Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.
September 2019
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2 | September 7, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
What is dethatching? The secret trick for a beautiful lawn
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By Larissa Runkle Courtesy of realtor.com
robably one of the best-kept secrets of lawn care, dethatching can make a huge difference in both how healthy your grass looks and how well it grows. Think of it like a haircut for the yard; by removing any excess dead grass (also called “thatch,” natch), you give your lawn the space and energy it needs to keep growing and looking good. So what does dethatching involve, and how do you get started? Keep reading to nd out. WHAT IS THATCH? AND HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? “Over time, pieces of grass die and gather just above the soil, and these pieces are known as thatch,” explains Scotts Miracle-Gro turf grass scientist Dr. Phil Dwyer. If you’re the type of person who gets a haircut every six weeks, you may be wondering how many dethatching sessions you’ve missed so far. But don’t
start dialing up your lawn care guy just yet. A little thatch, Dwyer says, never hurt anybody. In small amounts, thatch can actually help your lawn by insulating it from extreme temperatures, keeping much-needed moisture in the soil, and providing an extra layer of protection when your in-laws come over with their huge dogs (OK, this last part was just us, but still...). Essentially, you will want to consider a dethatch if you notice your grass is struggling to grow, or if you have a halfinch or more of the stuff covering your lawn. “A half-inch or more of thatch can cause grass to suffer, because air, water, and nutrients aren’t able to move freely into and through the soil, and therefore, not reach the roots,” Dwyer explains. Keep in mind that sometimes, lawns will break down the accumulation of thatch naturally.
“Lawns growing on good soil and that are properly fed may never have a thatch buildup,” Dwyer says. Thatch becomes a concern when the buildup happens too quickly. WHEN DO I DETHATCH MY LAWN? Dethatching typically only happens once a year, and the scheduling of it depends entirely on where you live. As we mentioned, thatch happens when the lawn is growing quickly—and this varies by climate. “The lawn should be dethatched when it is actively growing and the soil is moderately moist,” Dwyer says. But don’t worry about getting down on all fours with the ruler; there’s an easier way to tell when your lawn is growing. “On the East Coast, the best time to dethatch and aerate cool-season lawns— like lawns made up of tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass—is usually in late August or mid-September,” says Brad Leahy, owner and vice president of Blades of Green. “Warm-season lawns—with grasses such as Bermuda grass or zoysia grass—are usually [dethatched] in June or July.” HOW DO I DETHATCH MY LAWN? Dethatching your lawn is actually relatively simple. Here’s the breakdown: • Remove any sprinklers or lawn xtures that might get in your way. • Mow your lawn to half its normal height—this will make the dethatching process easier. • Gently rake across the lawn with either a power or manual rake. (If you have a small yard with several hard-to-reach places, you might want to manually rake it. For larger yards, consider renting a Power Rake or investing in an attachment for your lawn mower.)
• Gently remove all thatch. Remember to work slowly and precisely—you don’t want to kill any living grass in the process. After you’ve nished, clean up the lawn and remove any remaining debris. It might look bad at rst, but rest assured, the grass will perk up again in no time. Depending on the kind of grass you have, your lawn may also need to be aerated after being dethatched. “Aerating requires a mechanical device that pulls up small plugs from your lawn, to allow the essential nutrients to reach deep within the roots—to help them grow longer and stronger,” Leahy explains. Whether or not aeration is needed also depends on the type of soil you have. If your soil is compact, of poor quality, or clay-heavy, aeration may be a good idea, to keep the lawn looking healthy. You can take this quiz to nd out if your lawn needs to be aerated. The one thing you’ll denitely want to do after dethatching is to give your lawn a round of fertilizer and keep it well-watered—both of which will help it to recover. Leahy even recommends planting more grass seed at this time for a thicker and healthier yard. “The thicker the grass grows,” he says, “the better it’s able to withstand stressors in the future.”
Larissa Runkle is a writer living on the road. She specializes in nance, real estate, and branded content creation.
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IN PRINT: Palouse Living is published monthly, with 7,000 copies distributed in the MoscowPullman Daily News and Lewiston Tribune, and at participating advertiser locations. ONLINE: Check out the latest digital edition online at DNews.com — just click on the Special Sections tab. To advertise your business or service, contact Sally Imel at simel@lmtribune.com, Faith Evans at faith@inland360. com, or call your local marketing consultant today!
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 7, 2019 | 3
Make your home look like you hired a design pro
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Courtesy of Metro Editorial
hoto spreads in home design magazines can be awe-inspiring. Quite often homeowners wish they could lift the looks right off the pages of magazines and transform their own homes into picture-perfect retreats. It takes an eye for design to pull a room together - even with inspiration - and make it both functional and attractive. While hiring an interior designer is one way to go, homeowners can use some of the tricks and techniques the designers employ to do a remarkably good job of improving the interiors of their homes without such help. EMBRACE TEXTURE The colors used in a home can add impact, but designers often utilize various textures to create aesthetic appeal. A single color scheme can be enhanced by various fabrics. Consider a leather sofa made more cozy with chenille
pillows next to a rustic side table. Figure out ways to incorporate a few different textures to add depth to the room. BE CAREFUL WITH COLOR Many high-end homes showcase neutral shades that are enhanced by pops of color. If you like a rich, royal purple, leave room for other colors as well. Add touches of purple in vases, throw pillows and other accessories. Also, many designers work in shades of three for room colors. There may be one main color for walls, another color for larger accents, such as couches and chairs, and then a third color that pops in accessories such as owers, pillows and collectibles. These can be any colors, but the most muted tends to be the more abundant shade. ADD A BIT OF BLING Glittery items and metallics can add a touch of luxury feel to any space. A shiny table lamp, mirrors, a sparkling chandelier, and the like
are easy ways to produce a highend feel. Reective surfaces also will cast light around the room, giving the illusion of a larger space. CHOOSE A BIG STATEMENT PIECE Many homeowners make the mistake of lling a room with several small pieces of furniture that only contribute to clutter. Instead, look for a statement piece, which can be a cabinet, armoire or chaise. Mix and match large and small elements for a sense of balance. ACCESSORIZE Finish the room with accessories and owers. When placing and hanging knickknacks and wall art, odd-numbered groupings often look the most cohesive and interesting. Experiment with different scales and heights for even more dimension. When inspiration hits, take some cues from interior design pros to make spaces look like they belong on the pages of your favorite magazines.
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4 | September 7, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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Diy for newbies: 5 kitchen remodel projects “For beginners, changing out cabinet hardware such as new pulls or knobs can update the look and be as simple as using a h, a kitchen remodel. It might be screwdriver,” says John Milligan, product the most popular renovation to development manager for N-Hance Wood tackle, but it can also be a serious Renishing. source of anguish for any homeowner Before you buy new knobs and pulls, on a budget (and who isn’t?). Especially make sure the new hardware ts in the when you consider that even a minor cabinets’ existing holes, so you don’t need kitchen upgrade has an average price tag to drill new ones or ll old ones, Milligan of $22,507. says. Maybe you don’t have that kind of Then, all you need is a screwdriver to coin. Or maybe you want to experience remove your old hardware and secure the satisfaction of xing up your kitchen your shiny new knobs and pulls. Easy! through your own hard work. Luckily, 2. UPGRADE THE LIGHTING there are plenty of ways for renovation beginners to make their mark on the “A majority of kitchens are missing kitchen without requiring tons of time, adequate lighting, especially when money, or special skills. natural light is limited,” says Dana Hummel, project manager at Porch.com, If you’re new to the renovation game, a site that connects homeowners with start with one of these low-risk, highrenovation professionals. impact kitchen projects that are perfect for beginners. Luckily, lighting up your kitchen is a beginner-friendly job. The easiest way to 1. CHANGE OUT YOUR make an impact? Swap your old lightbulbs CABINET HARDWARE for new LED bulbs, which are more No experience or power tools energy-efcient than incandescents and required: Updating your hardware is the quintessential kitchen project for newbies. come in a variety of warm and cool hues.
A
By Lauren Sieben Courtesy of realtor.com
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You can also opt to install a new light xture altogether for a more dramatic upgrade. Consider changing out your overhead lighting or your accent lighting over the kitchen sink or island. Most xtures come with easy-to-follow instructions, Hummel says. If you’re happy with your current xture but could use more lighting control, install a dimmer to make your kitchen brightness customizable. This task requires only an hour or two and a few basic hand tools. When you’re ready to dive in, check out Home Depot’s step-bystep guide to installing a dimmer switch. 3. PAINT THE ROOM, BUT MAYBE SKIP THE CABINETS It’s true: A fresh coat of paint can transform any room—including your kitchen—and just about anyone can handle a simple paint job. To take things up a notch and add visual interest, paint a single bold accent wall, or paint another feature in the room, like the kitchen island. “You can create a personalized look by painting your kitchen island a different color than the wall cabinets,” says Ashley Banbury, senior color designer for Dutch Boy Paints. “Tie a room together by painting the island the same color as the oor and window trim, or make your island the focal point with a fun pop of color.” You may be tempted to paint all of your kitchen cabinets, but proceed with caution. This tricky project requires more skill and nesse than simply painting the walls, so it might not be the best choice for beginners. “Hiring an expert to tackle your cabinet renishing can be well worth the investment,” Milligan says. “Cabinets experience a lot of wear and tear and need to be protected with high-quality and durable nishes.” 4. INSTALL A BACKSPLASH For an eye-catching project that you can accomplish in a weekend, look no further than your kitchen backsplash. The easiest way to update your backsplash is by installing peel-and-stick tiles that come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. There’s no grout, no mess, and no special tools required. When you’re ready for a fresh look, you can easily swap out your peel-and-stick backsplash for something new. But beginners shouldn’t be afraid to tackle a traditional tile backsplash if they want something more permanent,
Hummel says. “These supplies are available at local home improvement stores, and with endless patterns to choose from, it gives us a chance to be creative,” she says. Mosaic tiles, which come in sheets with a set pattern, are a good choice for beginners; they’re easier to work with than individual tiles. Before you get started, be sure to map out your design plan and gather your tools, including tile nippers and a trowel for applying the adhesive. 5. ADD (OR UNEARTH) STORAGE SPACE Ready to graduate from hand tools to the power drill? Try installing simple shelves in the kitchen. For inspiration, look to blogs that abound with tutorials and step-by-step guides for creating your own open shelving in just a few hours. This DIY project can help you add kitchen storage or create the perfect space to show off unique decor. If you’re uneasy around power tools, we get it. There are still plenty of ways to unearth storage space in your kitchen without using a drill. For starters, set aside time for deep-cleaning and decluttering your drawers and cabinets. You’ll be amazed by how much you can give away or throw out (do you really need four ice cream scoopers?), which will free up space that you can max out with drawer organizers, plate racks, and other simple storage solutions. KEEP YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL SIMPLE—AND CONSISTENT It’s easy—too easy, sometimes—to create a laundry list of everything you want to change in your kitchen. But don’t try to accomplish everything at once. “The best way to start a kitchen renovation is to start simple,” says Carly Waters, principal designer and founder of Carly Waters Style. “Have a plan ... create a list of things needed for the update, and make sure the styles all align.” Once you get going, don’t lose sight of the overall look and feel you’re striving for in the kitchen. “One of the most common mistakes I see is when the selection of nishes are picked at different times of a room update and don’t quite match,” Banbury says. “Go into updates with an end design aesthetic in mind.”
Lauren Sieben is a writer in Milwaukee. Her work has appeared in the Guardian, Washington Post, Milwaukee Magazine, and other outlets.
PALOUSE LIVING
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 7, 2019 | 5
How much is homeowners insurance?
PROBABILITY OF INSURANCE CLAIMS IN YOUR AREA “If your home is located in an area ow much is homeowners insurance? It’s a question with answers that are prone to tornadoes or forest res, you’re going to have a higher premium due to a going to vary for each homeowner, greater risk of damage,” says insurance depending on the size, age, and condition expert Michael Senderovich. of the home, as well as the deductible and In other words, the more known risk liability coverage. But know this: No matter there is to your home, the stiffer the how safe and secure you feel in your home, homeowners insurance premium. it’s a fact of life that bad things can happen at any time—oods, res, sinkholes, theft. For example, the annual cost of And that’s why buying home insurance is insuring a home in Louisiana is $1,722— a must. But how much does homeowners the nation’s highest due to the claims insurance cost? The average annual led after Hurricane Katrina. (The state premium runs about $952, but a bunch of with the lowest home insurance price is unique factors can go into calculating a Idaho, averaging just $534.) specic quote, and that information could Since every standard homeowners help you get a lower home insurance rate in insurance policy excludes coverage for some cases. Got it? Let’s look at the things natural disasters like earthquake and that make a difference in how much you’ll ood, be sure to check with your agent wind up shelling out for home insurance: to see if you need the extra liability HOW MUCH IS HOMEOWNERS coverage. Note that the cost of those addINSURANCE AFFECTED BY THE ons such as ood insurance could easily CONDITION OF YOUR HOME? exceed the price of your homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners insurance cost and how a home’s condition affects the rate, liability, YOUR CREDIT SCORE, AGE, AND and deductible are issues homeowners OTHER PERSONAL INFO commonly wonder about. You—yes, you, the homeowner—also The condition of a home includes factor into how much homeowners everything from a house’s roof to its pipes, insurance will cost. heating system, electrical wiring, and even According to Erin Wenzel, account age. manager at Michigan’s Provision For instance, the lead and galvanized Insurance Group, everything from your pipes found in older homes “result in higher credit score, marital status, age, level premiums as they are more prone to cracks of education attained, and frequency of or leaks than the copper and plastic piping claims submitted on prior homeowners used in newer homes,” says Paul Boudreau, insurance policies will increase or insurance broker at Rowat Insurance. decrease your rate and deductible. (Hint: A higher credit score and few or no PRICE TO REBUILD PER SQUARE FOOT Since homeowners insurance often offers claims usually result in a lower rate for home insurance.) liability for rebuilding whatever part of WHETHER YOUR HOME HAS your home succumbed to re, ooding, or other disaster, most home insurance policies RECREATIONAL (AND RISKY) AMENITIES factor in the price per square foot to rebuild A home with a swimming pool, in your area based on current construction trampoline, or certain other “fun” rates. features signals a high-risk situation to a home insurance company—and While the national average is $95.51 per square foot, the overall cost of homeowners your price quote, liability coverage, and deductible will reect that. Same goes insurance policies can differ drastically for homes with pets or farm animals that from insurer to insurer. could be dangerous (e.g., large dogs or It’s important for your insurance horses). In these cases, policyholders may company to do a reconstruction cost need to add extra liability. estimate to ensure “the proper rating for building materials,” says Jason Pesch, owner INCREASING HOME PRICES of a local insurance agency in Scottsdale, Ination or the increased value of AZ. your home in an upmarket may cause your homeowners insurance premiums While most policies include a deductible to increase each year. Be sure to check to pay replacement cost (the cost to rebuild with your insurance company about a home), some insurers pay only the how the market could affect your home depreciated current value for the whole insurance. house.
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By Margaret Heidenry Courtesy of realtor.com
SAFETY FEATURES IN YOUR HOME You may be able to snag a homeowners insurance discount if your home has a nifty feature that an insurer may nd attractive (e.g., storm shutters, security systems, or carbon monoxide detectors). If your home doesn’t have such features, consider upgrading them for a possible discount and to cut your homeowners insurance expense. “Installing a security system for $30 per month may reduce your premiums by at least that amount—and provide additional safety for your family at the same time,” says Wes Taft, co-founder of moveCHECK. HOW TO LOWER THE COST OF HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE However painfully obvious this advice may seem, you should shop around for homeowners insurance. Many homeowners go with the rst homeowners insurance policy quote they get in order to cross one more thing off their list during a move or the home-purchasing process. And it’s a big, costly mistake because you may pay more. But the cheapest home insurance option isn’t always the best,
either. “An informed insurance agent that can shop your home with multiple insurance carriers is your best bet at nding a great rate for your home,” says Wenzel. Ask the agent to explain why the homeowners insurance premiums are different and what the trade-offs are in liability coverage and deductibles. And this isn’t just something you should do when you rst buy a home. Every year, you should review your homeowners insurance, including your liability coverage, premium, and deductible. “Make an effort to get a new quote each year, and shop around if you’re not happy with your current rate,” Taft says. Homeowners insurance companies hungry for new business offer competitive rates on premiums.
Margaret Heidenry is a writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Her work has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Boston Magazine.
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6 | September 7, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
PALOUSE LIVING
Prevent growth of mold in colder months strategies to prevent mold growth. • Keep all surfaces clean, using proper old and mildew are not only cleaning products. Diluted bleach unsightly, but unhealthy. These solutions are highly effective at killing fungi grow readily in damp areas microscopic fungi, viruses and bacteria. and are found in the air breathed both • Reduce moisture and humidity by indoors and outside. If left unaddressed, ensuring sufcient air circulation in mold and mildew can threaten the health of rooms, particularly bathrooms and a home's inhabitants. kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove Mildew is a type of mold that remains moisture quickly. relatively ush with the surface it grows on. • Fabrics covered in mildew that can be Other molds can grow puffy in appearance. laundered should be carefully removed Molds serve the purpose of destroying and washed in chlorine bleach and hot organic materials, but in high amounts, water. An oxygen bleach product also can these microorganisms can cause respiratory be effective. problems, sinus congestion, throat irritation, headaches, and other issues, • Invest in a dehumidier that can reduce particularly when mold grows unchecked moisture in the home in problem areas, indoors, says Better Homes and Gardens. As such as damp basements or garages. a result, it is essential to address mold before • Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible. it becomes problematic. • Remove damp leaves and snow from According to Polygon, a drying areas around the foundation of the home. technology and temporary climate solutions Ensure that gutters and downspouts are company, the wet season in winter is when clear of debris and can shuttle water away molds often grow and expand. Mold can from the house effectively. break down the integrity and strength of • Replace cracked or defective mortar in the surfaces where it grows. basements. Homeowners can employ the following
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Courtesy of Metro Editorial
• Make sure all seals on windows and doors can contribute to mold. are not compromised and are in good • If there is a ood or water inltrates a working condition. home in other ways, hire a professional • Be sure an HVAC in-line humidier is service to help clean and dry the home adjusted to the right setting and isn't effectively. pumping too much moisture into the Mold and mildew are problematic, but heated air; otherwise, the added humidity with diligence they can be kept at bay.
PALOUSE LIVING
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 7, 2019 | 7
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8 | September 7, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
FINDING HOMES FOR HOME’S BEST FRIEND Both the Moscow and Pullman ofces have teamed up with the Humane Society of the Palouse and the Whitman County Humane Society to help nd homes for local dogs and cats. For the month of September both ofces will be paying the adoption fees for 2 cats and 2 dogs. Call today to nd out how you can bring home a new furry friend!
Mark Blehm (509) 336-9935
Melanie Lange (509) 553-9451
Jason Brown (208) 669-1690
Debbie Lawrence (208) 301-0108
Tracy Burch-Greer (208) 874-7823
Shannon May (208) 892-9256
Stephanie Clark (509) 595-2798
Bill Morscheck (509) 332-9088
405 S. Grand Ave., Pullman (509) 334-0562 www.cbtpullman.com
Eve Fortenbery (208) 301-8698
Kathy Motley (509) 432-6561
Patti Green-Kent (509) 595-3740
Mick Nazerali (206) 794-7860
Linda Hartford (509) 432-9030
Connie Newman (509) 595-1443
217 S. Main St., Moscow (208) 882-0800 www.cbtmoscow.com
Amy Honeywell (509) 432-9329
Darl Roberts (509) 432-1642
Maya Petrino (502) 552-2564