Outdoors Gardening

Some trees can live for centuries and outlast several generations of landowners in the process. While they can seem invincible, trees will eventually die. When it does, it must be removed quickly, especially if it can damage your home or electrical wires if it falls on its own. To avoid these potential property disasters, you need to know all the signs that a tree is dead.

Whether it be a collection of houseplants or an outdoor garden, plants can trigger allergies and asthma. Most plants produce pollen and many of them even release spores that can irritate some people. Understandably, many homeowners with allergies and/or asthma, want to know the best plants to have.

Typically, when talking about riding lawnmowers, the most common elements to discuss are its horsepower, cutting capabilities, and turning radius. However, one other critical component is its weights. Chances are that you haven’t thought much about your mower’s weight (unless you had to transport it somewhere), but it matters.

Foxes don’t go into your yard because they want to play around: they’re there for food. However, they won’t stick around your yard for too long if they can’t find any food. They are drawn to fruit, vegetables, and even compost bins. 

A riding lawn mower makes cutting your lawn a breeze because it gets the job done quickly and easily. Getting the most out of your Craftsman Riding Mower is essential, but the blade may leave bare patches if the mower deck is too low. Adjusting the mower deck’s height may take a bit of time, but the result should be worth the effort.

Weeds are the nemesis of every gardener. They steal vital nutrients and much-needed water from your plants, and make your landscaping look unattractive and untamed. Unfortunately, weeds exist in just about every garden, and it’s a challenge everyone has to confront. The key is knowing the most effective ways to keep weeds out of your garden and the common mistakes to avoid.

Part of the reason why having a riding lawnmower is so beneficial is that you can cut your grass in half the time it would take with a push model. However, because these machines are relatively complex, they can experience a wider array of issues. One problem you may encounter is that the mower will not move while in neutral. If that happens, it can be tough to maneuver the machine, whether you’re trying to store it or roll it to a new spot.

When you think of plants that cause bad allergic reactions, there is a good chance the first plant you think of is poison ivy. Poison ivy exists in many wooded areas, popping up in late spring, and continuing to grow until the first frost.

Rocks are a versatile, natural addition to any garden. However, if you already have mulch laid down, can you put  river rock over top of it, or will it need to be removed first?

Proper lawn maintenance often requires using a variety of tools. A lawnmower on its own may not be enough to keep your yard well-manicured. For many homeowners, the usage of a tool such as a string trimmer is also necessary.

Raccoons don’t build elaborate nests. Instead, they look for well-equipped shelters and then call them home. Hollowed-out trees and crawl spaces under decks and sheds are all ideal homes for these animals.

Earthworms aren’t as cute as colorful caterpillars, but they offer many valuable benefits to the environment. You should be happy if you find them in your garden, even if you're not sure of what they do. So, why are earthworms good for gardens?

Pill bugs may look cute and harmless, but it’s easy to hate them when you see how much time they spend eating your plants. It can also be disheartening when you constantly see the pill bug population grow in your yard. That’s why we compiled the six best ways to stop pill bugs from eating your plants.

Gardeners love to plant as many perennials as possible to make their springtime list of chores even easier. Perennials come back year after year and bloom for months at a time, but this only happens if you take good care of them. Many homeowners understandably struggle with how to make sure perennials come back.

Sprinklers are a highly useful tool for keeping a yard or garden properly and consistently watered. They can even be scheduled and automated so that they require little intervention from the user. At the end of the day, they are quite effective for proper yard and garden care.

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.

One great reason to plant lemongrass is that it is a fairly low-maintenance herb to grow in your garden. As long as you have a sunny area with well-draining soil, then your lemongrass should thrive.

Creating a beautiful and lush yard that is the envy of the neighborhood is a lofty yet attainable goal for many homeowners. Understanding the right  grass to plant in your specific climate zone, coupled with your particular soil and sunlight, can make your lawn goals a reality.

Mulching is a great way to improve the health and appearance of your garden. Putting mulch over your rocks can be a quick fix for sprucing up your yard, but is it a good idea?

Whether you have a residential or commercial sprinkler system, the adjustment procedure will depend on the specific sprinkler heads you have. There are many different types of sprinkler heads, each with slightly different instructions for adjusting their spray pattern.

Citrus trees are fantastic additions to your property. The blossoms smell fragrant and lovely in the breeze, and the fruit allows you to enjoy sweet, tangy, or sour fruit in abundance. But citrus thrives in warm climates and often dies off in a freeze. But if you live in an area where the temperatures dip below freezing every now and then, you might wonder if there are any citrus trees that can survive annual frosty conditions.

For many people, catnip is a meme-worthy substance that we see on viral cat videos on Instagram and TikTok. However, avid gardeners know that catnip is a well-rounded plant with many benefits, although it may attract unwanted guests. So, will growing catnip attract cats?

Some homeowners embrace the fall and winter, whereas others dread the cold temperatures. However, many can agree that taking a break from many standard yard chores, like mowing the lawn, can be nice. So, when should you stop mowing your lawn before the winter?

Many people are aware that the climate zone in which they live is an important part of which plants can thrive in a garden. That’s why you will always have more success with native plants than with imported ones. However, many people don’t realize how much the climate zone affects indoor plant growth.

If you're a plant-lover, then you can relate to the pain of watching your favorite plants wither away when temperatures plummet. That doesn’t need to be the case, however, as many plants can survive and even thrive throughout cold weather. So, what are some of the best plants that survive winter?

Hydrangeas are one of the most iconic symbols of spring. They have beautiful and delicate large pom-pom blooms that come in various colors including blue, white and even purple. If you live in an area with mild summers and plenty of moisture, hydrangeas can make a perfect gift.

Between their appearance and dietary habits, carnivorous plants are endlessly fascinating. Mostly known as vicious bug predators in tropical areas, carnivorous plants have proven they can grow in many environments, inside or outside. So, what are the best carnivorous plants for indoors?

A greenhouses is a great luxury, but that doesn’t mean running one is always easy by any means. Many people worry about disease, fungi, and pests infiltrating their greenhouse and wreaking havoc. That’s why we put together a list of the most common greenhouse pests and how to get rid of them.

One of the best ways to help your roses grow is to trim them back. This might seem counterintuitive, but roses need to be pruned to reach their true blooming potential.

There are many types of grass, some of which grow better in certain areas. If you find yourself in the middle of choosing between, centipede grass, and St Augustine grass.

Spring looms like a faint light on the horizon that grows stronger every day, and this brightening light serves as a friendly reminder that gardening season will soon be upon us. When planting a vegetable garden, planning in the late winter and early spring can make all the difference in yielding a bountiful crop of vegetables in the summer. To ensure you are taking care of all your needs in advance, it is important to know all the common vegetable garden mistakes you should avoid this spring.

Having a nice-looking lawn comes with its own set of responsibilities and maintenance. When choosing between Bermuda and fescue grass, there are a few things to consider. We are going to show the differences between the two, and which might be the right one for your lawn.

Photographs and memes of bright sunflowers facing each other have long circulated the internet and been the subject of many chain emails. The memes suggest that when the weather is cloudy or, overcast sunflowers will turn to face one another. Sunflowers can feed off each other’s energy by facing each other, or so the belief and widely circulated memes tout. But is this true?

Working the land is something that must be done, to maintain properties. When it comes to larger 1 acre + properties, you can’t always take care of it, with just a push mower, by yourself. Landscaping companies charge different prices. So, we have found the average price, and cost, to cut 1 acre of grass.

By keeping your fig trees properly pruned, you will allow them to produce sweeter, more flavorful figs. Pruning enables the hormones and sugars to make their way all the way up the branches and into the fruits. While the process isn’t entirely complicated, many home gardeners are at a loss as to how to prune a fig tree.

It is an alarming sound and situation. You have been running your lawnmower over your yard. Suddenly, as you are shutting the Briggs and Stratton engine down, it backfires through the carburetor.

Everyone wants a lawn that looks beautiful. It instantly increases the curb appeal. A well-manicured lawn guarantees that you’re not the only yard on the block that looks bad. While no one wants their house to be an eyesore, there is a learning curve to maintaining your grass seed while you attempt to eliminate bald spots on your lawn.

Edging out a flower bed used to mean digging the outline with a garden spade. Fortunately, this task is much less tedious and significantly more accurate with the emergence of power edgers.

Before you think about cutting your grass, you first need to inspect all your equipment. Tune up your mower, and give it a good cleaning after a long winter in storage. Change the oil in gas mowers, and make sure electric mowers have fully functional batteries.

Nothing quite says summer like biting into an ear of fresh, sweet corn on the cob. This vegetable is perfect for a cookout or popped to make popcorn. Corn is one of the most popular vegetables, and for a good reason. But all too often, casual gardeners do not believe that they have the time, resources, or space to dedicate to this plant.

When you think of gardening tools, you probably imagine a shovel, rake, pruning shears, and other commonly used accessories. What about a tape measure? Every home should have a tape measure for various needs, but this measuring tool has just as many uses outside the home as inside.

There’s nothing like a healthy, green lawn, and I always want it to look that way. But, I never knew what time was right to stop watering it.

Your garden will never be able to thrive if bugs continually eat your plants. Pests can also make it difficult to enjoy time outside and perform yard work. So, what are the best plants to keep bugs away?

One of the main advantages to owning a lawnmower is the fact that you don’t have to rely on your own energy to propel the mower. Most modern lawn mowers are wireless, meaning they are outfitted with a lithium battery that must be charged in order to operate the mower. Meanwhile, other lawnmowers, such as riding mowers, have either a gas- or diesel-powered engine and a battery.

Not only is it possible to plant garlic before the first frost, but it’s the growing environment that garlic prefers. Colder soil helps promote clove growth in the plant and gives the plant a more developed and nuanced flavor. 

How great is it to step outside and pluck a lemon from your tree to garnish a drink or make fresh-squeezed lemonade? Fresh fruit trees are a great addition to your yard space and garden. But if your lemon tree leaves are turning yellow, you might be worried that your homemade lemonade days are numbered.

The key to success when planting vegetables in the early spring is knowing what species to plant. Some species do quite well in the cool shoulder seasons of early spring and late fall, while others will shrivel up and die. Only plant species that are proven to thrive in the early spring where you live. Consult with your local garden store for advice, and follow care instructions closely.

Tillandsia, or air plants as they are more commonly known, are some of the most fascinating plants on the planet. Unlike the vast majority of plant species, air plants don’t need soil to grow. They also soak up water from humid and misty air. Since these prehistoric-looking specimens don’t require soil or regular watering, you might wonder if air plants make good houseplants.

May is synonymous with rebirth. The ground has thawed and spring blooms explode in a celebration of color, welcoming the longer days and warm weather. May is also home to a significant holiday – Mother’s Day. And while most mothers tend to love any gift they receive from their children, it can sometimes feel overwhelming when shopping for a gift for Mom. But the good news is, Mother’s Day could not come at a better time because May is the perfect time to buy your mom an amazing gardening gift that she can use right away.

Many people get into composting because they want to become as sustainable as possible. However, the startup work and time investment make composting seem more intimidating than it actually is. So, is it worth it to compost?

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.

A drought is a nightmare for homeowners and communities, especially when they aren’t prepared. Droughts can disrupt the ecosystem, harm animals, and kill your garden and lawn that you worked hard to grow. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to prepare for a drought.

Nothing beats fresh herbs when you are looking for a way to boost the flavor and freshness of a dish. Herbs from your garden are arguably the freshest ingredients of all, but for those living in a seasonal climate, an herb garden has a shelf life. While you can’t always grow fresh herbs throughout the year, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to dry and preserve your delicious home-grown ingredients for later use.

The sight of ants in your yard or home can understandably be discomforting. Not only are ant hills ugly, but they can indicate that you have an upcoming ant problem on your hands. Many homeowners have asked themselves the question: why are there so many ant hills in my yard?

Having the perfect lawn is a goal for many homeowners. Luscious green grass is a status symbol in many neighborhoods, but achieving a pristine lawn is a formidable challenge that isn’t for everyone. Whether you are sick of paying a high water bill or can’t dedicate the time required to maintaining healthy grass, sometimes it’s easier to give up on grass altogether. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your lawn, the first step is finding the best way to kill your grass.

There are all sorts of reasons to purchase an indoor tree for your home. They add a much-appreciated pop of life and color to a room, they are great to look at, and even provide clean oxygen-rich air for you to breathe. While some indoor trees require a bit of maintenance and upkeep, there are many that are resilient and require very little work to maintain. But every indoor tree needs water. If you recently purchased an indoor tree, you need to know how often you need to water it.

No homeowner is prepared for the day a tree falls on their roof. Not only is it a terrifying experience, but it’s also the first step in a long and expensive process that involves many phone calls and repairs. Understandably, you’ll want to know what to do if a tree falls on your roof.

Your yard comes alive in the summer. Not only do plants and flowers appear, but the pleasant weather also allows you and your loved ones to spend time outside. With a small outdoor space, however, you might think your entertainment options are limited. The reality is, no matter how tiny it is, there is endless fun to be had. The key is knowing which activities you can enjoy when space is limited.

A greenhouse lets homeowners expand their gardening capabilities and extend their growing season. However, a greenhouse can also attract many pests looking for shelter and food sources, including snakes. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to keep snakes out of your greenhouse.

Whether you’re growing palm trees in your yard or a small palm plant inside your home, you likely selected them to enjoy their magnificent, lush green fronds. When palm trees flourish they are reminiscent of paradise and island getaways but have you noticed the leaves of your palm tree turning yellow?