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.
When Should You Winterize Your Sprinkler System? (Find Out Now!)
Winterizing your lawncare equipment seems like a fool’s errand at times, but believe me, it’s something you should do. It’s what makes sure that you will be able to use your sprinklers once summer comes around. Like with all chores, there’s a right time and a wrong time to start winterizing your system. But, when’s ideal?
Can You Add Bleach To A Pool? (Find Out Now!)
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?
The 10 Most Expensive Lawn Mowers
Lawnmowers are a necessary investment for a homeowner or lawn care professional. They can save you a fortune compared to hiring a service, but mowers themselves are quite expensive. So, what are the most expensive lawnmowers?
How To Get Rid Of Mushrooms In Mulch (Step-by-Step Guide)
While mushrooms are not necessarily bad, they can be a bit of an eyesore in your garden. If you have pets or young children, it’s good to get rid of mushrooms. Curious animals and kids might eat them, and that could lead to problems.
Pool Water Is Brown? (Fix It Now!)
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?
How To Fix Warped Composite Decking (In 5 Easy Steps)
Composite decking may look like wood, but it is manmade and behaves differently. While many people associate warped decking with wood planks, composite decking can warp over time as well. Decks should be flat and straight, but over time, they can become warped and uneven. If you leave composite decking as it is once it is warped, it will probably get worse.
2022 Irrigation System Winterization Cost
Having an irrigation system in place is important, especially if you’re looking to keep your grass green during the dry seasons. However, it’s important that you choose the right one for your yard or whatever it is that you need an irrigation system for. Price is an important aspect of this. So, how much does an irrigation system cost?
How To Remove Deck Boards Attached Using Screws (Do This!)
The deck is supposed to be a hugely positive addition to your home. It becomes harder to say that when the deck boards you used are looking worn down or are just plain broken.
What Is A Pool Conditioner? (Find Out Now!)
As an avid fan of hair products, I know a ton of different conditioning treatments for my hair. As a swimming enthusiast, I had absolutely no idea that pool conditioners are a thing, too. We all know that conditioners are supposed to make the quality of the intended object improve. However, pools are pools. So, what is a pool conditioner supposed to condition? The water’s already clean, so….what’s going on here?
Can You Put Weed Killer On Wet Grass? (Find Out Now!)
You put a lot of energy into maintaining the lawn. So, you probably don’t want weeds where your garden should be. But can you put weed killer on wet grass, or will that cause a problem? And how do you keep weeds off of your lawn otherwise?
Why Does My Leaf Blower Bog Down At Full Throttle?
It can get discouraging when you hit the throttle on the leaf blower, and it bogs down. When starting a job, you look forward to the result of a clean yard. There are a few things you can do to fix and prevent a leaf blower from stalling.
Bermuda Vs. Zoysia Grass: What Are The Major Differences?
Choosing between sod and grasses is not only aesthetic but also often about function and climate. One grass may be better looking while another may be better suited for the environment that you live in. Two common tropical types of grass are Bermuda and Zoysia, but what’s the difference between them, and which is better?
How To Put A Belt On A Yardman 42-Inch Lawnmower
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).
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.
How To Get Rid Of Rabbits From Under Your Deck (5 Ways To Do It)
Hippity hoppity, and fluffy as can be, rabbits are adorable. Cute as they may be, there’s still ample reason why they are considered to be pests in and around the home. They are rodents and can attract mice and rats. They can chew through wires, destroy gardens, and more. Unfortunately, they love to make their homes underneath decks. So, how can you get them out safely?
How To Store Compost In The Winter For Later Use
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.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Thornless Honeylocust Tree?
Thornless honeylocust is a frequently-used tree that’s commonly found in urban areas. It has beautiful yellow leaves in autumn. Plus, thornless honeylocusts provide plenty of dappled shade that still allows grass to grow underneath.
How To Scare Possums Away From Your House (5 Ways To Do It!)
Possums have recently gotten a little bit of meme fame on the net, and we can see the appeal. They are creepy, albeit fairly cute at the same time. While they are adorable from afar, they are not the type of creatures you want to bring to your home. Trapping them can hurt them, so the better question to ask is how you can spook them away from your home.
How To Collect Rainwater Without Gutters (4 Ways To Do It!)
It may seem like forever ago, but it really hasn’t been all that long since the days of needing to collect rainwater for gardening and landscaping purposes. As a matter of fact, today’s homes have roof gardens that not only absorb the rain but grow insulating layers of grass as well.
How Long Does Vinyl Fence Last? (Find Out Now!)
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.
9 Types Of Ryegrass (With Photos)
Ryegrass was once primarily used as a source of food for grazing cattle, and it still is. Now, ryegrass is used for turf, ground cover, and to accentuate surrounding grasses or plants. With all of the practical uses for ryegrass, what are the main types and how do they differ?
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.
Shadow Box Vs. Board-On-Board Fences: What's The Difference?
If you search the internet for the best types of privacy fences, you’ll see two options pop up frequently. These are the shadow box fence and the board on board fence. So what is the difference between them, and which is better?
How Many Sprinkler Heads Per Zone? (Find Out Now!)
A sprinkler system can bring up the value of your home, but more importantly, a sprinkler system makes your life easier! Since professionally installed sprinkler systems can get costly, many have turned to DIY installation kits. But before you start digging, first find out how many sprinkler heads you can use per zone. And it doesn’t hurt to understand precisely how a sprinkler system works.
Why Does My Pool Keep Turning Green?
A swimming pool is a luxury, and while it requires a lot of maintenance, it’s worth every penny. However, the sight of green water in your pool can thwart any plans that you have of swimming laps or leisurely floating. Many frustrated homeowners have asked themselves the question: why does my pool keep turning green?
How To Start A Stihl Leaf Blower (Quickly & Easily!)
Stihl is one of the leading names in power tools and lawn equipment due to its ease of use and quality. Whether it be a weed eater, chainsaw, or leaf blower, the average homeowner can easily use one of Stihl’s tools. However, sometimes getting a leaf blower started can be a hurdle at first, so what should you do?
Briggs And Stratton Backfires Through Carburetor? (Fix It Now!)
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.
How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In The Backyard
Your backyard is undoubtedly so much more than a fenced-in area behind your house. For you, it might serve as an extension of your living space, complete with cozy, plush lounge seating. Or perhaps you host dinner parties and BBQs with friends and family or enjoy frequent picnics. But when uninvited guests, like mosquitoes, show up, it can take a big bite out of your fun.
How To Stop Squirrels From Chewing Wood (Do This!)
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.
8 Best Shed Design Software Picks (Free and Paid)
Did you know that one of my first articles on this site was about what a “she shed” was? It’s true, and it remains one of my favorite articles that I wrote on this site. Ever since that shed article, I had a soft spot for designing sheds. That’s why I jumped at the chance to talk about shed design software. Believe it or not, designing a chicher she-shed just got a lot easier thanks to these top-rated software platforms below.
How To Light A Coleman Propane Lantern (Quickly & Easily!)
There’s nothing quite like the experience provided by the great outdoors. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or partaking in some other outdoor activity, being up close with nature is just an incredible feeling. Before heading outdoors though, you need to have the right equipment and know-how.
How Far Does A Fence Have To Be From The Road?
For hundreds of years, fences have been used for a variety of different things. Whether you want a privacy fence to give you and your family more privacy and protection or you need a smaller fence for decoration or containment, there are a surprisingly large amount of rules. One of the things you need to consider before building a fence is how far it needs to be from the road.
How To Keep Mosquito Larvae Out Of Your Bird Bath
Mosquitoes are attracted to light, and they also love water. A glistening water feature in full sun, like a bird bath, is a mosquito's paradise. It has many of the ideal conditions for these pests to lay their eggs, so a bird bath will quickly attract them.
Can You Put Dishsoap In A Pressure Washer? (Find Out Now!)
Pressure washers are handy tools to have around your home and garden. Many people use a pressure washer to clean their vehicle, wash the siding on their home, or clear leaves and debris from their deck. Whatever their uses, pressure washers can do a great job. However, there are times when you need a little more cleaning power. You might wonder if it is safe to put dish soap in your pressure washer.
How To Stop Condensation On A Metal Shed Roof (Do This!)
Metal sheds or sheds with metal roofs can be a giant magnet for condensation. When the metal is cold, and the temperature outside isn’t, the warm air rises and creates moisture on the roof and walls of a shed. This can cause damage to the structure itself, along with anything that’s inside.
Troy Bilt Bronco Riding Mower Won't Start? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
When it comes to keeping a lawn happy and healthy, your lawnmower is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you can own. And given the costs involved in getting a quality mower, it only makes sense that you would want to protect it and keep it in working order.
When Should You Water Outdoor Plants For The Last Time Of The Year?
Fall weather can be so confusing, especially when it comes to your garden. Some days it may be cold and rainy, and then the next day it may be sunny and warm. So, when should you water outdoor plants for the last time of the year?
How To Finish Cornhole Boards (Step By Step Guide)
Cornhole is a summertime favorite. Friends and family come together to grill, enjoy the sun, and play this summer classic. Buying cornhole boards is an easy thing to do and you can even find some that are customizable with a favorite sports team or design. Others want to create their own cornhole boards.
How Long Does A Coleman Propane Tank Last? (Find Out Now!)
Coleman is known for producing some of the greatest outdoor products, including their 16 oz propane tank. This fuel cylinder is ideal for use at the park, a tailgate party, in your backyard, while traveling or camping, and more. It is lightweight, compact, and is used in tabletop grills, lanterns, heaters, and propane stoves, torches, and other portable propane appliances.
How To Build Lattice Panels For A Porch (Step-by-Step Guide)
Improving your home can be done in a variety of ways. You can invest in a new room, make some long-overdue repairs, or work on your backyard. Even a minor home addition can make a real difference.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Tigerwood Decking?
Building a deck means that you’re going to have to make a lot of decisions. This includes choosing the right materials for your deck, down to the very wood it’s made from. In recent years, upscale homes have started to build decks from tigerwood. Its popularity definitely got it to earn some stripes, but is it really worth the roar of attention that it’s been getting as of late?
4 Alternatives To Underground Sprinkler Systems
A healthy lawn generates curb appeal, keeps you in your neighbor’s good graces, and is something to be proud of. The best way to ensure a healthy lawn is to install a sprinkler system, but unfortunately, that means spending a fortune. With that said, how can you avoid extreme expenses with alternatives to underground sprinkler systems?
Can You Leave A Fridge Outside In The Winter Unplugged?
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.
Why Is The Black and Decker Trimmer's Auto-Feed Not Working?
If you’re someone that cares about their yard, you know how frustrating it can be when tools don’t work correctly. If your Back and Decker trimmer starts to malfunction, address the problem immediately. Holding off on finding a solution can cause more issues within the weed eater and cost you time and money.
What Size Pool Pillow Do I Need? (Find Out Now!)
With shorter days and brisk temperatures upon is, it may be time to prep your pool for the winter. If you own a pool and live in an area that experiences below-freezing temperatures during winter, you are probably very familiar with the process of closing a pool for the season. However, you may not be as familiar with pool air pillows.
How Much Does A Perc Test Cost?
When you own land, there are so many tests and evaluations that need to be done, that some of them can get lost in the mix. One such often overlooked important test for homeowners is the percolation test, or perc test, and it is quite important. Perc tests are done by drilling a hole into the soil and filling it with water to determine the absorption of the soil.
How To Clone A Remote Gate Opener (Quickly & Easily!)
Remote controls are supposed to make our lives easier. For the most part, they do accomplish that job. Being able to control various objects by just pressing a few buttons is undeniably convenient.
How Do You Know If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken?
Garage doors sure have some a long way. Where they used to require all your strength to open and close, they now open with seamless ease at the touch of a button. Opening and closing your garage door has become so simple that you likely don’t even give it much thought. You might not even know what a garage door spring is, or what its purpose is. But when your garage door spring breaks, you will quickly learn how important they are.
How To Prepare For A Backyard Wedding
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.
Pine Bark Vs. Cypress Mulch: What Are The Major Differences?
Mulch is an essential component as far as creating a healthy and beautiful landscape is concerned. But, with numerous types of mulch at your disposal, there’s a lot to consider when choosing one that suits you best. Pine bark and cypress are two of the most popular mulch types, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Fire Pit Vs. Chiminea: What Are The Major Differences?
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.
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.
Can I Use Diesel in A Kerosene Heater?
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.
Can Pavers Support A Hot Tub? (Find Out Now!)
After you’ve bought a brand-new hot tub for your backyard space, your next most important decision is to decide where you’re going to put it. Not only must the location be sturdy enough to support the hot tub, but you also want to ensure that it looks appealing and complements your landscaping to create a tranquil, outdoor sanctuary.
LED Pool Light Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
A swimming pool makes a residential property so much better for a variety of reasons, and one that comes equipped with an LED light is even more ideal. An LED pool light will ensure the pool can be safely used 24 hours a day, and it will also boost the pool’s visual appeal as well.
How Long Will A 40-Pound Bag of Wood Pellets Burn?
Wood pellets are an inexpensive way to heat your home and have become a popular choice, especially in rural areas. When it comes to rural living, sometimes your only choices will be propane or wood pellets. Many people turn to wood pellets as the more inexpensive and cleaner-burning choice.
How To Install A Wood Stove In A Garage (Do This!)
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?
How To Keep Your Dog In The Yard
Dogs often leave the yard because they are excited and distracted. They are easily stimulated by distant sights and sounds that makes them curious to discover what it's all about. It doesn’t mean they hate you or your home, but they are intrigued by something.
Can You Paint A Vinyl Pool Liner? (Find Out Now!)
Vinyl pool liners are an amazingly affordable way to ensure that your home has a safe pool that you can swim in. As one of the most popular pool liner materials on the market, it’s easy to see why people enjoy them. Unfortunately, they do have the drawback of having to be pre-made. But, does that mean you also can’t paint them? Is customization really off-limits?