One of life’s greatest enjoyments is sitting back and relaxing in your own backyard oasis, sipping your favorite beverage. Maintaining that tranquillity means occasionally breaking out the gardening shears and that noisy lawnmower, but machines break down over time.  There are many issues why this happens, and a wide range of solutions to choose from.

Palm trees are great to plant in a yard for all sorts of reasons. They provide great shade in your yard and around your pool or patio areas. They also tend to shed far less than other types of trees, which makes the ground around them easier to keep clean.

Swimming pools are a great way to cool down during the hot summer months. However, it’s not always easy to know when you should add a shock treatment and how much is too much. Can you put too much shock in a pool?

The color of your pool water can tell a lot about your pool’s health. That’s why we all naturally gravitate towards pools that have rich blues, crystal clear hues, and maybe a little turquoise in them. One color no one wants to see in a pool is brown. That’s a major ick right there, and it’s enough to have people run in the opposite direction. So, what is brown pool water doing in your pool?

Creating a backyard oasis with a pool or hot tub is fun. But what if you want to get creative? Can you put a hot tub on a rooftop deck, or should you put it somewhere else? Here is what you need to know.

A chain-link fence offers many benefits, curb appeal not being one of them. While it helps keep your dogs in your yard and mark off your property, it won’t do a whole lot to raise the aesthetic of your home.

Grilling is an all-American pastime, especially in the heartland part of the country. That’s an area where propane is rife, and so is Midwestern ingenuity. Sometimes, you occasionally hear of people debating whether you can use forklift propane for a tank on a grill. Is this doable?

When I first found out that pool filters contained sand, my mind was blown. I immediately made the (wrong) assumption that pool filter sand is the same as the sand found in playgrounds and sandboxes. While the two are fairly similar, the fact is that they are very different. It makes sense, too. Did you ever wonder what the biggest differences are between these two sand types, and why you can’t use play sand in a pool filter?

Whether it be seed trays and squirrel baffles or basic maintenance, it’s easy to keep pests away from bird feeders. Through trial and error, we found the best ways to protect bird feeders from pests, such as:

If there is one cleaner that is old-fashioned and incredibly popular, it’s borax. Borax has been a staple in laundry, tiling, and even carpet cleaning. Nowadays, people are starting to pour it into pools. Believe it or not, adding a little borax to your pool water might be a smart idea. The question you need to know, though, is what it can offer a pool owner.

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?

Every part of your home deserves to feel toasty and warm during the colder months, even when it comes to your garage. Now that garage apartments are becoming increasingly popular, people are starting to look for ways to get more heat into their homes. A fairly popular option is to install a wood stove in your garage. But, how do you go about that?

Are you wondering, “Is Portland cement waterproof?” Well, you’ve come to the right place because we have the answer you’re looking for. Portland cement, the most common cement in general use worldwide, is not waterproof on its own.

A sprinkler system is a great tool in helping to keep your lawn hydrated and beautiful. Through this seemingly complicated system, there’s the convenience of having to just program it and forget it. However, a common issue is that the sprinkler system runs twice,  but there is probably a simple solution.

For many homeowners, choosing the grade of oil they use in their lawn mower can be tricky. A common oil grade that people use in their lawn mower is SAE30. However, many people wonder whether or not they can swap out the SAE30 in favor of 10W30.

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.

Nowadays, a home isn’t a home without modern technology infused throughout. There are smart thermostats, security systems, curtains, and even smart light bulbs. Smart light bulbs are becoming more popular these days. After all, they have several benefits, including increased security and lower energy costs. But if you are looking to install new lights outside your home, you might wonder if you can use smart bulbs outdoors.

After cleaning up at home and getting rid of several items, you may be left with a big stack of wood. To be more specific, you may find several planks of pressure-treated wood. You obviously don’t want those old pieces of wood cluttering up your home so you must dispose of them.

Nobody wants to taint their backyard wedding with dull, dead grass. You can avoid this problem altogether if you enrich your lawn to ensure the grass is as green as possible. Carefully walk around your backyard, check for patchy spots, and fill them in with grass seeds.

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?

Briggs and Stratton are one of the leading names in lawnmowers, and they earned their reputation. As great as their mowers are, problems can still occur, and they can be quite frustrating. With that said, what causes oil to come out of the carburetor on your Briggs and Stratton mower?

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.

One of the nicest things about having an outdoor space is filling it with your own patio furniture. A couch, a table, some chairs, a sun umbrella…maybe even a fire pit! All these thoughtfully chosen pieces can work together to build your dream home. But patio furniture can also attract an unwanted guest: theft. But is there a best way to secure your patio furniture?

A juicy ripe tomato in your garden is a sign of a job well done. You have likely waited very patiently for months for your tomatoes to ripen in order to feast on them. This makes it all the more tragic when you go to your garden to pick tomatoes only to see that birds have savagely feasted on your pride and joy. In order to avoid this heartbreak, you will want to know all the ways to keep birds from eating tomatoes in your garden.

Owning a Honda self-propelled lawnmower makes it easy to cut your grass quickly. However, over time, your mower will need routine maintenance and care. One of the most crucial elements to pay attention to is the drive belt. In some cases, this belt can come loose, which means that you’ll have to adjust the tension by tightening it.

Whether your driveway is getting worn out or you just want to spruce it up, you have plenty of options. While some may want to tear up the asphalt and start new, others are wondering if there’s an easier option. 

A fence is an extension of the home, and many builder-owners carefully choose the best fit for their own house. One of the most timeless and attractive options is the split rail fence, and it is the choice of many homeowners. Some builder-owners want split rail fences for the visual, and others want them for practical reasons, but what do they cost?

You have your home, but you want to create a perfect little oasis that you can escape to when you want to relax. This usually includes a nice hot tub you can take a dip in to draw a close to the day or night. But, as with any big-ticket purchase, you need to make sure you’re making an informed purchase. That means you need to know what brands you should steer clear of.

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.

There are many reasons why you may want to use artificial grass on your property. It is a low-maintenance way to keep your lawn looking great all year round, and with it you won’t have to deal with any upkeep costs. In many cases, artificial grass is used to replace natural lawns, but it is also possible to use artificial grass over old patios or unused driveways to create new and beautiful spaces.

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.

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.

Curb appeal is crucial. But functionality is fundamental. So, how do you create a practical yet stylish outdoor space? Many people prefer white oak patio accessories. So, is white oak good for outdoor furniture or not?

Using any type of gas-powered equipment should be done with caution. A leaf blower is no exception to this rule. It’s important to know the type of gas required so you don’t damage the leaf blower or injure yourself.

Patio furniture is a great way to create additional usable space in your outdoor area. There are all sorts of patio sets to choose from, but they are often quite costly. The hefty price tag is one reason you must take great care of your patio furniture, so it lasts as long as possible. This means taking the right steps to properly store it in the winter.

When you start getting into the world of home improvement, you gain a massive vocabulary. You start talking about things like drill bits, thermocouples, and other things that sound all sciencey. When you’re learning about plumbing, you’ll hear terms like “silcock” and “hose bib.” What are these things, and are they the same thing?

The conventional sprinkler system found on residential properties does the majority of the work under the ground, and out of view. Despite their enigmatic nature, irrigation systems aren’t particularly complicated. In fact, they consist of only a few main basic components, each of which has the primary goal of distributing water to the correct place at the proper time.

After several hot summers and significant changes in water levels in many areas, water usage has become a critical consideration for many homeowners. This is especially true for those who have gardens and lawns in drought-prone areas. There is not a whole lot one individual can do to increase the water levels in an entire region. There are, however, a lot of different ways you can create a stunning and thriving garden with very little water.

Buying the right pool furniture is critical when you are trying to create the perfect vibe for your backyard oasis. A pool is a great way to create an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, but without the right furniture, a pool can look drab and shabby. So, when you are shopping for pool furniture, you want to make sure you buy something long-lasting and chic. But what is the best material for pool furniture?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular species of tropical vine plants, distinguished by their glossy, heart shaped leaves and long, trailing stems. They are typically one of the first houseplants that novice plant parents own, and for good reason. These indoor plants are incredibly easy to grow, require minimal care, and are very versatile. For example, you can grow pothos up a moss pole, in a hanging pot and the leaves will drape downwards, or horizontally across windowsills, mantles, and tables.

Life in a big city can be overwhelming. That’s why, over the years, more and more people begin to consider moving to a smaller town.

If you’ve turned a section of your garage into a woodworking shop, your own personal mechanic workshop, a man cave, or some other sort of hobby center, you likely want to keep it warm and cozy during the winter months. After all, those drafty garage doors, concrete flooring, and little to no insulation are why garages are often among the coldest spaces in a home.

If you’re buying a new fridge, you may be tempted to leave your old fridge outside in the winter unplugged. However, leaving your appliance outside in the winter while unplugged can incur some damages.

Walkways are important, whether we’re talking about walkways for residential properties or those for commercial properties. For a long time, walkways were constructed using stone and brick pavers, but these days rubber pavers are becoming popular. But can rubber pavers be placed directly on grass?

If you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic of your lawn or improve the soil quality in your garden, rakes are your best friend. Whether you’ve been taking care of a garden for many years or it’s your first time, a rake is one piece of lawn equipment that is absolutely essential. Rakes are essential large forks with multiple tines. Most people assume that they are used for collecting leaves, while that is true that’s the only one type of rake.

Whether your garage is run-down, too pricey to repair, or you want to remove it and build a new one, demolition may be the best route to go. Tearing down a garage is considered a partial demolition, which may be necessary for homeowners who are carrying out a major home remodel. While garages are still highly sought after among homebuyers and can actually increase the value of your property, there are plenty of instances when your home may be better off without the eyesore of a dilapidated garage.

One thing no one ever tells you is that mowing the lawn has a learning curve. It’s not only learning about how to add fuel to your mower or how to turn. It’s also a matter of learning how to adjust your deck wheels and how to tell if you’re mowing properly.

When I was young, there was a nearby park that used pine straw mulch from time to time. I loved it. It smelled like summer to me. While pine straw mulch has its perk of being amazingly nicely scented, the truth is that it’s not for everyone. If you’ve been curious about whether it’s the right mulch for you, I totally understand.

Mosquitoes have a way of ruining an otherwise perfect evening. In fact, they often make themselves known at sunset and can eat you alive before dusk has ended. There are all sorts of remedies to help prevent mosquito bites. Some of these methods work better than others, but as more and more information comes to light about harmful chemicals, you might want to find an organic and natural way to help keep mosquitos from biting.

Owning a riding mower comes with many perks, but it can also require routine care and maintenance. One of the most common steps to take care of on your riding mower is to regularly change the blades. However, since the machine can be quite heavy, this process is not always simple.

Mowing your lawn is, under the best of circumstances, a chore. Mowing wet grass makes things even more difficult. Wet grass only compounds everyday problems with mowers. To successfully mow wet grass, you need a mower with some special features.

Shaded porches serve as both an oasis and an entry to your home. Finding the right plants that can thrive in the shade is easier said than done, however. So, what are the best plants for a shaded porch?

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.

If you’re feeling the urge to grill, you’re going to need a machine capable of cooking up the perfect grub. With countless companies and models to choose from, your brain could wind up as fried as your burgers. Let us narrow down your options to two trusted manufacturers: Traeger Grills and Louisiana Grills.

When you’re working on your landscaping, the water that you’re using will be flowing from a small spigot known as an anti-siphon valve. These can be found on sprinklers as well as on the sides of your home. The anti-siphon action helps prevent water from leaking out and keeps outdoor water from contaminating your home’s water supply. But, what happens when this thing starts to leak?

Pool plaster is the most popular pool resurfacing option for concrete pools. Part of its success is its time-tested results as well as the wide range of different colors that it comes in. If you love customization, then you might want to know what the most popular pool paster colors are. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

For those with outdoor space, the dawn of spring ushers in an exciting opportunity to plant a vegetable garden. Outdoor vegetable gardens are tons of fun to plan and execute. From selecting vegetables to mapping out the garden, and even purchasing the plants, there is never a dull moment. But when the garden is planted, the work begins. The key to a successful vegetable garden is watering it regularly. But what time of day is best to water a vegetable garden?

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?

A dead battery can put a damper on grass cutting. With the Worx lawnmower comes a 24-volt lead-acid battery that may need charging. Batteries may  weaken or die for several reasons, and it is best always to be prepared with a charger.

Regardless of whether you are in the market for a mower and are thinking of purchasing a Gravely or you already have one, knowing the average life span is important. Especially when buying one of their more expensive Pro-Turn Kawasaki mowers that costs upwards of $14,000.