Saving water in your landscape doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming. Many of the most effective things you can do to reduce your water bills and protect your community’s water supply are simple and easy. Here are a few suggestions that are either one-time investments in water-saving equipment that you can do or…
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The majority of a tree’s feeder roots are in the upper 6 inches if soil, where they compete with grass roots for oxygen, moisture and nutrients. Feeder roots thrive on soil that is loose, moist and fertile-conditions often lacking in soils around homes. In recognition of this, you might consider a planting area, rather than…
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A properly tended compost pile won’t create any unpleasant smells. By maintaining levels of air (oxygen) levels, moisture, and temperature, you can have a productive compost pile that will not offend your neighbors with any troubling smells. The single most important tip in avoiding a stinky compost pile is making sure you have the correct…
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As with pruning, the regular trimming of your lawn – if done correctly – can be good for its health. Mowing or trimming back long grass to an appropriate height encourages it to produce new shoots and become bushier, and the thicker the grass grows, the more resistant your lawn is to disease, weeds, and…
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Although using mulch has many benefits, it cal also be detrimental to the garden in mainly two ways: Overmulching can bury and suffocate plants Mulch provides a convenient hiding place for pests Bake your plants with excess heat if don incorrectly With most organic mulches, a layer of 2 to 4 inches is plenty. The…
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Mulch as been called the gardener’s friend-and for a good reason. It offers three major benefits: Suppression of weeds Conservation of moisture in the soil Moderation of soil temperatures, keeping it warmer on cold nights and cooler on hot days There are also many other benefits of mulch: In winter, protect plants from the cycle…
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Using low-maintenance landscaping techniques can reduce much of your yard work. Mowing, weeding, watering, and pruning can be overwhelming,even for those who love to garden. Here are a few tips: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS A shrub that grows to 6 feet tall will require regular pruning if planted under a window that is three feet above the…
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Outdoor kitchens are not just for those who have homes where it’s warm all the time. They’re also for homeowners in the Midwest, even if you think you’d rather not have an outdoor living space in the freezing cold winter. Just because it can get a little cold here in the winter doesn’t mean there…
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If you’ve braved enough winters, you know that your yard becomes your sanctuary during the beautiful spring, summer, and fall weather that wakes up our senses after a cold and dreary winter. It’s where backyard barbeques spring up, where pets play, and where friends and family gather and relax. While simple lawn care such as…
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Quality of quantity is a common sentiment that rings true in many situations in life. Many product experts recommend spending more on well-made items that are made of good quality materials by expert craftsman rather than on cheaper items made out of subpar material not meant to last, and the same goes for your hardscape…
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