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Home Maximize value and efficiency in your spring projects with some simple tips.

A publication of the Addison Independent Thursday, March 23, 2017

PAGE 2C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

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HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — PAGE 3C

How efficient is your home?

Save energy by updating MS) — Curtailing energy especially warm, hang blackout consumption is a great way for curtains to prevent the hot sun from people to protect the planet’s natural warming rooms and increasing resources and save money at the same the need for air conditioning. In time. addition, address any leaks around Part of the difficulty with regard windows to ensure hot and to reducing energy consumption cold air is not escaping is that energy plays such a big and contributing to role in our lives. Smartphones excessive energy and tablets have become consumption. must-have items, and • Maintain appliances The U.S. these items, though and replace older ones.

Department While reducing reliance not necessarily big of Energy consumers of energy, on energy-thirsty must be plugged in recommends that appliances is a great and charged. But eco-conscious way to reduce energy individuals won’t have consumers looking consumption, no one to unplug from their to reduce their needs to throw away lives to reduce their refrigerators. energy consumption their energy consumption.

Instead, maintain In fact, there are install low-flow appliances so they several easy, non- showerheads with are not forced to invasive ways for flow rates less than work harder, and everyday people to 2.5 gallons a minute. thereby consume more reduce their energy energy, to function. consumption.

Routinely clean the • Start with your filters on window windows. The windows in a home air conditioners, replacing them if can help homeowners and apartment they’re worn down. In addition, dwellers reduce their heating and have HVAC units serviced annually cooling costs. On cold days, pull to ensure they’re operating at peak back curtains so the natural sunlight capacity. Replace older appliances, can come in and warm the house, including refrigerators that are no reducing the need to turn up the longer effective. temperature on the thermostat.

• Install a low-flow showerhead.

When the weather outside is The U.S. Department of Energy

recommends that eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce their energy consumption install low-flow showerheads with flow rates less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

This is especially important for people living in homes with dated fixtures. Water fixtures installed before 1992 might have flow rates as high as 5.5 gallons per minute, which is both wasteful and costly.

Test the flow of a showerhead by placing a one-gallon bucket beneath a shower head running at the pressure you normally use. If the bucket fills up in less than 20 seconds, install a low-flow showerhead.

• Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can be installed to reduce energy consumption in both summer and winter.

In summer, ceiling fans can make home interiors more comfortable by circulating air around a room. That circulation can make rooms feel cooler, providing the same benefit of an air conditioner while consuming considerably less energy.

In winter, reverse the rotation of ceiling fans so they circulate warm air and reduce reliance on heating systems.

Reducing energy consumption does not require substantial sacrifice, but it can produce substantial savings and benefit the planet in myriad ways.

How to make your windows more efficient (MS) — Drafty windows make homes less comfortable by allowing cold air in during the winter and warm air in when temperatures rise.

But comfort is not the only concern associated with leaky windows, as such fixtures also can have a negative impact on the environment.

Leaky windows require heating and cooling systems to work harder to keep home interiors comfortable during times of the year when temperatures

can be extreme. In the dead of winter, a leaky window will force a home’s inhabitants to turn up the thermostat, which only increases energy consumption and energy bills. The same scenario plays out in summer, when leaky windows allow hot air in, leading homeowners to lower the temperature of air conditioning units so everyone inside is cool and comfortable.

Thankfully, making windows

more energy efficient does not necessarily require homeowners to replace existing windows. Before going that potentially expensive route, homeowners can consider the following strategies to improve the energy efficiency of their windows.

• Hang curtains. Curtains can help homeowners cut down on heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly hung (See Windows, Page 6C)

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RENOVATING, WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT.

Email us at: news@addisonindependent.com

PAGE 4C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

1428 Route 7 South Middlebury, VT 05753 802-388-3559 • middleburysewnvac.com Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — PAGE 5C

Questions to get your project off to the right start The economy’s doing well, you got the raise you’ve been hoping for, investments are returning slightly more than they have for a while, and you’ve got some spare dollars heading into the spring.

How about a home improvement project?

But before you get started, set aside some time to

really plan the project.

What to choose, why to choose it and when you get started are important considerations with any improvement project, so before picking up the shovel or heading off to the hardware store, ask yourself a few basic questions.

— Addison Independent staff

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT?

Are you simply working to improve your living experience and enjoy your space more, or are you doing the project to guarantee a financial return, or is it somewhere in between?

Certain home improvement projects (like bathroom projects or a coat of fresh paint) can immediately increase the sale value of a home and could be great projects to choose if you’re considering selling or flipping a house. If your primary goal is to increase the resale value of your home, then consider talking to a real estate professional prior to embarking on a home improvement project. Realtors can help assess your home and advise on what upgrades could be made to increase its value.

Other projects, like insulation upgrades, roofing, landscaping or window replacements have a much longer payback, but could significantly upgrade the quality and comfort of the space.

Scheduling a home energy audit can help identify the primary sources of inefficiency in your home, helping prioritize the areas to upgrade and what the value of each could be.

Once you have clearly identified your goal, you can determine the most efficient way to meet it and therefore save time and money in the process.

DO YOU NEED EXTERNAL EXPERTISE?

Are your skills sufficient to complete the project at hand? Sure, you can probably replace a toilet yourself, but does your new toilet require a change in your plumbing system? If so, scheduling a plumber to assist you in the job ahead of time can save you from a last-minute emergency call when you can’t afford to shop around.

Similarly, many do-it-yourselfers spend a lot of time planning, buying materials at retail rates, attempting and ultimately failing to complete projects that they could have hired a contractor or other professional to do for a fraction of the time and at a similar cost.

Design professionals can help you maximize your benefits while minimizing cost and scope of your project. Building professionals help ensure skilled jobs are completed accurately and can significantly increase the effectiveness of the work. Even paying a small fee to consult with a professional prior to starting a home improvement project can be beneficial to get you on the right track and make sure you have considered all the potential obstacles.

Some projects are great to tackle yourself and simple home improvement projects are a great way to familiarize yourself with how the systems of your home function, but it’s easy to get overly ambitious with what you can take on yourself and it’s not always the smartest (or cheapest) option.

HOW DO YOU SET A BUDGET (AND STICK TO IT)?

Setting a budget for a home improvement project is challenging. Professionals in the design and construction industry call it “scope creep,” referring to that all-toocommon experience of a project that starts out small and snowballs until all of a sudden you’re in way over your head.

Having clearly defined parameters and goals for a project is the best way to start. For example, let’s say you’re planning to start raising backyard chickens and need to plan for how to build them a shelter and space to roam. Start out by defining how many chickens you want/ need. Clearly, if you have three laying chickens, your needs are much different then if you have 20 chickens and a rooster. Next, figure out how much space each chicken requires and what those needs are when spaces are shared.

Once you define your needs, then you can set a budget. That budget can be compared to the money you have to spend on the project and from there you can add on features and additions that you want to be included.

If your project is undefined from the beginning (let’s say you don’t know how many chickens you’re going to have), it’s easy to over-buy on materials, spend a lot of costly time on problemsolving and impromptu decision making, and regret rash decisions that were made.

WHAT IS A REALISTIC TIMELINE FOR YOUR PROJECT?

Home improvement projects notoriously take longer than you’d expect they would. Whether you’re building a new garden bed or repainting a bathroom, there are always more hours and more trips to the home or garden store than you think there should be.

Setting realistic expectations for how long a project will take is one of the hardest tasks.

But a timeline that’s set at the beginning of a project can help you avoid scope creep and stay on track with your project.

First, consider your needs. Do you need the project to be completed by a certain time? If you’re building a new garden bed, for instance, you need to have the project completed in time to plant the seeds and leave them enough time to grow. These time constraints can help you figure out what you could do and what you couldn’t do within that time.

Of course, if you’re hiring a contractor or other workers for your project, ask these professionals to help with the schedule and use their knowledge to build your timeline around theirs.

Always keep in mind that the scope of many home improvement projects does grow despite all of these efforts to keep it controlled. Having a contingency fund (both in dollars and time) built into the project is a good idea so you can accommodate unforeseen challenges or legitimate expansions upon the project.

Sometimes it doesn’t become apparent until you’re in the middle of replacing a window that this would be the perfect opportunity to reinsulate the wall. If you have a contingency fund that can enable some of these decisions to be made, it can save you money in the long run.

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PAGE 6C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

Windows

WITH GUIDANCE FROM NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Seth Lapidow hired contractors to seal up his 1791 farmhouse in Shoreham in a way that kept the character of the historic building but made it more affordable to heat. A solar array behind the house created credits that helped pay for the work.

A visit from the ‘HEAT Squad’

By SETH J. LAPIDOW In 2015 I decided that the time had come to return to my native state and buy a house in Vermont after 30 years away.

We found the ideal place on Smith Street in Shoreham in a big, old farmhouse built by one of Ethan Allen’s boys in 1791 and expanded over the years into a sprawling monster. The heating bills were crazy. But I heard about the Heat Squad and NeighborWorks of Western Vermont from the friendly folks at Green Mountain Power and invited them in.

The Heat Squad was great. They did a blower test (yikes!), which found that we

had 33 air exchanges a day — that means the air inside goes outside almost three dozen times a day. Not good. And they did a full evaluation of what we could do to make this monster more efficient and less leaky.

We got a 12-page report. The recommendations were thorough and phased in a way that made sense.

They recommended a wonderful contractor, John MacIntyre at Thistle and Co., to do the insulating, sealing and installation of low-temperature heat pumps to take some of the load off of the oil burners and the boys at Black Diamond to do the foaming. They

suggested leasing heat pump hot water heaters from GMP and pointed us to the NeighborWorks loan program — both great suggestions. Heat Squad even helped us make our decision to put in a solar array to power the new HVAC and generate credits to pay for the other improvements.

After the first phase of work Heat Squad came back and did another blower test. The hole in the house was getting smaller and we qualified for a rebate to offset some of the costs incurred. We continued to use the Heat Squad plan and did a second round this fall. We insulated our attic and base-

ment and had Heat Squad back in. This time the blower test showed a 59 percent reduction in air exchange from the first test.

Amazing. And again we qualified for a substantial rebate.

By implementing the Heat Squad plan we have reduced our use of fuel oil by more than 60 percent.

I fully support HEAT Squad’s statewide expansion in order to bring affordable energy audits to underserved communities.

Editor’s note: Seth J. Lapidow reached out to the Independent and supplied this story on his own initiative.

(Continued from Page 3C) draperies can reduce heat loss by as much as 25 percent.

In the summer, curtains can block the hot rays from the sun from entering a home, reducing the need to turn up air conditioning units. While curtains won’t fix leaks or block hot or cold air from entering a home, they can serve as a buffer between a home’s inhabitants and the air seeping in through leaks.

• Caulk or add weather-stripping.

Small cracks and gaps around windows, which are most often found around windows in older buildings, might not seem like a big deal, but such breaches can lead to considerable energy loss.

The DOE recommends using caulk to seal cracks that are less than 1⁄4-inch wide on the parts of the window that do not move (i.e., frames and where the trim meets the wall). Caulk might be less effective at fixing leaks larger than 1⁄4 inch in width. Employ weather-stripping to address leaks on movable parts of the window.

Properly applied weather-stripping should adequately seal windows when they are closed without making it difficult to open or close them later on. Weather-stripping is available in various materials, so homeowners should do their homework to find the material that’s most suitable for their situation.

• Install windows films. Plastic window films are another option for homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their windows.

Heat shrink film can be cut to fit each individual leaky window in a home and then attached to windows using double-sided tape. A hair dryer can then be used to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles.

Low-emissivity, or Low-E, coatings are a more expensive alternative to heat shrink film, and they can be equally effective at improving energy efficiency.

Installation of Low-E coatings can be more difficult, as they do not provide as much leeway for mistakes during application as heat shrink film.

Leaky windows are bad for homeowners’ energy bills and the environment. But homeowners have options other than full window replacements to fix leaks and improve efficiency.

HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — PAGE 7C

Are you ready to renovate?

Expect the unexpected when renovating a home (MS) — According to projections room when it comes to both their released in 2015 by Harvard budgets and their expectations.

University’s Joint Center for Remodeling, particularly with Housing Studies, a growing regard to older homes, may unveil number of people in the United unforeseen issues that only arise in States planned to renovate their the face of the renovation. homes in 2016. The So what can report estimated homeowners expect that spending on Tackling any during a renovation? remodeling and renovation project The following are repairs in 2016 would a few issues that is an exercise climb 8.6 percent to might arise during $310 billion, a figure in patience. home improvement that is close to the Renovations can projects. peak reached in 2006.

• Dirt and noise: While it is still too impede on daily Homeowners can soon to tabulate all activities and count on dust, debris of the figures from cause a certain and noise throughout 2016, a quick glance the renovation at the data indicates level of upheaval process. Dust appears renovations have in homeowners’ when walls come increased across the lives. down or go up, and country. And one only construction teams need travel through typically erect communities to see a greater number temporary walls or tarps to contain of contractors and homeowners the debris. Air filtering systems working on homes. also can limit dust particles. Noise Tackling any renovation project is is unavoidable. If it becomes an exercise in patience. Renovations troublesome, arrange to be outside can impede on daily activities and of the home when the bulk of the cause a certain level of upheaval in construction is taking place. homeowners’ lives. Homeowners • Delays or schedule changes: planning renovations also may find Even the best contractors cannot that they must have some wiggle control every aspect of the job.

They rely on subcontractors and vendors to do portions of the work.

Materials may not always arrive on time, or they may fall short of homeowners’ expectations. This can push back the project schedule.

Homeowners should hope for everything to be done on time, but it can be less stressful if homeowners anticipate delays and be a pleasant surprise if there are no delays.

• Hidden issues: Contractors may uncover all sorts of issues that need to be addressed before a project can progress. Examples include the presence of asbestos (common in older homes), plumbing problems, incorrectly wired electrical systems, and leaks or moisture issues. These problems also can impact the cost of the project, so set aside some money in the budget for unforeseen expenses. Chances are you are going to need some extra money to handle a few surprises during the project.

It’s important to expect the unexpected when embarking on home renovations. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par for the remodeling course. However, the end result is often well worth the time and effort.

Spring’s Coming...

Is Your COOL Ready?

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Consider the financial impact of renovating (MS) — Many homeowners have lofty goals for their homes. Such plans may include extensive renovations or even additions. While many of these projects create beautiful changes in a home, it’s important to consider the impact that renovations can have on property value before beginning a project.

Many home improvement projects do not add as much value as homeowners may think they do. In fact, some homeowners “overbuild” for their neighborhoods. This means the amount of money invested in

improvements can likely never be recuperated because the house value simply exceeds those around by too much money.

To avoid overbuilding, homeowners can ask themselves several questions before beginning a renovation project.

• Will my house be the largest house in the neighborhood? Larger homes tend to have a lower price per square foot, so you may not want to improve to this extent.

• Will the house blend with others in the area? If your house will stick

out like a sore thumb, it will detract from its own value and could impact the value of other homes in the area.

• Have I examined the cost vs. value of the project? Many home improvement resources analyze the cost of a project versus the overall value of that project with regard to property value.

For example, a $100,000 basement remodel may not add $100,000 to the value of the home in the event you choose to sell down the line. It’s important to know which projects provide the best return on investment.

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PAGE 8C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

Bring it to the A per-bulb nominal fee applies for more than 10 non-CFL bulbs.

The HazWaste Center is open to residents from any of the District’s 20 member towns.

Most items are accepted free of charge.

Not accepted: laboratory chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fireworks, flares, explosives, smoke detectors, ammunition, radioactive waste.

NOTE: Businesses must pay for disposal and must call 388-2333 for an appointment time.

HazWaste Center Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, to 1pm Mon.Fri., 8 8am a.m. to to 2pm noonand andSat Sat.8am 9 a.m. to 1pm Closed major holidays.

DISTRICT TRANSFER STATION 1223 ROUTE 7 SOUTH, MIDDLEBURY District Transfer Station Regular Hours: M-F, 7am to 3pm & Sat 8 9am to 1pm Questions? Call us at 388-2333 or visit www.AddisonCountyRecycles.org

How building permits protect us (MS) — You are thinking of Due to the cost and time making a major renovation to your involved with securing permits, home. Perhaps it’s time to create some homeowners skip this step so that master bedroom suite you long they can begin a project promptly. have admired or install that wrap- However, this can end up being a around porch? What is the first thing costly mistake. Permits might seem that should be done like a nuisance, but before getting down to they actually protect Permits are business? homeowners in The correct way generally required various ways. to begin a home for all new PERMITS remodeling project construction as ENSURE SAFE WORKMANSHIP is to obtain the Permits provide a necessary permits well as specific blueprint by which for the job. Many modifications contractors and domunicipalities request that will affect it-yourselfers must individuals obtain structural, complete renovations. permits for a range Because inspections of work on homes or plumbing, will take place, there other structures, such mechanical and is no wiggle room. as office buildings. electrical systems Shortcuts often Permits are generally translate into subpar required for all new construction as well as specific work that may lead to malfunction and modifications that will affect injury in the long run. Safeguarding structural, plumbing, mechanical, against poor workmanship means and electrical systems. It’s important homeowners can feel confident in the to check with the local building work being done. office prior to beginning work to see PERMITS REDUCE THE which permits you will need before LIKELIHOOD OF COSTLY the project can begin. Permits are MISTAKES As inspectors go through their necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will contractor.

offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situation. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.

PERMITS PROTECT AGAINST FINES Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits.

However, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspections years earlier, leading to fines.

Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.

Permits are an important part of the home improvement process.

Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.

Tackle spring cleaning in a single weekend

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(MS) — Spring cleaning is an annual rite of passage in many households. Because winter weather tends to encourage people to stay indoors more than they would during other times of the year, clutter can slowly but surely accumulate in a home over the course of a typical winter. That makes spring cleaning a necessity.

Few homeowners likely enjoy spring cleaning. The warm weather associated with the arrival of spring makes many people who have spent the previous months indoors less than enthusiastic about spending a spring weekend indoors cleaning and clearing away a season’s worth of clutter. But homeowners who organize their spring cleaning projects can ensure such efforts take just a weekend or less.

1. Enlist the whole family.

Chances are everyone who lives in the home can lay claim to some of the dirt, grime and clutter that built up over the winter. So it only makes sense that everyone then pitches in to clean the home come springtime.

Parents and heads of household can delegate tasks to everyone, incentivizing cooperation with the promise of rewards if the cleaning is

completed in a single weekend.

2. Clear your schedule.

Another way for homeowners to ensure their spring cleaning projects are started and finished in a single weekend is to clear their schedules for the entire weekend. Homeowners who expect to spend part of their day away from home and still finish their spring cleaning projects will likely find the job unfinished come Sunday night. When planning a spring cleaning weekend, schedule projects for a weekend when you have no prior commitments or plan far enough in advance that you can avoid making plans on a given weekend.

While it might not make for the most eventful weekend, it will greatly increase your chances of getting everything cleaned and cleared out in two days.

3. Do your homework.

Homeowners who want to complete their spring cleaning in a single weekend should do their homework with regard to finding local recycling centers or charitable organizations to whom they intend to donate items. Many charitable organizations will come to private homes to pick up donations, but such pickups often must be arranged in advance rather than on the morning of the day homeowners want items to be taken away. In addition, if recycling will be a part of your spring cleaning efforts, familiarize yourself with the weekend hours of nearby recycling plants so you can drop items off on your cleaning weekend instead of leaving them lying around to be donated later.

Spring cleaning might not make for the most enjoyable way for homeowners to spend a weekend.

But planning ahead and making efficient use of the time available to them can help homeowners tackle their spring cleaning projects in a single weekend.

Take steps to reduce risk of radon exposure WILLISTON — One in nearly 15 homes contain high levels of radon, a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An estimated 21,000 people die each year from lung cancer due to exposure to radon in homes and other buildings.

Dangerous levels are found in homes in every state, including Vermont.

The American Lung Association of the Northeast encourages all Vermont residents to take these simple steps to protect their health from this invisible threat:

TEST HOMES FOR RADON

Inexpensive radon testing kits can be found at many hardware stores or online. Testing can also be done by a certified radon-testing professional. If dangerous levels of radon are found, homeowners can install a radon mitigation system, for about the same price as a large television, to decrease the risk of harmful exposure.

SPEAK UP TO LOWER RADON RISK IN OTHER INDOOR SPACES

Radon can build up in all buildings, not only in homes. Speak with local community officials and public health professionals to encourage radon testing – and mitigation systems if high levels are found – in schools and childcare facilities and other public and private facilities.

SUPPORT POLICY STEPS IN VERMONT TO REDUCE RADON LEVELS INDOORS

Concerned Vermont residents should support changes to policies that could lower the risk of exposure to radon, including the adoption of building codes for radon-resistant construction. During real estate transactions, potential buyers should be informed about the radon levels in the home they’re considering.

“You can’t see, taste or smell radon, but it is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, which is the number one cancer killer of men and women,” said

Jeff Seyler, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast.

“This naturally occurring gas comes into our homes through spaces in the walls, floors, basements and foundation with no warning at all, leaving people unaware of the dangerous toxin they are breathing. Testing is easy and it’s the only way for people to know how serious the risk of exposure is. Because most of us keep our homes closed up in colder weather, January provides a great time to test for radon. It’s something every home and business owner in Vermont should do.”

Fighting radon requires workable strategies, and the American Lung Association led the development of the National Radon Action Plan to provide those tools. In 2016, Vice President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot report cited the National Radon Action Plan as a leading effort to save lives.

Learn more about radon at Lung.org/ radon or call the Lung Association’s toll-free (1-800-LUNGUSA).

HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — PAGE 9C

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PAGE 10C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

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Independent photos/ Trent Campbell

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HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — PAGE 11C

Get your garden ready.

Post-winter garden prep (MS) — Lawns and gardens can bear the brunt of winter weather and are often in need of tender loving care by the time spring arrives.

Preparing a garden for spring and summer involves assessing any damage that harsh weather might have caused. As temperatures climb, gardeners can heed the following post-winter garden preparation tips in an effort to ensure some successful gardening in the months ahead.

• Assess the damage. Even if winter was mild, gardens might still have suffered some damage.

Inspect garden beds and any fencing or barriers designed to keep wildlife from getting into the garden. Before planting anew, fix any damage that Mother Nature or local wildlife might have caused over the past several months.

• Clear debris. Garden beds and surrounding landscapes that survived winter without being damaged might still be littered with debris. Remove fallen leaves, branches and even litter that blew about on windy winter days before planting season.

Make sure to discard any debris effectively so it does not find its way back into the garden.

• Turn the greenhouse into a clean house. Spring cleaning is not just for the interior of a home.

Cleaning a greenhouse in advance of spring can help gardeners evict any overwintering pests that can threaten plant life once spring gardening season arrives. A thorough cleaning, which should include cleaning the inside of greenhouse glass and washing flower pots and plant trays, also can prevent plant diseases from surviving into spring.

• Check for pests. Speak with a local gardening professional to determine if there are any local pests to look out for and how to recognize and remove these pets from gardens. Pests may hibernate in the soil over the winter, and such unwelcome visitors can make it difficult for gardens to thrive come spring and summer.

• Assess plant location. If plants, flowers or gardens have struggled in recent years or never grew especially vibrant, then gardeners may want to assess the location of their plant life before spring gardening season begins. Some plants may not be getting enough sunlight in certain locations on a property, while others might be overexposed to the sun during spring and summer. Moving plants that are not thriving prior to the start of spring gardening season may be just what gardens need to flourish in the coming weeks.

Spring gardening season is right around the corner, so now is an ideal time to prepare gardens for the warmer seasons ahead.

Remedy your landscape drainage problems (MS) — Homeowners understand that reaping the rewards of beautiful lawns and gardens requires hard work. But sometimes even hard work won’t be enough to prevent problems in a lawn or garden.

Drought can be very harmful to lawns and gardens, but so, too, can excessive amounts of water and precipitation. Soggy properties can make it difficult for lawns and gardens to thrive. According to Lowes, in addition to killing lawn and other plants, standing water on a property can be a health hazard.

That’s because standing water makes a prime breeding ground for mosquito larvae and other pests.

While homeowners cannot control precipitation, they can affect the impact that rainwater has on their properties.

REPLACE/REPAIR DOWNSPOUTS Gutters and downspouts are designed to move rainwater away from the home. Too often, however, gutters and downspouts become clogged or do not work effectively.

Overflowing gutters will transfer rainwater down the side of a home, where it can puddle at the foundation.

This water can ultimately suffocate a lawn, and it may cause interior damage to the home as well.

First, inspect and clean all gutters.

Leaves, nests, sticks, and even dead animals can block the flow of water in a gutter. Test downspouts by running hose water from the top of the gutter.

Downspouts should be pointed away from the home and may need

to be extended so they direct water away from the dwelling.

PLANT WATER-LOVING TREES OR SHRUBS In some instances, whether it’s a byproduct of poor property grade or sloping land, water can pool regardless of how well the gutter system is working. Determine where the problem is and speak with a landscaper to see if there are any plants that thrive in moist conditions.

The roots of these plants can protect against soil erosion and may absorb enough water to guard against

puddling. In addition, amending the soil with organic matter, pea gravel or another coarse aggregate can prevent water pooling.

CONSIDER A DRAINAGE SYSTEM When confronted with drainage issues that cannot be remedied by other methods, homeowners may need to install drainage systems.

Such systems often employ French drains that are built through or around the perimeter of a property.

French drains are typically a trench that contains perforated plastic pipe

and is backfilled with gravel. Water runs into these channels and gets swept away by the piping.

Do-it-yourselfers may want to try installing drainage systems themselves. However, because excavation is necessary, it’s often best to have the property inspected and marked for utilities, then have the drainage system installed by professionals.

Landscaping does not need to be derailed by drainage issues. Explore the remedies that can easily fix the problems.

Understand hardiness zones before planting (MS) — Gardening benefits the environment in myriad ways.

Maintaining natural landscapes and preserving green spaces can reduce the collective carbon footprint of the human race. Trees, flowers and other

greenery filter the air and create welcoming habitats for all species of animals and insects.

Many home gardeners set out each spring to create landscapes that cater to all of the senses. But

choosing plants that are unlikely to thrive in certain climates can lead to dissatisfaction and premature plant demise and may require gardeners to use more fertilizers, pesticides and other not-so-Earth-friendly

techniques to help plants thrive.

One of the more important steps gardeners can take before spring arrives is to educate themselves about plant hardiness zones.

(See Hardiness zones, Page 13C)

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PAGE 12C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

Keep your kids safe !

You can create a safe & enjoyable backyard (MS) — Homeowners often aspire Safety Commission states 70 percent to have attractive backyards that of children’s injuries occur on home look like they belong in a magazine. playgrounds.

While these can be picturesque and When considering playground functional for adults, they may not equipment for the yard, parents need be entirely practical for homeowners to make safety a priority. The Canada who have young children, especially Safety Society advises parents to when the majority of the yard is follow the “5 S’s of Playground covered with paving stones or Safety”: Surface, structures, site, concrete. supervision, and safety.

When young children are part • Surface: Parents should assume of a household, that children will homeowners may When young fall. To lessen the benefit by designing blow of falls, choose yards that are both children are part playground equipment functional and fun. of a household, with a perimeter of Incorporating safe homeowners may six feet of a softer play areas for kids is benefit by designing surface, such as sand, one way to unlock the pea gravel, rubber potential of both big yards that are both pieces or wood chips. functional and fun. This material should and small backyards.

As children run off Incorporating safe be between six and 12 to enjoy a playground, inches deep. play areas for kids safety is the last thing • Structure: The on their minds. Kids is one way to unlock structure of the play are most interested the potential of equipment should in scaling ladders to both big and small be built from sturdy treehouses or coasting materials.

Pressuredown slides. That’s backyards. treated lumber was once why adults must take the standard, but it’s not it upon themselves to keep injury advisable for kids’ playgrounds, as prevention in mind. the chemicals used in the lumber can SafestPlayground.com indicates leach and young children may actually that playground-related injuries bite or pick at the wood. Use cedar routinely result in severe fractures, or another wood that resists decay. internal injuries, concussions, and Once the structure is built, inspect it dislocations. In the majority of frequently for damage. playground injuries to children • Site: Look around the landscape younger than age five, the head and for an ideal place to locate the face are affected. Children between playset. There should be no obstacles the ages of five and nine experience that children can hit while sliding more leg and arm injuries than or swinging. Avoid overhanging younger kids. The Consumer Product (See Backyard, Page 13C)

Making plans for Spring and Summer...

Kid-friendly spaces are needed in your home (MS) — Maintaining a home that is welcoming and kidfriendly can be challenging.

Kids are full of energy and oftentimes put fun ahead of tidiness. But no matter how energetic their youngsters are, parents can still employ several strategies to ensure their homes are both sophisticated and childfriendly.

• Consider an open floor plan. Rooms that flow into one another make it easier to keep tabs on children. Such rooms also allow residents and guests to mingle in separate rooms but not be too far away from one another.

• Choose washable fabrics.

Upholstery will need to stand up to the abuse kids can dish out. Sofas and chairs with slipcovers can be advantageous because many slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered.

Patterned fabrics will hide some stains, while treated fabrics may resist liquid spills for easier cleanup.

• Create a catch-all spot. Special bins or other organizational tools in the entryway can help to cull clutter when children come in the house from school or play. Be sure the keep cubbies, containers and (See Spaces, Page 13C)

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HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — PAGE 13C

Tending your garden can be a work out (MS) — If you think that the only way to exercise and burn calories involves gym equipment, think again. Yard work can be just as challenging as a thorough aerobics workout at a nearby fitness club.

To reap the greatest benefits, gardeners should use as little motorized machinery as possible.

Manual tools will get you moving and can burn a substantial amount of calories. Try to vary positions and alternate which hands you use to reduce strain and get an even workout.

Fitness experts say that gardening can improve strength, increase endurance and assist with flexibility.

According to a report in the UK publication The Telegraph, clearing a pond or weeding can burn some 300 calories in an hour.

Forty-five minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.

Hardiness zones (Continued from Page 11C) Hardiness zones are defined by the average climatic conditions of the region and are broken down into various zones. The USDA Hardiness Zone map divides North America into 13 separate zones.

Each zone is marked by 10 F incremental differences from the last zone. In some versions of the map, each zone is further divided into “a” and “b” regions.

The National Gardening Association says the USDA Hardiness Zone Map was revised in 2012. The latest version was jointly developed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group.

To help develop the new map, the USDA and Oregon State University requested that horticultural and climatic experts review the zones in their geographic areas. As a result, the zone boundaries in the 2012 edition of the map have shifted in many areas. Canada’s Hardiness Zone map, updated in 2010, uses nine different zones.

Zone maps are tools that show where permanent landscape plants can adapt. Home gardeners who are looking for shrubs or perennials to last year after year should recognize that such plants must tolerate yearround conditions, including the lowest and highest temperatures and the amount of precipitation.

Snow cover and humidity also

can impact a plant’s propensity to thrive.

While zone maps are not perfect, they can be useful in planning and ensuring the survival of future gardens.

Plant and seed manufacturer Burpee says that other factors to consider that also affect the viability of plants include wind, moisture and soil conditions. The company offers an interactive zone finder on their website that will indicate the hardiness zone as well as average first and last frost dates.

Visit www.burpee.com/ findgrowzone to enter a zip code.

Learn more about plant hardiness at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ PHZMWeb.

Spaces (Continued from Page 12C) coat hooks at a child-friendly height.

• Look for high-traffic rugs. Rugs designed for high-traffic areas will be more forgiving when children march across them several times per day.

There are no rules that say you can’t bring an outdoor rug inside, and these rugs tend to be easier to clean.

• Ensure there is plenty of seating.

Sectionals give children ample room to spread out. And ample seating

ensures there is enough room for kids to invite their friends over to hang out.

• Think outside pink and blue. For children’s rooms, make sure they’re colorful, but consider other hues to give the rooms some personality.

Focus on a hobby or activity and borrow the color scheme from the accessories used for decorating.

• Hang whimsical artwork. Employ framing and lighting to make kids’

artwork look like professional pieces.

Routinely change the pictures when a new look is desired.

• Designate a place for play. Devote an entire room or a nook in a house for imaginative play. Store toys here so these items will not create clutter in individual bedrooms.

Creating child-friendly spaces while ensuring a home maintains a sophisticated feel is easier than parents might think.

children from using the playset in an incorrect manner.

• Safety: Follow the directions for installation. Make sure all posts are anchored into the ground securely.

Railings should be spaced so that children cannot get stuck between them. Check that metal components

have not rusted and that there is no additional excessive wear. Be sure that no tools or other dangerous items are left around the yard.

Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Learn the rules of play equipment and yard safety.

Backyard (Continued from Page 12C) branches and do not place equipment too close to trees or fencing. Try to keep the set out of direct sunlight, which can make components heat up and scald young bodies.

• Supervision: Do not leave children alone while they are playing. Prevent

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PAGE 14C — HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, March 23, 2017

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