rebecca Swick
V.P. AND MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER AT DURAND STATE BANK
When considering your options for purchasing a home, all the various types of mortgages can be overwhelming. We are bombarded every day with offers and details about home loans on TV, in advertisements, in social media and online. While you may qualify for multiple mortgage programs, one of the best ways to sort through the finer details of home lending is to work with a reputable mortgage professional. They can explain your options and make informed recommendations.
There are common programs like FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Affairs), and Conventional home loans. Another program, sometimes overlooked, is the USDA Rural Development Program. The Rural Development program is especially important for many in this readership as it works well in rural communities. There are certain restrictions on property locations, but Durand and the surrounding communities often qualify. There are also limits on your income. Your mortgage professional can go over these details with you. One of the highlights of this program
to many borrowers is that it offers 100% financing. What’s more is that a low annual fee replaces expensive mortgage insurance while maintaining competitive 30-year, fixed rates. Any potential buyer may qualify, not just for first-time buyers. Another big advantage of Rural Development loans is its lower credit restrictions. A score of 620 or higher may qualify. Bankruptcies and foreclosures may not necessarily disqualify you, either. No cash reserves are required. Furthermore, up to 101% of the appraised value can be borrowed, including the 1% Rural Development fee.
Sellers may pay closing costs (up to 6% of the purchase price). This program may work for both existing and new construction homes. There are a lot of advantages to the Rural Development program - as well as its own unique set of restrictions. To see if this program is a good fit for you, and to see if you qualify, ask your mortgage professional. For more information on Rural Development Loans; other mortgage programs; and your qualifications, contact Rebecca Swick at Durand State Bank (815) 248-2101 or rswick@durandstatebank. com.
How color can affect your garden Flower gardens can add color and awe-inspiring appeal to a property. The National Gardening Association notes that gardeners can find nearly every color of the spectrum in flowering perennials. So whether you prefer soft pink, are partial to bright red or want to relax in a garden and gaze at something deep blue, chances are you’ll find a perennial to tickle your fancy. The NGA offers the following breakdown of colors to help gardeners learn how their gardens can set the mood they’re looking for.
BRIGHT COLORS A garden full of bright colors like red, orange, magenta, and yellow can provide a landscape with vigor and energy. The NGA notes that brightly colored flowers can withstand especially bright sunshine,
meaning gardeners can marvel at their appearance even when the sun might be adversely affecting other plants and flowers.
PASTEL COLORS Pastels, which include soft pink, powder blue, lavender, and peach, create a tranquil feeling in a garden. This makes pastel perfect for those who want their gardens to be a relaxing, peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The NGA notes that pastels may looked washed out in the midday sun, so they might be best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
are opposite one another on the color wheel. Orange and blue are examples of complementary colors. According to the NGA, complementary colors can add creative energy and vitality to a garden.
HARMONIOUS COLORS These colors are those that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as orange and red. The NGA recommends harmonious colors for gardeners looking to create a unifying feel in their gardens without resorting to a monochromatic color scheme. Harmonious colors give off a gentle feeling that can make for a relaxing garden atmosphere.
COMPLEMENTARY COLORS
MONOCHROMATIC COLORS
Complementary colors are those that
Monochromatic gardens can be awe-
inspiring even though they stick to a single color and don’t provide an array of awe-inspiring colors. The NGA notes that gardeners with monochromatic gardens make them interesting by using plants of various sizes and shapes. To learn more about the effects of color on a garden, visit the National Gardening Association website at www.garden.org.
(METRO CREATIVE)
When planting a garden, gardeners can choose whichever color scheme they prefer. STOCK PHOTO Homes & Design
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2019
HOW TO CONTROL CRABGRASS BEFORE IT APPEARS
Homeowners who enjoy tending to their lawns know that grass is vulnerable to a host of problems, many of which appear at a time of year when lawn enthusiasts want to showcase the fruits of their lawn-and-garden labors. Crabgrass is a common problem that appears in summer. According to Lowes, crabgrass plants produce thousands of seeds between midsummer and early fall. While the first frosts of late-fall or early winter kill the crabgrass plants, the seeds produced by the plants remain dormant throughout winter and then begin to grow as the ground temperature warms up with the spring and summer thaw. As a result, controlling germination, which is the development of a plant from a seed or spore after a period of dormancy, is the key to preventing crabgrass from becoming an unsightly blemish that can harm your lawn in summer. A proactive approach to crabgrass can save homeowners the headaches of dealing with this unwanted guest taking over their grass. The following tips, courtesy of Lowes,
can help homeowners reduce the likelihood of their lawns being overcome by crabgrass as summer hits full swing. • Recognize that routine lawn maintenance may not be enough. Even lawns that receive sufficient TLC can fall victim to crabgrass. A proactive, crabgrassspecific approach to lawn maintenance is the most effective way to control the problem before it pops up. • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Preemergent herbicides kill crabgrass seedlings as they germinate. While these herbicides are highly effective, they must be applied at precisely the right time. The right time to apply them depends on weather patterns. For example, Lowes notes that homeowners who live in regions that might have experienced warmer than usual winters will probably need to apply the herbicides earlier than usual. While the manufacturer instructions should always be followed when applying herbicides, it’s essential that homeowners take weather patterns into consideration as well. • Wait until the ground temperature rises above 60 F. Applying herbicides when the
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ground temperature is below 60 F might render the products ineffective. Gauging soil temperature can be tricky, but Lowes advises monitoring shrubs and trees on the property. Once shrubs begin to bloom and trees bud, herbicide can be applied. • Wait when treating newly seeded lawns. Pre-emergent herbicides might kill new grass seedlings, so homeowners with newly seeded lawns should wait until they have mowed their lawns three times before
• Back to Basics
applying an herbicide. • Emphasize uniform application. If an herbicide is not applied uniformly across the lawn, crabgrass can establish itself and ultimately spread to the rest of the lawn. • Do not thatch or aerate after applying a herbicide. Thatching or aerating a lawn after applying an herbicide might break the product’s chemical barrier, thereby rendering it ineffective. (METRO CREATIVE)
(Continued from page 12)
According to the USDA, kids and teens should be active for at least one hour every day. When kids get out and play, they not only spend valuable time together, but research shows physically active children achieve 40 percent higher test scores.
REAL GRASS PLACES TO PLAY BOOST PROPERTY VALUES Real grass yards make a great first impression for home buyers and are often a differentiating factor from other homes. Beyond curb appeal, a well-kept lawn transforms your backyard into a neighborhood hangout and an invitation for families to enjoy the outdoors. Desirable public parks and other recreational spaces can boost property values of nearby homes by 8-20 percent.
GRASS KEEPS IT COOL WHEN TEMPERATURES GET HOT Real grass makes for the coolest yard on the block, literally! Whether you’re throwing the Frisbee with your neighbors, playing fetch with your furry friend or kicking the soccer ball with the kids, real grass is an always-cool surface to run and play on, especially when summer temperatures rise above 85 degrees.
A WELL-MAINTAINED LAWN IS A POINT OF PRIDE
Green, trimmed and weed-free lawns create homeowner pride. While maintaining a clean-cut lawn may seem like a lot of time and effort, we’ve simplified upkeep into three easy-tofollow steps. • Prevent. The best way to manage lawn care issues is to stop them before they start. Take a proactive approach to caring for areas of your yard that could invite problems. • Find. Before you choose a lawn care game-plan, make sure you understand common problems. For example, do you have brown or dead patches on your lawn? Certain grass varieties may require specific upkeep. Once you understand your grass type, you can grow a healthy lawn and troubleshoot lawn and disease problems. • Solve. This step depends on the problem you’re trying to solve. Are grubs eating your roots? Is a weed out-competing your grass? Adopt a combination of solutions that aligns with your time, expertise and situation to achieve success. Visit www.debugthemyths.com to learn more and join the conversation. (BPT)
MAY 2019
HOMES & DESIGN
Page 15
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2019
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