Boxwoods have been around in gardens for centuries, going all the way back to the mid-1600s in America. It makes sense that these popular shrubs would withstand the test of time since they have so many good points. They’re versatile, feeling right at home outside, inside, in the ground, or in a container, deer-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Traeger is among the biggest names when it comes to wood pellet grills. They are reliable and efficient, but many homeowners look for an alternative that is either better or more affordable. So, what are the best Traeger alternatives?

You’re taking a significant step toward finishing your landscape design. Buying sod by the pallet can get expensive. Plus, there are several things to consider. So, how many square feet are in a pallet of sod, and what does that mean for your budget? Here’s what you need to know.

If one thing is for sure, it’s that the weather is never certain. Just because it’s springtime doesn’t mean that you should start watering your yard. Use this as a guide to determine the best time to turn on your sprinkler system. 

Ask many people what their idea of an idyllic evening would be, and you get many answers. Many people include sitting on the patio or front porch rocking in a comfortable chair. Nothing seems more relaxing than the rocking motion of a good rocking chair. For outdoor use, most people choose metal for its durability and weather resistance. Finding a metal patio rocker that fits your style is important as is finding the best combination of durability and features.

Electric or automatic driveway gates are growing in popularity for many residences in the U.S. Not only are they visually appealing and improve the curb appeal of the property, they also increase convenience and enhance home security. Opposed to gates that are operated manually, automatic driveway gates offer more control over who comes on your property while also eliminating the need to leave your car or home to open the gate for yourself or a guest.

When considering buying a home, there are different things to take into consideration: neighborhood, infrastructure, highway accessibilities and of course — the size of your home.

There’s always some confusion when it comes to the cayenne pepper. What is it? Is cayenne a pepper or a spice? And when is the best time to pick cayenne pepper? We shirk away from the unknown, and especially from the spicy unknown. But in reality, we use cayenne pepper every day to flavor our favorite dishes. That pizza you’re enjoying? You can thank cayenne pepper for that fiery tang. 

Although a lawnmower is a crucial machine for lawn care and maintenance, many owners don’t take care of their mowers as well as they should. Over time, dirt, debris, and grass can get kicked into the motor, affecting various internal components. One of the most critical pieces is the carburetor (aka carb), which helps make the motor work. You should clean your carb at least once per season to keep it in good condition.

Birds are an attractive part of nature’s wildlife. They can provide a little bit of color and vibrance to any setting. But they can also bring with them quite a bit of nuisance and damage. The droppings, the pecking, and the chirping can all be major detriments.

Planting a garden adds beauty to your home’s exterior and is also a great stress reliever. But if your plants struggle to grow, it can become frustrating. Gardening takes knowledge for flowers, plants, and veggies to flourish, like choosing the proper soil and planting space. If you decide to use planters, you might wonder if you can use garden soil in pots?

Well water isn’t an unlimited source that you can utilize for as long as you want. The water tank takes time to refill and can only be used for a limited period before it’s tapped out. This begs the question- how long can you run your hose on a well?

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.

Azaleas are arguably among the south’s most favorite flowering plants. Despite their reputation as being rather finicky, these stunning shrubs are simple to grow when you understand their basic requirements.

Power outages are always frustrating for the homeowner. However, they can also cause more than just inconvenience. When the power surges, it can leave your garage stuck open and your belongings vulnerable.

The first major safety question you need to ask yourself when you notice a tick on your body is how long the tick has been there. This is an important for two reasons. First, the longer a tick has been in your skin, the more embedded and stubborn it is likely to be. 

A pergola is a wonderful and show-stopping outdoor structure that provide sshade and opulence. It also gives you additional usable space in your backyard. Most pergolas look lovely on their own, but a lot of these structures can benefit from a bit of plant life. While some people opt to garden along the borders of a pergola, to truly bring some charm and whimsy to your pergola, you should introduce a vine or creeping plant.

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.

You’re all set to mow your lawn, but when you come out to your riding lawnmower, you notice that the key is missing. Or worse, you try the key, and it breaks off in the ignition switch. You need to cut the grass ASAP, so you can’t afford to wait for a replacement part. What do you do? Fortunately, you can start your lawnmower with a screwdriver.

Do you have a gas pool heater that you’d like to power using propane? Propane-powered gas pool heaters are great for heating up pools in a short amount of time. They’re especially ideal if you only use your pool occasionally, since they only have to run when you’re using it. But what size propane tank is needed to fuel a gas pool heater?

To ensure that your lawnmower is functioning properly, you need to take good care of each of its parts. Doing so will lengthen the life of your mower and help you get more out of the time you spend using it.

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?

Weather conditions these days are unpredictable. Just as there are record-high temperature records each year, there are also shocking cold snaps in unexpected places. These cold snaps can reach below freezing and happen rather suddenly. So, if there is an overnight frost, and you have left vulnerable plants outside, you will want to know what you can do to keep them alive.

Countless homeowners take pride in their gardens up until the day they sell their houses and beyond. A nice landscape and garden are something to be proud of as a homeowner. So, does a garden increase home value?

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.

No longer just for cars, garages have become multi-faceted in their usage. They are part storage, part workshop, part exercise room, and the list goes on.

If you really think about it, modern homes are pretty cozy. Even a relatively cheap garage offers a lot of protection from the elements in most cases. It’s unsurprising, then, that many birds seem to prefer building their nests in garages. Unfortunately for them, we don’t want them there and they can actually pose a health risk in some cases. So, how do you get a bird that’s there to leave?

Fences are a great investment. They provide you and your neighbors with privacy and keep pets and children in your yard. They can even add value to your home.

Saltwater pools are more popular than ever before, and rightfully so. They offer a more eco-friendly alternative to bleach for your pool’s sanitation, and also make you feel like you are in the middle of the ocean. Though saltwater pools are hip and trendy AF, there are a lot of questions to ask about how to filter them. I mean, can a regular sand filter work?

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?

A barbecue just isn’t the same without some fragrant smoked meat. The smell of hickory burning in the backyard triggers all sorts of mouth watering nostalgia. If you love smoked meat, you have probably considered buying a smoker for your own backyard gatherings. Upon researching, you will find that both electric smokers and pellet smokers require electricity, and you may wonder what exactly the difference is between the two. But more importantly, which type of smoker is better?

A vegetable garden will struggle to thrive if it is constantly under attack by animals and pests. Of course, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs will find your vegetable garden enticing. That doesn’t mean you are doomed to have animals eat your vegetables. We have compiled several tips on how to keep animals out of your vegetable garden.

Pollinator gardens have risen in popularity over the last several years. Homeowners, gardeners, and conservationists alike have realized how important it is to nurture an ecosystem with pollinators. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with what to put in a pollinator garden.

If you are a pool owner, you know that there are numerous different maintenance tasks to keep up with in order to ensure that your swimming pool remains clean and functional. One of these important maintenance tasks that helps keep your pool’s filter system in proper working order is known as backwashing.

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.

Nothing is as annoying as going to water your plants and finding out that deer have been nibbling on them. This can hinder plant growth and will continue to happen until you address the problem. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep deer away from plants.

If you are experiencing abnormal water pressure in your house or hearing strange noises near your well pump, there is a good chance that you may be having issues. Because of the high costs of getting plumbing technicians to your house, it is essential to understand how to test a three-wire submersible well pump. Having this knowledge now will prevent your basement from turning into a small lake later.

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.

You may have noticed in recent years the culinary world has introduced all sorts of plants and edible flowers to food menus. If you have dined in a fancy restaurant, you might have even found yourself faced with a familiar-looking flower on the plate and thought to yourself, “Can I eat this?” The fact is, there are lots of plants out there that you might not know you can eat. A few of these edible plants might even be in your garden.

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.

Irises are big and beautiful plants that come in over three hundred varieties. Irises range in size and color and are an excellent perennial addition to any garden or landscape. Adding irises is a great way to  help control moisture in the garden and invite some beautiful coloration to your space.

Pool liners are what separate your pool’s water from the rest of the world. They are a mainstay when it comes to your pool’s ability to contain water well. In fact, you kind of need to have a pool liner that’s fully functional in order to properly swim in your pool. When you have a hole in your liner, it’s normal to have a need to patch things up. It’s clear that you are going to need to fix holes, but how big is too big to fix?

Winter, for those who live in colder climates, is usually a time to give your garden and outdoor spaces a rest. Most plants either disappear under the earth or lay fairly dormant for the winter. But just because your plants aren’t doing much in the winter, doesn’t mean they don’t need attention now and then.

Ah, there’s nothing like a day in the pool. The sun is shining, the water is cool, the pool pump is making a loud buzzing noise…Wait. The pool pump isn’t supposed to sound like a loud motor having a temper tantrum. Pool pumps are supposed to be (kind of) quiet. When your pump is getting as loud as a nightclub on a hot day, you need to get to the bottom of whatever is causing it.

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.

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?

Your pool is going to be a unique construction that will most likely require a liner. That liner is supposed to stay flush with the walls of your pool. That’s the only way to ensure that your liner protects your pool and keeps water in. So when you see your pool liner pulling away from the corners, it can be very hard to feel safe swimming. You need to get that pool liner back on its track.

Leveling a yard is a process that is crucial to the aesthetics of your landscaping. Leveling your yard can save you from damage and foundation repairs. How much will you pay to level a yard you may ask? Let’s take a close look at the costs of the operation.

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.

One of the best ways to transform your yard into a comfortable and attractive hangout space is to install a new deck. The size and shape of your deck will depend on your specific yard, but one thing remains true… You’re going to need a lot of wood.

When I first got into botany, I was shocked at how many flowers are purple. It seems like purple is just the go-to color for most wildflowers, not to mention many herbs that we take for granted. Are you a fan of the color purple? Well, we have a bunch of types of purple flowers you can look at in this article.

Lavender is an enduring herb that’s easy to grow if you provide enough sunlight. Plant lavender in an unobstructed area where it can get up to 8 hours of sunlight each day. That said, lavender can handle partial shade in hot climates, as that stops the soil from drying out.

When picking out a riding lawnmower, zero-turn models can be an excellent choice. As the name implies, these machines can turn with a near-zero radius, making them far more maneuverable than other types of mowers. To do this, they use separate hydraulic controls for each side. Unfortunately, over time these controls can wear down, which means that the steering will start to lean more to one side.

Is your pool filled with cracks and discolorations? Do you miss the days when your pool’s finish was smooth and beautiful? If so, it might be time to resurface your pool. But before you hire professionals or get working on the project yourself, do you need a permit?

Intex pools are one of the most affordable types of pools on the market. They’re above-ground pools that are durable and at the same time,  relatively easy to maintain. However, they tend to have one major snag. Sometimes, they end up being uneven. When this happens, you need to know what to do…and if you’re at risk of something worse.

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?

Pool covers are always made out to be flimsy things. In the past, that was just the way things were. Today, things are a bit different. Your pool cover can turn a pool into a fully covered sidewalk…if you get the right type. While they are not quite common, you can now buy pool covers you can walk on. The question is, which ones are the best walkable pool covers on the market?

There are tons of different types of bonsai trees. Just about any tree can be altered into a bonsai form. Therefore, there is not a universal growing condition that bonsais enjoy. There are, however, a few challenges to growing bonsai indoors.

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.

One of the most deadly reptiles in America is the rattlesnake. This snake is known for its shaking tail that makes a loud, rattling sound. The snake often makes this sound when an animal (or human) gets too close for its comfort.