Outdoors

It is sometimes nothing more than an eyesore, and sometimes it is much more. Regardless of how it is perceived though, that hole in the yard or glaringly uneven area in the lawn is a problem. The simple answer, of course, is to fill the hole or build up the low spot. That is where the real question also arises. Namely, those questions typically sound like what can or should be used to fill that hole in the yard? Can sand, topsoil, fill dirt, or potting soil be used?

Wasps are lean, mean, and ready to sting you and ruin your time in the garden. They wreak havoc on countless homeowners during the spring and summer. The average homeowner would do anything to keep wasps away. Understandably, many people struggle with how to get rid of wasps.

Cascading stairs are an elegant way to take your outdoor deck to the next level. They can be built with either flat slabs of rock or shallow wooden boxes. Either way, they’re an ideal fit for patios and decks with shallow rises.

Spring is the most important time to plant most flowers. Not all flowers will thrive and grow if you plant them in spring, however, so it’s important to choose the right ones. What are the best flowers to plant in spring?

Having a weedeater, also known as a trimmer, makes lawn care all the easier. Lawnmowers can only reach so many areas around the yard and the trimmer allows for precision trimming in those tough-to-reach areas.

Depending on where you live, your area may be highly susceptible to massive snowstorms that bury your home and leave you with no way of getting out of your driveway. Digging yourself out with a shovel is tedious, cold, and takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Snow blowers, on the other hand, make snow removal easy and quick – but only if they are properly fueled and maintained.

Nowadays, modern automation systems have made it much more convenient to zero in on particular water usage and ideal watering times for sprinklers. While the initial sprinkler system cost – both for the system itself and the installation – is often a bit pricey, the rewards are guaranteed. These include, but are not limited to, an increased property value, long-term savings on your utility bills, and water conservation.

Although most homeowners hire a professional to build their deck, some may choose to DIY it. Whether you are speaking with a contractor or looking for materials at a lumber store, you want to know what you’re talking about. Even if you’re well-versed in the subject, it is not uncommon to have basic deck construction questions about the design, planning, or installation process.

A weed can be any plant that’s growing where you don’t want it to, like your yard or landscape. One person’s beautiful, natural yard is another person’s eyesore. If your yard is overrun by unwelcome weeds, there are several options to eradicate them.

There are tons of different types of bonsai trees. Just about any tree can be altered into a bonsai form. Therefore, there is not a universal growing condition that bonsais enjoy. There are, however, a few challenges to growing bonsai indoors.

Power outages are always frustrating for the homeowner. However, they can also cause more than just inconvenience. When the power surges, it can leave your garage stuck open and your belongings vulnerable.

Chicken wire is a very versatile and inexpensive material that can be used to craft a quick fence for your garden. While chicken wire is generally used to keep small animals contained, it can also be used to keep unwanted pests from nibbling at your growing produce. It even works great when you want a trellis for your vining plants.

The average homeowner is often looking for simple ways to melt the ice on their driveway. That includes using hot water, but can be somewhat controversial among homeowners in cold climates. So, can I pour hot water on my driveway to melt ice?

If you are familiar with pop up emitters, you have probably heard horror stories about them freezing. This freezing can potentially cause backup issues in your downspout, which might damage them. So how can you prevent your pop up emitter from freezing?

Owning a riding lawnmower can make cutting the grass an easy chore. However, because the machine is relatively complex, it can sometimes break down and not start. If that does happen, you need to know how to diagnose the problem so that you can get your mower up and running again.

Mowing the lawn is an important, but often dreaded activity. As the summer heat increases, this chore can become hot, sweaty, and altogether exhausting. So, there may come a time when you have procrastinated longer than you should have, and find yourself needing to mow the lawn in the immediate future. But if the immediate future calls for rain, you might find yourself wondering if you can cut the grass when it is still wet.

Fences are an integral part of any home. They offer protection and privacy, but many people don’t know much about how long it takes to install one.

It’s no secret that hummingbirds can work wonders to pollinate the plants in your garden. These small, fast birds only serve to get rid of pests and make your plants grow to their full potential. So, which plants attract hummingbirds?

Outdoor lights create a fun atmosphere whether it’s summer or winter. Nothing is scarier than electrical damage, and that’s a real possibility when it comes to outdoor lights. Many homeowners struggle with how to protect outdoor lights from rain and snow.

Trees swings are an excellent addition to homes for kids, as well as one of the most “ San Francisco” things you can add to a backyard. As long as you have a stable tree, you should be able to hang a tree swing with ease. Of course, most people have trees that have branches that sit parallel to the ground. What do you do, then, if you want to hang a swing on an angled branch?

One of the best vegetables to plant in October is garlic. Garlic loves to begin its growth cycle in cool soil, which is why so many people choose to start it in October. It also thrives when temperatures are below 40 degrees for prolonged periods. These conditions all help it grow garlic you can harvest in late spring.

A swimming pool can be a terrific investment due to the value it adds and just how useful it is. If you have a swimming pool at home, you can use it for exercising or cooling down during the summer. Unfortunately, there’s also a chance that your swimming pool may largely go unused.

The Briggs and Stratton lawnmower is perfect for cutting and leveling the grass in your backyard or lawn. But, like other electric machines, it’s vulnerable to wear and tear. It’s only normal for a starter to go bad or keep breaking after prolonged usage.

If you have banana plants in your yard, then you know how quickly these tropical trees spread. Each banana plant can produce several bunches of tasty bananas each year. When they aren’t making fruit, these plants grow giant green leaves. In addition to being great to look at, you can use banana leaves in ways you may never have thought of.

One of the easiest ways that anyone can try to remove dirt from underneath fingernails involves warm water and time. After gardening, prepare a large bowl, or plug your sink, and add warm or hot water, whatever is more comfortable for you. 

Clay pots make excellent vessels for many garden plants. They are great at controlling moisture and have an earthy and organic look that fits with nearly any garden aesthetic. If you want these pots to last for many years, you need to care for them. 

Building an outdoor shed can be an exciting weekend project. Maybe you’re expanding your storage space, or even creating a man cave or a tiny home. In any case, a safe and long-lasting shed requires a solid foundation. But what if your shed site has uneven ground?

Depending on how exposed your deck is to the elements, you’ll most likely find yourself staining it at least every two to three years. From snowy winters to hot summers to the probable stormy days in between, your deck can take a pretty serious beating throughout the year. Eventually, that adds up.

Many plant enthusiasts have toyed with the idea of installing a greenhouse at home. After all, they afford many opportunities you can’t enjoy if you live in certain regions, like the Midwest. So, is a home greenhouse worth it?

When you pull out the pressure washer and find out the hose is not long enough, there are different options. There are also warnings for some things that you should not do if you find yourself in this situation. You should first know the size of your hose in length and diameter.

Lawns can be fickle, and it’s all too easy to overwater or underwater your grass. Grass becomes straw-like when it gets too little water. Overwatering can damage your lawn’s root system, and that’s hard to come back from.

Sheds have become backyard staples for a variety of reasons. In the shed you can store gardening tools and equipment, like trowels, shears, hoes, spades, shovels, and a lawnmower. In the shed is also where bags of mulch and other items not suitable for indoor storage can be put, like gas, pesticides, and herbicides.

Many tenants will do anything to make their rental properties meet their aesthetic and feel like home. For many people, this includes planting a vibrant garden in the yard. So, are you allowed to plant a garden at a rental property?

Monstera plants don’t drink a ton of water, and this is because they like to be surrounded by moisture. Unfortunately, most homes are significantly drier than a Monstera plant would like. While you don’t need to find ways to increase the humidity in your home, you should ensure your Monstera stays moist.

Privacy fences and decorative fencing are all the rage these days. People value their landscaping and privacy more than ever, which means that fences are becoming very popular. One of the most popular types of fencing is fences made of vinyl.

Fire pits are a part of enjoying fall, and they’re a hugely popular backyard fixture for almost every home. Unfortunately, heavy smoke can be an issue when you’re trying to build up a nice fire. If you’re not a fan of smoke, building a smokeless fire pit might be the best way to get the heat you want without having clouds of smoke blowing in your face.

Beneficial nematodes kill everything from grubs, gnats, and cutworms to weevils, caterpillars, thrips, and beyond. They can kill over 200 pests that would otherwise disrupt your life and home and threaten your houseplants. Many homeowners and plant nurseries use beneficial nematodes to kill larvae before they hatch.

The promise of a warm, colorful spring is exciting to look forward to throughout winter. However, the coming of spring involves some prep work if you want your yard to stand out and thrive. So, when should you prepare your yard for the spring?

One classic way to use up fruit from your garden, especially berries, is to make a sorbet. Making sorbet from scratch might sound intimidating if you aren’t a chef, but the truth is, it’s one of the easiest desserts to make.

Lavender is an easy-to-grow herb with seemingly endless uses. It has a relaxing and intoxicating smell, beautiful purple blooms that you can eat, and so much more. Lavender has been used for centuries as a natural medicine for several ailments.

A crack in any concrete surface can be concerning, especially if the cracks seem to appear overnight. Many homeowners, particularly those in a newly constructed house, will start to notice cracks appearing in the garage floor after about a year. While these cracks are concerning, usually, there is no need to be worried.

Briggs & Stratton is a gasoline engine manufacturer specializing in small engines, pressure washers, generators, and water pumps. Per industry standard, their engine specifications denote engine capacity with a “cc” (cubic centimeter) rating. This cc measurement – commonly referred to as engine displacement – indicates the cylinder capacity and volume displaced by a single revolution of an engine. In contrast, horsepower relates to a less precise measurement of general power output.

One excellent way to use jalapeños is to add them to baked goods like bread. Cornbread is a particularly perfect place to add these spicy peppers. The sweetness of the corn helps to offset some of the spice of the pepper, but you still get the delicious flavor.

Batteries are the central source for the electrical power of a lawnmower. Without it, nothing will function. When storing a lawnmower over the winter months, batteries can grow weak.

Being a homeowner means you not only have to care for the house’s interior, but you must also give some attention to your curb appeal! Who doesn’t want to come home to a lush, green lawn?

If you are redesigning your outdoor space you have all sorts of decisions to make. There are endless ways to spruce up your outdoor living space, like building a deck, installing a hot tub, or even by purchasing a stunning fire feature. If you decide to purchase a fire feature, you may find yourselves at a crossroads between buying a fire pit of a chiminea. When it comes to chimineas and fire pits, many people often wonder what exactly the difference is and which option is better.

When it comes to doing home improvement, there are certain things one has to get to accomplish a project. It can be tempting to do your own work to straighten and repair your garage door. Paint, screwdrivers, and measuring tape are your typical necessary supplies, but do you need a permit to put a door in your garage? 

Nothing says outdoor relaxation like a hammock. Not only are hammocks comfortable and often pleasant to look at, but they are often inexpensive. The key to making a hammock a functional mainstay in your outdoor space is to build a durable stand or install reliable hooks.

Most of the world’s stunning blossoms require plenty of sunlight to thrive. This is because sunlight gives plants the energy to create stunning and intricate flowers, but sometimes, too much sun can have fatal consequences. With intense sunlight and long days, the dangers of extreme heat and dehydration become very real. If you live in an area with very hot summers, then you need to find flowering plants that can withstand these arid, sunny conditions.

Dairy products should never be added to your compost pile. For one, they tend to spoil and smell horrible after a while. This is particularly true when left outside in the sun. This scent can also attract animals.

Growing a bonsai tree is an ancient art that requires some skill and patience. While this process takes time, many find the art of bonsai a relaxing and even mediation task. Its reward is in the work and in the beautiful miniature giant that this work slowly shapes. If you are interested in creating your own bonsai tree, one of the first questions you are likely to ask yourself is “how long does it take to grow a bonsai tree?” 

Water damage, humidity, and darkness are the main causes of mold in a garage. Garages are typically dark, as they’re often closed the majority of the time. This, paired with humidity and spills, creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

Your patio often serves as an extension of your living space, whether as an area to dine, relax, or entertain. How you arrange patio furniture influences the space’s function and overall aesthetic appeal. A thoughtful design can elevate your backyard retreat, whether you have a spacious outdoor area or a small, unassuming pad.

One of the best and most popular ways to sear meat without a grill is cooking it on a hot cast iron skillet. Cast iron is great at searing beef and chicken because it can get very hot and maintains heat exceptionally well.

Adding a room above a garage is a great way to create additional space. Whether that space is additional storage or another living space is up to you. But when there is no insulation in the garage, it can lead to cold floors in that new space.

Few flowers symbolize the dawn of spring more than daffodils. These yellow and orange blossoms are everywhere as soon as winter passes. One reason these spring blooms are so synonymous with the change in seasons is that they are some of the first flowers to sprout from the earth after the ground thaws.

If you really think about it, modern homes are pretty cozy. Even a relatively cheap garage offers a lot of protection from the elements in most cases. It’s unsurprising, then, that many birds seem to prefer building their nests in garages. Unfortunately for them, we don’t want them there and they can actually pose a health risk in some cases. So, how do you get a bird that’s there to leave?

Because you drive your John Deere lawnmower on rough surfaces, its tires can take a lot of wear and abuse. Over time, they may become flat for various reasons, which means you will have to  fix them.

Gazebos are one of those backyard items that seem to attract people naturally. Their beautiful round appearance and shelter from the elements make them an ideal gathering place in any yard. But, what if you don’t want a gazebo on the grass? What if you want it on your deck? Is that doable?

There is a lot that goes into owning a car. Maintenance and upkeep are the most obvious. That said, there are legal responsibilities as well. When you have an everyday car that you use, it has to be properly tagged, plated, and insured.