The Christmas season is here and it’s time to decorate. Should you pull those tangled old strings of incandescent lights from the attic for another year, or opt for the newer LED types. Let’s explore cool trends in outdoor holiday decorations that will earn you the Clark Griswald seal of approval. Incandescent versus LED. Old-school… Read more »
Are you in the market for a new lawnmower? Let’s go shopping to find a great deal on the right mower for you and your yard. The type of mower you need depends on the size of your yard, the terrain and what you will be cutting. A yard up to four thousand square feet… Read more »
Healthy flowers and shrubs depend on good soil and plenty of water. But you’re wasting your time and money if you don’t add a third ingredient to the mix — a three- to four-inch layer of quality mulch. Let’s dig a little deeper to explore the benefits of this material. Importance to your Landscape Mulch… Read more »
Men and women may come from different planets, as the classic book on gender suggests. But in at least one area of the home, there is almost always a meeting of the minds. Outdoor living spaces are a great place to come together as a family and create memories. Something for everyone. Unlike the stereotypical… Read more »
Thinking about adding a new garden, patio, or water feature to your home? Whatever you have in mind, a good landscape design project can enhance your home’s appeal, offer you more space to enjoy, and even increase your home’s value. But before you get started, ask yourself these questions. How will the space be used?… Read more »
Backyard fences are a popular choice these days, particularly if you’ve got small children or pets that wander. But before you put up the first panel or pound in the first fence post, drive through your neighborhood to see what’s customary and check with town or neighborhood authorities to see if there are rules governing… Read more »
Outdoor cooking has become a multi-billion dollar business in the United States. Here are the hottest trends fresh off the grill. It started so simply. In the era of black and white TV, dear old dad hovered over the charcoal grill, torching burgers and hot dogs. Much later came larger cart-style grills burning either charcoal… Read more »
American homeowners love their outdoor spaces. At the end of a day’s work, or on the weekend with friends, relaxing on a gorgeous backyard patio or deck is one of life’s great rewards. So let’s do it in style. Plan for good times. Before you turn the first shovel of dirt for a patio or… Read more »
The right outdoor lighting can bring an almost magical transformation to a house and landscaping at night. Here are some of the ways outdoor lighting can shine a light on a home’s best features. Function first. At the most basic level, outdoor lighting covers the key points of access to the property. Driveway, front walk,… Read more »
If you’ve always envisioned yourself the proud owner of a backyard pool, what will it take to make that dream a reality? Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process. Considerations. Building a pool brings benefits and costs. Family fun, hours of relaxation and the beauty of its stone landscaping or decking are among the benefits…. Read more »
If a beautiful lawn is important to you, it’s time to study up on what type of grasses thrive — and which don’t — in your region of the country. Much progress has been made developing grasses that are drought tolerant and resistant to diseases, but you still must choose according to your climate. Consult… Read more »
If your home doesn’t have a dedicated place for outdoor living, you might consider adding a deck or patio. Another popular addition is a sunroom or screened area that expands living space, allows lots of outdoor light, but keeps some of the peskier outside elements away. Let’s check out each type of outdoor living area… Read more »
If you’re looking to spruce up your lawn, should you have sod brought in, or should you seed? One is a faster route, but the other is less expensive. Let’s compare each method and you’ll be on your way to achieving that green, green grass of home. Let’s prep. First, the existing soil needs to… Read more »
Family time in a backyard pool or on a trampoline can provide hours of entertainment and many years worth of memories. But, as a homeowner, pools and trampolines also mean extra insurance costs and a heavy weight of responsibility to keep family members, friends and neighbors safe. The responsibility bar is set high. Across the… Read more »
Thanks to the internet, finding crime statistics is easier than ever. That’s good news for wary homebuyers who want to make sure they’re moving to a relatively safe area. It’s also a comfort to current homeowners who want to keep tabs on what’s going on in their neighborhood. Here’s a quick primer on how to… Read more »
Sure, pools and trampolines are fun. But homeowners who choose to put them in their backyards also face greater responsibility and a much larger homeowners insurance bill. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons before making such a purchase. Swimming pools. The insurance covering damage to an in-ground pool is treated differently in different… Read more »
It’s more than a nice feeling to have a lush lawn and showy flower beds — it’s a solid investment in your home. In fact, according to some estimates, landscaping accounts for about 18 percent of the value of your home. But it’s important to be savvy about watering so that your investment doesn’t go… Read more »
Recent home sales in your neighborhood are a good predictor of the price your home might fetch, but your neighbors — good and bad — are also likely to play a major role. Here are four examples of how the neighbors and the area surrounding your neighborhood may help or hurt your home’s value. Neatness… Read more »
