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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Now’s the Time to Plan For Spring Planting By Kathy McClure editor@geaugamapleleaf.com The days getting a bit warmer and the sun shining longer into the afternoons are sure signs spring isn’t too far away. While it might seem premature yet to focus on planting season, gardening experts say now is the time to start thinking about all the beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables you would like to enjoy this coming summer. “Two very important factors in your planning are the weather and soil preparation,” said John Urbanowitcz of Urban Growers, of Burton. “Memorial Day is a good safe bet for most planting since the fear of frosts is usually over by then. Then, before you go shopping for plant material, know the conditions for plants like soil composition, sun or shade, drainage and the space you have.” Gardening experts say the first step is determining what is best and suitable for your yard, porch or patio. Consider the space you have available, the time you have to devote to your gardening effort, what your goals are and the yield you can consume on your table. For example, if flower beds and gardens are unprepared and not suitable for your yard, Urbanowitcz suggests planting in pots. Starting with a 24-inch pot gives you plenty of room to bring color to your patio or porch and allows you flexibility. By placing these pots close to the house, a gardener can minimize time spent on management, as well as weeds popping up. Perhaps hanging baskets close to the house or in nearby trees for shaded plants will work for some people. Even some vegetables like hanging tomato plants work in baskets if properly cared for. For vegetable gardens, experts advise people to think about yield before buying or starting their planting — asking questions such as how much can a family consume or process for later consumption. Gardeners also should ask if they want
to start plants from seeds, which can be a less expensive way to go, or start with young plants from a nursery. People can consult seed catalogs, seed packets and garden store personnel to see how long gestation periods are for seeds to sprout. Other questions to ask include, does your landscape require the addition of any shrubs, trees or perennial plants this year? Perennials are plants that come back every year, versus annuals, which are plants that last for a season, according to Gardening Know-How, which said planning for these items is a more long-term commitment and should be considered carefully, especially since trees, shrubs and perennials are more costly. Urbanowitcz also touched on the importance of soil additives, which should be considered in April and May so they can work to improve the soil early on. See Planting • Page 4
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Prepare for Your Next Project MetroCreative The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready. Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: 1. Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle – do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project. 2. Educate yourself. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material mold-resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?
Planting from page 3
Prepare beds by tilling to let the soil breathe, he said. Fertilizers are made up of three basic components important to every plant — nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium, also known as potash. These are the three numbers you will find on fertilizer ingredients and the percentages they contain. Each of these nutrients serve a purpose and some of the signs these are lacking are easy to spot, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For example, if your plant is light green and not vibrant, it is likely lacking nitrogen, necessary for photosynthesis and proper leaf growth and health. Dark edges around the leaves can be a lack of phosphorous. This nutrient is necessary for root growth, blooms and fruit ripening faster, the EPA said, adding yellowing leaves shows a need for potassium, which helps strengthen the plant and helps it with-
3. Consider sustainability. Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet —they’re often better for your wallet, too. When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run. 4. Disaster-proof your design. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. stand temperature swings. Yellowing leaves, however, can also be a sign of too much or too little water. Many commercial fertilizers also contain micronutrients like zinc and other metals necessary for plant growth. Animal manure is also fertilizer, with some breeds producing a richer form than others. It is important to look at the age, quantity and feeding habits of the animal, according to the Geauga County Soil and Water Conservation District, which added some natural fertilizers can burn a plant if too rich or not aged properly. People may visit the GCSWCD in Burton or websites like treehugger.com for advice. The GCSWCD has several programs on composting, soil management, woodlands and wetlands that gardeners might find helpful. They are currently conducting their tree sale, which offers young starter trees to residents at a nominal charge. These trees qualify as well suited to the Geauga County growing area. Urban Growers is also working with many civic organizations this year to provide all types of baskets and plants. Urbanowitcz suggests growing your plants while helping one of these organizations grow with your support.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Simple Ways to Improve A Kitchen Pantry MetroCreative People have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home improvement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry. A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries. Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly. • Maximize vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves. • Consider your needs. Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may
feature wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards. • Use clear storage. Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for uniformity. • Store bulk items elsewhere. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products, like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room. • Pull out drawers are convenient. Pullout drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front. Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space. • Make it accessible. Think about who will be taking items from the pantry. Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home. A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently.
Serving Geauga County since 1966
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REPAIRS • RENOVATIONS • INSPECTIONS w w w. t i m f r a n k s e p t i c . c o m
440-636-5111 • 800-319-2847
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AquaDoc personnel go out on the water to more evenly distribute the chemistry that cures sick ponds. Equipment like Jon rowboats and powerboats allow for a more complete inspection and treatment.
The Doctor is in for Your Pond By Kathy McClure editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Just like when you feel sick and call your physician, when your lake or pond looks sick, grows algae, won’t support fish or smells, you can call a doctor — AquaDoc to be exact. AquaDoc Lake and Pond Management, with headquarters on Mayfield Road in Chardon, has become the go-to source for sustaining aquatic ecosystems, aeration technology, maintenance chemistry and enhancing the enjoyment of residential and commercial water features. “We’re elite in our industry, we play by the rules and get the job done,” said Owner John Wilson. “All the products we carry are fully tested because quality and performance are important. We do our best to provide American made and EPA-approved products.” Spring is the perfect time to examine the health of any body of water. As water thaws, AquaDoc can go to work to detect problems that will plague owners. One such program is their “muck program,” which treats leaves and fall droppings to abate the appearance and development of black sludge, Wilson explained. An early start prevents problems later. Sunny days and 60- or 70-degree weather create a perfect environment to get ahead of problems and prevent failure later, he said. Some residents want to expand or improve their current lake or pond. Others want to diagnose and repair issues with the wildlife living in the water to improve fishing. Still others take advantage of the vast inventory of fountains and water features AquaDoc offers to take a pond or lake to the next level. The installation of a beach for some increases lake enjoyment, Wilson said.
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Fountain additions are just some of the improvements property owners include for enjoyment. The COVID pandemic brought about more residents re-stocking ponds for fishing, setting lakes up for swimming fun, or simply making them more beautiful as they spent more time at home.
AquaDoc works with commercial sites, developers, recreation facilities and municipalities, as well as all residential properties, he said, adding while they are not the only service provider of this kind, their work and 33 years of experience have made AquaDoc highly sought after as an industry leader. Clients range from the most high-end property owners to residents who enjoy fishing or simply enjoy the outdoors and want to be good stewards of their resources, Wilson said. “Everyone in our area knows about AquaDoc,” said Carmella Shale, director of the See Aqua Doc • Page 7
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Aqua Doc from page 6
Geauga Soil and Water Conservation Department. Shale points to the many ways their services collaborate with AquaDoc to co-exist for the betterment of the environment. Her office works to help diagnose concerns relating to fish or wildlife, such as moles and beavers, near water features, and they help residents and businesses substantiate findings. Pond Clinics can be very helpful to pond and lake owners and AquaDoc has been called upon by many municipalities and communities to offer training, Wilson said, adding one such clinic was held in Macedonia when 16 different sources recommended AquaDoc’s training. “AquaDoc maintains our 3-acre fishing lake in Longwood Park and has done a great job for us,” said John Hnottavange, service director for Macedonia. “They also store our fountain for the winter and keep our central water feature in good shape.” As a young 27-year-old, Wilson said he enjoyed working for his neighbor who did excavating and incidental work on ponds and lakes to maintain them. Wilson said while his background was in computers and marketing, working outdoors was much more exciting. He learned so much from his boss that before long, he wanted to work exclusively in nature and outdoors, so in 1989, he sought to buy the business with his wife. His former employer was excited to promote Wilson’s success, but in the process regretted losing a cracker-jack employee and failed to put into the contract that his own pond might get lifelong service, Wilson recalled, adding by July of that year, he had paid off the purchase of the business and was well on his way, leaping from one man and a truck to 70 trucks, 160 employees and offices in 6 locations covering 10 states. “Early on, we said, ‘Where can we take this thing and how can we create a sustainable business to provide careers for hard-working individuals?’” Wilson recalled. “That became the beginning of looking for the dedicated workers who have now been here for years.” Wilson attributes much of his year-overyear growth and enormous success to his employees, who range from the man or woman in the boat with 50 routes per day surveying and inspecting what ails a pond to the lab workers and doctors who analyze samples and examine fish specimens to dig deeper. AquaDoc employs a vast array of individuals whom Wilson said he greatly values — so much so, he has 100% fully paid hospitalization for his staff. While their work is highly independent when in the field, it is supported by a network of individuals who have attended AquaDoc University, Wilson said. This seven-level training program was developed to customize services and offer the highest quality and most state-of-the-art treatment programs. Many municipalities have worked with AquaDoc on storm water management, he said. They have long known that unmaintained retention areas are far more expensive to bring back to standards than to properly maintain in the first place, Wilson said, adding his specialized teams go to work on these problems. AquaDoc reaches out to all 88 counties of Ohio and works with many counties such as Lucas, Hancock, and Franklin as well as more locally in Geauga, Cuyahoga and Lorain, he said.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
In Geauga County, Shale said storm water ponds now have assigned owners or managers who are responsible for them. When problems are identified, they notify the owners or managers that care is needed in the hopes they see improved storm water pond maintenance and management. Wilson said he sees no retirement in his future, as he is invigorated now more than ever by his growing business. His Geauga County campus recently incorporated a former school building and newly-built warehouse. His Columbus operation just purchased an 18,000 warehouse to support their growth. “Kids come in to work part time, employees want to move up in the ranks, so I see no end in sight to our achievement,” he said.
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Five Outdoor Projects That Add Value
MetroCreative
Exterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact. Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions. . • Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. • Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds.
• Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag. • Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home. • Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Prevent Pet-Related Damage MetroCreative The benefits of having a pet are innumerable. Pets can be companions, protectors, service animals, and even help produce products that can be sold, such as eggs from chickens. While there are many positive attributes to pets, one potential concern is the impact they have on the home. Pet-related damage can occur when pets are angry or happy. Boisterous animals may scratch or claw at furniture and floors. Some animals may climb or chew. Woodwork and furniture can be damaged by pet paws and teeth, but that’s not where it ends. The following are some potential pet-damage problems and how to avoid them.
Marking
Many animals use scent markers to establish their territory and communicate with other animals. As a result, both male and female pets may spray urine in certain areas of the house. While it may not eliminate the problem immediately, making sure to neuter or spay cats and dogs can reduce the likelihood that they’ll mark indoors or attempt to seek out and mate with feral animals they smell canvassing the property.
Kylo is a German Shepherd and a very, very good boy.
In addition to marking, pets that have not been properly trained or were trained and are experiencing a behavioral or medical issue may begin soiling in improper areas, such as outside of the litter box or in the home. Obedience training can head off some issues, but if a medical condition is suspected, consult with a veterinarian promptly.
energy. If they don’t have suitable outlets, pets may cause damage to a home. Cats will take to furniture to stretch their paws if they don’t have scratching posts or special mats. Dogs, particularly puppies, can be orally fixated. When the urge to chew sets in, unless there are appropriate chew toys, furniture, moldings and other items around the house may become fair game. It is important to note that declawing a cat to prevent damage should not be a consideration. It is a surgery that can cause ongoing health problems. Nail caps can be used as a safe alternative.
Dirt, fur and more
Escape artists
Accidents
An investment in regular grooming can help keep certain damage at bay, states Home Advisor. Regularly brushing and trimming coats, keeping nails clipped and bathing will keep a home fresh and minimize damage. Other pets may not be groomed but require cleaning of cages or other habitats. Bird droppings and feathers can get on surfaces. Cleaning daily or very frequently can help keep a home tidy.
Provide toys and scratching posts
Pets need an outlet to tame anxiety and
In some cases, pets may chew or scratch their way through doors and window screens. Others may dig under fencing or climb, leaving damage in their wake. Boredom, anxiety or lack of training may be behind these behaviors, according to Pets Weekly. However, the urge to roam also may be tied to pets not being fixed. Work with the vet or a trainer to help stop these issues. Pets can cause damage around the house. But certain strategies can help decrease the likelihood that pets cause damage around the house.
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Techniques to Revitalize a Lawn After a Long Winter MetroCreative Pristine, snow-covered landscapes can be wonders to behold. While that blanket of white is idyllic, a lawn’s delicate blades may be paying a hefty price beneath the cold, heavy piles of snow. Snow plows push salt and sand up on the grass while subterranean animals like mice and moles dig burrows beneath piles of snow as they try to find food and stay warm. Such conditions are not favorable for thriving landscapes. When the spring thaw arrives, lawns may be in dire need of some TLC. The following techniques can mitigate winter-related lawn damage. • Clear out debris. Remove any scattered leaves, branches and other debris that has been strewn across the property due to storms or snow-laden trees. This will give you a clean canvas to work on. • Dry out snow mold. The Family Handyman says snow mold is a cold-season fungus that causes gray-colored circles or patches on the lawn where there has been snow. To alleviate snow mold, rake the lawn to loosen matted grass and facilitate the drying-out process. • De-thatch the lawn. Heavy snow can compress the grass and cause some of it to die off. De-thatching helps to remove dead grass blades and separate any matting. This enables water, nutrients and air to reach the lawn’s roots more effectively. Thinning out old organic matter also helps encourage new growth. • Aerate the soil. Coupled with dethatching, aeration involves loosening the
soil or poking holes to allow nutrients to move freely to the roots. • Kill weeds before they spread. Weeds may be the first to start growing when the weather begins to warm. Address them promptly by manually pulling them or applying an herbicide. • Overseed the lawn. Chances are there are some bare spots that have formed over the winter. Overseeding can help to fill in the lawn. Make sure that frosts are largely a thing of the past and soil temperature is around 50 F to 60 F before seeding. Water daily until grass fills in. • Apply nutrients. Fertilizer and compost can restore nutrients to the lawn that may have been used up over winter. A soil test at a nearby horticultural center can tell you which nutrients are needed, according to the Chemistry Cachet, a guide to using chemistry secrets for healthy living, beauty, cleaning, and gardening. Lawns can be restored to their pre-winter glory after some sweat equity and about five to six weeks of consistent sunshine and warm weather.
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Call Stankus Heating and Cooling today 440-543-5000 for all your heating, air conditioning, hot water and indoor air quality needs (filters, humidifiers and air purifiers). They have served Geauga County, the Chagrin Valley and northern Portage County for over 45 years.
A Buyer’s Guide to Home Air Conditioning Systems MetroCreative Few experiences provide as much relief as walking into a cool room on a hot summer day. Air conditioning systems make such experiences possible, and homeowners’ decision in regard to which one to install in their homes is significant. Homeowners may not know where to begin in regard to finding the right air conditioning system for their home. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute, the best systems provide steady, dependable performance for many years when sized correctly for the home. Correct installation and routine maintenance also can ensure homeowners’ air conditioning systems withstand the test of time.
How do I know which size is best?
When shopping for new air conditioning systems, homeowners must consider a host of factors to ensure they get the best match. The AHRI notes that the home’s age, the number and quality of its windows, how well it’s insulated, the number of stories it has, and its square footage are among the factors to consider. Homeowners can benefit from working with trained technicians who can investigate each of these factors and recommend the correct system. The AHRI recommends homeowners ask their technicians to perform a Manual J analysis, which is a standardized formula that can help homeowners get the perfect system for their homes.
What about energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing a new air conditioner for a home. Energy rates vary depending on where a person lives, but rates remain pretty high across the board. The Energy
Information Association notes that residential electricity rates increased throughout the United States by about 15 percent between 2009 and 2019. An energy-efficient unit can help homeowners save considerable amounts of money, so homeowners can ask their technicians to recommend energy-efficient units that suit their homes. A unit that adequately cools a home without consuming a lot of costly electricity should be every homeowner’s goal. The U.S. Department of Energy employs the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, to inform consumers about the efficiency of each air conditioner. This rating is noted on the Energy Guide® label on each unit, and the higher the number, the more efficient the unit. Home air conditioning systems are costly. But the right choice of unit can keep homes cool without costing homeowners a fortune in energy costs.
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