Spring Lawnmower Maintenance – Start it on the 1st pull!
#1 Clean Your Lawnmower after Winter.
You may not have cleaned your lawn mower in the Fall. If you did…great job. If you didn’t – then it is a good practice to clean it before you start it up for your 1st mow
Clean the top deck.
Remove any excess grass clipping.
Unclog it from any belts. Make sure they are tight and not dry rotting.
Clean dust and leaves from around the engine. It has to breathe and can’t do so if there it is really dirty. You should do this a few times per year.
#2 Replace the gas with new, higher octane gas
Chances are you didn’t Winterize your lawnmower and did not add fuel stabilizer. If this is the case then you need to remove the remaining gas in the tank.
Don’t dump it on the grass…it will kill your grass
Use a vacuum pump to remove the fuel. You will need it next to remove the old oil.
This pump makes keeping fresh oil and fuel in your lawnmower, car, and other toys so much easier. It will pay for itself within 1 oil change and will extend the life of your engines much longer…since you will be doing more changes.
Add 89 or 91 octane (don’t go crazy with 94). You just want your mower to RUN, not overheat.
#3 Check the oil and the spark plug.
Replace if necessary
The oil is an essential component of a well-running mower. It should be examined before use, but it is generally changed annually. Place a drain container under the mower’s oil plug and then loosen the dipstick. Drain the oil and remove the oil filter. Pour out excess oil. Change the oil plug and then clean the area. The oil filter should also be replaced. Drain in fresh oil and replace the dipstick.
Run the mower’s engine for about a minute, then turn it off to allow enough cool-down time. Clean off any oil that may have spilled.
The old oil should be disposed of appropriately. Some auto-service centers can dispose of the oil at a fee. Consult local regulations for other disposing options.
Evaluate the oil level when the engine has cooled. Over-filling can trigger performance issues so the oil level should be appropriate.
You can additionally inspect the spark plug. Look for stubborn deposits, burnt electrodes, or cracked porcelain. If you spot such issues, it is wise to replace the plug.
#4 Change the Blade
Inspecting and removing old blades is a crucial step in lawn maintenance. To expose the blade, you will need to tilt the mower deck and take care not to spill oil over the engine.
Use a socket wrench of the right size to unbolt the mounting while your other hand prevents the blade from turning. You should be keen on not losing the mounting hardware or the washers as they can be reused.
Observe the blade’s position as you retrieve to make installing a new one easy. You can inspect the old blade to gauge its usability. If there are chunks and chips out of the metal, you should get a new set of blades. If they are in decent condition, you can salvage them by having them sharpened.
Replacement blade kits are typically worth a few dollars at hardware stores and home improvement centers. They come pre-sharpened, so they will be very effective come spring.
A new blade will ensure that you get a clean cut every time and your grass is healthy. A damaged lawnmower blade can rip your grass which can cause lawn damage including a diseased lawn.
#5 Check the belt to ensure it is not deteriorating
The belts should also be examined to see if they are in the correct shape. Spot any cracked, worn, or torn spots. If the belts have extensive damage, they should be replaced before the machine is stored.
Get your Home & Lawn ready for Spring (25 tips & checklist)
When Spring is fast approaching, we can’t help but think of how cold it is going to be. The next thing to do would probably to find out how to winterize an occupied house?
Of course, the main goal of this is to keep your home warm and save energy at the same time. After all, if you turn the heater on for a long time during Spring, you will spend a lot of money on electricity. Keep these things in mind during Spring:
#6 Clean gutter & inspect the roof.
You probably have some sticks, leaves in your gutter that need to be cleaned out from the Winter.
Trim back long branches next to your house or power lines. Use a pole saw.
#7 Facet & hose inspection.
Now you can pressurize your water line. In the basement turn it on slowly until the valve is fully open and make sure there are no leaks.
Once you are outside you should do a water test to check for the same thing –
and that the water easily turns on and off without any issues.
Reconnect the hose. Make sure the hose fitting is tight so there are no leaks.
#8 Clean the grill.
Clean your grill and get a grill cover.
Grate cleaning.
Clean the grates 1st with your grill cleaner brush and then remove them and soak them in soapy water.
Scrub off any reside.
Wash & dry. Set aside.
Remove and clean the inside parts
heat deflector
propane gas pipes. The small holes get clogged. Use your soapy and brush to scrub off any residue from them.
scrub with soap and water
empty the grease trap
clean back of the lid
side of firebox
clean cover lip
dry so no water
clean parts
replace parts
Don’t use aluminum foil. The advice in the past said to use aluminum foil to line the firebox. I think the aluminum foil folks had something to do with this. Hmmm.
Weber and other grill manufacturers DO NOT recommend using aluminum foil anywhere in your grill. The great can accumulate and easily cause huge flashovers that can quickly overtake your grill.
Again – no foil to line your grill.
This includes – not using it over the grates. The foil can trap heat and prevent it from moving in the grill. This can overheat parts of the grill very quickly.
Just use spray on the grates to easily flip your food and remove stuck-on food.
Use a grill cover – to protect it and stop rust
Charcoal grills won’t have that many parts to remove. Just the grate so you should have easy access to clean the firebox.
Lawn
Lawn clean up. cleanup sticks
#9 Prepare lawnmower before you mow the lawn.
clean away any leaves, grass. Give it a wash so it is clean for the season.
gas
oil
filter
change blade
set height
empty bag
mow lawn
#10 fertilize lawn
#11 weedwack & pull weeds
#12 Mulch
Consider natural mulch from HD or Lowes or your local hardware store. It may be in the back but has 2 cubic ft of mulch per bag where the expensive bags “on sale” have 1.5 cubic ft per bag.
Dyed red, black or brown mulch is not good for your garden or flower bed. The dye breaks down over time. It isn’t fertilizer!
One of the simplest ways to dry out a wet lawn is by improving your soil’s drainage so that it can absorb more water during rainfall.
With improved drainage, there will be fewer puddles on your lawn after a hard rain.
Since less water will accumulate in one spot due to the drainage holes, the excess water will flow from one area of your lawn to another.
To improve your soil drainage, try digging a few holes or trenches in different areas of your lawn. The holes don’t need to be very big, and you can always fill them back up after.
For a better chance of success, make sure that your holes and trenches are located underneath the areas where you usually see the biggest puddles after heavy rain.
#16 Aerate Your Soil
There are many advantages to aerating your soil. But if you want to reduce puddles in your lawn after a rainstorm, this is one of the best ways.
When you aerate your soil, you are effectively creating more space for water to flow through it. This means that instead of forming massive puddles, the water will flow through your soil more quickly.
Typically aerating your soil involves using a machine with metal spikes that will be driven vertically into your soil.
However, this process is rarely performed by homeowners unless their yard is too large to manage.
So if you have a smaller yard, it is best to hire someone who has aeration equipment to come over and do the job for you.
Cool-season grass will thrive in your Northern Lawn
Chances are you have either warm or cold season grass or a combination of the two. You can’t just say “I live in Virginia so I have tall fescue or zoysiagrass.”
It is not that easy since many people in Virginia also have Tall Fescue or a combination.
I put together several tables to help you better understand where cool season grass grows, the type of weather, temperature it will tolerate and the sun, rain, wear requirements to keep your lawn in great shape this year.
#17 Grow the right grass for your home
From the map below you can see that cool season grass thrives in the northern portion of the US. This includes the North East, parts of the East Coast, all of the Mid West, Central Plains, Mountain Regions and Northern Western United States.
#18 Cool season grasses are varieties that are in active growth (“green up”) much earlier in the growing season (mid-spring)
They stay green longer into the fall before going dormant in late fall.
But without regular summer watering, they will go dormant in the heat of summer. These grasses will tolerate a little shade but need at least a 1/2 to 3/4 of a day of full sun.
#19 Watch out for brown spots on cool season grasses.
Brown spots are caused by many different grass problems but circular or specific areas of brown spots are often caused by FUNGUS.
The solution to brown spots in cool season grasses is to use Scott’s Disease EX and BioAdvanced Effective Fungicide. See the table below.
The reason you want to use both chemicals is that they target different aspects of your lawn but work together to eliminate the overwhelming majority of brown spots.
The ideal time to start this process isn’t in winter itself but at the beginning of autumn. The result won’t be apparent right away, but come spring, and you will thank yourself.
To winterize your lawn, you need to choose and apply the proper winter fertilizer and prepare your lawn and its soil for the hard winter months. There are many ways to accomplish this, including removing weeds and leaves, mowing your lawn, and checking the pH level of the soil.
In this article, we will explore some effective ways you can winterize your lawn.
We will start with selecting and applying the proper winter fertilizer.
Then we will look at all the other tips like overseeding, winter lawn care, etc.
#21 Choosing the Right Winter Fertilizer
The first important step to winterizing your lawn involves choosing the right type of winter fertilizer.
If your lawn consists of cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, perennial rye or fescue, you must give it some winter fertilizer. Other grass types can also benefit from the right kind of winter fertilizer.
Depending on the climate and the soil type, there are various types of fertilizers you can choose.
All of these are composed of three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen helps with the leaf growth
Phosphorus helps with root growth
Potassium helps develop flowers and fruits
#22 Based on your situation, you can choose one of the following four types of winter fertilizers:
Organic fertilizers: Organic fertilizers can be raked into your lawn to provide the necessary nutrients to last the dormant winter.
High Potassium fertilizers: These fertilizers help boost the hardness of the roots in lawn grasses.
Potash fertilizers: These help stimulate growth in the spring by repairing any kind of sun damage the grass may have sustained.
Slow-release fertilizers: Slow-release fertilizers release nitrogen gradually into the soil. This helps stimulate the plants during the springtime, so they can grow lush and green.
Just as important as choosing the right winter fertilizer is knowing the right time to apply them.
We show you how to kill grubs & moles with the best grub treatment…that won’t break your lawn or the bank.
#23 Grub Treatment – How to Kill Grubs & Moles?
Natural method: milky spores
Detergent mixture & sprayer
Effective chemicals: merit
Preventative products: Grub X
Supplies: sprayer, mole killer earthworms
Safety gear: gloves, mask, eye protection
Lawn restoration: milorganite, grass seed
Preventative measures to prevent grubs, moles next year
#24 How to tell if grubs are killing your grass?
The beetles show up from early to mid-summer during which time they lay their eggs.
The new set of grubs that hatch from those eggs starts destroying your lawn immediately.
When spring arrives, they awaken and resume eating the roots of grass before they turn into pupae when you have a lawn grub infestation, you will notice the following:
Your lawn feels spongy when you step on it because it is not firmly supported by its roots (which have already been eaten).
#26 If you spot the pests, do not start panicking.
A healthy lawn should support a few grubs per square foot without notable damage.
They actually help with aeration and loosening the soil; both are good for the grass.
To know when you treat your lawn, use the following guidelines:
5 or fewer per square foot: No treatment needed.
6 to 9 grubs per square foot: If they are not causing visible damage and aren’t inviting unwanted wildlife, no treatment required.
10 grubs or more per square foot: Start considering treatment.
#27 Master gardeners apply it in April – August to control the grubs year-round.
#28 Grub Treatment – Natural Methods of killing grubs
If you have a grub problem, the best time to kill them is when they are freshly hatched and living near the surface – that is usually between late summer and early fall.
At that stage, they will have started eating roots.
If you don’t fancy pumping chemicals into your lawn, you can go with one of the following natural remedies:
Nematodes:
Beneficial nematodes can eliminate up to 75% of lawn grubs.
The nematodes carry bacteria that infect and kill white grubs.
What Lawn Mower Maintenance in the Fall is necessary?
#29 LAWN MOWER maintenance in the Fall
After a season of summer lawn care and spring yard work, lawnmowers require a level of maintenance.
Lawnmowers differ in care requirements, and you will need to consult the specifications of the operator. Before initiating the care, dress in the right gear, and pack the machine on a flat, level surface.
The mowing season typically ends in October or November. The first action before putting your mower away is to drain the gas. An effective method to achieve this is to run the machine until it is out of gas. You can mix in a gas stabilizer if you would rather keep the gas.
#30 Check the oil and the spark plug. Replace if necessary
The oil is an essential component of a well-running mower. It should be examined before use, but it is generally changed annually.
Place a drain container under the mower’s oil plug and then loosen the dipstick. Drain the oil and remove the oil filter. Pour out excess oil.
Change the oil plug and then clean the area. The oil filter should also be replaced. Drain in fresh oil and replace the dipstick.
Run the mower’s engine for about a minute, then turn it off to allow enough cool-down time. Clean off any oil that may have spilled.
The old oil should be disposed of appropriately. Some auto-service centers can dispose of the oil at a fee. Consult local regulations for other disposing options.
Evaluate the oil level when the engine has cooled. Over-filling can trigger performance issues so the oil level should be appropriate.
You can additionally inspect the spark plug. Look for stubborn deposits, burnt electrodes, or cracked porcelain. If you spot such issues, it is wise to replace the plug.
#31 Change the Blade.
Inspecting and removing old blades is a crucial step in lawn maintenance.
To expose the blade, you will need to tilt the mower deck and take care not to spill oil over the engine.
Use a socket wrench of the right size to unbolt the mounting while your other hand prevents the blade from turning. You should be keen on not losing the mounting hardware or the washers as they can be reused.
Observe the blade’s position as you retrieve to make installing a new one easy. You can inspect the old blade to gauge their usability. If there are chunks and chips out of the metal, you should get a new set of blades.
If they are in decent condition, you can salvage them by having them sharpened. Replacement blade kits are typically worth a few dollars at hardware stores and home improvement centers.
They come pre-sharpened, so they will be very effective come spring.
#32 Check the belt to ensure it is not deteriorating
The belts should also be examined to see if they are in the correct shape. Spot any cracked, worn, or torn spots. If the belts have extensive damage, they should be replaced before the machine is stored.
#33 Check the underside of the mower
When you use your mower constantly, you may recognize a dip in performance when it comes to your machine. A thick grass clippings layer may have accumulated on the mower’s bottom, so check the underside to verify this.
How to turn the bolt to remove a lawnmower blade? (walk and riding)
#34 Prepare the lawnmower
Remove the spark plug boot from the spark plug. For your safety, you should remove the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting accidentally. Most mowers start by centrifugal force, so it doesn’t take long to start the combustion process.
To disconnect the spark plug, locate the spark plug book which is usually on the front side of the engine.
Pull the boot firmly so it disconnects from the spark plug. You can use your hand to pull it off. No tools needed for this step.
Why? This ensures there’s no electrical flare-up in case the spark plug comes into contact with oil or gas & your blade won’t accidentally start up the engine.
Next, turn the lawnmower with gas tank and air cleaner facing up to prevent spillage. All mowers are different, so you may want to refer to the user manual before you start the process. Most toro and honda mowers should be turned to the right as shown in the picture below.
Then secure the mower blade. You simply wedge a piece of wood between the mower deck and the blade. Any attempt to turn the mower will be difficult. This way you won’t accidentally turn the blade and possibly cut yourself.
Put on the socket and socket wrench.
#35 Use a breaker bar that is at least 20″ long to give you additional leverage on your socket wrench.
If the bolt is really stuck on there you should use a longer bar 30″ to give you more leverage.
When breaking the bolt loose it make take a bit of force. You want to make sure you don’t slip and cut your hand. A breaker bar helps provide the extra force while safely loosing the bolt.
Turn the lawnmower blade bolt counterclockwise
The bolt is loosened by turning left (counterclockwise) using a 16mm socket.
But depending on the model of the mower, the bolt head can be 1/2″inch or 5/8-inch.
The bigger the socket wrench, the more leverage you’ll have. Pay close attention to the position of the blade as you remove it because you’ll mount a new one in the same orientation.
The blade bolt will turn as you turn the socket. You may be forced to use your hand to hold it when loosening. In this regard, you should wear gloves to protect your hands.
It’s good to note that some models use blade-lock gadgets to keep the mower in one place. This prevents the blade from rotating when trying to remove the bolt.
The nut may get smaller due to corrosion, so you should use an appropriate tool. For example, a 16 mm socket may be a better fit for 18-20 mm bolt. After that, look for a long-handled ratchet or a breaker bar to assist with leverage.
If the tension suddenly becomes soft, the bolt could be stripping the threads. Make sure you wear some garden gloves to reduce skinned knuckles.
The trimmer can be used to both edge and trim the lawn. It can also be used to mow small odd-shaped sections of lawn that the mower can’t reach, and it can trim along fences and around objects such as tap stands and birdbaths.
If you are on a budget or don’t have the time or space for both of these tools then just get a trimmer or use a manual edger (see below).
The backyard is the perfect place to escape from your daily life. Unfortunately, for some people it’s just not a peaceful paradise – it can be bumpy and uneven! However, there are ways you can fix this problem and make an incredible space all around.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to level out your yard, keep reading below because we have 13 tips that will help get rid of those rough patches on the ground so you have room for relaxing outside too!
Plan your project
#38 Material
Walk your yard. determine the area. This will give you a better idea of how much sand to buy.
Experts advise against using topsoil since you won’t know what types of seeds or how many may be in there – no matter how well they claim to screen the topsoil.
#39 Source
Any home improvement store will have sand for a reasonable price.
If you need over a dozen bags you may need a truck.
If you need a lot more than a dozen you should consider calling a landscape provider who delivers sand to get prices.
Check google for reviews…as always
#40 Method
Know your method. Get the tools you need for the type of method you will use to level the lawn.
Level your backyard:
One of the most important considerations for a homeowner who is preparing to redo their backyard landscape and has come to the top dressing stage. there are many options out there but it all depends on what type of lawn you have or want.
There are so many tip that you may follow in order to level backyard according to your choice. These are such as follows:
#41 With the string:
Leveling your lawn area with the string line allows you to level and raise the level of the soil. You need to place your four wooden stakes at each corner of your backyard.
After that, you need to tie the string in order to measure the highest level of your backyard area or lawn area. You need to stretch string to an adjacent stake.
You can also use the measuring tape at this point in time.
If one side is completed then you will have to remove the string from the wooden stake and repeat the process with another side as well.
Make sure to account for the drop in elevation between the top of the lawn area you are leveling – with the bottom. You could use a large amount of filler material if you have a large area to fill.
Easily Install Your Shed – Plans, Tips to save $$$ & time
Installing a shed is harder than you think if you don’t do your research. We show you how to easily install a wood, composite or metal shed & we show you the tricks to save you time and money. Without further wait, lets get right to it…
The shed that can allow you to store all types of your landscaping and gardening tools and equipment along with the toys of your kids, your bicycles and other sports items in your outdoors in a very neat and clean manner even if they are lying here and there inside the shed.
Shed kits are available in the market to install them yourself in your yard just by building a solid base on the ground. If you have no idea how to build a storage shed then you should consult a shed making service or contractor or search online to find the most suitable storage shed with maximum storage capacity for you.
#44 Sheds for bikes, motorcycle storage
These types of sheds are typically smaller than “yard sheds” and are used for single type storage. Here are a few examples.
The best place to store your bike can be the shed made specifically for this purpose. You have to use the bike storage shed in your daily routine so it must have shed ramps and a roll up door so that you can protect your bike in all weather conditions.
While constructing a shed for bike storage you should first of all focus on its size and the place in your yard where you will put it. Secondly, your focus should be on the materials used in it so that you can ensure the safety of your bike as well as use it for a long time with the least maintenance cost.
Hillside Landscaping tips >$450: Don’t make HUGE mistakes!
Ideas for steep bank:
You must hear about the sloping lawn or steep bank idea. Landscaping a sloped site is a quite challenge. It is a rare designing scheme. So, you can place it on the flat site. The sloping terrain can also lead to an innovative and beautiful landscaping idea. The sloped site can give you some strong view as well. This design or the landscaping idea is affordable as well.
But it depends on so many factors such as climate, timescale, building requirement and external environment as well. You can install this just alongside your pool at the backyard place. The hillside area has the stepping feature.
So, it is easy to execute these types of ideas. You can install the lights stairs that can be accessible through the courtyard. In this architecture, you can also add some plants in order to make the surrounding enlighten and attractive.
#45 Slight slopes:
You can add some slight slopes at your backyard. You can also add a small patio and for its recognition, you should use some rocks to create it.
If you have a sloping garden, then you can use some brick or uneven stones in order to create sloping. You can also use some large slabs in order to make steps. It is a worthy idea.
#46 Moderate slopes:
It will look like a small garden and small deck as well. You can hold it back with brick.
You can deal with the moderate slope easily. Many homeowners build a set of steps and it allows everyone to get up into the rest of the yard. You can also plant tree or shrubs. These will help you to keep the soil in place.
Lawn Maintenance in Fall (Ultimate DIY Homeowner Guide)
Although the end of summer may elicit a sigh of relief when it comes to lawn care, keeping the perfect yard just isn’t that simple. Follow this guide if you want a great lawn, you can save yourself trouble when the next summer season comes around by putting in some work in the fall.
#47 Mowing
Mow high in the Spring, Summer but low in the Fall.
Not surprisingly, mowing is a critical part of lawn maintenance even once the summer ends. An important change you’ll want to make once the leaves begin to fall is lowering the blade height of your mower.
The heat of the summer sun means that your grass needs a little extra height to trap moisture and keep the soil from drying out and becoming infertile.
As the weather starts to cool down, however, the soil won’t need this defensive barrier, and the seasonal advantages of a trimmer lawn start to take over.
Trapping moisture during the fall and winter can actually lead to unhealthy fungus that will threaten the health of your lawn. Fallen leaves can also prove to be more of an inconvenience and decompose slower with longer grass.
Most likely, you’ll want to lower the blades on your mower around a notch or two, or about an inch height. Every strain of grass is different, however, so looking up the exact optimal height for your Bermuda or Zoysia can help you treat your lawn even better.
#48 Dethatching
Falling leaves can provide a great excuse to knock out two important tasks in one. By taking a rake to your yard and cleaning up some of the leaves piling up on your grass, you can perform some dethatching in the process.
This will help with anything blocking nutrients from reaching the roots of your soil. Although a regular leaf rake will do in a pinch, you can also upgrade to a proper thatch rake, which will treat your lawn properly without losing any efficacy in leaf clean-up.
Pro Tip: Talk with your neighbors and split the cost of renting a professional dethatching machine. This cuts the price in half or in thirds. Our neighborhood does this every year and it saves $$$ when you have to dethatch, aerate in the Fall with multiple machines.
#49 Aerating
Hand-in-hand with dethatching comes aerating, or directly puncturing your soil to assist with nutrient transfer.
It may not always be necessary in the fall, but it’s still an option to consider if your soil has become tightly packed from your pets or children playing on your lawn. Aerating will require more specifically tailored equipment than the raking needed for dethatching.
The simplest of these are spike aerators, which just act as spikes pressing into the soil. A mid-tier option is a slicing aerator, which uses rotating blades. Check our our Lawn Maintenance in Fall for more tips on improving your lawn!. Don’t feel that you need a core aerator if your lawn hasn’t taken any real beating, or you live in an area without clay dirt, but it’s still a premium option to have on the table.
Awesome Treehouse Ideas You Can Build in a Weekend
Treehouse symbolizes the joy and freedom of our childhood. If you have children, then you know nothing is better to give them this iconic structure. In childhood, we all are dreaming of staying in the treehouses at least once in a lifetime.
We have gathered some of the best treehouse ideas that you can build in a weekend…or two. Check it out…
#50 Classic treehouse:
This is absolutely a perfect creation and adorable and iconic structure for the kids. You can place a wooden structure at the branches so they can be entertained for hours. It can stand still and give an amusing experience to your kids.
By creating this wooden structure, you can get your kids out of the house and playing in the backyard. They can feel the natural beauty apart from the digital structure of the web. You can check it out here.
#51 The pirate treehouse:
Are your children pirate fans? This will keep them busy for hours. There is a lot of space for moving around. Your kids can play well and freely. It is relatively simple to build.
#52 Simple treehouse:
This is a basic structure of wood. This simple structure can give you a perfect option for social gatherings and parties for your children. A simple ladder is there to climb up on the house and settle there.
Easy Landscape Timber Tips Your Yard Needs Now
Homeowners can change the looks of their ugly-looking exterior into a perfect landscape by using landscape timbers.
Landscape timbers can be used for building raised beds and planter boxes for gardening, retaining wall to keep plants separate from commonly used areas of the yard as well as steps or reinforced slope for the garden.
There are endless possibilities to buy and use landscape timbers to give an attractive look to your exterior.
Before you head out to the store…make sure you know what kind of landscape timbers you will be sourcing.
Kinds of landscape timbers…what to buy?
#54 Wood
Natural landscape timbers are made of wood like cedar and redwood etc. Normally the logs of treated wood are used for this purpose.
They are treated with preservatives to avoid damages from the exposure to moisture, air, sun, mold, and fungi.
Wood is the preferred choice for the majority of homeowners since it is much cheaper than plastic or composite.
#55 Plastic/composite:
The landscape timbers made of recycled plastic are also used for landscaping the yard as they are easy to install and lift to complete your project.
Moreover, plastic landscaping timbers are safer for your family and plants as no chemical is used to preserve them.
They will last forever but are much more expensive than wood landscape timbers. Depending on your project, they may be ideal for you.
#56 Untreated:
Untreated timbers can naturally resist the growth of fungus, extreme temperatures, and moisture.
Normally, you need not paint them due to their pleasing natural color but if required you can also paint them to match your exterior decor.
You must replace the decaying part of the landscape to protect the rest of it.
You won’t have to worry about any chemicals from the wood…but your landscape timbers won’t last very long. They will rot pretty quickly compared to the treated kind.
#57 Treated:
The wood treated with pentachlorophenol or creosote can last for a long time as it is extracted from the plants whose roots, stem and leaves coated with these oil-based preservatives.
Some of the landscaping timbers are also treated with a mixture of arsenic, copper, and chromium.
You should not use them around the consumable plants.
Still treated wood is preferred by the homeowners for landscaping their garden like building retaining walls, tables, benches as well as edging and paths, etc.
Mosquitoes: 13 Tricks to Rid Your Yard and Home (For Months)!
#58 Bug zappers
Bug zappers work great for killing mosquitoes but they’re more of a secondary method. They work great for localized areas not as a broadcast method. So they’re great for killing mosquitoes around your campfire or around your deck close to your home but they won’t be able to kill all of them mosquitoes in your entire yard if you have a quarter acre.
Pros. Bug zappers seem like a cool way to stick at the mosquitoes getting our vengeance on those blood-sucking villains. However, their bug zappers are only good as a secondary method for controlling mosquitoes. They work great for localized areas but they’re not really meant for controlling a quarter acre or even a half-acre in your backyard.
Pros bug zappers kill mosquitoes without the use of chemicals they use an attractive light to track the mosquitoes and fry them with electricity. On a good night, you can kill several dozen if not hundreds of mosquitoes or if you have a really bad problem a couple thousand but there are downsides to bug zappers.
Cons. Bug zappers can be a little loud as they’re zapping the little bloodsuckers & protecting your family. The bug zappers zap the mosquitoes so they naturally are fried to the light and the light needs to be clean periodically to remove the bugs otherwise it won’t be as efficient as the layers of bugs build upon the zappers.https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cekLVOBIPA?start=38&feature=oembed
#59 Chemicals- Use a good multipurpose insecticide like Talsart P (Pro)
Have a lot of bug problems in general? I use Talstar P Professional Insecticide as a broadcast insecticide for over 70 different pests including (ants, mosquitoes, bees, spiders, etc). Once it is dry it is safe around pets and kids. This means that it is a liquid chemical that you add to a 2-gallon sprayer with water. You can also get dry versions of Talstar P in pellet form.
Hands down, Talstar P is the best liquid broadcast insecticide I have ever used. This is what many experts use on their lawns.
Recommended Broadcast Insecticide: Talstar P Where to Buy: doyourown.com or online How to Apply: 1. Follow the directions (1oz per gallon of water), 2. Wear PPE when you spray it.
#60 Foggers
Foggers are another example or method that you can use that is pretty awesome.
Foggers are another method that you can use to rid your yard of mosquitoes foggers work by using a fogging machine to release chemicals into the air which settle on trees plants grass and areas where mosquitoes live to kill them foggers are effective for a shorter duration of time than other methods such as simply spraying talstar P.
Foggers cons. Even though foggers are effective as far as dispersing chemicals into your yard to get to the mosquitoes they do have several downsides.
they’re messier than other methods. By fogging into the air you have a higher chance of getting the chemical on your clothes and on your skin and by default bringing it inside your house to your family
No one wants to bring in any chemicals any more than they have to and foggers increase the likelihood.
Fogger equipment is expensive or at least more expensive than a spray bottle. Foggers can set you back anywhere from 50 to a couple of hundred dollars and in addition to the chemicals, you have to buy to disperse the insecticide three long-term effectiveness foggers generally use less effective chemicals than talstar or other professional insecticides.
#61 Other lawn sprays like Cutter’s backyard sprayer
Other lawn sprays like Off! Bug Control or Cutter backyard bug control are a good alternative to tall star P if it is not available cutters backyard bug control comes in a spray concentrate bottle that’s 32 oz
Hook it up to your garden hose.
Steps to use a hose sprayer.
Number one shake the bottle
number two make sure it is off
number three hook it up to your garden hose
number four turn on your garden hose
number five go to the very end of the yard that you will treat. Remove the safety tab from the sprayers right side by pulling it straight out discard or keep the safety tap for future reuse.
Spray the lawn making sure it’s wet walk backwards and spray side to side so you get all of the areas on the grass.
Seven make sure you don’t get any of the chemicals on your clothes or your shoes is very important cuz you don’t want to track it in your house.
Get rid of mosquitoes inside your house
#62 Keep them out in the 1st place
Close doors, windows
Get rid of mosquitoes and other bugs inside your house by keeping them out in the first place. Make sure to close all of your doors and windows especially when you’re having a barbecue or parties or neighbors over for a bonfire or just for chit chat and a drink.
Back Yard Design – Inspiring Backyard Landscape Design Ideas
#63. A Backyard Retreat
If you have the room, consider creating a backyard retreat area. This could be as simple as adding a few comfortable chairs and a small table, or as elaborate as a full-blown patio with all the bells and whistles.
Creating this kind of space can provide a quiet and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
#64 A Stone Pathway
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your yard, you might want to consider adding a stone pathway. This can be done cheaply and relatively easily by simply laying down some stepping stones over the dirt, grass, or mulch.
This option is especially good for renters who don’t want to make any permanent changes or homeowners with limited space.
If you want a more formal look, consider using pavers or brick instead of stepping stones.
#65 A Water Feature
A water feature is a great way to add some life and movement to your yard. A small pond or fountain can be a great addition, or even a simple stream or waterfall.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even recreate a miniature version of your favorite river or lake.
Water features are a great way to cool down in the summer and can be a calming retreat from everyday life.
#66 An Outdoor Fireplace
Fireplaces can be a great way to spend time with friends and family during the colder months. They can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows, but all options are sure to look absolutely stunning.
These fireplaces can be built to suit the style of your backyard, whether you want a rustic look or a more modern feel.
#67 A Casual Seating Area
If you want to add some extra seating to your yard, consider adding a casual seating area. This could be a simple bench, a hammock, or even a few chairs to sit around a small table. This is a great way to enjoy the beauty of your yard, especially during nice weather.
#68 A Vegetable Garden
A vegetable garden can be a great way to get into gardening, and it can also be a great way to save money. You can easily grow different types of veggies, like tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, and cucumbers.
Seeing fresh herbs and vegetables growing in your yard can be a great feeling, and eating some fresh veggies while you enjoy your yard can make the whole experience even better.
#69 Make your backyard more private with fences or with trees and shrubs
If you’re looking for a way to create more privacy or just block out some noise, consider adding fences or trees, and shrubs. This can be a relatively cheap way to make your yard feel more private and quieter.
#70 A Simple Gazebo
A gazebo can be a great addition to any yard, and it can be used for a variety of purposes. You could use it as a place to relax, a place to host a small get-together, or even as an extra sleeping area.
DIY Fire Pit Ideas
#71. Cinder Block Fire Pit
If you live in an urban setting and have a small backyard, a cinder block fire pit is the perfect option for you. It is easy to build, low cost, and easy to clean up afterward. When it comes to cinder block fire pit designs, you can make them as simple or complex as you like.
#72 The Ring of Fire Pit
If you want a more complex fire pit design, the ring of fire is a great option. It is a little more challenging to build, but the finished product is definitely worth it. The ring of fire pit is perfect for when you have a large group of friends and family over.
#73 Hanging Outdoor Fire Pit
If you are short on space, or just want a different take on the standard fire pit design, try building a hanging outdoor fire pit. This makes it so you can hang your fire pit wherever you need it most, whether it be in the center of your yard or on your patio.
#74 Stone Fire Pit Built into the Patio
If you love to entertain guests, then this is the fire pit for you! Building a stone fire pit into your patio is a great way to add extra seating for guests. Not only will it keep them warm, but it will also give them a place to gather around and socialize.
Stone fire pits are a popular choice for backyard fire pits because they are both stylish and durable. They can be made in a variety of different ways, so you can find the perfect design for your yard.
There are a variety of different stone types you can use, so you can find the perfect one for your climate.
#75 Stone and Brick Fire Pit
Stone and brick are two great materials that can be used for both modern and classic fire pit designs. For a modern look, try using square or rectangular-shaped stones.
For a more classic look, use round bricks or stones. These two materials also look awesome when they’re cut with a wet saw and polished!
Slope yard background slide sets are ideal for catching attention of your kids from gadget world.
Children love the ones with a lot of equipment that can be used for playing in different ways and on other hand adults require affordable one that would guarantee a lot of safety meant for kids.
There is guide for finding playground sets meant for backyards. We’ve listed down the best swing set with slide for sloped yard along with their installation procedure so that you’re easily able to choose the ideal one and your kids enjoy their leisure time very soon.
What Are the Best Swing Sets with Slides for Under $1200?
#76 Gorilla Playsets 01-0001-Y Outing Swing Set with Wide Climbing Wall, Swings and Yellow Slide
If you own a house you must take preventive measures to winterize your house, not just to minimize damages and provide winter comfort, but also to preserve the value of your home in the long run.
Getting closer to the autumn period may be a problem, we can’t help but think about how cold it will be. Finding out how to winterize an occupied residence would undoubtedly be the next best move.
Of all, the major aim is to winterize your house and maintain your home comfortable while you still conserve electricity because if you leave the heater on for an extended period, you’ll be wasting a lot of money on power.
However, before winterizing your house you should know the necessary things to be done both inside and outside the house.
#82 Effectively protect the water valve from the outside:
This will keep it from freezing throughout the winter, which could cause your pipelines to break inside your home.
Outside your house
Keep the following in mind when winterizing outside your house this fall:
#83 Clear all debris/leaves in the gutters and check your roof to avoid anything that might lead to ice:
Throughout the year, roof slates might become loosened, which can lead to leakage during the winter. Even before the seasons arrive, it’s a fine decision to have your roof examined by an expert to ensure there are no faults that need to be fixed.
#84 Chimney:
Before the winter season is an excellent time to get your chimney cleaned up because the winter heavy snow might harm your chimney. When you start heating your home before the winter season you will be saving the lives of your loved ones.
#85 Tall trees near your house or electrical lines should be pruned back. Make use of a pole saw.
You can now drain the leftover water from the line’s facet. Wait for 10 – 15 minutes for the water to drain from the facet.
#87 Remove the hose from the system:
Ensure that water is drained the hose is completely dry and detached from the faucet. This will protect your hose from harm during the winter.
#88 Safeguard your deck and patio furniture.
#89 Prepare the grill for the winter, your grill should be cleaned and a grill cover purchased.
Apart from working on the inside and outside of the house, there are other necessary things you should consider:
#90. Getting a Smart Thermostat if you don’t get a Nest
This will help reduce your electricity bills. The most recent thermostats readjust themselves automatically to the number of people in the house at any given time. It keeps the place colder when no one is in it and warmer when there are a lot of people in it, You won’t need to switch on the heating if this happens. You will also save money on your next electricity bill as an outcome.
#91 Lower the Thermostat settings:
Do you know you can also save some money when you lower the thermostat, the Department of Energy suggests adjusting your thermostat to 68 degrees. When it’s freezing outdoors, these few degrees can save you some cash.
So, why not set the thermostat to a lower temperature? You can set it to 64 degrees when you go out and then warm it up one to two hours before you return. Many modern thermostats have numerous settings, allowing you to enjoy different temperatures all through the day.
#92 Look after the water on the house foundation and the pipes:
Water gathering near your apartment’s foundation poses a threat to its structural stability. Because it expands whenever it freezes, if it penetrates into your home’s concrete cribbing through some kind of crack and solidifies, it may enlarge the crack.
Foundational concerns are among the most costly to repair for homes. By following this procedure to winterizing your home, you can avoid problems caused by freezing water.
#93 Get Insurance For Your Water Line
You should get insurance for your waterline coming into your house. It is only a few bucks a month but will save you $4-5K if your waterline breaks. Several have broken in our neighborhood over the last 10 years because of accidentally hitting it or the lines just bursting. Better safe than sorry.
#94 Get Insurance For Your Inside Electrical
This is similar insurance as the waterline insurance and is only an extra $8 or so and will cover the house in the event of an electrical fire. Be sure to check your insurance details so you know exactly what is and what is not covered.
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