2018 Spring Home & Garden Guide

2018 Spring

HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

A Special Supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR

Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018

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May 2018 | Spring Home & Garden Guide

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Choosing Materials For Decking

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arm weather often gives rise to thoughts about spending time in the great outdoors. Decks can expand outdoor living spaces, making them popular home additions. However, when it comes time to map out a deck building plan, individuals may be unsure as to which deck material will meet their needs.

Wood and composite decks are among the most popular choices today, and the popularity of aluminum is growing steadily.

WOOD

Wood is a versatile and attractive decking material. According to the wood resource Real Cedar, some people think that wood is too expensive and requires too much maintenance. In fact, domestic softwoods can be very costeffective decking options. According to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” report, wood decks retain considerable resale value.

In terms of maintenance, choosing a rot-resistant wood can result in less maintenance. Durable woods include cedar and redwood. Popular Mechanics says both species contain tannins and oils that make them naturally resistant to decay, rot and voracious insects.

Periodic cleaning and inspection/repairs will be needed, but wood can be much more durable than people may think.

COMPOSITE

Composite decking and its close cousin, plastic lumber, are some of the fastest-growing decking materials on the market. Many products are made from polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. Some composites will be comprised of recycled plastic and wood fibers to create a weather- and stainresistant material that doesn’t warp, rot

Spring Refresh

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ith spring well on its way, it’s time to say goodbye to all that is gray and dreary. Our focus now is on welcoming the fresh air and bright colors.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and everything is in bloom. Why not have your home follow suit? Here are a just a few inexpensive ways to freshen up your home decor for the new year.

THINK LIGHTER

Say so long to heavy drapes and thick throws. You can do a lot to brighten up a room by changing out your linens.

Introduce throw pillows in pastel colors and exchange the chenille for a soft cotton throw. Open up those heavy drapes, give them a good dusting and allow the sunshine to warm the room.

The lighter and brighter a room becomes, the more like spring it will feel.

BRING IN FRESH FLOWERS

Whether you pick up a fresh bouquet at the supermarket or potted ferns are more your style, there is nothing like adding a little greenery to liven up a room.

Bringing a little piece of nature indoors

will help connect the inside of your home to all that is blooming outside.

CHANGE YOUR ART

The most important feature when it comes to choosing art is sticking with what makes you happy. Choose pieces that give you joy while giving your space a whole new look.

Even changing out your photos for newer ones or snapshots from vacation can update your space in a hurry.

DECLUTTER

Winter brings with it an influx of decor for the holiday season. While that extra cheer is welcomed in the colder months, that same decor can begin to feel oppressive once the seasons begin to change.

Spring is the time to take inventory of your things — store holiday decor, go through the stacks of magazines and put away items from other areas of the house that have migrated into your main living space. Make everything new.

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or splinter. Composite manufacturers continually experiment with manufacturing processes to duplicate the look of natural wood grain.

Homeowners are often drawn to composite decking because such decks require little maintenance.

These decks do not need to be sanded, stained or refinished. However, mold and mildew can grow in shady, damp areas, so homeowners must realize that these products are not completely maintenance-free.

ALUMINUM

Although aluminum decks are not seen that often, there are reasons why this decking material is becoming more popular. According to LockDry®, a manufacturer of aluminum decking materials, power-coated aluminum does not need to be replaced due to rotting, cracking or warped boards. Most planks have interlocking edges that create gapfree, watertight decks. Aluminum also has the advantage of being a very strong but lightweight material.

Some people may think that aluminum decks would be hot underfoot, but the material actually stays cooler in the sun because of its heat-dissipation properties. For those who have green goals in mind, aluminum is totally recyclable.

Various decking materials can meet the look, price point and maintenance level homeowners desire.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018

Square Foot Gardening

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nterested in growing vegetables, but don’t have a lot of space? Square foot gardening may be your solution. According to the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, this method, which separates a gardening box into 12-inch by 12-inch squares, with a different crop in each square, saves time, tools, water, and of course, space.

The popularity of square foot gardening is growing throughout the world, particularly in Third World countries where residents rely on home-grown food to eat but rarely have much space to plant a garden.

This inventive form of gardening was started by Mel Bartholomew, gardened as a hobby after he retired from his work as a civil engineer. It can be done on rooftops, yards and plots of all sizes, such as community gardens.

While there is some strategy to square foot gardening, it isn’t harder to grow successful square foot garden, and there are many ways in which it’s easier — little weeding, no rototilling and no heavy tools. It starts with a

box, good dirt and an irrigation system.

THE BOX

Square foot gardening boxes are available to buy, but you can also build your own. Use untreated wood, or only treat the outside of the box, to avoid the chemicals having contact with the soil. Brick, cement, vinyl and even recycled plastic can be used to build the box. Put weed mat on ground beneath the box to ensure you don’t get weeds in your garden.

THE SOIL

It’s just dirt, right? Not really. While you can garden in many types of soil, the

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foundation recommended equal parts coarse grade vermiculite, sphagnum peat moss and organic compost. For a 4-foot by 4-foot box, you need about one cubic yard of soil.

Squash may need a little extra space as well.

Tomatoes and peas will need some structure to climb up.

THE GRID

Add the grid using old window blinds or wood, showing the gardener exactly how much space is available for each crop.

This could also be done using twine. The most important factor is to be able to easily delineate each square.

THE PLANTS

Most backyard garden crops can also be grown in a square foot garden. If you want to grow tubers (potatoes, yams), carrots or other root vegetables, ensure your garden is deep enough that they can grow underneath the soil.

FUTURE YEARS

For best success in your garden year to year, plant different crops in each square so the nutrients in the soil are spread out and not repeatedly used by the same plant.

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Choosing A Lawn Care Service K eeping your lawn looking its best is a big job. You could spend your entire summer working in the heat to make sure your yard looks its best. Or, if you’re willing to trade a little money for summer leisure time, you could get expert help keeping your lawn in top condition.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when enlisting the help of a professional lawn service:

DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT

What is it that you need? Simple grass cutting? Planting and flower bed care? Pest control? Understanding the different duties that each company offers is key. Sometimes a lawn care professional will offer quotes for mowing but will not have the option to maintain any shrubs or small trees. Make sure you know what you need and what you’ll be getting.

PHILOSOPHY & METHODS

Some chemicals are eco-friendly and others are not, so if environmental issues are a central concern, find a company to keep your yard green with “green” practices.

A good way of testing a company is to see

their methods of preparation. If they test your soil before recommending a fertilization plan, they’re serious and methodical about their work.

Another deciding factor could be consultation fees. Requesting a free estimate of service costs will benefit you in the long run. Beware of organizations that offer annual pricing without seeing the size of your yard.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The people you interact with every day can help you make the best use of your money by recommending proficient lawncare services.

People who live near you will also be acquainted with the services provided by various professionals in your area. They can recommend a service based on what you need.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

There are a variety of ways to compensate your lawn care provider. Some companies

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will utilize a verbal agreement that can be canceled by either party at any time while others will require a yearly contract.

Understanding what will happen if there is an early cancellation or change in terms halfway through your contract is important.

Most lawn care providers will offer two methods of payment. The cost-effective option will vary depending on the size and needs of your lawn.

For the majority of providers, an annual contract will save you money in the long run.

But compare the prices between one-time treatments and long-term agreements to know for sure.

CREDENTIALS

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is here for our benefit. Luckily, you have the opportu-

nity to check the record of any local business with your local BBB in order to assure yourself that your lawn will be treated with care.

The best lawn care companies will have a clean record with the BBB.

ARE THEY FLEXIBLE?

Last on our list is flexibility. If an organization cannot make adjustments to their routine based on your needs, do they deserve your business?

If you want to exterminate the bulk of your weeds, will the company skip the pre-emergent crabgrass herbicide and utilize post-emergent removal treatment?

The journey to finding a reliable lawn care provider should not be hard. Thankfully, there are many extraordinary businesses right around the corner if you shop carefully.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018

Stay Cool And On Budget A

s the temperatures go up, so do many people’s electric bills as air conditioners crank on.

While people in some parts of the country will always have to rely on cooling systems, the U.S. Department of Energy recommended a number of steps people can take to minimize how much you have to run the AC. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COOLER HOURS

If the nights get cooler, turn off your air conditioner and open your windows when the sun goes down and the temperature drops enough to be comfortable. In the morning, shut the windows and blinds to keep the cool air inside. You can also install window coverings that prevent heat from coming in through the windows.

TURN IT UP

Your living room doesn’t need to feel like a sweat lodge, but do set the thermostat as high as you can while still being comfortable. When you’re away for long periods of time, set the thermostat to a higher temperature. When you return to a hot home, don’t set it lower than you normally would; this won’t cool your house any faster and likely will cost more. Consider a programmable thermostat to help keep your house temperature reasonable.

USE FANS

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Combined with air conditioning, the use of ceiling fans allow you to set your thermostat

about 4 degrees higher than you normally would with no noticeable change, because it moves the cool air throughout the house.

Use a fan in the bathroom during a shower or bath, which will remove the heat and humidity from your home.

KEEP THE OVEN OFF

Cook on the stove or on a grill to avoid heating up your house with the oven.

You can also avoid turning on lights, which add to the ambient temperature, and use the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher only when you have full loads and not during the heat of the day. Even curling irons, hair dryers, computers and televisions can contribute heat to your home.

GET CHECKED OUT

Make sure your air conditioner or swamp cooler is running as efficiently as possible by getting it checked out by a professional. You also can get your home assessed to find cracks, broken seals and other openings that allow hot air in and your cooled air out. Caulk seams and add weatherstripping to block that air flow.

Spring Cleaning Checklist O

nce spring weather hits, most people get the itch to dust out the corners and coffers for a truly fresh start to the New Year. But many homeowners focus their attention on the inside of their houses and ignore important maintenance on the outside. Consider the following updates to give your home a spring overhaul.

WINDOWS & DOORS

Windows and doors are the most common places for leaks, which can allow hot summer air in and cooled air out. As you clean, look for cracks in the caulking and weather stripping. If you notice any fogging up of glass in windows or doors over the winter, this could be a sign that the weather seal has been compromised.

AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE

Just as you (hopefully) serviced your furnace in the fall, it is important to give your air conditioner the once over before you need it.

This includes replacing the filter and checking hose connections. Performing this chore in the spring means you won’t have any surprises come summer.

EXTERIOR WALLS, ROOF & ATTIC

Do a perimeter sweep of the exterior of your home once all the snow melts away and you’re sure the last frost has come and

gone. Look for damaged areas, especially near the gutters and foundation. Any openings are an invitation for water and small critters such as carpenter ants and termites.

Additionally, it is important to check over your roof — especially after a rough or particularly wet winter. Make plans to have any cracked or missing shingles replaced by a roofer.

THE GARAGE

This is one “room” that gets ignored when it comes to our spring-induced zest for organization. In fact, 86 percent of Americans can’t even fit their cars in their garage for all the stuff they store in it. It is time to reclaim the garage.

Gather up recycling and take it to your local center. Organize the items you’ve been saving for the garage sale you still haven’t hosted and donate them. Grab a broom and give the garage floor a good sweep.

No matter what level of clutter your garage houses, odds are it could use some TLC.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018

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Spring Garden Planning

his spring, plan your best garden ever — or maybe even your first garden ever. The first step to achieving a well-organized garden is planning. Here’s what you need to know. ©ADOBE STOCK

gardening strategy.

If you prefer to grow your own, start your seeds inside several weeks before your last frost date.

CREATE A WORKSHEET

This is where you decide what you want to plant, how much of it you want to plant and which vegetables you want to plant next to one another.

Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini squash and lettuce are good vegetables for beginners. Don’t forget to contact your local nursery to see what grows best in your area.

CHOOSING A PLOT

Choose a location on your property that receives a lot of sun. Vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. You also need a space with good, loose soil.

If a large garden intimidates you, consider a raised bed. You choose the size and even create a separate area for each vegetable, only taking on what you want.

SKIPPING THE VEGGIES

TALK WITH EXPERTS

If this is your first time planning a garden, consult with a regional gardenplanting guide. You can find one at most hardware stores or nurseries.

If you are a seasoned pro, you probably are already familiar with the timing of your last frost, but you might find some new information by checking with your local professionals.

SEEDS VS. SEEDLINGS

If you are just starting out, seedlings are a safer option. There is no need for you to nurture seeds from infancy when you’re trying to get a handle on your

You also could skip planting vegetables altogether and stick with herbs. Not only are they great for seasonal cooking, but they also smell fantastic and each has a unique beauty to it. Plant in beds or in pots. The choice is yours.

Surviving Home Renovations H omeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and repairs to peak at $327 billion in 2017.

Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray. Such projects can try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better.

Even though remodeling can be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here’s how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed.

schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices.

DISCUSS THE PROJECT BEFORE IT STARTS

HAVE EVERYTHING IN PLACE …

All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung.

Decide on as many details as you can ahead of time and have a firm plan in place.

Establish back-up choices for tiles or color

DO ONE PROJECT AT A TIME

It’s tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maximize motivation and renovation materials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress levels. Do not think about renovating kitchens and bathrooms all at once, or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like washing up.

Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.

… BUT EXPECT DELAYS

In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten the memo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen — even when you’ve done your best to avoid them.

PLAN AN ESCAPE ZONE

Construction environments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly for the person who spends the most time in the home while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyone else at home is on board.

During the real grind of the project, a night or two at a hotel may be a welcome respite.

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Easy Home Renovations

pring cleaning is done, the weather is warm and people are returning to the outdoors — often discovering their houses need a little TLC. For anyone comfortable with a ladder, paint rollers and a hammer, there are a number of do-it-yourself home renovations to spruce up your house and not break the bank.

This Old House Magazine (TOH) offered a number of suggestions.

light fixture. Visit a local lighting store for a wide selection of either.

PLANT A TREE

PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR

Planting an oak or elm for shade, a fruit tree for food, or an evergreen or two to act as a windblocker and a fence can spruce up the yard and block winds.

This is long-term investment, but if you want reasonably quick results; research types of trees and find one that grows quickly. TOH said an Arborvitae Green Giant, an evergreen, can grow three feet in a year. Your local nursery can point you to the right tree for your space and climate.

INSTALL A CEILING FAN OR A CHANDELIER

Keep your heating and cooling costs down with a vintage-looking ceiling fan, or class up a room with fancy-looking overhead lights. You can change the look and feel of a room by dressing up the ceiling some. You can also add a ceiling medallion around a hanging

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Painting always takes longer than you plan, and usually ends up with more paint in places it’s not supposed to be than you would like, so painting a room or an outdoor wall is a big undertaking.

But your front door is smaller and more doable and is the first thing people see when they come in, so why not give it a facelift? Go with something vibrant and fun — red or green, perhaps — or a more traditional but warm wood color.

FIX UP THE FLOOR

New carpets and hardwood are expensive. You can, however, refinish your vinyl floor so it looks like stone tile.

TOH suggested using two colors to create the stones and white paint to create lines between the stones. Finish it with coats of polyurethane to seal the surface.

LOOKING FOR YOUR

DREAM HOME?

BUILD A PLANTER

Add a garden to your home, regardless of space. You can build an outdoor planter from wood planks, frame it, at-

LOOKING FOR THE

tach the sides and the bottom and line the box with plastic. These can be larger, for a backyard, or small enough to fit on windowsills. Then hit the garden store for plants to fill it.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018

Control Common Spring Pests J ust when winter thaws out and people are anxious to enjoy the blooming flowers and luscious lawns of spring, pesky pests can appear and impact comfort levels and safety.

Many pests resume their levels of activity as spring draws closer and temperatures warm up. The presence of these insects and rodents may cause problems in and around a home, which makes it essential to recognize them and avoid issues. The following are some of the more common spring pests and how to remedy infestations.

PAVEMENT ANTS

Pavement ants are some of the most common pests residents encounter inside and outside of their homes. These ants are light brown to black with appendages that are lighter than the rest of their bodies. Small in stature, pavement ants have parallel lines on their heads and thorax, according to pest extermination company Orkin.

Although pavement ants nest outdoors, they can enter homes through small crevices in search of food scraps. Their large colonies may not disappear until treatment is introduced. Keep foods in tightly sealed containers, clear counters and floors of crumbs, and address water sources, such as leaks. Pesticides may be needed in extreme conditions.

FLEAS

Fleas are tiny, jumping, biting pests

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that must find a host upon which to live.

As ectoparasites, they feed on blood while living on the body of living hosts.

Pets can bring fleas inside the yard and home in warm weather. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, flea larvae develop more quickly at higher temperatures. At normal room temperatures, the entire life cycle of a flea is about 18 days.

Several flea control products are available to control fleas on cats and dogs.

There also may be powders and sprays to alleviate flea infestations in the home.

Vacuuming is also very effective in killing larvae in the carpet and at picking up adults.

WASPS

An errant wasp, hornet or yellow jacket may have survived winter and ridden out the colder temperatures within a home. Once the weather warms, queens will begin to look for places to lay eggs and establish colonies. Treating areas where wasps are seen entering and leaving the home is key. Seal holes as soon as possible.

Although wasps help control other insect populations, their painful stings and potentially aggressive nature can make

them challenging to have around a home.

If a nest is found, hire a professional to remove it.

SPIDERS

Many spiders are not harmful enough to humans and pets to be much of a problem. In fact, spiders can be helpful to have around to control the populations of other insects. Still, many homeowners would prefer these web-slinging

friends remain outdoors. Therefore, sealing cracks in a home’s foundation and repairing small openings around windows and doors can help keep spiders out. Also, alleviating moisture issues in basements, garages or attics may keep out other bugs that would be prey to spiders.

Homeowners can take the steps necessary to cut down on pests in and around their homes.

Improve Curb Appeal

here’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home.

Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching.

Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

MAINTAIN A LUSH GREEN LAWN

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes.

Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for.

Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of

year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

ADDRESS BROWN PATCH

Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots. According to lawn care professionals, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So

addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

CONFINE DOGS TO CERTAIN AREAS

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog

urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

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Get The Right Crew For The Job I f you own a home, you know there’s always something in need of a repair or an update around your property. Whether it’s an outdated kitchen or bathroom you’ve been wanting to fix for years or damage caused to your home by disaster or accident, you will want to get the help of a contractor to get the job done right.

But it’s a good idea to have some companies in mind before you actually need their services.You can pick the best one now, then keep their contact info written in a place where you can quickly find it in a pinch.

WHO DOES THE JOB?

START EARLY

If you wait until the last minute, you may end up picking whoever shows up on your doorstep for the job first. This is rarely your best option, so plan to do some homework ahead of time.

This isn’t always possible for emergencies.

Sometimes the people who personally do the work on your property are important to you. In jobs where craftsmanship is easily visible, like intricate tile installation or finish carpentry, you might want the expert skills of one specific person or crew to do the job.

It’s common in the construction industry for companies to subcontract out different parts of the job. That’s normally not a problem — and can be a good thing when subcontractors are skilled at what they do.

But if you’re expecting one particular person or group to do the job, that should be clear up front. There shouldn’t be any surprises when the work begins.

LICENSES, PERMITS

The professional you hire needs to possess the right license to do the job and obtain any required permits to work on your home.

Reputable professionals play by the rules.

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INSURANCE

Believe it or not, in most cases your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover injuries or accidents that occur from work being done on your property.

That means you need to make sure the contractor carries their own insurance coverage. Otherwise, you could personally be liable for any injuries that happen on the job site — something that leaves you at huge financial risk, given the cost of health care and lawsuits these days.

Ask whether your contractor carries their own insurance, and verify that it’s in effect when the job is being done on your property.

GET REFERENCES

One of the most important parts of choosing a contractor is looking at their references.

The best home contractors will always have a great reputation with lots of happy customers. They’ll likely have a list of clients you can call to ask about their work and

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perhaps even see it in person.

If you’re looking for a painting contractor, for example, drive by some of the homes they’ve painted and see what the quality of the work looks like. You might even be able to find an example that’s not brand-new, so you can see how the job holds up over time.

Even better, try to get references from people you know and trust. If you’ve got a friend who had similar work done on their house, ask them what they thought about the contractor they hired.

Some things to ask: •Did they complete the job on time and on budget?

•Were they professional at all times?

•Did they keep the work site tidy and clean up after themselves?

•What was the quality of their work like?

Can I see it?

• Would you recommend them for another job?

After you’ve done your homework, choosing the right contractor will be simple. You just need to take your time and make sure the people you’re dealing with are true professionals with a track record of happy customers to back them up.

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR

Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018

Go Green In Your Lawn And Garden This Spring

pring is a season of rejuvenation. As the cold days of winter drift away, spring blooms begin to sprout and grass regains its lush green look.

Green is certainly a color that’s synonymous with spring. Gardening enthusiasts can find a way to make spring even more green by embracing several eco-friendly gardening practices as they bring their lawns and gardens back to life in the months to come.

CREATE A COMPOST PILE

Composting is an eco-friendly way to enrich lawns and gardens. Composting helps to conserve water because compost promotes moisture retention in soil, reducing homeowners’ need to water their lawns and gardens while also helping them to save money on their water bills.

Composting also helps homeowners avoid the need to use potentially harmful chemical fertilizers because compost is a natural, slow release fertilizer. In addition, according to Canada’s Green Action Centre, compostable materials make up 40 percent of residential waste. So composting can dramatically reduce the amount of waste homeowners ultimately send to landfills.

REPLACE GAS-POWERED WITH REEL LAWN MOWERS

Reel mowers may seem like relics from simpler times, but today’s reel mowers, while just as eco-friendly as their predecessors, are unlike those of yesteryear.

According to the Planet Natural Research Center, an online resource for organic gardeners, gas-powered engines emit more than 10 times the hydrocarbons per amount of gas burned than auto engines.

But reel mowers are fuel-free and less expensive than gas-powered mowers. Planet Natural also notes that reel mowers snip grass like scissors, leaving finer trimmings that can serve as nourishing, weed-deterring mulch for yards.

WATER AT THE RIGHT TIMES OF DAY

Homeowners who water their lawns and gardens at the right time of day can help the planet and reduce their energy bills.

As spring gradually gives way to summer, temperatures typically rise. Watering

during the coolest times of the day means less water will be lost to evaporation, ensuring water-needy soil will get all it needs to help lawns and gardens thrive.

Early morning watering before the sun reaches its midday peak and/or evening watering as the sun is setting are typically great times to water lawns and gardens, rather than when temperatures are at their hottest.

USE A RAIN BARREL

Rain barrels provide another great way to conserve water while tending to lawns

and gardens. Rain barrels collect and store rain water from roofs and downspouts, keeping water from washing into sewage systems where it can’t be put to good use.

Water collected in rain barrels can be used in various ways. Many homeowners can use water from rain barrels to water their lawns, gardens and houseplants, saving money on their water bills along the way.

Spring gardening season provides a great opportunity for lawn and garden enthusiasts to embrace a variety of eco-friendly practices that can save them money and protect the planet.

Create A Healthier Home H

ome renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space. More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier.

Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobility-impaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards.

Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies.

The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries — especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

BE AWARE OF FURNITURE MATERIALS

Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics pro-

duced prior to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton.

LIGHTEN UP

Lighting is often underappreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and productivity.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN

Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide. The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes.

INSPECT AND SERVICE WOOD-BURNING APPLIANCES.

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter.

NONTOXIC PRODUCTS

Always opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house.

DECLUTTER THE HOME

A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthier and can help residents to rest and recharge.

May 2018 | Spring Home & Garden Guide

BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR Pg 15

Dress Up Your Windows W

indows are major players in home design. How they are dressed and framed from the exterior lends to the curb appeal of your home. Keeping them clean and dressed with drapery inside will affect the overall mood of a room and how much natural light a room receives.

All of this is to say don’t ignore your windows.

ADDING OR REPAIRING SHUTTERS

Shutters add so much to the curb appeal of your home. Making sure yours are in good shape is a worthwhile investment.

Each year, inspect your shutters. Do they need a new coat of paint? Are they secured properly with no loose screws? If your home lacks shutters, consider adding them.

There are few architectural styles that shutters work against, so be sure to consult with your local window and gutter installation company.

DRESSING WINDOW BOXES

If you have window boxes, spring is the ideal time to clean them out and prep them for foliage. Swing by your local hardware store or nursery and choose annuals with lots of color to fill them.

If you do not currently have window boxes, consider adding them to the mix. Window boxes add texture and flare to the exterior of any home.

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If you recently replaced your drapes or love the ones you currently have, don’t underestimate what a good cleaning will do for them.

Check the tags and see if yours are machine washable. If not, you may have to take your drapes to the dry cleaners. This trip will be well worth it when you see how much brighter they look rehung across your windows.

A GOOD POWER WASH

After a winter full of dreary weather and high wind chills, your windows are not at their peak performance when it comes to light.

Give them a good scrub inside before heading outside to hit up their exterior panes. If your windows are double-hung, this will be a much easier task. Always follow safety instructions on cleaning equipment, especially when you’re dealing with glass.

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BLACK HILLS PIONEER | WEEKLY PROSPECTOR

Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2018