Spring Home Lawn & Garden 2013

SPRING L AW N

&

G A R D E N

May 2013

EcoConscious Ways to Tend Your Lawn

Cost Effective Fencing Options

B e n e f i t s To Hiring a Landscaping Service

Self-sustaining gardens • Garden Edging • Yard Management • Lawn Care • Landscape fabrics Moss-growth • Automatic Irrigation Sysems

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SPRING LAWN & GARDEN 2013

Articles Pros & Cons of automatic irrigation systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Managing difficult yard situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Eco-conscious ways to tend to your lawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Cost-effective fencing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Caring for a freshly sodded lawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 How to edge a garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Addressing moss-growth on your property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 Plant a self-sustaining garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10 Did you know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Benefits to hiring a landscaping service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

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PROS AND CONS of automatic irrigation systems Water is essential to keeping a lawn or garden in good health. The trouble with watering is that it can be time-consuming, especially if your idea of watering is standing outside with the hose. But thanks to irrigation systems, watering has become a lot less hands-on.

An irrigation sprinkler or drip system takes much of the work out of watering a landscape. Some can also be fitted to deliver fertilizer and weed-prevention products to

a lawn. But before any digging takes place, homeowners might want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of irrigation systems.

Advantages One of the most obvious advantages is the time savings afforded by an automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation system. Once installed, many systems can be set to a timer to water at specific time intervals and on

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certain days of the week.

This means there's no need to worry about forgetting to water the lawn and coming back from vacation to find crisp, yellow grass.

Another advantage is that irrigation systems, particularly the drip type, can be positioned so that water is more effectively targeted where it is needed.

Nozzles can be adjusted and underground drip tubes will deliver water right to the roots, rather than spraying walkways and driveways.

Another advantage is that automatic irrigation systems are generally hidden from view, which means there are no unsightly hoses stretched across the lawn and no more tripping hazards. Sprinkler heads pop up to spray and then retract when the job is done. Underground drip systems do their work out of view. For families with young children and pets who share outdoor spaces, automatic systems may be a safer option.

Disadvantages The primary disadvantage associated with a sprinkler system is the expense. These systems can be quite costly depending on the size of the property. Furthermore, portions of the lawn will have to be dug up to install pipework and attach it to the plumbing system of the home. This can equate to days or weeks without use of the yard. Afterwards, the landscaping will have to be repaired.

It is best to install an irrigation system prior to the installation of sod or extensive landscaping because some of it will have to be torn up. Homeowners who already have pristine yards may be turned off by this reality.

Even the most efficient sprinkler systems can have their pitfalls. Wind can wreak havoc on sprinklers, directing water in the wrong direction. Underground pests may damage water-delivery systems, resulting in water pooling or broken parts. The repairs to fix an irrigation

system can be much more costly than replacing a damaged garden hose.

Irrigation systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and homeowners should weigh their options before installing a new system.

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Managing difficult yard situations Many homeowners aim for a picture perfect lawn complete with rolling acres of soft, green grass. But Mother Nature may have other things in mind, providing homeowners with less-than-stellar growing conditions for their lawns, plants and other foliage.

Frustration can mount when a yard is muddy, is especially shady or has soil that doesn't seem to grow a thing. In such instances, homeowners may have to go the extra mile to get the yard they desire.

Irrigation issues Improper drainage or lowlying areas in a yard may contribute to a muddy mess.

Soil that is inhospitable for grass also may end up causing muddy patches because the grass simply does not grow. In some cases, remedying a muddy yard is easy and inexpensive. Some homeowners find that tilling the soil and amending it with a fiber mulch helps to absorb extra water and make the conditions better for lawn seeds to sprout.

This also helps to aerate compacted soil that can hinder grass growth. Adding soil fill also may help to level low-lying areas that can be puddling.

Some homeowners find that they need to do a little more work and spend some more money to fix irrigation issues. Installing a draining system or having the property sloped to draw water away can sometimes be done by a homeowner but is often best left to a professional. You may need to dig trenches, and the property may need to be regraded to make a

difference.

Sandy soil Grass and other plants may not grow well with sandy or clay soil. Again, amending the soil is one way to remedy the problem.

Although it will take some work at the outset, amending the soil can improve conditions and reduce how much maintenance the lawn needs. Digging down several inches and adding nutrientrich filler soil will help create conditions that are better for growing. Those who are interested in planting vegetables could opt for raised garden beds above the challenging soil.

Shade Sometimes a yard is problematic because of the amount of sunshine it receives. Too much sunshine can scald certain grasses, while inadequate sunshine may result in bare patches where grass won't grow. If

cost is no object, removing or planting trees to establish better growing conditions could be an option. However, today there are many grass blends that are tailored toward specific sunlight scenarios.

Homeowners may find that low-light blends will grow better in shady areas.

For those who are finding no luck with grass blends, it may just be necessary to think creatively. Plant shade-loving plants, such as ferns or ground cover, where the grass won't take. Design the landscape so it looks intentional. Flagstone and slate placed in certain areas also may mask temperamental growing areas.

There are different options for managing various situations in the yard that can make growing lawn or other plants challenging. If projects are difficult, it could be smart to call in a professional.

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ECO-CONSCIOUS WAYS to tend to your lawn Many homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Such a pursuit is both noble because it helps the environment and practical because it often saves money.

While there are many ecofriendly improvements homeowners make inside their homes, it's important to note that there are several ways for men and women to be more environmentally conscious outside of their homes as well. Lawn care can be done in a way that's conscious of the environment, and the results can be just as appealing as if the lawn were tended to without regard for the planet.

The following are just a few of the many ways homeowners can adopt more ecofriendly practices when tending to their lawns.

• Be conscientious when watering. Overwatering a lawn is pretty common, especially during the dog days of summer, when

homeowners try to overcompensate for hot days with excessive watering. The growth of moss on sidewalks or the driveway is a telltale sign that you're watering too much, as is a standing pool of water on the grass. Homeowners who find it difficult to determine when their lawns have gotten enough water can purchase an intelligent irrigation control system that adapts your watering to a lawn's needs as well as the weather.

• Turn back the clock on your tools. Before gas mowers became the standard, man-powered push mowers were used to cut the grass.

Such mowers still exist, and they require no fuel, making them a more eco-friendly option than their gaspowered counterparts.

Along those same lines, leaf blowers are a far less friendly way to rake leaves in the fall or clean the yard after a long winter. While there's no denying their effectiveness, leaf blowers

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A push mower that does not rely on gas to work is one way homeowners can take a more eco-friendly approach to lawn care.

need gas to operate, while a rake just requires some elbow grease and a little extra time out in the yard.

• Stay local. If you need to plant new grass or you're beginning a garden, then stick with local plants, flowers and grasses rather than more exotic options that are

not native to your area.

Plants, flowers and grasses that aren't native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering. That added maintenance might prove to be a headache, and that excessive watering will not be beneficial to the environ-

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ment. Native plants, flowers and grasses have already adapted to your climate, and they can be provide just as much aesthetic appeal as more exotic alternatives.

• Avoid pesticides whenever possible. Many homeowners treat their lawns with pesticides, which can make a lawn look beautiful.

But that beauty typically comes at a steep price, impacting local wildlife and perhaps even the local water supply. When pesticides are applied to a lawn, the chemicals within may run off into your local water supply. If you can't avoid pesticides entirely, then do your best to minimize how often you use them.

• Don't let rain water go to waste. Rain barrels are a great way to make good use of rain. Rain barrels can be placed beneath a gutter's downspout, where they will collect water that can be reused throughout your property to water the lawn and garden. Rain barrels can be relatively expensive, but over time they will pay for themselves as you save money on your water bill.

Lawn care can be conducted in a way that benefits the environment as well as your bottom line.

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COST-EFFECTIVE FENCING OPTIONS Fencing serves many purposes. Some homeowners erect a fence for privacy, while others do so to contain pets and children.

Because fencing can be expensive, some homeowners look for ways to cut costs, which can be relatively easy, especially for those homeowners willing to consider various materials when erecting their fence.

Traditional fences are

available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. Homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence. Different shrubs, trees or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property.

When choosing a fencing material, consider that even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it

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needs significant maintenance or has to be replaced in just a few years. Therefore, the most cost-effective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store.

Here are some materials homeowners can consider.

• Found material: Repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a rustic, one-ofa-kind fence. Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. Should you build it yourself, this can be next to nothing. Sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and re-built on your own

property for little to no cost as well.

• Chainlink/chainwire: Chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundary fencing. The fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is fixed to galvanized pipes spaced across the perimeter of the property.

Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not offer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go.

• Picket fencing: A wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fencing materi-

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al. The pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a property line between homes. Spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down.

• Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural plant also can be planted to form a living fence for privacy.

• Stockade fencing: A stockade fence is one of the more basic wood fencing options. Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence.

Stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preserve it. Many home improvement retailers sell panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-it-yourself project.

• Vinyl fencing: Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. You also won't have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. That means once you make the investment, you will have years upon years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

There are many different fencing materials that can coordinate with a variety of budgets.

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Spring Home, Lawn & Garden - May 2013 7

Caring for a freshly sodded lawn

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Sod, sometimes called turf, can quickly turn a barren landscape into a rich, thick carpet of green. Homeowners hoping to revive their lawns commonly turn to sod as the quickest means to do just that. However, once the sod has been laid down, few homeowners may know how to keep it looking its best.

Sod is real grass that is grown on special farms. It is generally grown locally to avoid long transport times that could dry out the product. Sod is typically sold in squares or rolls of grass that come with the roots and soil already attached. There may be some sort of thin backing material on the sod to keep the grass blades together.

Many homeowners turn to sod when growing lawn from seed becomes problematic or too time-consuming.

Seeds can be blown around in the wind or be eaten by birds and other animals before they have a chance to germinate.

Sodding a lawn is a major investment, costing as much as $1 per two-foot square.

Depending on the size of your lawn, this can be a costly job even before adding the cost of additional supplies, such as soil, fertilizer and tilling equipment.

Many homeowners who install sod want to ensure their investment lasts. Here are the main ways to care for and protect sod until it is fully established.

• Once the sod has been laid down, the lawn should be thoroughly soaked with water. Most experts recommend soaking it to a depth of 6 inches.

• It is important to establish a watering schedule to keep the sod moist. Water the sod to a depth of one inch every other day for the first three weeks to enable the roots to securely establish themselves in the soil.

• Water the sod every other day unless the weather has been very warm.

After four weeks you can generally go up to five days without watering as long as you transition slowly. The sod will change colors if it is not getting enough water.

Never let the lawn turn yel-

low, otherwise you may have to cut out dead spots and resod.

• Wait two to four weeks before mowing the sod.

Keep the lawn height to around two inches to ensure that it won't scald in the sun.

• After two months of established sod growth, aerate the sod to keep the soil from being too compact and to enable oxygen and nutrients to get into the soil.

• Keep children and pets off of the sod while it is establishing itself.

• Fertilize the lawn every 50 to 60 days, beginning in March and ending in October.

• Inspect the sod for pests, which may include insects or problems like fungi or weeds. Treat accordingly with products designed to remove pests.

Using sod to establish a lush lawn is a fast, albeit more expensive option to sowing seeds. After a few weeks the lawn will be thick and secure.

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How to edge a garden Edging a lawn is a springtime rite of passage for many homeowners. When winter has come and gone, many lawns are left in need of some serious maintenance, including edging. Welldefined edges around the yard make the yard look more organized and better maintained. And edging is relatively easy, especially for those homeowners with a smaller yard. Edging can be time-consuming for those with more property, but when done properly, edging is definitely worth the effort.

• Remove debris from the areas you plan to edge. Before you even begin to edge, be sure to remove any debris from those areas that need edging. Debris, including rocks, twigs or the kids' toys, left lying around can be kicked up when

you're edging, potentially causing injury to you or someone standing nearby.

• Purchase safety goggles. Even if you have removed all visible debris, there still may be some items hidden in the grass. These items can be kicked up and hit you in the eye, so purchase some safety goggles and be sure to wear them whenever you're edging. As an added precaution, keep kids and others away from any areas you're edging so they aren't injured by any unseen debris that gets kicked up while you're working.

• Check your tools. Edging can be done by using a gas-powered edger or a string trimmer.

Before you begin to edge, inspect these tools to ensure they're capable of handling the task at hand. Inspect the blades on a gas-powered edger

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to make sure they haven't dulled since their most recent use. If they are dull, sharpen them before you start to edge. When using a string trimmer, make sure you have enough string on hand to complete the project. String trimmers use a particular kind of string, so visit your local lawn care or hardware store if you don't feel like you have enough.

• Position your edger properly. Once you have given your tools the green light, it's time to start edging. When you begin, make sure the edger is between the sidewalk or driveway and the edge of the lawn, placing the wheel of the edger on the sidewalk or driveway and then pushing and pulling the edger until you have created a clear edge. If you have never edged before, you may want to practice on smaller, more isolated areas until you become comfortable operating the edger.

Addressing moss growth on your property Lawn care enthusiasts put lots of time and effort into their lawns and take great pride when that work pays off with a luscious green lawn.

But no lawn is immune to problems, and even the most well-maintained property can develop issues that compromise the lawn's health and aesthetic appeal.

Moss is one potential lawn issue that many green-thumbers would prefer to avoid. While moss is not always harmful, it can be unsightly and lawn care enthusiasts may spend a significant amount of money attempting to control it.

Controlling moss can be costly, but there are some ways to control moss that will not cost homeowners much money at all. Before addressing moss in your yard, it helps to understand why moss grows and then look at the various ways to control it once it does.

What causes moss growth?

Moss can grow in a yard for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause of moss growth is insufficient sunlight to support the grass. Sunlight might be blocked by shade from nearby

trees or shrubs or even shadows from your home.

Soil conditions may also be responsible for moss growth. Soil that is very acidic can promote moss growth, and the moss that grows because of acidic soil will appear very healthy.

Compacted soil can also promote moss growth because such soil has low oxygen levels that make it hard for the turf to establish strong roots, and moss will take advantage of those weaker roots.

Soil with low fertility levels is also amenable to moss, as it does not produce a healthy turf.

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Unhealthy turf makes it easy for plants with a low demand for nutrients, including moss, to establish themselves.

How can I solve the problem of moss growth?

Moss that grows because of excessive shade can often be addressed with some minor efforts. If the shade is

a result of trees or bushes, prune them regularly so sunlight can reach the turf and promote strong turf and roots. If the shade is caused by your house, then you might consider removing the existing turf and then seeding the area with a turf mix that caters to shaded areas.

If moss is growing because

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of compacted soil, aerate the turf and soil to break it up and allow the oxygen to reach the soil. When that occurs, the turf will begin to establish stronger roots and make it more difficult for moss to grow.

When soil is tested and it

is determined that the soil is acidic, then the soil must be adjusted. Lime might be applied to rebalance the soil, but homeowners should consult a lawn care professional for advice as to the best way to rebalance their soil.

Lawn-care enthusiasts often bristle at the sight of moss on their luscious lawns. But moss is often an easily remedied issue that homeowners can address in a variety of ways.

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Plant a self-sustaining garden Gardening is a rewarding hobby with thousands of devotees. Backyard gardens provide beauty and aesthetic appeal to a landscape, and they can be a source of homegrown food and a natural habitat for outdoor wildlife. A self-sustaining garden can be an efficient addition to any home, but gardens require upkeep and a certain measure of dedication.

A self-sufficient garden is a garden that sustains itself through proper planning and execution. Such gardens can almost take care of them-

selves so long as the soil is healthy soil, the seeds are reused and organic material is produced.

Self-sustaining gardens also represent a lifestyle where individuals are responsible for producing their own foods -- thus sustaining themselves without the need to shop for produce elsewhere. When planting your own self-sustaining garden, consider the following tips.

• Start with soil.

Healthy soil is essential to a thriving garden. The soil must have the right pH, correct texture and composition,

and be full of nutrients. Very often the native soil in yards is not adequate to keep a garden thriving. In such instances, the soil needs to be improved. Adding compost -- which can be produced in the yard as well -to the soil will enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

• Maintain proper soil consistency. Soil that is the right consistency, meaning the optimum balance of sand, clay and actual soil, is another necessity for a self-sustaining garden. The ideal ratio should be 40

percent sand, 40 percent silt and 20 percent clay. Having the right balance of soil can secure root formation and promote proper drainage.

• Test the pH. Certain plants need a specific pH in order to grow. A neutral pH range is typically ideal for growing vegetables.

A pH tester can be purchased from a gardening center.

Amend the soil accordingly to get the soil back to its correct level.

• Know the growing season. Vegetables should be planted during the season in which cont. on next page

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Nate Beeson Mic Keigley

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

10 Spring Home, Lawn & Garden - May 2013

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP Nate: 217 690-2764 Mic: 217 460-1440

Fax 217 234-7472

cont. from pg. 9 they will thrive.

Peas, beets and cabbage, for example, are cold-temperature vegetables, while cucumbers, squash and melons thrive in warm climates. Plant accordingly so that

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the vegetables will have the best chances for success.

• Purchase quality seeds. Use fresh seeds, particularly ones that have been harvested from your own garden the year before, to have the best

chances for germination. Or buy seeds from a reputable source, like a garden center or an online retailer who specializes in vegetable seeds.

• Start seedlings indoors. You may want to work with

seedlings indoors so that you can monitor growth and care for them more easily. Then transplant the seedlings outside when they are stable enough for the elements.

Did you know?

Landscape fabrics are used to prevent weed growth while still allowing air, oxygen and water to flow to and from the soil. Landscape fabrics are a chemical-free way to prevent weed growth, endearing them to eco-friendly homeowners.

Landscape fabrics, once laid, also are a far less labor-intensive method to prevent weed growth, as they can be effective for several years, during

THIS SPRING

When people think of outdoor storage, they generally envision garden sheds to house their lawn and garden equipment and tools. However, if space doesn't allow for a large shed, there is no need to fret because there are other storage possibilities. Consider a garden ottoman or bench, for example. This structure can be built from wood and then painted or covered in padded fabric. Store small items inside the ottoman, which can also serve as a table or additional seating. In

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addition to an ottoman, a garden tool that can keep shovels and rakes organized. Homeowners with a deck can construct lidded deck boxes to store patio cushions or any other outdoor equipment. Utilizing the space under the deck is another idea. Cover the perimeter of the bottom of the deck with lattice and install one piece on a hinge to serve as a door. Store equipment underneath and out of sight. It also will be protected from the elements.

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which homeowners can expect to perform little or no maintenance. In addition, many homeowners prefer landscape fabrics because they can help the soil effectively maintain moisture during dry periods, when gardens might otherwise be highly susceptible to drought. Once put down, landscape fabric can be covered with mulch to add aesthetic appeal.

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Spring Home, Lawn & Garden - May 2013 11

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BENEFITS TO HIRING A LANDSCAPING SERVICE The desire to have a pristine, well-manicured landscape leads many home-

owners to toil outdoors for hours every weekend. Hiring a professional landscap-

er can free up homeowners' time and help them ensure their yards are cared for properly.

One of the benefits of hiring a landscaper is the time savings. Landscapers typically have commercialgrade equipment that can dramatically reduce the time it takes to mow and perform other maintenance tasks around your property.

Furthermore, some services have multiple employees working concurrently, enabling them to tackle several projects at the same time and complete them in a fraction of the time it would take a homeowner working on his or her own.

Landscapers familiar with botany and landscape design understand how to properly care for plants and trees on your property, while novice green thumbers may be unaware about when to prune trees and shrubs, at what height to

cut the lawn and which plants will thrive in particular locations. Such do-ityourself maintenance may even cost more money than leaving it to a professional.

Hiring a professional landscaper is, in many instances, more economical.

For a certain weekly or monthly fee, homeowners receive the benefit of professional knowledge and execution. Also, homeowners will not have the expense of purchasing the various tools and equipment necessary for lawn and garden maintenance, tools and equipment that include lawnmowers, string weeders, edgers, fertilizer, grass seed, leaf blowers, and shovels.

Another benefit is the lawn will continue to be mowed whether a homeowner is home or not. During the spring and summer vacation season, it's easy for homeowners to overlook their lawn and garden in

If your patio doors stick, squeak or leak, these could take some getting used to.

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A professional lawn service can save homeowners time, money and mistakes.

favor of recreation and leisure activities. Without proper watering and maintenance, lawns and gardens can brown or overgrowth can occur. But hiring a landscaping service allows homeowners to rest assured that their yards will be maintained whether they're home or not.

Hiring a local landscaping service will not only benefit homeowners, but also it will benefit the local economy. Residents can feel comfortable knowing their lawn service will be available for calls when needed and will be familiar with the community. Also, local contractors may go the extra mile to earn your business recommendation.

Hiring a landscaping service can be advantageous to homeowners who want to free up time and still enjoy a well-maintained landscape.