Palouse Living, May 2015 by Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

The many benefits of hiring a professional landscaper

May 2015 Moscow-Pullman Daily News

2 | May 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

PALOUSE LIVING

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News | May 2015 | 3

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The many benefits of hiring a professional landscaper MetroConnections he flowers are blooming, and T the grass has begun to grow anew, making spring a great time for homeowners to once again turn their attention to landscaping. Those who aren’t looking forward to dusting off their lawnmowers and rethreading their string trimmers may want to hire professional landscapers to tend to their lawns and gardens. A recent joint study by the National Gardening Association, Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping found that homeowners spend roughly $45 billion per year on professional lawn and landscape services, as nearly 30 percent of all households across the United States use at least one type of lawn or landscape service. The rising use of lawn care services is indicative of homeowners’ appreciation of the convenience and craftsmanship professional services can provide. While the impact

professional landscapers can have on a property’s aesthetic appeal is considerable, homeowners also benefit from working with professional landscapers in various other ways. · Time savings: One of the biggest benefits of leaving lawn care to the professionals is the amount of time it will save for the average homeowner. Lawns generally need to be mowed once per week during the spring and summer seasons and, depending on the size of the property, that can take an hour or more. Add the time it takes to clean up clippings, mulch landscaping beds and edge the property, and homeowners can expect to devote a significant chunk of their weekends to caring for their lawns. Lawn services employ a few workers who make fast work of the job, leaving homeowners time to enjoy their weekends however they see fit.

· Reduced risk for injury: Maintaining a landscape is hard work, and those unaccustomed to this type of activity may find themselves winded or at risk of injury. Improper use of lawn equipment also is a safety hazard. Leaving the work to professionals can help homeowners avoid strained backs, lacerations, pulled muscles, sunburns, and any other dangers that can result when tackling landscaping projects. · Financial savings: On the surface, hiring a landscaping service may seem like a costly venture. However, Time saved and a professional job are just two of after crunching some the reasons homeowners hire lawn care companies. numbers, many homeowners realize customers. Basic lawn cuts may be that doing the work one package, but there also may themselves may cost more in the be services for seasonal seeding, long run than hiring a professional weeding, leaf clean-up, and landscaping service. Homeowners winterizing. who decide to go it alone must purchase expensive equipment, and · Consistent maintenance: those lawn tools will require routine Homeowners who frequently travel or maintenance, which costs additional spend much of their summers away money. Inexperienced homeowners from home often find that lawn care may incur extra fees to “fix” mistakes that occur during the learning process. companies are a wise investment. Established weekly schedules ensure Each year, new seed, fertilizer, mulch, the landscape always will look its best pesticides, and other supplies also whether homeowners are home or out must be purchased. But professional of town. lawn care services typically charge a Spring is a great time for set fee per month, and that fee covers homeowners to decide if hiring the maintenance of both your property professional landscaping services and the equipment needed to keep is in their best interests. The time that property looking great. and money saved, as well as impact professional landscapers can have · Know-how: Many professional on a property, makes landscaping landscapers know how to address services a great investment for many lawn care issues that may arise homeowners. throughout the year. They will know how to deal with dry patches of lawn or poorly draining areas, and they also can make recommendations on plants that will thrive under certain conditions. · One-stop shopping: Certain landscaping services provide many different options for prospective

4 | May 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

PALOUSE LIVING

Remodeling spending increases MetroConnections According to the National Association of Home Builders, as of November 2014, a greater number of remodelers weary about investing any money reported higher business activity into fixer-uppers. But the tides have than during the previous quarter. changed dramatically in recent Remodeling spending has been months, and homeowners are again gradually climbing back up from the ready and willing to invest big dollars all-time low it reached in 2009. into home renovations. This growth in home renovations Renewed confidence in the has led to more jobs for carpenters, economy and an upswing in the real plumbers, painters, electricians, estate market have contributed to the and other construction workers. In remodeling frenzy. In early 2014, the Massachusetts alone, a recovery in Joint Center for Housing Statistics of overall construction employment has Harvard University forecasted nearly led to a gain of about 18,000 jobs $150 billion in major remodeling during the past four years. spending over the year. JCHS said as The Home Improvement Research homeowners gain more confidence in Institute expects an additional the housing market, they’re more likely 5.8 percent sales growth in home to undertake home improvements they improvement spending in 2015. States would have avoided in recent years. that showed the highest levels of While the numbers do not yet home improvement spending in 2014 match pre-recession remodeling are likely to continue to hold the top spending, the number of construction spots through 2015, and the National projects has steadily trended upward. Association of Home Builders says

n the not-so-distant past, home I improvement projects all but came to a halt, as homeowners were

Jason Brown ®

Realtor

these areas include the District of Columbia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and areas of southern California. Americans are not the only ones increasing their home spending. According to reports released by Moneris Solutions Corporation, Canada’s largest credit and debit card processor, purchases at home improvement stores rose by 8.49 percent over the same period last year, and spending on plumbing and heating equipment and electrical contractors climbed by 5.14 percent and 5.08 percent, respectively. Spending patterns indicate that homeowners are investing in DIY projects as well as seeking specialized work provided by professional contractors.

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Now is a good time for the real estate and home improvement sectors, as homeowners have renewed their fervor for making home renovations, both to increase comfort in their homes and make their homes more buyer-friendly.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News | May 2015 | 5

PALOUSE LIVING

How to finance your home improvement projects MetroConnections any homeowners recognize M that improving and maintaining a property makes a home more livable for its inhabitants and more attractive to prospective buyers when the time comes to erect a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. But a well-maintained home also provides additional benefits. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, home improvements not only raise the values of individual homes, but they tend to raise neighborhood standards as well. Home improvements can create jobs and help local communities flourish economically. Maintaining a home can be a costly undertaking. Home improvement projects can be expensive whether homeowners hire professionals or tackle renovation projects on their own. The following are a handful of options homeowners can consider as they look for ways to finance renovation projects. · Paying outright: Paying for the renovations upfront and in full is perhaps the simplest way to finance a project. Homeowners who have the cash to pay for renovations outright won’t have to worry about interest

rates or balloon payments. · Mortgage refinancing: Some homeowners tap into their home equity to cover home remodeling projects. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off the debt owed and starting over with a completely new loan. Refinancing comes with various fees and can cost between 3 and 6 percent of the loan’s principal.

that fluctuates and payments can vary depending on the amount of money borrowed and the current interest rates.

· Title I property loan: Residents of the United States with limited equity in their homes may qualify for an FHA Title I loan. Banks and other lenders are qualified to make these loans from their own funds, and the FHA will insure the lender against a possible · Home equity loans and lines loss. Title I loans can be used for any of credit: Both of these options are improvements that will make a home commonly referred to as second more useful and livable. They cannot mortgages. When homeowners apply be used for renovations deemed for home equity loans or lines of credit, luxury expenses. they are borrowing against the equity value in their homes. A home equity · Borrow against retirement loan is a term, or closed-end, loan. It funds: Some people opt to borrow is a one-time sum that will be paid off against a 401(k) plan, IRA or another over a set amount of time with a fixed retirement fund. If the retirement plan interest rate and the same payment allows a loan without penalty, it can be each month. This is a one-time loan another way to secure funds. Because from which a person cannot borrow it is the homeowner’s money, there will further. A home equity line of credit, be no credit check required and less or HELOC, is like having a credit card. It’s possible to borrow a certain amount for the life of the loan, which is a set time specified by the lender. During this time, homeowners can withdraw money as it is needed up to the value of the line of credit. HELOCs typically have a variable interest rate

delay in getting the funds. Borrowers should keep in mind that taking a loan against a retirement account will usually result in a lower retirement balance than it would have been had they not borrowed money from the account - even after the funds have been repaid. · Credit cards: Credit cards are an option when improvements are not expensive. Individuals with excellent credit ratings may qualify for cards with a no-interest introductory periods of several months or more. These cards can be a good way to pay off moderate improvements in a short amount of time. Many home renovation projects require homeowners to develop a home improvement budget. Homeowners are urged to explore all options and find the least costly loan method and the one that will present the best possibility for avoiding debt.

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6 | May 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

PALOUSE LIVING

Blood Orange Ice Cream Sandwich Courtesy of Ampersand Oil & Vinegar Tap House Blood Orange Molasses Cookie Dough: 2 cups all purpose flour 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cloves Pinch of salt 1 cup packed light brown sugar ¼ cup molasses ¾ cup Blood Orange Evoo** 1 large egg Sugar and Spice Dipper** for rolling Vanilla Bean Sea Salt** 1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, molasses, oil, and egg until smooth. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until dough comes together. Cover and chill for 20 minutes or more.

2. Preheat oven to 375. Scoop dough by the heaping tsp (or desired size) and roll into balls. Roll balls in sugar and spice mixture and place on sheets 2 inches apart. Bake 8 min or when crackly on top – for crispy cookies try 9-10 min. 3. Cookies will be very soft but will firm up after a few minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. For Ice Cream Sandwich: Place one scoop of slightly soft vanilla ice cream between 2 cookies. Roll ice cream edge in Sugar and Spice Dipper and Vanilla Bean Sea Salt. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze. Remove from freezer a few minutes before serving. ** Ingredients available at Ampersand Oil & Vinegar Tap House

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News | May 2015 | 7

PALOUSE LIVING

Garden-inspired decor brightens spaces and mood MetroConnections any homeowners take up M gardening to transform their homes with beautiful flowers and foliage, while others do so to yield fresh fruits and vegetables. But gardening can be more than just a weekend hobby. In fact, it may be especially beneficial for homeowners to surround themselves with more plants and natural decor, whether in the yard or in the home. Studies have indicated that gardening can be good for the mind and body. In addition to improving mood and reducing stress, plant life and gardening also may help people have a more hopeful outlook on life. If reaping the benefit of a beautiful landscape is not reason enough to get into gardening, elevating your mood and coping with depression or illness may be even further motivation to start developing your green thumb. Home-design trends seem to be following suit, offering individuals more opportunities to surround themselves with potentially therapeutic plants. Explore these emerging and established garden décor trends to try in and around your home. · Living wall planters: A living wall planter can add greenery to any décor without taking up floor or table space. Ideal for outdoor structures, these planters also can be used indoors if you safeguard against leaks and dripping. A living wall planter is a framed device that houses plants

in a manner that enables them to be vertically mounted to a wall surface. While there are commercially available models, you can create your own design and paint or stain it to match the existing décor. Use a soil-free potting substrate to avoid the mess that regular soil may create. · Combining fish with gardening: Enjoy the best of two relaxing worlds by installing a water feature in your yard. Garden retailers offer readymade kits that can make fast work of establishing a pond or other water feature in the backyard. Otherwise, there are plenty of water garden companies and installers who can suggest a design and put in your desired water features. Add fish suitable for outdoor life to your pond. These include koi and certain goldfish varieties. Game fish are discouraged because they can destroy pond plants. If an outdoor pond is more maintenance than you desire, consider an indoor aquarium with a combination of fish and live aquarium plants. · Creative furniture designs: Maybe you’re a person who appreciates the unique and whimsical? Tables, benches and chairs can be built with planting channels that enable you to have greenery and garden décor in one piece. Envision a picnic table with a cutout down the center for a thin row of plants or decorative grasses. This

is a project the entire family can get behind, as the more creative ideas the better.

pit. Outdoor fireplaces require more work, and you want to hire a mason to ensure proper installation.

· Improved outdoor lighting: People who like to spend time in their gardens and yards may not want to be limited by sunrise and sunset. By incorporating different lighting sources, you can create a retreat that is welcoming at any hour. Although flood lights and overhead lights can illuminate a space, consider ambient and decorative lighting to create the desired ambiance.

· Enjoyable yard additions: While plants and seating may take center stage, some people still want to have fun in their yards. There’s an increased demand for yard designs and décor that can put the fun in backyard living. Bocce courts, ring- or horseshoe-toss setups, as well as bean bag-toss boards, can be incorporated into landscape designs, giving you yet another reason to spend a few hours in the great outdoors, where you can experience a few healthy laughs in the process. Gardening and spending time outdoors are great hobbies and may even boost your mood. Homeowners can explore the popular trends in garden décor and natural elements that they can enjoy inside and outside of their homes.

· Functional fire pits and places: A blazing fire creates a cozy spot to gather on chilly evenings, but fire pits and fireplaces also can be used as impromptu cooking spots for s’mores or frankfurters on a stick. You can purchase a stand-alone fire pit from any number of retailers or build your own with patio pavers and fire bricks to line the interior of the fire

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8 | May 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

PALOUSE LIVING

Questions to ask when looking for an afterschool program MetroConnections any of today’s working M professionals grew up in single-income households where only one of their parents went to work each day. But that once-common dynamic is now largely a thing of the past, as economic necessity has driven both moms and dads to continue their careers even after they have had children. That reality has led many working parents to lean heavily on afterschool programs to serve as safe havens that provide structure for their kids while mom and dad are still at work. Choosing an after-school program is a decision many parents find difficult, but there are some questions parents can ask during their searches for programs that should make those decisions easier. Can I tour and observe the facility? When considering a particular

Beauty

afterschool program for their children, parents should ask to tour the facility, paying specific attention to the areas of the facility where their youngsters will spend the bulk of their time. Do the classrooms look clean? Are the materials up-to-date? Is the playground equipment safe and wellmaintained? Well-maintained facilities with new supplies and equipment can make the program more enjoyable and safer for kids. Parents also should ask to spend some time observing the facility when it is abuzz with activity. Such observation can give parents an idea of what their kids’ afternoons will be like should they enroll in the program. What is the program schedule? Schedule is a significant issue for working parents, many of whom want a program that is open on holidays when schools are closed. Flexibility also is a concern for working parents,

some of whom may need a facility that is open before school starts. Parents also may want a facility that allows youngsters to attend just a few days a week, which might make certain programs that require parents to commit to full weeks less enticing. When discussing the facility schedule with staff members, be sure to get as specific a schedule as possible, inquiring about any additional costs associated with extending the typical schedule as well. What are the activities available to the kids? Many afterschool programs provide more than just a place for kids to sit and do their homework until their folks come to pick them up. Many programs try to offer an array of activities that range from academic programs to athletic events and more. A wide range of programs can increase the chances that youngsters will find activities that pique their

interests and make the afterschool program more enjoyable. How are staff members vetted? Parents also may want to ask about the program’s hiring practices. Ask about the background checks performed on staff members and if the facility requires any specific certifications for staff who will be dealing directly with children. When asking about hiring practices, parents also may want to inquire about the ratio of staff members to children. The smaller the ratio, the more attention youngsters will receive. Facilities with an especially high ratio of staff to children may not be able to provide the type of environment parents want for their children. Finding an afterschool program requires parents to exercise their due diligence. Parents who can be patient and learn as much about facilities as possible are more likely to find the right fit for their children.

Six steps to a new bathroom SET IN STONE.

Newspaper Toolbox orgeous and functional G bathrooms add value to a home, so renovating this room is

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always profitable in the long run. Keep in mind that this type of project requires a fair bit of preparation and the following of some specific steps. 1. The plan. This is your starting point. It allows you to identify your needs and style preferences, and to set a budget. Plumbing could be costly if you decide to change the layout of the basics, such as the toilet, bath, and sink. 2. Stripping the entire room. Tearing everything down and starting from scratch is often easier than trying to save a few details. Ventilation in a bathroom is an important factor in preventing mold in the home. This is the time to install a fan suitable for the size of the room you’re ventilating. 3. The floor. This is the best place to start your rebuilding. It is also an ideal opportunity to install underfloor heating if you’re using plywood sheets.

4. Bathroom fixtures. Bath, shower, or both? Just a toilet, or accompanied by a bidet? A vanity, or two vessel sinks on a floating countertop? It all depends on your taste and your lifestyle, or on your target audience for resale. 5. Wall coverings. Ceramic is one of the ideal wall coverings for renovating a bathroom. In addition to being sold in a multitude of designs, ceramic tiles stand the test of time and are easy to maintain. 6. The finishing touch. Paint and accessories give the perfect finishing touch to your dream bathroom. For the paint, be sure to choose one specifically designed for bathrooms; it is designed to provide better resistance to moisture. Yes, renovating a bathroom is a huge project, but supported by experts and armed with some good advice, you’ll feel proud of all your work and increase the value of your property.

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | May 2015 | 9

PALOUSE LIVING

Natural ways to beat seasonal allergies MetroConnections he arrival of warmer weather T changes the landscape completely. Animals come out of hiding and hibernation while trees and flowers bloom anew. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says nasal allergies affect approximately 50 million people in the United States. Allergic diseases, including asthma, are the fifth most prevalent chronic diseases among people of all ages and the third most common in children. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, can occur in spring, summer and/or early fall. People who experience hay fever often can attribute their symptoms to sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses, weeds, or airborne mold spores. No two allergy sufferers are alike, so medications that may work for one person may be only mildly effective for another. Many medications can cause side effects, which may be

just as frustrating as the initial allergy symptoms. Treatments may target sneezing and itching but fail to clear up congestion. Drowsiness, dry mouth and nasal irritation may be side effects of common allergy drugs. People who want to avoid allergy medication can look to natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. Whether used alone or in concert with traditional medicine, these remedies may make spending time outdoors more pleasant. · Try probiotics. Probiotics, those friendly bacteria that reside in the digestive system, can do more than just treat an upset stomach. Naturopathic doctors say that probiotics also can influence the immune system and may help strengthen its response to common allergens. Since probiotics are good for replenishing healthy bacteria in the body anyway, many people may want

to keep taking them once their allergy symptoms have come and gone. · Use neti pots or saline sprays. A small amount of saltwater can rinse away allergens, such as pollen, that get lodged in the nose. These rinses also can help clear up congestion and flush out any other irritants.

help flush out allergens as well. · Don’t forget vitamin C. Vitamin C is an immune-system booster and may help prevent the formation of histamine in the body, a substance responsible for many allergy symptoms.

· Load up on omega3s. A German study published in the journal Allergy found that participants who ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to suffer allergy symptoms than those who didn’t regularly eat these foods. Omega3s can help fight inflammation. Drinking more fluids and using spices in cooking can

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10 | May 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

PALOUSE LIVING

How to go about building a new home MetroConnections hen you’re looking at the big W job of building a new home, your budget is the first consideration, of course. How much capital you have and how much financing you can access determine whether you hire a contractor or do some or all of the work yourself. You’ll deal with a general contractor. A contractor is responsible for all aspects of the building of your home, according to the design and plan you ask him or her to use. The contractor, or builder, should be licensed and reputable, as you’ll be expecting him to build according to code. Make sure your chosen contractor has a good knowledge of building standards in your area and good references from other clients. You’ll do it all yourself. If you decide to be your own contractor, you should first contact the association that governs your local building code. You may be required to obtain a license

or hire licensed subcontractors for certain jobs. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all building standards if you hire relatives or friends to help you. More options However you go about having your home built, there are some considerations to take care of before you proceed. · Find land. Your first step should be to find some land in your area of choice. Before buying a lot, check with the municipality to ensure your project complies with all standards and codes. Otherwise, you might end up with a lot where you can’t build a new residential home. · Choose your plans. There are several options: you can shop around for ready-made floor plans; choose one from those offered by the contractor you hire; or work with an

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architect to design your own home. · Choose a prefab home. If you choose this route, you’ll have plenty of options. Prefabricated homes are available in modules or panels and are assembled with the help of the manufacturer and a specialized contractor. · Choose a housing development. Your job may be easier if you decide to go with a housing developer that offers preprepared lots and a repertory of floor plans. However, be sure to check the background

Dare to THINK PINK Newspaper Toolbox ink? Yes, this color is hot in P 2015. It hasn’t been on the home decor charts for quite a while, but now we’re all catching up. Are you daring enough to try it? Of course, there’s no question of painting your walls bright pink. The idea is to use it to add pep, femininity and even a touch of daring to your home. Why not add a pink pillow to your white sofa or put a fuchsia bench in your kitchen? You could also hang pink patterned wallpaper in your front hall or your bathroom. You want a warm and modern decor? Choose a mix of pale pink, white and copper, and Bob’s your uncle. You’d rather have a glamorous

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and sophisticated look? Combine pink with black. You’d like an elegant touch? Add some grey. The trend is towards warm and glamorous pinks that are great for any room as long as you use it with moderation. Be daring and try different shades. Go back to your childhood with candy pink; use sugared almond pink to create a cozy room that cries out “TLC.” Awaken your taste buds with pink sorbet, or add a touch of character to your home with fuchsia. If you’re looking for a color that brings optimism, peace and the joy of living into your home, then look no further: pink is perfect.

Moscow-Pullman Daily News | May 2015 | 11

PALOUSE LIVING

Watering tips to produce healthy lawns MetroConnections ummer is a season for S landscaping, and homeowners who live in regions that get especially

often ineffective, as water tends to evaporate quickly in the afternoons when temperatures are peaking. hot in the summertime often worry Nighttime watering can contribute that their lawns won’t make it through to the growth of fungus, which the dog days of summer looking lush. can create an entirely new set of But lawns don’t have to succumb to headaches for homeowners. Morning the sizzling summer sun. Oftentimes, watering sessions tend to be most the right watering strategies can effective during the summertime, as help homeowners nurse their lawns temperatures tend to be cooler in the through the hottest months of the year, morning, leading to less evaporation. ensuring the lawns make it to autumn Less evaporation means all that looking as green as they did back at watering isn’t going to waste. the height of spring. · Reconsider your sprinkler. If you · Reconsider when you’re can’t afford an in-ground irrigation watering. Come summertime, system, which many landscaping homeowners may want a glass professionals feel is the most effective of water at high noon, when and efficient way to water a lawn, then temperatures seem to be at their you likely will rely on a sprinkler to hottest. But you and your lawn keep your lawn looking lush through are different, so the best time to the summer months. When choosing satiate your thirst is not necessarily a sprinkler, look for one that shoots the best time to water your lawn. water out horizontally as opposed to Watering in the middle of the day is vertically. A vertical sprinkler system

is more vulnerable to wind and evaporation than one that shoots water out horizontally, so make sure your sprinkler system is sending water into your lawn and not into summer breezes. · Avoid overwatering. How much water your lawn needs in the summertime depends on a host of factors, including where you live and how often rain falls in that region. Overwatering can promote the growth of fungus and adversely affect your lawn’s root system, making it difficult for roots to grow deep. Speak with a local landscaping professional to determine how often you should water your lawn each week. · Strategically position your sprinklers. When choosing where to put down your sprinklers, hook them up to your hose, turn them on and then watch to see where the

water is going. Areas that exposed to sun are most in need of water, so make sure the bulk of your water isn’t going to shaded areas beneath trees. In addition, make sure you aren’t wasting water on sidewalks, patios and driveways. Sprinklers should be positioned so none of the water they’re shooting out is landing on surfaces that don’t need water. It sounds simple, but too often homeowners drop their sprinklers down, turn them on and then walk away without waiting to see where the water is landing. Position sprinklers or adjust sprinkler heads so all the water is landing on your lawn. Keeping a lawn lush and green at the height of summer requires homeowners to adopt effective strategies. Such a strategies can make the difference between a lush landscape and one that succumbs to summer heat.

Going after grubs in your lawn MetroConnections en and women with green M thumbs often take pride in their lush lawns and gardens, feeling a sense of accomplishment as their landscapes spend spring and summer returning to form and making yards more inviting spaces to spend relaxing summer nights. But even the most well-maintained lawns are not immune to problems that can compromise all the hard work men and women put into their lawns. One such problem many homeowners encounter is a grub infestation. Grubs are a type of pest that can cause considerable damage to lawns, and while many homeowners have no doubt heard of grubs, they might want to learn more about these pesky pests so they know what to do should grubs ever appear in their yards. What are grubs? Grubs are insects that live in the soil, where they feed on grass and roots. Many grubs are the larva

of Japanese beetles, and those beetles typically lay their eggs in sun-drenched areas of lawns in midsummer. What are signs of grub damage? Grubs not only damage lawns on their own, but they serve as food sources for local wildlife as well, attracting wildlife, which can do its own damage to lawns. Lawns can turn brown for a variety of reasons, and grubs are just one of many potential culprits behind the browning of once-luscious landscapes. Grubs feed on roots, so homeowners who suspect their lawns have fallen victim to grub infestations can pull up the areas where grass has turned brown to see if there are any grubs, which look like worms. Landscapes that have suddenly become popular among local wildlife that is digging up lawns may also be infested with grubs. Skunks and raccoons feed on grubs, and may dig

up lawns where grubs are present. Damage resulting from grub infestation is most visible from late summer to early fall.

What can I do about grub damage? Attempting to treat grubs in the spring may be ineffective, as grubs are large and no longer feeding in Can grub damage be prevented? spring. So homeowners dealing with Preventing grub infestation typically grub infestations should address the requires homeowners to keep watchful situation before they retire their green eyes on their lawns. Pay particular thumbs for the winter. Remove debris attention to areas that begin to brown, from grub infestations with a rake especially areas that are turning brown before watering the affected areas. in spite of adequate watering. An early Watering can help some damaged indicator of a grub infestation is small roots recover, but areas that have grubs around the roots of grass. In been especially damaged may need such instances, applying insecticide to be reseeded. may be enough to prevent a small Grub infestations can be a grub problem from spreading. nuisance to homeowners who put lots Insecticides also can be an of time and effort into their lawns. But effective preventative measure homeowners can take steps to treat for homeowners looking to avoid such infestations and prevent them grub infestations. Speak with a from returning the following summer. local landscaping professional for recommendations about which insecticide to apply and how best to apply it.

12 | May 2015 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

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