Having an outdoor patio is like having an extra room in the home. You can make it complete with furniture, an umbrella, and even a grilling area. They are great places to entertain guests when there is pleasant weather, and a perfect place to soak up the sun without leaving the house. They can even add significant value to your home. So, when you notice that birds keep pooping all over your precious patio, you need to find ways to stop them.

An outdoor fireplace provides a cozy place to gather with friends and loved ones. Permanent landscape elements like a fireplace will also provide an increase to your home’s value. A properly built fireplace can extend the usable season of your backyard, offering you and your guests a unique outdoor experience, even in the winter.

Adding a relaxing element to your home is as easy as putting in a swim spa or pool. Swim spas are similar to a pool, but also hold many characteristics of a hot tub. Because of that, many builder-owners set their eyes on a swim spa to boost their home’s value.

If you’re like me, there are few things that are as fun as feeling the pool jets running near your body. Pool jets aren’t just a fun thing, either. They are meant to help stir up the water and improve the overall flow of your pool. Preventing stagnant water is a major issue in pool upkeep. So, what should you do if your pool jets suddenly go kaput?

Choosing the right paver or natural stone for your hardscaping project depends on a number of factors. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, you must consider personal taste and available options to create a space that is both visually pleasing and functional. Flagstone and pavers have long been among the most popular choices when it comes to walkways, driveways, patios, and the like.

When you first become a pool owner, the first thing that becomes apparent is that you are going to need a lesson in chemistry. There are so many chemicals that you are going to have to get acquainted with. You might already know that you’re going to need some form of chlorine, but did you ever wonder why people are talking about bleach? Is that even meant for pools?

If you’ve spent a lot of time cultivating a beautiful garden, you don’t want pesky invaders taking over your space. Invasive species like the Virginia creeper steal resources from other plants in the area. This can easily lead to a dead garden.

When you have a concrete in-ground pool, you are going to have to choose a finish for your pool. There are two major options that people tend to prefer: plaster and Pebble Tec. Both of them offer great perks and not-so-great pitfalls when it comes to their use. If you need to refinish you pool, knowing what to expect is a major perk.

Redbud trees are vibrantly colored trees that can really change the aesthetic of a property. And like any other tree that would get planted in a backyard, there are things to take into consideration. Remember, you want the tree to be protected and healthy, but you also want to keep your home protected as well.

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 do you heat your house with? While many people use natural gas or outdoor propane tanks, some like the variability of space heaters like a kerosene heater.

Although you might assume that sand is sand, this is actually not the case. When it comes to choosing the right sand for your project, the type of sand that you choose can make a major difference. Sand is a crucial component to creating durable and visually appealing paver patios and pathways. Not only will selecting the right type of sand make installation of the pavers easier, it will also ensure that your project is built to last.

An outdoor rug is a great addition to a patio, and this fixture provides another means for a homeowner to express their style. But what about when there’s a fire pit on the patio? Can a rug go under this beloved patio fixture? Such is the question this article answers.

Because your lawnmower’s engine is relatively complex, it can sometimes encounter problems. One particular issue with gas-powered mowers is that oil can start leaking into the exhaust. If this does happen, you have to correct the problem ASAP.

Having a big yard is a great deal of work but can be very rewarding. If you own a wood chipper, it is possible to not only reduce yard waste from branches, brush, and grass, but you can create your own mulch or compost, which can reduce your carbon footprint and help you save money. Many different organic matters are perfectly acceptable to put through a wood chipper.

When revamping your home by adding outdoor living space, you’ll need to choose the best materials for the job. In the realm of heavy-duty lumber, pressure-treated wood is standard for decks, patios, and garden spaces.

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.

Although a riding lawnmower can make cutting the grass much easier, these machines are far more complex than a standard push mower. Because of this, you will have to perform routine maintenance on it to ensure that it keeps running smoothly. One component that can wear down over time is the belt. There are two belts inside your lawnmower – one is for the engine (drive belt), and one is for the blades (deck belt).

An electric fence is an effective way to deter animals and people from crossing a boundary. But just as with any electrical item, it’s possible to run into issues with your electric fence. So if your electric fence isn’t working, how can you figure out what went wrong?

With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your lawn.

There may be a time when you will need to move your shed. There are a variety of reasons why you may want or need to move your shed. No matter the reason, you will need to know how much it will cost.

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.

Spring is the season most synonymous with blooming flowers, but it certainly isn’t the only season full of color. Most blooms continue on through the summer, and fall is known for stunning foliage throughout many parts of the world. But leaves are not the only colors of fall. There are several beautiful plant species that bloom in the fall, and all the way up until the first frost.

There is nothing worse than being stuck with a bad lease or landlord. Whether you’re struggling to pay rent or want to move somewhere else, sometimes the only option is to break the lease or get evicted. So, is it better to break a lease or get evicted?

Most garage doors are plain. They have a bunch of boring panels that have the same flat look. Yay. They get the job done and might also add a little charm if they’re nicely molded. You know what can be really cool, though? Adding windows to your garage doors. Surprisingly, you might be able to add them to your door panels without replacing the whole door.

Wood is a material that is important to many different animals, including squirrels, as it helps to file their continually growing teeth. Therefore, you may see teeth marks from squirrels on places like your deck, fencing, birdhouse posts, wood siding, and more. But you can stop these creatures from chewing your wood by taking a few steps.

Fire pits are becoming more popular additions to backyard settings. It’s not difficult to see why given how they double as spectacular centerpieces and sources of ambient warmth. Cozying up on some lounge furniture close to a fire pit on a cool fall evening sounds like a dream.

It is important to feel warm in your garage. It makes all of those cold nights working on cars a lot more bearable. But what is the best way to insulate an exposed garage ceiling?

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?

The sort of drive system for your garage door is something you don’t think about often while searching for garage door openers. However, you will notice subtle differences because belt drive openers are usually smoother than chain drive openers. For example, one may be quieter while the other may have more strength to lift heavier garage doors.

Knowing the square footage of your garage is important because it determines many things. For example, the size of your garage dictates what you can do in it. And smaller buildings may not house as many cars as you need. So, here’s what you need to know.

Trees are the lungs of the planet, and we can certainly use more of them. But improving the atmosphere is just one reason people plant trees. You might want to add a new beautiful flowering tree to your front yard. Or perhaps there is a fruit tree you want to add to your gardening arsenal. Regardless of your reason for wanting another tree, you need to consider when you should plant it. So, when is the best time to plant a tree?

Are you one of the countless homeowners who have been torn about what to do with your compost pile for the winter? This is a common dilemma for many homeowners who don’t want to let their compost go to waste as temperatures plummet. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to store compost in the winter for later use.

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.

Very few outdoor experiences are as lovely as spending time surrounding a fire pit. Propane-fueled fire pits make an excellent option for people who want an easily movable fire pit with simple on and off power. It can be difficult to estimate how long a propane tank will last for a fire pit for a night with friends. The last thing you want is to be stranded without any available fuel for your fire pit.

Adding a dog to the family is lots of fun, and your new furry family member will bring a bunch of love and joy into your home. But pups also come with some extra responsibilities and considerations when it comes to your house, especially the backyard. So, how do you dog-proof your backyard to keep your pet safe and your yard in good shape?

Swimming pools are just as relaxing and enjoyable as they are sometimes high maintenance. Maintenance and repairs are a part of owning a home with a pool, but unexpected damage means unexpected costs. Pool surfaces are susceptible to damage, and builder-owners are left wondering how much they’ll have to spend this time.

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?

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.

If you enjoy grilling and spending time in your backyard, this question may have crossed your mind: can you grill under a covered patio in your yard? The answer isn’t very straightforward, but we believe there’s a clear way forward, nevertheless.

Your compost pile should be wet, but it shouldn’t exceed 60% water. Ideally, you should maintain between 40% to 60% water content for your compost pile. The microbial organisms within your compost pile need at least some water to thrive.

A trowel is one of the handiest and most helpful gardening tools that you probably didn’t know you needed. These miniature shovel-like items come in several different shapes depending on your exact needs. All of them can fit in a gardening kit, and only require one hand to use, making them a great tool to always have by your side.

There are several different kinds of flowers in the Dianthus genus. Some of these include carnations, Sweet Williams, and maiden pinks. Dianthus flowers have pink, lavender, or pink blooms and these flowers are extremely popular with gardeners.

Whether you’ve just arrived home during a bad storm or you’re waiting it out from the comfort of your living room, inclement weather conditions can be unnerving. This is especially true if the storm has caused a power outage. In addition to the inconvenience of having no cable or light, you face some other issues when the electricity goes out, such as the inability to open your garage door.

Plumbing improvements have come a long way throughout the years. For the most part, the average person doesn’t really know about them or even think about them, but they exist to help improve the way that our home plumbing works.

A sprinkler system can be a multi-faceted tool that you can use for not only home protection but for properly watering gardens and landscaping. They are meant to make things easier but there are times where they simply won’t turn off and an adjustment doesn’t work.

Garage doors are tough and durable parts of your home. They need to be because they are routinely subjected to the elements while keeping a part of your home safe. Still, they aren’t completely immune to getting damaged.

In this modern world with so many advances in home design, functionality, and technology, there seems to be an endless number of ways to improve your home. Whether it’s turning it into a smart home or making your house as energy efficient as possible, there are lots of ways to make your home better. Some of these improvements are personal preferences, while others can drastically increase the value of a home. Take installing an EV charger in your home for example. Is this simply a personal preference, or can installing an EV charging station increase the value of your home?

When it comes to pool safety, few things are as important as making sure that you don’t end up slipping and falling into the pool. The question of how to prevent slips often involves yelling at kids to keep walking and using the right materials. That’s why travertine is a bit of a contention. Does it get slippery when wet, or is that just rumors that should be water under the bridge?

It never hurts to invest in your lawn’s future when you consider the curb appeal that lush grass adds. Grass seeds goes a long way, so many homeowners hold onto grass seed for months or even years at a time. When the time comes to plant the old grass seeds, many homeowners wonder; how long does grass seed last?

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?

When you hear about astroturf, you probably think of the type of places where people play sports. Artificial grass is rare for actual homes to have, but it does happen. When it does, it tends to be done for maintenance reasons. But, does this hard-to-find home improvement project actually increase home value or is it a waste of money?

Although there are multiple crucial components inside a riding lawnmower, one of the most vital is the blade drive belt. This piece is responsible for turning the blades, so your machine would be little more than a tractor without it. If you own a Craftsman lawnmower, you will have to learn how to maintain your belts so that they last longer.

Having windows in your garage is a great way to brighten your space and make it look more attractive, too. That said, it can also pose privacy issues, especially once the sun goes down.

Everyone enjoys a fire on a cool fall evening. If you have a screened porch that is a focal point in your home, you may have considered putting a fire table or fire pit in your screened space. The question of safety always comes to mind when you consider putting a fire table on your screened porch.

Moles are small furry creatures that, by tunneling underneath the soil, can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. There’s no worse feeling than gazing upon your beautiful lawn, that you’ve been working on all summer long, and seeing it crisscrossed by unsightly mounds and tunnels. Aside from the obvious eyesore this creates, tunneling can separate roots from the soil, killing your grass and other vegetation in the process.

The best part of your home may be the patio and enjoying the outside on cool summer days. You can decorate your patio however you like and buy versatile patio furniture to complement your style. But what if you don’t have a suitable patio? Can you put patio furniture on your grass?

Every now and then, you’ll need to make repairs on hard-to-reach spots of your home. Among the toughest spots to address is the roof as even getting up there can be a challenge. That’s especially true if you have a sloped roof.

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.

Both soft touch holly and boxwoods are common choices for homeowners looking to liven up their landscape. For many homeowners, however, it can be quite difficult determining the difference between the two.