Outdoors
Things To Consider Before Installing A Chicken Coop
If you are planning on building or buying a chicken coop, one major decision you need to make is how many chickens you want to raise. Your flock size matters for several reasons. Most importantly, it essentially dictates how large your chicken coop must be.
How To Protect Houseplants From Pests
It’s a bad idea to put indoor plants in soil from your outdoor garden. There’s always a good chance that the soil is infested with pests. Ideally, you should buy a fresh bag of soil that you only use when it’s time to set up your houseplants.
Do You Need A Permit To Build A Fence In Florida? (Find Out Now!)
Building a fence can be a huge project to undertake and takes a lot of planning, but many Florida homeowners choose to have fences. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a fencing company, there is some considerable preparation involved. One of the biggest obstacles to deal with is whether or not you need a permit to build a fence in Florida.
How To Reduce Traffic Noise In The Backyard
Having a home with a backyard is a blessing. It allows you the opportunity to enjoy nature, peace, and tranquility, especially in the summer months. There are all sorts of leisure activities perfect for the backyard, including grilling, sunbathing, and reading. But if your backyard is near a busy street, your backyard tranquility might be stifled by irritating noises. While it is easy to block the sight of traffic, is it possible to reduce the traffic noise in your backyard?
What Are The Disadvantages Of Artificial Grass?
When I was younger, I quickly realized that I don’t want to have a front lawn simply because I didn’t want to mow the lawn. When I heard about artificial grass, I was pretty thrilled.
How To Fix A Splintered Deck
Is your deck splintered and also chronically moist? If so, your deck may have a mold and mildew problem that will only get worse with time. You can fix both of these problems if you bleach your deck.
Eight Steps To Quickly Revive Grass After An Overnight Frost
The first step to reviving your lawn after an overnight frost involves patience. As soon as you see glistening ice crystals on the blades of your beautiful grass, you may feel the urge to address the problem immediately.
What To Do With A Tree Stump In The Front Yard? (Do This!)
Tree stumps are a natural part of lawncare and gardening. I mean, trees don’t last forever. Eventually, you may have to cut down the tree standing in your backyard. When this happens, you’re going to be left with a massive (or not so massive) tree stump where the tree used to be. What do you do with this?
Propane Vs. Butane Torch: Which Is Best For Heating?
Having a gas torch is an important tool when it comes to heating something to a desired temperature. Many projects around the house make use of a torch, things like soldering copper pipes, loosening bolts, and removing air bubbles from epoxy finishes.
The Best Resilient Ground Cover Plants For Your Yard
Grass might be the most popular natural ground cover for lawns, but it doesn’t grow in all environments. Whether you live in a dry climate, have rocky soil, or have areas that get limited sun, you’ll need to find a grass alternative to ensure your yard is pleasing to the eye. Luckily, numerous low-maintenance and resilient plants can provide excellent ground cover in various challenging conditions.
Can You Pressure Wash Polymeric Sand? (Find Out Now!)
When you’re creating your dream garden, the chances are high that pavers are going to be involved. You can make beautiful paths, patios, or small areas for birdbaths. Polymeric sand is a handy ingredient that acts as a cement-like material to keep the pavers in place.
How Long Does A Greenhouse Extend A Growing Season?
More and more homeowners have expressed interest in having a greenhouse, and it’s with good reason. That's because a greenhouse lets them grow plants for much longer than they would outdoors in most climates. So, how long does a greenhouse extend a growing season?
When Is The Best Time To Cut Down A Tree?
Anytime between December and March is ideal for cutting down trees. That’s because trees go dormant during this time in many parts of the United States. This makes it easier to cut down trees, especially if they are as dry as possible.
Does A Sprinkler System Add Value To Your Home?
A key concern when making big investments with regard to your home is whether or not they’re worth it. You want to make sure the return on value or convenience makes up for the money you invested in the first place.
What Happens If Lightning Strikes A Power Line?
The other night, the area around my town had a major storm. It was a thunderbanger, with more lightning and thunder than I knew what to do with. Right across my street is a large power line. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if lightning decided to strike it. After a while, I decided to research what happens when lightning hits our power sources.
What Keeps Eating My Bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea loopers most commonly eat bougainvillea leaves. These small caterpillars eat bougainvillea and eventually turn into moths. It can be quite frustrating, as several bougainvillea loopers may eat many leaves throughout the vines at once.
How Many Hours On A Riding Lawn Mower Is A Lot? (Find Out Now!)
When you own a good amount of land, the upkeep can be a little more comprehensive. Mowing a larger lawn can become a little overwhelming with just a push mower at your disposal. Thankfully, there are riding lawn mowers that can make the job a bit easier.
Garage Door Won't Close Unless You Hold The Button? (Fix It Now!)
If your garage door begins to have issues closing, there is usually a simple fix. Although this can be frustrating, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue without contacting a repairman.
Residential Circular Driveway Dimensions (with Photos)
A circular driveway can be an exciting feature to add to your home. Circular driveways offer more space to park and give drivers an option besides backing into the street. They usually fit best on larger properties because there needs to be ample front yard space.
Lawn Mower Backfires When Shutting Off? (We Have A Fix!)
Loud and unruly noises when shutting down your lawn mower engine is not normal. Bangs or pops as your engine quits running are an indication that something is amiss with the engine. The cause can be a mechanical problem or incorrect operating procedure. It is important to learn and remedy the cause of your lawnmower engine backfires.
How To Save Plants From Heavy Rain
It’s no secret that rain is great for plants, but only in small doses. Heavy rain is nice at first, but it can quickly take a toll on your lawn and garden that can be hard to recover from. Many homeowners understandably struggle with how to save plants from heavy rain.
How To Install Shutters On Vinyl Siding (Step-by-Step Guide)
Exterior shutters can do a lot for your home. If you choose functional shutters, they can protect your windows and add shade to your house’s interior. Stationary shutters are an easy way to boost curb appeal.
Can You Put Charcoal In A Gas Grill? (Find Out Now!)
There’s nothing quite like the flavoring of a filet charred on a charcoal grill. What if you have a gas grill instead? Can you put charcoal inside to get the same great taste?
Power Washer Won't Start? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
A pressure washer is a highly versatile tool that no homeowner should be without. The things that it can help you do are far-reaching and it will quickly become a favorite tool around the house. Unfortunately, things can and will go wrong from time to time.
Can You Put A Blade On A Walk Behind String Trimmer?
Walk behind string trimmers are exceptional at reaching places that standard lawnmowers can’t go. If you want to up the ante, can you put a blade on a walk behind string trimmer?
Is Water Seeping Up Through Concrete Garage Floor? [Try This Fix]
You may begin to notice moisture building up on your garage floor. This process is known as “sweating” and it can be a real nuisance that can make your flooring a slipping hazard and even leave the other portions of the structure damp.
How Often Should You Grease Lawn Mower Spindles?
Lawnmowers are complicated machines, which means that they require continuous maintenance and care. Unfortunately, many owners don’t pay enough attention to the various components inside a lawnmower engine, so many of them get neglected. One element that needs extra care is the lawnmower spindle. It’s important to grease the spindles regularly so that they stay in good condition.
How To Start A Stihl Weedeater (Quickly & Easily!)
Stihl is one of the leading power tool companies, and its products are accessible to any homeowner. Their weed eaters, or trimmers, have helped the curb appeal of countless homes with their precision and power. Many new and proud Stihl trimmers are faced with the question; how do you start a Stihl weed eater?
Straight Leg Vs. Slant Leg Canopy: Which Is Better?
Popping up an outdoor canopy is a great way to make outdoor gatherings more comfortable. Canopies offer shade, protect you from unexpected rain, and keep you from otherwise canceling certain events because of the weather. Although you can find canopies in various sizes and styles, the primary consideration is straight leg vs. slant leg canopies.
Nine Types Of Grass And What They Are Good For
One important question you must ask yourself before choosing the perfect grass for your home is how much time you can dedicate to its upkeep. Some grass grows like weeds and can thrive in most weather conditions.
How To Start A Husqvarna Leaf Blower (Quickly & Easily!)
Husqvarna is the gold standard for zero-turn mowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers. Their power tools are easy to use and consistently deliver on a quality performance. Diving into a new Husqvarna tool can be intimidating at first, so how do you start one of their leaf blowers?
Can You Use A Blackstone Grill Indoors? (Find Out Now!)
Blackstone grills are one of the fastest-growing grills in popularity for both residential and commercial use. They’re valued for their versatility and ability to prepare large amounts of food in a small amount of time. However, many people are wondering if they can use their Blackstone grills indoors as well as outdoors.
Can Patio Furniture Get Wet? (Find Out Now!)
If you live in a wet climate, you may be wondering how to take care of your patio furniture. This type of furniture is designed for outdoor use, so it would be logical to assume it can get wet, right? While this is partially true, it’s not as black and white of a decision as that.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Black Gum Tree?
Australian music teacher Marion Sinclair wrote a song for her students about black gum trees. Maybe you’ve heard it? “Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, eating all the gumdrops he can see.” The beauty of the gum tree and its animal inhabitants deserves to be remembered in song.
Invasive Species You Should Never Plant In Your Yard
If you are working on a home garden, then you know there are endless species of plants to choose from and just as many aesthetics you can hope to achieve. You might already have some plants growing in your garden, or perhaps you have a few plants in mind that you want to introduce to your yard. But make sure that before you bring in a new plant to your garden, you are certain it is not invasive, as there are tons of invasive species out there. Some of them you might not even know are invasive until it’s too late.
How To Protect A Gaezbo In The Winter: 7 Quick Tips
A gazebo serves a lot of purposes for homes and gardens, as it has for the past 5000 years. It serves as beautification, an open outdoor space for multiple activities, an intimate setting for a date, and even for events such as weddings.
Cucumber Leaves Turning White? (How to Treat and Prevent It)
Growing vegetables in a garden is a simple way to get fresh veggies. Growing certain things is a relatively easy endeavor, too. Even still, there are certain things that can impact things like tomatoes and even cucumber plants.
What To Do With Old Mulch (Find Out Now!)
If you do any sort of gardening or landscaping, mulch will be your best friend. In addition to adding aesthetic appeal to your land, mulch is crucial for keeping your soil healthy from season to season. Applying mulch is not a one-time job. You will have to replace and dispose of organic mulch as it decomposes, and you’ll eventually want to replace inorganic mulch, too.
15 Different Types of Koi Fish (with Photos)
Also referred to as Nishikigoi or jinli, Koi fish are colored variants of the Amur carp that most often serve a decorative purpose in outdoor ponds, water gardens, and even home aquariums. There are over 100 different types of koi fish that have been identified by the Japanese. Each variety has unique details for identification and can be described based on scales, patterns, and coloration.
How Much Is A Black Walnut Tree Worth?
Black walnut trees are sought after because they look great in any yard. Because of that, many builder-owners or large property owners looking to rejuvenate their landscape wonder just how much a black walnut tree is worth.
How To Fix A Lawnmower Throttle Cable (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you use a push lawnmower, one of the components that can help you work faster and more efficiently is the throttle cable. Although many modern mowers use an automatic throttle, older machines mostly used the cable. Unfortunately, this piece can break over time, which means that you have to buy a replacement.
Outdoor Fireplaces Vs. Outdoor Fire Pits: Which Is More Ideal?
Rest and relaxation in front of a fire is an activity people have enjoyed since the dawn of humanity. Few experiences allow your senses to become completely entranced as when you enjoy the bright warm cracking of an outdoor fire. When it comes to building a fire feature outside your own home, however, you may be torn between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Fence? (Find Out Now!)
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.
How Many Square Feet Are In A Pallet Of Grass? (Find Out Now!)
Your property needs a facelift, starting with the landscape. Meanwhile, you’re struggling to decide which type of grass to install. Then you see that grasses come in different-sized pallets. So, now what? First, measure your property. Next, find out how many square feet are in a pallet of grass.
How To Arrange Patio Furniture
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.
Backyard Activities For When It's Hot Outside And You Don't Have A Pool
The start of summer means backyard barbecues, family vacations, and trips to the beach. Unfortunately, not every day of the summer is spent diving into a lake or ocean, and vacations only last so long. So, it’s important to have some activities in your backyard to help you beat the heat in the summer. This is easy if you have a pool, but believe it or not, there are lots of ways to cool off in your backyard when it’s hot outside and you don’t have a pool.
Infrared Patio Heater Vs. Propane: Which One Is Better?
My backyard is one of my favorite spaces in or outside of my house. My family and I spend tons of time out there in the summer especially. So, it’s kind of a bummer when the weather changes and we can no longer enjoy the little oasis we’ve created.
Easy Ways To Help Your Spring Garden Thrive
One of the first ways to prepare your garden for spring is to clean up your largest plants. After a long winter, trees, bushes, and hedges wake up from dormancy and are ready to grow. To ensure these plants grow their best and dead branches don’t fall in your garden, pruning is essential. Trim back overgrown branches, and remove any parts of a tree that appear dead or dying. This will make your trees and hedges look better and will provide more light for the plants on the ground below.
5 Types Of Lawnmower Blades (With Photos)
Lawnmowers are an essential tool for any homeowner who desires a precisely maintained yard. While you may already be aware of the fact that there are numerous types of lawnmowers out there, there are also different types of lawnmower blades. Often underestimated, lawnmower blades are the part of a lawnmower that determines the quality of the cut.
Best Flowers To Plant In Spring
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?
What Are The Parts of a Deck? (Detailed Diagram & Anatomy)
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.
Best Bushes And Hedges To Plant For Stunning Fall Colors
With a name like burning bush, it’s no surprise this stunning plant has beautiful colors in autumn. These plants have plentiful blueish-green leaves in the spring and summer months. In the fall, however, they turn bright orange to deep red.
Can You Revive A Dead Tree?
You cannot save a tree if it is dead, but you can save a tree if it's dying. That said, a tree is beyond saving if the roots are completely mushy and destroyed. Some people replant dead plants in fresh soil and have success saving them.
12 Plants That Are Perfect Near Your Front Door
If you live somewhere with mild winters, then a palm tree is a great plant to place near your front door. While there are many types of palm trees you can choose from, Areca palms are a great and safe option. They are one of the best and easiest palm tree species to grow.
How To Make Money Off My Garden
The best way to make money gardening is to propagate your plants and sell cuttings. Gardening has become more popular in the last 4-5 years, and people love to obtain rare plants. Monsteras and philodendrons are especially popular right now, and they are big sellers.
Craftsman Snow Blower Won't Start? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
When winter hits and the snow starts to fall, nothing is quite as valuable as a Craftsman snowblower to keep your driveway and other areas clear. However, when the first snowfall comes, what if your machine doesn’t start? You’ll have to troubleshoot the problem and see how to fix it.
How To Get Rid of Skinks
Skinks may appear gross and scary, but they are far from it. While these small garden lizards aren’t dangerous, they are still a nuisance and can be quite annoying to deal with. Many homeowners understandably struggle with how to get rid of skinks.
How To Keep Frogs Out Of A Pool
Finding frogs in your pool can be disconcerting. Not only is it a hassle, but chlorine is toxic to frogs and they can quickly die in the water. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep frogs out of a pool.
What Is The Least Expensive Patio Material?
Green spaces are the future of our planet. Therefore, greens spaces and patios are getting more and more popular nowadays. Understanding the least expensive patio material will help you make well-informed decisions. So, you need to know how to invest in green spaces without spending too much money.
Top Plants To Grow In Your Garden For Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients for human health and wellness. It can help boost the immune system, is vital for skin repair, and it’s a powerful antioxidant. You can find vitamin C in everything from face creams to energy drinks. If you want to find natural ways to consume more of this vitamin, then consider planting fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamin C.