2021 Spring Home and Garden

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THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

2021 SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

THE SUMTER ITEM

Spring HOME AND

GARDEN

Simple ways to reduce risk of disease in your garden

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B3 Shade trees that can make yards more comfortable B4 Average timelines for popular renovations

Stay safe when working in the yard this spring and summer

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Plus more tips and advice inside!

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THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

2021 SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

THE SUMTER ITEM

Simple ways to reduce risk of disease in your garden 5 tricks to know when you get planting No garden is immune to disease. Even the most attentive, experienced gardeners have had to confront disease in their gardens, which can lead to significant damage and potentially kill plants.

Various bacterial, fungal and viral diseases can affect gardens, and the University of Maryland Extension notes that fungicides, which are chemicals that destroy fungus, are only rarely recommended to combat disease. In fact, a proactive approach rooted in prevention is often the most effective way to reduce risk for disease in gardens.

• Choose the right varieties of plant: The UME notes

that choosing disease-resistant varieties is an effective way to prevent disease in gardens. Gardeners who have confronted disease in their gardens in the past should do their best to identify which diseases were present and then choose plants that are considered resistant to those diseases. A local garden center professional can help gardeners who are uncertain about what to plant.

• Plant in the right spots:

The choice of where to plant is significant. Avoid wet areas with insufficient drainage. The home renovation experts at HGTV note that wet soil can decrease plants’ chances for survival because of excess

water and a lack of oxygen.

If the only spots available for planting tend to be especially wet, consider planting in raised beds or having a French drain installed.

Learn how much light plants need prior to planting them. Some can thrive in shady areas, while others require ample sunlight each day.

• Plant at the right time:

Planting too early when the soil is not yet warm enough can make plants vulnerable to disease by weakening their ability to fight. Use a soil thermometer to determine soil temperature and only plant when the conditions for planting are ideal.

• Harvest on time: When planting vegetables, it’s im-

perative that the vegetables are harvested on time. The University of Georgia Extension notes that fully mature vegetables left on the plant attract disease and are vulnerable to insect infestations.

• Control insect infestations: Certain insects can

spread disease, so it’s important that gardeners learn to recognize which insects pose a threat to their plants. Speak with a local gardening center about invasive insects and how to address infestations without harming the plant.

As the planting season approaches, gardeners can take various steps to make their plants and vegetables less vulnerable to disease.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

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GARDENING

DID YOU KNOW? Contractor and entrepreneur Alberto Mordoki speaks out on recent trends in home improvement and design

BY ACCESSWIRE Fullerton, Ca. -- California-based contractor and entrepreneur Alberto Mordoki was recently featured in an article on TopDreamer. He was asked to provide his insight into recent trends in home improvement and design.

Mordoki runs his own construction company alongside his wife, Mirella Mordoki, and his son and daughter.

For the TopDreamer article, Mordoki identified the top five trends in home improvement and design for 2020. The first trend was upgrading the workspace.

Mordoki noted that with so many people being forced to work from home, it led to a major increase in demand for workspace renovations.

He went on to say that he saw many extra bedrooms or spaces being turned into offices, as well as empty land on properties being transformed into office spaces.

The second home improvement trend Mordoki described was kitchen makeovers. He said that more people working remotely has led to more people cooking their meals at home. In turn, it has made people want to redesign their kitchens to be more functional, have more storage space and be more visually appealing.

Further, Mordoki claimed that one popular home improvement and design trend from the past year has been a renewed focus on the out-

The average timelines for popular

s n o i t a v o n re

Home renovation projects are significant undertakings. Working with skilled and experienced contractors can ensure projects go smoothly and are completed promptly.

Timing is a big consideration for homeowners as

they begin renovating their homes, and the home improvement experts at HomeAdvisor note that the following are some general timelines for popular renovation projects.

• Home addition: Short of a full-scale demolition

doors.

“Homeowners have more of an opportunity to get fresh air. And since throughout the pandemic many people have been told not to leave their homes, what better place to do that than their own backyard?”

Mordoki said.

The final trend that Mordoki discussed was bathrooms. He said that bathrooms are always a popular home improvement trend, and now more than everthey are being seen as a place to rest and relax as well as a practical space.

For more information, visit www.albertomordoki. com.

and rebuild, home additions are the most time-consuming projects homeowners can undertake. HomeAdvisor notes that its survey of customers who recently completed home addition projects reported that the average time from start to finish was between three and four months. Certain variables, including the scale of the project and the local permits process, can extend the time it takes to complete a home addition.

• Kitchen remodel: Scale is a big factor to consider when estimating the time it takes to complete various home improvement projects, and kitchen remodels are no exception.

Some HomeAdvisor users reported projects taking as long as four months, though the average time reported was roughly six weeks. Projects that require major overhauls like rearranging the plumbing and moving walls will like-

ABOUT ALBERTO MORDOKI Alberto Mordoki is a contractor and entrepreneur from Fullerton, California.

He started his own construction company in 2012, which he runs alongside his wife and two children.

The company specializes in drywall installation and taping, construction and suspended ceilings for both commercial and residential properties. In addition to the construction side of the business, Mordoki also has an eye for interior design, a service he offers to many homeowners looking for advice on paint colors or furniture.

ly take longer than more cosmetic projects that are limited to replacing cabinets and countertops.

• Bathroom remodel:

More than 1,000 homeowners surveyed by HomeAdvisor reported that bathroom remodels took about 4.5 weeks from start to finish. Small-scale remodels that focus on painting the walls a fresh color and replacing existing tiles can be completed in less than two weeks. But like with kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels that involve replacing plumbing fixtures and removing walls figure to take much longer than that.

• Siding installation: HomeAdvisor users report that new siding projects take roughly two weeks from start to finish. That estimate is the same regardless of which materials homeowners are replacing and installing.

• Replacement windows:

Leaves that fall from trees can be a marvel to behold. But leaves can stain exterior surfaces when they eventually settle on vehicles, concrete driveways, patios, and other surfaces, become wet and/or are not cleaned away in a timely fashion. Leaf stains are caused by tannins in the leaves. The pigments can be absorbed by porous materials like concrete and leave stains behind.

While these stains may wash away over time, homeowners may prefer a faster way to get rid of unsightly stains. To remove moderate leaf stains, mix oxygen bleach with hot water and apply to stains using a scrub brush. Dark stains may require a tougher cleanser, such as one that contains trisodium phosphate. Some homeowners find success using a pressure washer to clean away leaf stains, while others rely on commercial leaf-stain removers.

Homeowners who want to replace all the windows in their home can expect such a project to take roughly three weeks. HomeAdvisor notes that such a timeline need not concern homeowners worried that they will be forced to brave the elements during the length of the project.

Much of a contractors’ time during a window replacement project will be spent on upfront measuring and then ensuring a tight fit once the windows have been installed.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

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Shade Shade trees trees

that can make yards more comfortable Various factors motivate the decisions homeowners make when designing their landscapes. Some may be motivated by the ways additions will affect the resale value of their homes, while others may be guided by a love for a particular type of plant. Comfort is yet another motivator, and shade trees can make yards more comfortable as the mercury rises.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the following are some popular shade trees that can add beauty to a landscape and make it more comfortable come the dog days of summer.

• Quaking aspen: The quaking aspen has the widest natural range of any tree in North America, spanning 47 degrees of latitude, 110 degrees of longitude (nine time zones) and elevations from sea level to timberline. That impressive range is no doubt why the United States Forest Service notes that the quaking aspen can grow in greatly diverse regions, environments and communities.

• Northern catalpa: The Arbor Day Foundation notes that the northern catalpa is easily identifiable thanks to its heart-shaped leaves and twisting trunks and branches. Nature enthusiasts and particularly those who enjoy birdwatching may be happy to learn that the flowers of the catalpa are frequently visited by hummingbirds.

• Red sunset maple: Its name alone makes many people think of lazy summer days spent lounging in the yard.

The red sunset maple provides ample shade and comes with the added benefit of producing an awe-inspiring blend of red and orange leaves come the fall. Red sunset maples can survive in a range of habitats and their adaptable roots mean they can thrive in various soil types.

• Northern red oak: The state tree of New Jersey, the northern red oak is, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, both beloved for its aesthetic appeal and valued for its adaptability and useful-

ness. Northern red oaks can tolerate urban conditions, but they do not do well in hot climates.

• Sawtooth oak: Another tree that produces some awe-inspiring color, the sawtooth oak is a durable, adaptable shade tree. Golden yellow leaves in the spring will give way to dark green in summer, only to turn yellow and golden brown in the fall.

The Tree Center Plant Supply Co. notes that the sawtooth oak can thrive in warmer climates where shade trees that can coexist with high temperatures can be hard to find.

Shade trees can add beauty to a property and make a yard more comfortable. Homeowners are urged to discuss shade trees with a local lawn and garden professional prior to planting.

Swimming pool LANDSCAPING IDEAS

Backyard pools provide a way to cool off and enjoy a taste of luxury without having to travel. Backyard pools provided even more convenience and a welcome respite in 2020, as many public pools were closed in response to social distancing restrictions put in place

during the pandemic.

After installing pools, many homeowners realize that touching up the landscaping around the pool can provide the finishing touch to their backyard retreats. Not all landscaping is the same, and homeowners should choose plants

that look beautiful, are tolerant to pool splash-out and won’t outgrow the area. Home and garden resource The Spruce notes that a plant that is attractive at two feet tall can grow rapidly and drop leaves or other debris into the pool.

When selecting options for pool landscaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind: • Choose plants that will provide privacy.

• Know which kind of climate a plant needs prior to purchasing it. Tropical plants may be fitting poolside, but will they endure when the season is over?

• Design according to the theme of the home, as plants should complement the existing style. Modern

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fragrant plants, which can transform a pool day into a spa experience. Consider low-maintenance lavender as an option.

Pool landscaping must marry a variety of different features and plant requirements. As a result, a professional consultation may be the route to take. Landscape architects will have the know-how to select plant varieties that will be tolerant, beautiful and fulfill homeowners’ wishes.

Backyard pools can make a backyard retreat that much more enjoyable.

Landscaping offers the softness and beauty that adds a finishing touch to poolside retreats.

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foliage may not blend well with a home styled after a traditional English cottage.

• Decide whether you can accept spreading or trailing plants that can cascade over retaining walls and other infrastructure.

• Look at trees that won’t drop too many leaves, flowers or fruit into the water.

• Think about having layers of plants to soften the landscape, which can make a small pool seem bigger and more luxurious, indicates the landscaping company Earth Development, Inc. • Don’t overlook the possibility of a lawn abutting pavers or concrete surrounding a pool, as it can soften the edges and keep spaces open and inviting.

• Incorporate herbs or

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2021 SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

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Stay safe when working in the yard this spring and summer

A

day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens.

A sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But, safety precautions are of the utmost necessity when working in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is considerable. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that, in 2016, more than 90,000 patients, including nearly 5,000 children, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries.

Lawn- and garden-related injuries can be prevented without going to great lengths.

• Know your terrain before mowing: Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury. This can be especially important when mowing the lawn with a riding mower. Adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over accidents that can pin riders beneath the mower.

Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mowing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a walk-behind mower. For greater control when using a walk-behind mower on an incline, mow parallel to the slope.

• Apply and reapply sunscreen: Sunburns may not require trips to the emergency room, but they can still be serious. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen

at least every two hours and more often if you’re sweating excessively. The SCF recommends broad spectrum sunscreens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Though a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is acceptable when walking the dog or driving to work, the SCF advises using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when engaging in extended outdoor activities like gardening or mowing.

• Employ the buddy system: Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or performing any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania reports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask a significant other or neighbor to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to reduce your risk of falling. If cutting large branches, cut them piecemeal to reduce the risk of being injured by heavy falling branches.

• Inspect the property for insect hives: The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hornets.

Homeowners who are not careful can inadvertently come across hives when doing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dangerous for anyone, and especially so for people with a history of allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Inspect areas where you’ll be working to make sure insects haven’t put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm.

Lawn and garden accidents and injuries can be serious. Thankfully, accidents and injuries are easily prevented when homeowners take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens.

Helpful and harmful insects Although it’s virtually impossible to count them, insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Nine hundred thousand different kinds of insects are known to exist.

At any given time, it is estimated that there are around 10 quintillion individual insects living.

Gardeners grow frustrated when seeing their gardens infested with insects. In an effort to restore their gardens, homeowners might be tempted to eradicate any bug that moves in their yards. But gardeners would be wise to first learn which insects are hurting their gardens and which can actually help gardens in the long run.

Harmful

Aphids Bald-faced hornet Carpenter ants Locusts Treehoppers Red pavement ant Grasshoppers Caterpillars

Helpful

Antlion Big dipper firefly Garden spiders Dragonflies Bees and butterflies

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