The savvy homeowner's 5-point outdoor winterization checklist

11/6/2017

The savvy homeowner's 5-point outdoor winterization checklist

(BPT) - As temperatures drop, you're reminded that Old Man Winter will soon rear his ugly head. Before the first flurries fly, it's important to take some winterization steps to ensure your home is ready for whatever the season brings.

This five-point checklist will help safeguard your home against winter's woes for another year. For additional winterization ideas and detailed project plans, visit Real Cedar.com.

Inspect windows

Inspect each window from the outside to see if any gaps or cracks are present. These small openings let in cold air and are also inviting to small critters looking for protection from the cold.

If you find some gaps, it’s important to seal them quickly. Apply caulk to the openings to prevent cold air from seeping in, helping to cut down on heating bills. Plus, you won’t have to worry about bugs making your home their hibernation haven. Note: never caulk above or below the window and door openings, as this may block moisture drainage.

Prep the deck

The amount of work you have to put into winterizing your deck depends on your decking material. For example, a durable, long-lasting material such as Western Red Cedar requires the least amount of maintenance. That said, all decks require some upkeep.

To preserve your deck’s luster, start by cleaning it with a warm, soapy solution and a soft-bristle brush. Do not power wash as this can damage the wood. It’s important that you remove all dirt and debris from the surface as well as in between the boards to improve ventilation.

Next, inspect the deck for mold. If present, wash the deck with a mild oxygen bleach solution and leave on the surface for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Finally, remove anything that might leave marks on the deck’s surface such as furniture, planters and mats.

Protect planter boxes

The majority of planter boxes are made with Western Red Cedar. That’s because the wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects; and therefore, doesn’t require treatment from potentially dangerous chemicals that can leach into soil and plants. But like all garden beds, real cedar planters need protection during the winter months.

Start by removing all soil and cleaning the boxes as you did the deck. Then, if possible, store emptied planters in a garage, shed or under the porch. If you don't have the space to store them this way, then cover them with a water-repellent tarp to protect from moisture buildup, but don’t seal the tarp. As with decks, it’s very important that you allow for proper ventilation.

Trim trees

Look for weak trees or those with dead branches, particularly those near your home. As snow accumulates, the weight may bring down a tree or branches, potentially damaging your house.

Eliminate this risk by removing any dead trees or dangerous branches now before the first snow. Be safe by using the proper equipment for tree trimming and removal, or, consider hiring a pro to do so. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and handling this issue now could prevent costly damage to your home down the road.

Clean the roof

Your roof is a large portion of your home, and it also holds a lot of snow over the winter. To prevent ice dams and other roof problems when freezing temperatures arrive, it's important to clean gutters and check your roof for problems now.

Start by taking all debris out of gutters to ensure free flow for water. Next, walk around your roof and inspect it for any damage. Repair loose shingles and make sure the chimney and vents look intact and secure. Your roof takes on a lot of weight from ice and snow during the winter months and you want it to be as strong as possible.

A few simple steps now can mean a cozy, safe winter for you and your entire family. Add these five steps to your winterization to-do list for this weekend and give yourself valuable peace of mind.

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5 tips to keep ticks away

9/19/2017

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Tick season brings significant health concerns

(BPT) - Researchers are predicting 2017 will be one of the worst years for ticks that we have seen in quite some time — and by all indications, those researchers are correct. People who have found themselves pulling ticks off their pets, children and their own bodies can readily attest to this. The question is, what to do?

While the tick population may be booming and becoming an increasing problem, there are effective measures you can take to prevent them from getting on you and your loved ones.

1. Cover up. One of the easiest ways to keep ticks off of you when you're hiking in tall grass or a wooded area is to make sure you and your family wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes. You may think dressing this way during warmer months is anything but comfortable, but if you dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, you’ll be surprised at how cool you can stay.

2. Keep up with your yard. Ticks love a messy yard. They seek out tall grass, patches of weeds and unkempt gardens. Take the time to keep your lawn cut, remove any loose debris and keep the weeds out of your garden. Areas you want to be particularly concerned about are around patios, play areas and anywhere people congregate or pets explore.

3. Protect your yard. Ticks and other pests may seem like an insurmountable problem, almost impossible to avoid or get rid of. But rest easy knowing there is a solution to help protect against these blood-feeding pests. Whether you’re concerned about protecting your family’s health from tick-borne illnesses or need help controlling an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional to come in and assess the situation. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) can help you find a qualified, local expert to identify and treat your tick problem.

4. Wear insect repellent. Just like you make it a habit to always apply sunscreen when going out on a bright, beautiful day, get in the habit of applying insect repellent any time you are out in an area that might harbor ticks. To be effective, make sure the insect repellent contains at least 20 percent DEET.

5. Perform regular inspections. At the end of the day, take the time to comb through your pet's fur and check them for ticks, even if they are wearing a tick collar. Also, don't forget to do a check on yourself and your children. Since it usually takes between 24 and 48 hours for a tick to attach to a host and transmit diseases like Lyme disease, it’s important to remove them quickly.

To learn more about ticks or other common pests, visit www.pestworld.org. There you’ll find a wealth of information and resources that will help you and your family have a safe and tick-free year.

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Know Before They Grow

4/2/2017

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If you’re new to caring for a lawn, you may not know that the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” is especially true when it comes to your yard. If left untreated, weeds can weaken or even destroy a healthy stand of grass. These simple lawn care tips can help you ward off weeds and enjoy healthy, green grass year-round.

Know Before They Grow

Weed prevention tips for lawn care novices

(Family Features) The old saying goes that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you’re new to caring for a lawn, you may not know that this is especially true when it comes to your yard. If left untreated, weeds can weaken or even destroy a healthy stand of grass.

These simple lawn care tips, courtesy of Bayer Advanced lawn and garden expert Lance Walheim, can help you ward off weeds and enjoy healthy, green grass year-round.

Start with the basics.
Grow turf that is so thick and strong, weeds can’t find an inch to take root by watering and fertilizing properly. Watering too much or too little encourages weeds. Water deeply (6-8 inches) and allow the lawn to partially dry before you water again.

Before fertilizing, read the label carefully to ensure that you have the correct timing. You may also want to conduct a soil test so you know you’re applying the correct blend of nutrients for the soil quality in your region. Local cooperative extension offices are useful resources to help you get started.

Also beware of bare spots or parts of the lawn that are not thriving. These areas are an invitation for weeds, so find the cause quickly. Trouble spots can be caused by insects, disease, chemical spills, objects left too long on the grass or broken sprinklers. Once you’ve resolved the issue, re-seed the area with grass seed that matches the rest of your lawn.

Mow at the right height.
Grass needs to be the right height to combat the growth of weeds. Grass that is too short exposes weed seeds to sunlight and promotes germination. Ideal blade height varies depending on grass type, time of year and growing conditions, but the most important thing is to never remove more than one-third of the leaf surface at any one time.

In general, cool-season grass, like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, or grasses in shade grow best when maintained at a taller height, approximately 2 1/2-4 inches. If you have warm-season grass, including zoysia and Bermudagrass, maintain it between 1-3 inches.

Get tools to help.
Specialized tools and products make it easier to remove weeds. A simple garden hoe can do wonders with young seedlings, and dandelion weeders are perfectly designed to remove deep-rooted dandelions.

You can also reduce manual labor by treating your lawn with a time-saving selective herbicide product like Bayer Advanced Season Long Weed Control for Lawns, which controls broadleaf lawn weeds like dandelions and clovers. This herbicide not only kills the weeds you can see, but prevents new weeds from growing for up to 6 months. Plus, it’s rainproof in just 1 hour, which is perfect for rainy spring months. It is not for sale, use or distribution in New York. Be sure to read product labels carefully to understand what weeds will be killed or prevented.

For more information or to learn more about mowing, watering or fixing bare spots, visit bayeradvanced.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Bayer Advanced

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Check off your backyard bucket list: seed, weed and feed

3/6/2017

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(BPT) - From Sunday picnics and impromptu barbecues to games of catch, make your lawn center stage this spring. Everyone longs for a lush, green lawn, but many homeowners aren’t sure how to achieve it. In fact, although 81 percent of Americans do their own lawn care, 69 percent say their lawns could be better, and nearly a third aren’t sure how to grow a healthy lawn, according to a survey by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

A strong, green lawn can give back to you in so many ways and getting there is easier than you think. The lawn health experts at Scotts(R) say the keys to a great lawn are seed, weed and feed.

Seed

Did winter do a number on your lawn? Heavy foot traffic, plows, snow shovels and salt can damage your turf, and after the first melt visible dirt spots and dead zones may appear. When spring temperatures reach 60 degrees or higher, seeds will germinate best and it’s time to repair winter damage.

Patch and repair your lawn to fill in bare spots, help crowd out weeds and strengthen your grass to help withstand heat and drought. Start by removing debris and dead grass in the surrounding area, and loosen hard soil, this will help grass seedlings take root.

Evenly apply a quality seed, like Scotts(R) EZ Seed(R), so the bare area is mostly covered, but bare ground is still visible. Be sure to only apply the recommended amount so that seedlings have enough space to access water and nutrients. Scotts(R) EZ Seed(R) is a combination of fertilizer, grass seed and super absorbent mulch that is guaranteed to grow grass anywhere with proper care, whether on a hill or slope, or in a densely-shaded area.

Weed

Preserve your healthy and beautiful lawn by keeping it free of weeds. Common weeds like dandelions and clover can choke out healthy grass. Therefore, it’s important to address weeds in spring so they won’t have a chance to thrive in summer.

Removing weeds can be a challenge, especially if any roots are left behind as they can quickly grow into a new plant. Get rid of weeds by using a weed-control product like the improved Scotts(R) Turf Builder(R) Weed & Feed. It is formulated with up to two times more powerful control of dandelions and clover compared to the previous formula, so it kills weeds and feeds grass to make it green and thick.

Feed

Continuing to feed your established lawn is critical to its nutrition and overall success. Your lawn requires feeding about every six weeks, and its nutritional needs will vary throughout the season. Choosing the right food at the right time can help ensure your lawn stays thick and green all spring and summer. For example, if your yard needs a boost towards the end of spring use Scotts(R) Green Max(RM) Lawn Food, it provides your lawn with essential nutrients, like iron, that give grass its rich green color in just three days.

No two lawns are alike. A number of factors including where you live or whether you have a sunny or shady backyard affect how to treat your grass. Not sure which products are right? Download the MyLawn app from Scotts(R) for a personalized care plan that will help you achieve your desired results. To make the most out of your green space, visit www.scotts.com for inspiration and information on lawn care products.

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Move over mosquitoes: Tick prevention grabs attention in fall and winter

12/8/2016

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(BPT) - Zika-carrying mosquitoes had their moment this year as the nation's top headline-grabbing pests, but the arrival of cooler weather means the resurgence of another disease-carrying insect. Ticks transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, that affect people and pets. And while cold weather may kill off mosquitoes, ticks remain a year-round threat.

The ticks which spread Lyme disease - adult black-legged or deer ticks - are most active during fall and winter, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), which predicts 2016 will be a banner year for ticks. Annually, about 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme Disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate.

Multiple diseases, multiple risks

The CDC lists 15 different diseases transmitted by ticks, including Lyme, anaplasmosis, two types of rickettsiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). These diseases can vary greatly in severity and duration; some can be debilitating and even fatal.

Ticks thrive virtually everywhere in the country, with different species preferring different locales. While ticks are commonly found in heavily wooded areas, they also thrive in domestic settings such as gardens, landscape plantings and backyard grasses. In fact, experts estimate that the majority of people who contract tick-borne diseases came in contact with the tick that made them ill right in their own backyards.

Tick prevention starts with deer

Ticks hang out on shrubs, trees and in grass waiting for a host to pass by. Hitching a ride on suburban deer and other animals, including pets, is one of their main means of transportation. Cooler weather means deer are more likely to come closer to homes looking for mates, or to dine on suburban landscapes as wild food sources dwindle.

Ticks may travel to your backyard riding on the deer that's dining on your landscaping, only to stay behind when the deer moves on. Once they're in your environment, it's just a waiting game for the tick to find a host; a person, dog or cat passing by.

While you may know the need to inspect humans for ticks after spending time outdoors, it can be harder to detect their presence when they're hidden in pet fur. Both dogs and cats can pick up ticks that they bring into your home, where the tick may transfer to a human or stick with the pet and make it sick.

The CDC recommends homeowners discourage deer away from residences in order to help minimize potential exposure to ticks.
"Tick populations do not decrease substantially unless deer are eradicated or severely reduced," the CDC says.

Deterring deer

You can discourage deer from entering your environment in a number of ways, from long-term measures like planting vegetation deer don't like, to sure-fire but challenging tactics like building a tall fence. However, these tactics have their limitations. With cold weather approaching, you don't have time to install new plantings and deer will eat just about anything available in cold weather. Plus, many communities restrict the height of fences and deer have been known to easily jump over fences as high as 10 feet.

One of the easiest, most effective and practical ways to deter deer is through the use of a topical foliar spray like Bobbex Deer Repellent. The spray can be applied year-round; it uses taste and scent-aversion ingredients to deter deer from grazing on foliage, shrubs and trees. During spring and summer months, gardeners rely on Bobbex to protect their gardens from deer damage. It's also effective in winter to not only protect plants, but also people and pets - by keeping tick-carrying deer away from homes.

It's safe for use around children and pets because the product is all natural. It works in fall and winter as well as during warm weather, and won't wash off under rain or snow. In testing by the Connecticut Department of Forestry and Horticulture, Bobbex was found to be 93 percent effective in deterring deer when compared to like repellents, and second only to a physical fence. Learn more at www.bobbex.com.

Human and companion animal health experts agree: keeping deer away from your home is essential for reducing exposure to disease-bearing ticks. What's more, experts warn, don't rely on the weather for help.

Although drought in many areas of the country could affect tick populations, the nymphs responsible for most of the biting ticks have gone into hiding and missed the worst part of the drought. They'll re-emerge as adults in October, according to an ABC News report.
"(Ticks) have seen lots of changes and are ecologically very successful," Sam Telford, a professor of infectious diseases at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts told ABC. "One or two years of severe weather may depress their numbers, but remember ... the successful feeding of one female tick on a deer translates to 2,000 eggs. It does not take much to reset the clock, as it were, if there was significant mortality for a few years."

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The Outdoors IDEA

The savvy homeowner's 5-point outdoor winterization checklist

5 tips to keep ticks away

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Know Before They Grow

Know Before They Grow

Weed prevention tips for lawn care novices

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Check off your backyard bucket list: seed, weed and feed

Move over mosquitoes: Tick prevention grabs attention in fall and winter

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