Leap into spring 2017

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 6, 2017

How to get rid of invasive weeds Top tips for hiring a contractor The yard of your dreams Auto Advice

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 6, 2017

Wrestling with weeds: How to come out on top

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hether it’s a few sparse dandelions or a massive patch of crabgrass, weeds are not only unsightly — they can also negatively impact your lawn’s overall health and integrity.

“It can be tedious keeping them from your lawn entirely, but left unchecked, weeds can bring a host of other problems,” says John Ladds, operations manager at Weed Man Canada. “While it’s possible to keep on top of minor weed growth regularly, you shouldn’t hesitate to call in the pros for larger outbreaks.”

Experts say infestations occur when weeds are given the opportunity to flourish. To prevent the presence of weeds, insects or pests in your lawn, think about “crowding out.” This means growing a thick, lush lawn as one of the best defenses against weeds.

Crowding out also ensures there is little room for weeds because a rich and dense lawn offers less space for weeds to grow.

If managed properly, homeowners can crowd out weeds themselves. A disciplined lawn maintenance regimen, including proper mowing, watering

and fertilization can strengthen vulnerable areas and encourage healthy grass to grow.

For the occasional weed flareup, Ladds recommends using a weeding tool or pulling them out by hand. When weeding yourself, he recommends removing at least 10 to 15 cm of the root and disposing of all pulled material far from your lawn. If using a weeding tool, refill any holes with soil and grass seed to prevent more weeds from coming back.

Although most lawns will only

Treat yourself to the yard of your dreams

require targeted spot-treatments, larger outbreaks may necessitate a blanket application. In the case of ceaseless or widespread encroachment, make sure to call the professionals. A trusted professional will work with you to develop a sustainable approach to crowd out weed invasions permanently. Some, like Weed Man Canada, offer a free consultation and will apply the best product available in accordance with all health and safety regulations. www.newscanada.com

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re you thinking a b o u t undertaking a major landscaping project in order to transform your yard? Here are some great ideas to inspire you.

A water garden Nature lovers will love the idea of creating their very own ecosystem by constructing a beautiful water garden behind the house. A large pool, va­ rious water plants, and some fish will turn your backyard into a real paradise. Think big and add some water fountain jets and a lighting system to showcase this oasis of tranquility.

An outdoor kitchen Still haven’t found just the right place for your barbecue? Building an outdoor kitchen would certainly solve the problem. It will take some beautiful weatherproof furniture, an outdoor fridge or a couple of refrigerated drawers built into an island (which could also be used to store dishware), one or two extra

burners, some green plants for decoration, and an ice maker for the bar area. You could even purchase an outdoor heating system so you can enjoy your summer kitchen for as long as possible.

A roof deck You don’t have enough space to create the deck you’d like? Well, you’ll just have to build it on the roof — if that’s feasible, of course.

Picture yourself sitting comfortably, enjoying the scenery, the natural light, and cooling breezes. So, how will you make the most of your deck: cozy summer eve­nings with friends or just hours of outdoor relaxation?

Are you feeling inspired?

How to get rid of invasive plants

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f you try to pull up invasive plants that are taking over your flowerbeds, you may end up with a serious problem.

To your consternation and despite all your ef­ forts, the unwanted plant will probably multiply and spread uncontrollably. Thank goodness, it is possible to get rid of an invasive species using solarization, a simple gardening technique that is safe for the environment.

Like all vegetation, invasive plants need sun to live. So solarization involves cove­ ring the affected area with a thick black plastic sheet (available in hardware stores and garden centres) in order to create a sun barrier. Deprived of light and blasted by the heat that accumulates un­der the dark plastic, the plants will eventually die. However, you

do need to be patient; you’ll have to leave the plastic sheet on for at least one growing season. For particularly vigorous plants, two years of so­ larization may be necessary to eradicate them completely. If the unwanted plants grew in between perennials or other plants you want to keep, you’ll have to move or pot them until the solarization period is completed.

Spreading a thick layer of organic mulch will prevent unwelcome plants from in­vading your flowerbeds in the first place. Another good idea is to use native plants in your beds.

Indigenous species are ro­bust, well-suited to the whims of Mot­her Na­ture, insect-resistant and low maintenance. They’re also typically much less invasive than exotic plants, even though they’re just as pretty.

Time to prepare your lawn for summer with cleanup, aeration and fertilization. Let the professionals at

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 6, 2017

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We would like to thank all of our regular customers for their continued patronage and we also welcome all new customers.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 6, 2017

Lessen the load:

Does speeding really save you time?

How weight affects fuel consumption

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hink packing your vehicle with sports equipment, groceries, and duffel bags full of clothes isn’t costing you gas money? Think again. Your vehicle is like your body — the larger and heavier it is, the more energy it needs to get around.

Heavier vehicles have greater inertia and greater rolling resistance, which both contribute to increased fuel consumption. By choosing a lighter vehicle and not packing your vehicle to the brim you can raise fuel efficiency and lower your vehicle’s harmful emissions.

There’s really no reason not to choose a lighter weight vehicle. Increasingly stringent government legislation, evolving consumer preferences and new technologies have made lighter, more fuelefficient vehicles the current standard.

For every 100 kilograms of weight reduction, fuel consumption could decrease by about 0.4L/100 km for

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cars and about 0.5L/km for light trucks. For example, the difference between combined city/highway fuel consumption for the best and worst conventional gasoline, base-model minivans is about 2L/100km with a corresponding difference in curb weight of about 490 kg (note the difference in consumption is not solely due to weight). At today’s fuel cost of about $1.20/L, this translates to a savings of approximately $4,800 over 200,000 kilograms. Imagine what you could do with an extra $4,800 in your pocket.

If you’re in the market for

a new vehicle this spring, try only buying what you need and try to choose a smaller vehicle with a more fuelefficient engine. To lighten the load of the vehicle you have, only carry essentials in your trunk. Remember to update your winter emergency kit, removing items you no longer need like heavy blankets or snow boots.

Take time to do your homework before making any major decisions. There is some great information about fuel efficiency and vehicles on the Natural Resources Canada website at www.vehicles.gc.ca. www.newscanada.com

e’ve all been there — running late to work, an appointment or when picking up the kids.

Driving a little faster certainly feels like you’re doing something to get there quicker, but is that really true? Is speeding worth wasting gas just to get somewhere faster?

The short answer is no. Think of it this way — at 120 km/h, a vehicle uses about 20 per cent more fuel than at 100 km/h. On a 25-km trip, this spike in speed and fuel consumption would cut just two minutes from your travel time. For example, if it takes $10 worth of fuel to drive a certain distance at 100 km/h, it would cost $12 to travel that same distance at 120 km/h. That’s like throwing a toonie out

the window every 100 kilometres.

Safety is also a factor. Consider that high-speed driving is more dangerous because people behind the wheel have less time to respond to hazardous situations.

When it comes to fuel-efficient driving, avoiding high speeds is the most fuel-efficient and cost-efficient way to drive. Not to mention that it will help keep our roads safe, protect the earth from excessive greenhouse gas emissions and put money back in your pocket.

Find more fuel-efficient driving tips on the Natural Resources Canada website at www. vehicles.gc.ca www.newscanada.com

Rims and hubcaps: jazz up your car

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ant to improve the look of your vehicle? Read on to find out how new rims or hubcaps can give your vehicle a uni­que look.

Rims - the round metal frames on which rubber tires are posed. They are usually made of one of the following materials: • aluminum alloy (good quality/price ratio) • sheet metal (not very attractive and thus re­quires the addition of a hubcap) • composite (a blend of metals with a high-end finish)

Many manufacturers make rims with stylish de­signs, colours or finishes (matte, mirror, etc.).

If you want to add style and prestige to your car, new rims are worth the effort. Keep in mind that only a professional can install them.

Hubcaps - also called centre caps, wheel caps or wheel covers - are specifically designed to enhance the look of your car. These plastic or metal accessories can be installed in a jiffy to make your wheels look great. Much less expensive than rims, a wide variety of hubcap designs are available in stores to make your car unique.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 6, 2017

5 tips for buying a vehicle this spring

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ith winter ending and warmer weather approaching, the time is right to think about spring and summer cruising in some great wheels. If you’re in the market for a vehicle this season, there are some things you can do to make the experience interesting, rewarding and satisfying.

By analyzing your driving lifestyle, choosing the vehicle and power that’s right for you and doing your fuel consumption homework, you’ll be driving in style in no time — with money in the bank and a green mindset. Whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, check out these tips to get you started: 1. Analyze your driving needs. Where do you live? What do you do? How will you use your vehicle? How many people and things will you carry along with you? How much will you travel each day? Do you need to tow a boat to your cottage? These are just a few of the questions you can ask yourself to get a realistic idea of the size and type of vehicle you’ll need.

2. Analyze your choices. Gasoline, diesel, electric or hybrid are your basic power choices nowadays and each has its advantages depending on your driving needs. Do your research to find out which combination of pros and cons works best for you.

3. Avoid temptation. There are some thirsty, fuel-guzzling vehicles out there and they’re not all pickup trucks or large SUVs. You can find a vehicle with moderate thrills that won’t cost a bundle to fill up or maintain.

4. Think light, think small, think efficient.

Why buy a bigger, more expensive vehicle when a smaller, greener one will do? Help

www.newscanada.com protect the environment for future generations with a more fuel-efficient vehicle that produces fewer greenhouse gases.

5. Do the math. Check the EnerGuide label on the vehicle for the fuel consumption ratings.

For example, a vehicle with a fuel consumption rating of seven litres per 100km would use about half the fuel than a vehicle with a rating of 14 litres per 100km. If you’re looking to purchase a used vehicle, fuel consumption ratings are available on websites such as www.vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca.

How to discourage cats from visiting your yard

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oes it seem as though all the neighbourhood cats have turned your backyard into their very own meeting place? Are you faced with the problem of cats eating your plants or using your flowerbeds as giant litter boxes? Here are some tips that will help you keep cats away from your yard without hurting them.

• Sprinkle your garden with citrus peel or pepper, or cover the soil with a thin layer of coffee grounds or human hair. Cats don’t like these smells.

• Set up some aluminum plates that will bang together in the wind.

• Cover the soil with rough mulch, branches or small stones.

• Plant types of vegetation that cats hate, such as garlic, onion, lemon thyme, ge­­raniums or lavender.

• Install a sprinkler system with a motion detector - cats hate getting wet.

• Protect seedlings by covering them with chicken wire or a trellis.

You could also create a “cat zone.” Or­ga­nize a small corner of your yard especially for your four-legged visitors by planting some catnip well away from your flowerbeds. This perennial is easy to grow and attracts cats, who love to lick, chew and rub against it. As a last resort, you could use a repellent containing piperine and oil of black pepper, which is readily available in stores. This kind of product should be used with care, and you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

To keep cats away from your garden, plant some garlic, onions, lemon thyme, geraniums or lavender.

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Top tips for hiring a contractor

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s a homeowner, you’ll likely find yourself in need of a contractor to complete a home upgrade at some point. When that time comes, you will want to find a reliable professional with the necessary skills to bring your project to fruition. Ask the right questions and you will increase the likelihood of a worthwhile investment in your home.

“Renovations can be a significant expense and hard to reverse once completed, which is why it’s always best to do your research to bring in the right people to complete your project,” says Norm Jensen from Royal LePage Network Realty in Red Deer, Alberta.

Here are Jensen’s guidelines for choosing a contractor: 1. Ask for referrals and consult local resources. Start by asking friends and family.

Other sources include local homebuilder and renovator associations and building supply stores.

2. Ask questions. What kind of work do you specialize in? Do you offer a warranty?

How do you handle clean up? How do you schedule the work? Do you provide a contract? The answers to questions like these will help you narrow your search.

3. Consider more than just price. Pay attention to the level of trust and the quality of work you see from the contractors you

have short-listed. Make your decision on a variety of pre-determined factors, asking the same questions to all bidders. Be sure to get references and ask to see photos of the work the contractor has done for past clients.

4. Proper insurance. Both the homeowner and contractor need to have appropriate insurance. If the contractor’s crew is injured on the job or there are damages to your property or a neighbour’s property, your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover you. Be sure your contractor has insurance to avoid liability on your part.

5. Get it in writing. The final agreement between you and your contractor should always be in writing. Do not be tempted to accept cash-only jobs. A cash deal may leave you with no legal recourse if something goes wrong. www.newscanada.com

Beautiful, versatile container gardening

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ou don’t need a huge yard or a ton of fancy equipment to start indulging your green thumb. Container gardening is a simple, beginner-friendly way to grow your own fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers at home, in even the tiniest of outdoor spaces.

Who can benefit from container gardening?

The beauty of using containers to create an at-home garden is how accessible it is. Potted plants are an especially good solution for people with little or no ground space available, such as those living in apartment complexes with only a small balcony to work with. People with limited physical abilities can also benefit, as raised flowerbeds or pots on tables make gardening possible for the wheelchair-bound and people with mo­bility issues.

What to grow There is a huge selection of garden plants suited to containers. Vegetables such as to­matoes, cucumbers, eggplants, onions and peas thrive in larger pots, while a variety of herbs can be successfully grown in even the tiniest containers. It’s a great way to keep a fresh supply of kitchen staples like parsley, basil, rosemary and thyme on hand at all times. For a more decorative container garden, annuals are your best bet, as they provide colourful blooms all summer long.

Po­pular choices for potted flowers include be­gonias, marigolds, petunias and zinnias.

Get creative with your container garden. Old household objects can be recycled into uniquelooking plant homes, and your local home im­provement store is chock-full of containers that will give your garden a unique flair.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, April 6, 2017

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