Home & Garden Fall 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

A special supplement to The Daily Republic & ADvisor

PROPER

TREE PRUNING

USES FOR

FALLEN LEAVES

HOW TO

PROTECT YOUR DECK

HOW TO

PIPE PROTECTION

Fall Home & Garden

2

September 2019

Autumn is a prime time to tend lawns and gardens A

utumn is gardening season. That statement may not seem right to those who think of the spring as the peak time to care for lawns and gardens. However, autumn is an ideal time to get into the garden and ensure that flowers, trees and garden beds will over-winter successfully.

A number of things make autumn a prime gardening season. The cooler days of fall enable gardeners to spend ample time outdoors without the threat of blazing heat. In addition, soil harbors a lot of residual warmth in autumn. Also, the colder temperatures haven’t yet arrived in autumn, nor have the leaves completely fallen, making fall a prime time to assess what’s already in the landscape, what needs pruning back and where to address planting for next year.

AUTUMN GARDENS: Page 3

What’s Inside:

Autumn Gardens...............................................................................2 Winter “GREEN”...............................................................................4 Tree Pruning......................................................................................5 Fall Lawn Care..................................................................................6 Frozen Pipes......................................................................................7 Local Businesses Offer Help Post Flood.......................................8 Fallen Leaves Usage.......................................................................11 Protect Your Deck........................................................................... 12 Doorstep Stand Out....................................................................... 13 Winter Fireplace............................................................................. 14

Layout Credits:

Cover and page design: Jen Phillips • Section editor: Luke Hagen Contributors: Daily Republic Staff

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Fall Home & Garden 3

September 2019

AUTUMN GARDENS From Page 2

Gardening enthusiasts can focus their attention on these areas this fall.

PAMPER PERENNIALS. As annuals and perennials start to fall back, mark the spots where perennials are located so they can be easily identified later on. This way, when planning spots for spring bulbs or other spring layouts for next year, perennials won’t be overlooked or covered over.

PRUNE SHRUBS. Look at shrubs and trees and cut out dead or diseased wood.

CLEAN UP BORDERS. Weed and tidy up borders and lawn edging.

INSTALL PAVERS OR ROCK WALL. Embrace the cooler temperatures to work on labor-intensive projects, such as putting in a garden bed, retaining wall or walkway.

REMOVE SPENT SUMMER VEGGIES. Take out vegetable garden plants that have already bloomed and borne fruit. Tidy up vegetable gardens and start to sow cooler weather plants, such as onions, garlic, beans, and sweet peas.

RAKE AND COMPOST. Rake the leaves and gather grass clippings to add to the compost pile.

PLANT SPRING BULBS. Get tulips and other spring bulbs ready for planting so they’ll burst with color next year.

DIG UP HERBS. Relocate herbs like parsley or basil to indoor gardens. Otherwise, strip all leaves and freeze for storage during winter.

CONSIDER MUMS. Chrysanthemum plants are perennials. While they look beautiful in pots, if planted, maintained and winterized, they can bloom every fall.

FERTILIZE THE LAWN. Fertilizing in autumn helps ensure grass will stay healthy throughout the winter.

ADD MULCH AND COMPOST TO THE GARDEN. Replenish spent soil with mulch and compost so garden beds will be revitalized for spring planting.

PRUNE HEDGES. Tidy up hedges, as they won’t be growing much more this year.

CLEAN AND STORE EQUIPMENT. Clean, sharpen and oil all equipment, storing lawn and garden tools properly so they are ready for spring and not lying out all winter.

Autumn may not seem like gardening season, but there are plenty of lawn and garden tasks to tend to during this time of year.

— Source: Metro Creative

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Fall Home & Garden

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September 2019

Keep on going ‘green’ this winter

E

ach season presents its own unique set of challenges.

From summer heat waves to spring rainstorms to snowfall in winter, the planet throws a lot at its inhabitants.

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is often simple. But sometimes the weather can make it hard to maintain a commitment to going green. Winter weather can be particularly challenging, as it can be hard to sacrifice convenience and comfort in the face of harsh weather. But there are ways to stay true to your eco-friendly roots even when winter weather is at its most unpleasant.

deliver valuable nutrients to your garden.

After each fire, collect the ashes rather than sweeping them up and discarding them. Then add the collected ashes to your compost pile when the weather permits.

INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT. If you don’t already have one, install a programmable thermostat in your home. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that homeowners can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs by turning their thermostats back 7° to 10° F for eight hours per day. Set the thermostat to drop 10° F when the family leaves for work and/or SAVE YOUR FIREPLACE ASHES. school in the morning, programming it to If your home has a fireplace that you like return to a more comfortable level when to cozy up next to in winter, you can make the family returns home at night. This great use of the ashes left behind when the saves you from sitting in a cold home while fire goes out. According to the United States also saving you money by making sure you Environmental Protection Agency, ashes are not paying to heat an empty house. from wood-burning fireplaces can be added to compost heaps. Once added, these ashes help to create a soil amendment that can GREEN WINTER: Page 5

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September 2019

GREEN WINTER From Page 4

HOME HEATING SYSTEM INSPECTED BEFORE WINTER HITS FULL SWING. Home heating systems, including boilers and furnaces, should be inspected by a professional each year, ideally before the arrival of winter. Heating systems that are not operating at peak efficiency will cost homeowners money and waste energy. If you notice yourself frequently increasing the temperature on your thermostat just to keep your home warm and comfortable, call a local HVAC professional to inspect the system. Scheduling such an appointment prior to the arrival of winter can save you the cost and discomfort of living with an inefficient system.

CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC SNOWBLOWER. Many homeowners now

use snowblowers instead of shovels to remove snow from their properties. While snow shovels are the most eco-friendly snow removal tool, even the most ecoconscious homeowners recognize how snowblowers make snow removal easy and more efficient. But gas-powered snowblowers consume substantial amounts of fuel. If you must use a snowblower, choose an electric one instead of one powered by gas. Even though electric snowblowers consume electricity, the EPA notes that such products leave a smaller carbon footprint than gas-powered snowblowers because they do not emit greenhouse gases.

Harsh winter weather can make it challenging to live in an eco-friendly way.

But there are many ways to withstand winter and do so in a way that does not hurt the planet.

— Source: Metro Creative

Your guide to proper tree pruning

T

rees may require pruning for a variety of reasons. Storms may have damaged branches, necessitating a pruning. In other instances, trees may have outgrown their yards, overpowering the landscape.

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

Trimming and pruning can be handled by do-it-yourselfers if the branches are smaller and more manageable. Practice on thinner branches before moving on to thicker ones, which may require extra help. Branches may be heavy, and it takes a guided hand to ensure the branches fall in a safe manner so they do not cause damage or injury.

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Fall lawn care tips

S

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

Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn.

Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues.

into winter, lower the blades so the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than onethird. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to reach the grass in the months ahead.

Remove leaves as they fall. Much like apple-picking and foliage, raking leaves is synonymous with fall. Some homeowners may wait to pick up a rake until all of the trees on their properties are bare.

However, allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of sunlight and oxygen. The result Keep mowing, but adjust how is dead grass and possibly even you mow. It’s important that fungal disease. Leaves may not homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions LAWN TIPS: Page 7

September 2019

From Page 5

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

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

According to Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the radio program “Today’s Homeowner,” larger limbs may require three cuts instead of one.

The first cut is a small notch in the bottom of the limb, around two to three feet from the trunk and about one-quarter of the way through.

This helps prevent the bark from splitting. A relief cut is then made a few inches away from the notch cut, and goes all the way through. This removes the weight of the branch so that the final cut can be made without the branch splitting and falling. The final cut is made right where the limb extrudes from the branch collar, or the swollen bump that then forms into the tree limb.

Follow the slant of the branch collar

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

When deciding how much to prune, less is usually more. All pruning can put some level of stress on the tree and increase its vulnerability to disease and insect infestation. A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than 25 percent of the crown.

According to experts at TreeHelp. com, living branches should comprise at least two-thirds the height of the tree. In some instances, the rules may need to be bent if trees are interfering with utility lines or to meet community laws. However, always prune minimally to avoid damaging the tree.

The right tools also make the job safer and easier. Use a pole pruner and lopper, rope saws, folding pruner, and a bucksaw. A chainsaw can be used in some instances, especially when pruning larger limbs. Always disinfect pruning tools after you’re done to prevent the spread of disease to other trees.

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

— Source: Metro Creative

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Fall Home & Garden 7

September 2019

spots. Lawn repair mixes like Scotts’ PatchMaster contain mulch, seed and fertilizer to repair bald spots, From Page 6 which can begin to recover in as need to be raked every day, but little as seven days. Before applying homeowners should periodically rake such products, remove dead grass and remove leaves from their grass, and loosen the top few inches of soil. even if there are plenty left to fall still Follow any additional manufacturer hanging on the trees. instructions as well.

LAWN TIPS

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

successfully aerate their own turf, it’s best to first have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send their samples to a lab for further testing.

Aerate the turf. Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery Fall lawn care provides a great of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. While many homeowners, and reason to spend some time in the particularly those who take pride yard before the arrival of winter.

— Source: Metro Creative in tending to their own lawns, can

PROTECT PIPES FROM FREEZING THIS WINTER F

reezing pipes are a concern for homeowners who live in cold climates. When

results can be extensive and costly.

Any pipe can freeze, but those that are directly exposed to the cold are the temperatures dip below freezing, most vulnerable. These include pipes the risk that pipes will freeze rises. that feed outdoor hoses, swimming Should a pipe burst, the damage that pool supply lines, pipes in unheated

to contain it — including pipes.

To avoid serious damage, homeowners need to prepare for the arrival of colder weather and be smart about how they protect pipes.

DRAIN WATER FROM SWIMMING POOLS AND WATER SPRINKLER indoor rooms (i.e., basements or SUPPLY LINES PRIOR TO THE garages), and any pipes that run ONSET OF COLD WEATHER. Drain close to the outdoors through water before freezing temperatures uninsulated walls. Water expands as arrive, and don’t forget to drain it freezes, and that expansion can place pressure on whatever is trying FROZEN PIPES: Page 10

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September 2019

Interior design businesses provide vital services to homeowners dealing with water damages post flood

By Sam Fosness The Daily Republic

I

Sam Fosness / Republic

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n the aftermath of the mid-September flooding that struck Mitchell and much of eastern South Dakota, water damage has led to many local residences and homeowners scrambling to repair their home’s interior.

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“We’ve seen a very large spike in homeowners looking for interior work to be done since the flooding occurred,” said Mitch Elfstrand, co-owner of Floor to Ceiling. “It’s been tough with the shortage of available installers, but we are helping everyone we can.”

FLOOD HELP: Page 9

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Fall Home & Garden 9

September 2019

FLOOD HELP From Page 8

Looking for ways to provide additional help for homeowners in a time of need, Floor to Ceiling began reducing its prices for customers seeking interior and flooring services to as low as 20 percent off.

Elfstrand said Floor to Ceiling utilizes subcontractors to go into the areas of the homes where the most water damage occurred. To no surprise, Elfstrand said basements are where the water damage is most prevalent.

“A lot of what is happening now is the replacement of existing interior areas such as flooded basements, and here in house we do everything from helping the customers pick out the best carpet, paint and hard surface flooring,” Elfstrand said, noting the installation of the products is the next step of the process. “We also lineup all of the subcontractors for the installation, and they can only do as much as they can during this time.”

Aside from keeping up with the

increased volume of customers needing interior work complete, Elfstrand said homeowners should begin drying out their basements or water damaged areas as soon as possible.

Elfstrand emphasized the importance of residents drying out the damp areas in their homes, as he said it can create health hazardous mold growth and bacteria if it sits long enough. He said any interior areas of the home that are steeped in water for over 72-hours will almost automatically require replacement, noting floors and walls as the most common areas.

Factoring in how much of the interior work involves flooring replacement, Elfstrand said the discounted rates solely apply to in-stock flooring products.

“While we offer water resistant flooring, it’s not waterproof. And mold can still grow under the floor, especially in wet damp, dark places like basements,” Elfstrand said. “It’s ideal for customers to have the carpet cleaning and restoration companies attend to the areas of where we will install, so that way there isn’t any mold and bacteria hiding before the

Sam Fosness / Republic

Emily Earls, right, of Floor to Ceiling, helps transport paint for Bret Stahl, left, of Stahl’s Painting, in mid-September following the severe flooding Mitchell recently experienced. new carpet, flooring and walls are installed.”

Another local interior design company that’s been offering vital services throughout the flooding is Chuck’s Paint and Blinds. According to Mike Fox owner of Chuck’s Paint and Blinds, there are some new paint

products designed to help resist water.

“We offer some water-stain primer to help with water damage, and that really helps. If there is a small area that’s been damaged, you can use a water-stain primer to repaint in those areas,” Fox said.

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Fall Home & Garden

September 2019

inside your home does not drop below 55 F; otherwise, problems can arise. Use a From Page 7 programmable thermostat to keep the house outdoor garden hoses and store them inside comfortable even when you are not home. after watering season has come and gone.

Individuals who are traveling should set the thermostat so that it will keep the home at the CLOSE INDOOR WATER VALVES THAT recommended temperature to avoid frozen FEED OUTDOOR SPIGOTS/BIBS. Open the pipes. spigot outside to allow water to drain out.

Keep the outside valve open so that any water OPEN ONE FAUCET. When it is very cold that has accumulated will continue to drain outside, particularly at night, let water slowly and expand outward without damaging the drip from one faucet to prevent freezing. pipe. An insulated bib dome also can help Choose the sink that is furthest from where prevent frozen pipes. water enters the house so water is flowing

FROZEN PIPES

through all of the pipes to reach that faucet.

OPEN CABINET DOORS TO ALLOW HEAT TO REACH PIPES INSIDE OF CABINETS. Keep the doors open to spaces that may not be heated or insulated as well as other areas of the home so that heat can find its way inside. Consider wrapping these pipes with an insulating material as well, such as heat tape or pipe sleeves.

MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE. Ensure the temperature

INCREASE INSULATION AROUND WHERE PIPES ENTER THE HOUSE. Use insulating foam to seal any drafts where pipes enter the house from the outdoors.

Frozen pipes cannot always be avoided.

Therefore, it is important that everyone in the household knows how to shut off the main water valve in the event a pipe bursts. This can prevent expensive damage to a home.

— Source: Metro Creative

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September 2019

Fall Home & Garden 11

uses for fallen leaves

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

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

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

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

3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed. According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them.

4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow.

5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement.

Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight.

6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages. They can act as added insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed

around planting containers to protect them from frost.

7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect.

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

— Source: Metro Creative 001711855r1

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September 2019

PREPARE YOUR DECK FOR WINTER

H

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

Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits.

Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the temperatures climb and the sun sets well into the evening. But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather.

so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck.

CLEAR THE DECK OF POTTED PLANTS. Even homeowners who intend to use their decks in winter should remove potted plants from the deck in the fall. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped between deck INSPECT THE DECK FOR PROBLEMS. boards and plastic, Decks tend to be used more often in wood or ceramic summer than any other time of year. containers in cold weather, and That makes fall and early winter an that can contribute to mildew, ideal time to inspect for wear and discoloration or decay. tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout STORE UNNECESSARY FURNITURE. the summer. Damaged boards and Homeowners who like to sit on loose handrails should be fixed their decks in winter will no doubt before winter arrives, especially for want to leave some furniture out homeowners who plan to use their over the winter. But those with lots decks in winter. Fixing such issues in of furniture for entertaining guests winter and even into spring may be can likely move the majority of that difficult thanks to harsh conditions, furniture into a garage or shed for the

winter. HGTV notes that doing so will prevent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from inconsistent weathering.

the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck.

Homeowners who take steps REMOVE SNOW, BUT DO SO to protect their decks throughout CAREFULLY. Prolonged contact with the winter months can ensure snow and ice can damage a deck.

As a result, homeowners should these popular areas are ready once clear snow from their decks when entertaining season returns in the accumulation is significant. HGTV spring.

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Fall Home & Garden 13

September 2019

Quick and simple ways to make a front door stand out

V

isitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway.

Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says

VCH-173

certain colors stand out as favorites.

These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway.

Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers.

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Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.

Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.

Add architectural details. Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

FALL INTO YOUR DREAM HOME! VCH-174

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VCH-172

On display in Mitchell

On display in Huron

Check out our Mitchell Development SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD

2 mi. S. 1/2 W. of Walmart in Mitchell 2-5 acre lots

MODEL HOMES AVAILABLE IN MADISON TO VIEW 7 DAYS A WEEK!

PLANT TOURS AVAILABLE

SPEC HOMES READY FOR A FOUNDATION

Custom Touch Homes 411 SE 12th St., Madison, SD 605-256-9485 Quality Homes LLC 1525 W. Elm Ave., Mitchell, SD 605-995-6215

www.customtouchhomes.com

LLC

•CUSTOM BUILT •ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED •ANDERSEN® WINDOWS •SPRAY FOAM INSULATION • TURN KEY PRICING AVAILABLE FOR ALL HOMES!

“Andersen” and the AW logo are registered trademarks of Andersen Corporation.

Fall Home & Garden

14

September 2019

Tips before your first fire this winter A

warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather.

Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces. After a lengthy period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye.

Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last used.

The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year.

A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as

they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. which will examine the soundness of the chimney If not, a service technician can help fix or replace structure and flue as well as the basic appliance the damper.

Firewood is another thing homeowners must installation and connections. Technicians also will consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not wellseasoned will produce more smoke than heat.

In addition, the home improvement resource This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months.

Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace experience.

Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases. Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a creosote-related chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney.

Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and homeowners should consider a host of factors and combustible deposits.

Homeowners also should inspect their chimney safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe dampers before lighting their first fires of the and ready for the season ahead.

THE MORE YOU BUY THE MORE YOU SAVE!

Add flair to your landscaping with ornamental grasses, perennials and shrubs.

Sale on all plant material (trees, shrubs, perennials).

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Sale starts Sept 24 and ends Oct 5th.

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outside.

blinds | shades | shutters | draperies | bedding | top treatments | motorization | commercial

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gotchacovered.com/easternsd

Use our PlantFinder tool to find the ideal plants for your landscaping and garden projects!

600 W Spruce St Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-4, Sun Closed jamesvalleylandscape.com

(605) 996-8444

Fall Home & Garden 15

September 2019

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Colder Weather is Approaching…

Be sure to get your radiant boiler heating system Congratulations from Congratulations from checked/serviced.

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Fall Home & Garden

16

THE

THIS EVENT RUNS SEPT. 26-28

September 2019

THUNE’S HOME APPLIANCE CENTER

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www.thunestruevalue.com thunehdw@mitchelltelecom.net and like us on Facebook