Spring Home Improvement
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
1D
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Buzz-free zone Techniques to keep mosquitoes out of your backyard oasis Metro Creative The value of a retreat-like backyard was never more apparent than in 2020. Over the last year-plus, much of the world has been forced to stay home as a global pandemic has claimed millions of lives while countless others have had to fight to survive in hospitals. It’s no surprise people have looked for a respite from the harsh realities of living during a deadly pandemic, and many turned their attention to their own backyards to provide such an escape. The online home remodeling platform Houzz reported a 58 percent annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June 2020. Contractors who specialize in outdoor spaces saw the biggest increase in demand. A revamped outdoor space can provide the perfect retreat for homeowners who want to get away from it all. But one winged, unwelcome guest can quickly transform an oasis into an uninviting space. Mosquitoes make their presence felt in many areas each summer. These pesky, often hungry insects can carry disease, and their bites can be painful and itchy. Homeowners can try these three techniques to keep mosquitoes out of their backyards.
Remove standing water Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, who don’t even need a lot of water to successfully breed. A daily
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A backyard retreat can be even more enjoyable when homeowners find ways to keep mosquitoes at bay.
walk around the property may uncover kids’ toys, empty flower pots or other small receptacles that can collect water. Even clogged gutters can lead to the accumulation of a small amount of water, and that can be enough for mosquitoes to breed. Remove these potential breeding grounds when you find them, and do so each day, as mosquitoes mature from eggs to nymphs in roughly four days.
Mow regularly Mowing the lawn so the grass never gets too high is another way to make a backyard less hospitable to mosquitoes. The pest experts at Terminix note that mosquitoes seek tall grass to protect them from the elements, including wind and hot summer sun. Mowing enough so grass never gets too high in summer can make backyards
less inviting to mosquitoes.
Plant with mosquitoes in mind The home remodeling experts at HGTV note that plants can be part of homeowners’ strategy to repel mosquitoes. Various plants have mosquito-repellent qualities. For example, bee balm releases a fragrance as it grows, and mosqui-
toes don’t like that fragrance. Homeowners can speak with a local lawn and garden professional for recommendations about plants that can thrive in their region and repel mosquitoes at the same time. Mosqu itoes c a n ma ke it hard to enjoy a backyard oasis. But various strategies can help homeowners keep these unwanted guests out of their backyards.
2D • TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
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6 steps to organize your home office a cabinet or even on a bookshelf so it doesn’t take up real estate Remote working has become on the desk. popular in recent years, but the Create a printing station “working-from-home” economy bloomed exponentially as the world was forced to confront the While you’re moving that wireCOVID-19 pandemic. According less printer elsewhere, designate to Stanford economist Nicholas a space to serve as the central Bloom, as of summer 2020, 42% printing hub. This way children of the United States labor force who need to print assignments for was working from home full- school will know where to go as time. well. Printer supplies like extra The need for home office spac- ink cartridges and printer paper es has increased as more people can be kept in decorative storage work from home. Many people boxes nearby. have retrofitted various spaces Increase your shelving around their homes into areas to get work done. More organized home work spaces can increase Shelving can help keep items productivity. Individuals can organized and off the desk in follow these guidelines to create home offices without closets or effective, organized home offices. drawers. Look for shelves that blend in with decor but are sturdy Begin with the desk enough to be functional.
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The desk is the primary spot where work will take place. The right desk accessories can provide visual appeal and also serve practical purposes. Have cups for holding pens and pencils, baskets and bins for larger items, and store whatever you can elsewhere so it does not lead to clutter on the desk. Store wireless printers in
Organize paperwork Figure out a system that works for you to help tidy up papers you choose to save. While some papers can be scanned and stored as digital files, color-coded file folders can organize statements and other important documents. This makes it easy to find the
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Adding storage, shelving, and a charging station can help organize a home office.
folder you need when looking for can charge at one time. certain documents.
Establish a charging station Repurpose certain items, such as a desk organizer, into an easily accessible electronics charging station where phones and tablets
Make essential binders
HGTV suggests making binders that can store the most important papers for easy access — even in an emergency. Set up a binder for automotive paper-
work, including repair receipts, a medical binder where key medical records are kept, a binder for manuals for devices in the home, and one to store financial planning documents. These organizational tips can help remedy common problems around a home office.
Shade trees that can make yards more comfortable Metro Creative Various factors motivate the decisions homeowners make when designing their landscapes. Some may be motivated by the ways additions will affect the resale value of their homes, while others may be guided by a love for a particular type of plant. Comfort is yet another motivator, and shade trees can make yards more comfortable as the mercury rises. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the following are some popular shade trees that can add beauty
to a landscape and make it more comfortable come the dog days of summer. • Quaking aspen: The quaking aspen has the widest natural range of any tree in North America, spanning 47 degrees of latitude, 110 degrees of longitude (nine time zones) and elevations from sea level to timberline. That impressive range is no doubt why the United States Forest Service notes that the quaking aspen can grow in greatly diverse regions, environments and communities. • Northern catalpa: The Arbor Day Foundation notes that the
northern catalpa is easily identifiable thanks to its heart-shaped leaves and twisting trunks and branches. Nature enthusiasts, and particularly those who enjoy birdwatching, may be happy to learn that the flowers of the catalpa are frequently visited by hummingbirds. • Red sunset maple: Its name alone makes many people think of lazy summer days spent lounging in the yard. The red sunset maple provides ample shade and comes with the added benefit of producing an awe-inspiring blend of red and orange leaves
come the fall. Red sunset maples can survive in a range of habitats and their adaptable roots means they can thrive in various soil types. • Northern red oak: The state tree of New Jersey, the northern red oak is, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, both beloved for its aesthetic appeal and valued for its adaptability and usefulness. Northern red oaks can tolerate urban conditions, but they do not do well in hot climates. • Sawtooth oak: Another tree that produces some awe-inspiring color, the sawtooth oak is a
durable, adaptable shade tree. Golden yellow leaves in the spring will give way to dark green in summer, only to turn yellow and golden brown in the fall. The Tree Center Plant Supply Co. notes that the sawtooth oak can thrive in warmer climates where shade trees that can coexist with high temperatures can be hard to find. Shade trees can add beauty to a property and make a yard more comfortable. Homeowners are urged to discuss shade trees with a local lawn and garden professional prior to planting.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 • 3D
SALISBURY POST
Tips to keep pests out of crawl spaces Metro Creative Crawl spaces tend to be no-go zones in many homes. With little room to maneuver and no heating or cooling, it’s no wonder people avoid crawl spaces. But pests may see crawl spaces in a wholly different light. Rodents and insects that find their way into crawl spaces can do significant damage. According to the pest control experts at Terminix®, pests can destroy insulation, gnaw through wiring and air ducts and damage the wooden substructures of a home. Though many homeowners may go months if not years between trips to their crawl spaces, periodic visits to inspect for the presence of pests can help uncover any issues before they escalate into significant problems. The discovery of pest problems in a crawl space can be unsettling. Some homeowners may wonder how long they’ve been hosting these uninvited guests, while others may wonder what they can do to evict them once and for all. Fortunately, homeowners can employ various strategies
to keep pests from taking over their crawl spaces. • Seal cracks and openings. Pests may enter a crawl space through small cracks or openings, much like cold or warm air can enter through simi lar cracks around windows and doors. Terminix® notes that homeowners can apply caulk or foam insulation around cracks or openings in their crawl spaces. No crack is too small to seal, as small insects like termites and ants don’t need much room to maneuver their way into a home. • Encapsulate the crawl space. Crawl spaces are dark and damp. Wet, humid conditions attract rodents and insects, increasing the risk of infestation. Encapsulation closes and secures a crawl space with a thick vapor barrier that lines the floor and walls of the crawl space. Vapor barriers can keep moisture from condensing on wood, making the area less likely to attract pests. • Run a dehumidifier in the crawl space. Dehumidifiers can help homeowners control moisture in a crawl space. In fact, many com-
panies that install vapor barriers recommend running dehumidifiers after a barrier has been installed. • Examine the perimeter of your home, particularly the exterior walls. Periodic examinations of a home’s exterior may reveal brush that can make for ideal shelters for pests. Pests sheltering along the exterior walls of a home will eventually try to enter the home, likely through the crawl space. Remove piles of brush during routine walk-arounds of the home and trim any bushes or shrubs that also may be providing shelter to pests. • Keep an eye on the crawl space. Though crawl spaces can be difficult to access, homeowners should visit these spaces periodically. Inspections can help homeowners determine if dehumidifiers are still running and allow them to check for pests or other issues, such as cracks, that may be inviting unwanted guests into their homes. Crawl spaces can become homes and breeding grounds for pests if homeowners don’t take measures to prevent such issues.
Did you know? Pet owners who arrive home to discover that their pet has caused damage to their domiciles may wonder if that is covered by their homeowners insurance policies. Allstate insurance states that homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage inflicted by pets on personal property or the dwelling itself. This also applies
to domestic farm pets, as would be the case if a goat or ewe broke fence posts or the barn door. The cost for replacement or repairs for pet-related accidents is the pet owner’s responsibility. However, the liability protection provided with most standard homeowners policies may offer coverage if your pet damages someone else’s property, such as if
your puppy chews up the moldings while a neighbor is pet-sitting. It is always important to review and discuss policy coverage with an insurance agent to learn what level of protection you have. In addition, quality crates and/or fencing can help keep mischievous pets out of trouble and reduce damage in and around the house.
4D • TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
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Stay safe when working in the yard this spring and summer Metro Creative A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens. A sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But safety precautions are of the utmost necessity when working in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is considerable. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that, in 2016, more than 90,000 patients, including nearly 5,000 children, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for lawn
mower-related injuries. Lawn- and garden-related injuries can be prevented without going to great lengths. • Know your terrain before mowing. Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury. This can be especially important when mowing the lawn with a riding mower. Adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over accidents that can pin riders beneath the mower. Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mowing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a walk-behind mower. For greater control when using a walk-behind mower on an incline, mow parallel to the slope.
• Apply and reapply sunscreen. Sunburns may not require trips to the emergency room, but they can still be serious. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating excessively. The SCF recommends broad spectrum sunscreens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Though a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is acceptable when walking
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Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury
the dog or driving to work, the SCF advises using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when engaging in extended outdoor activities like gardening or mowing. • Employ the buddy system. Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or performing any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania reports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask a significant other or neighbor to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to re-
duce your risk of falling. If cutting large branches, cut them piecemeal to reduce the risk of being injured by heavy falling branches. • Inspect the property for insect hives. The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hornets. Homeowners who are not careful can inadvertently come across hives when doing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dangerous for anyone, and especially so for people with a history of
allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Inspect areas where you’ll be working to make sure insects haven’t put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm. Lawn and garden accidents and injuries can be serious. Thankfully, accidents and injuries are easily prevented when homeowners take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens.
Did you know? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 400 people are electrocuted in the United States each year. Many of those electrocutions occur in people’s own homes. In fact, the Electrical Safety Foundation International notes that wiring hazards, including damaged or ex-
posed wiring and household wiring, accounted for roughly 14 percent of all electrocution deaths. Such figures underscore the importance that homeowners must place on electrical safety in and around their homes. Emphasizing electrical safety could greatly reduce the risk of injury a nd accidents, includ-
ing home fires. The ESFI notes that electrical malfunctions are the leading cause of the largest fires reported to United States fire departments. Properly maintaining home electrical systems and taking steps to reduce accidents around the house can help homeowners feel more secure in their homes.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 • 5D
SALISBURY POST
The many benefits of
houseplants Metro Creative The lines between the outdoors and indoors are being blurred. Homeowners build extensive outdoor living spaces so they can relax on weather-resistant furniture and even cook in lavish kitchens in their backyards. In addition, indoor three-season rooms full of bright, open windows that showcase outdoor vistas challenge the boundaries between METRO outside and inside. Houseplants have many benefits, including improving For those working with moods and filtering air. limited budgets, there are some easy, inexpensive Improve interior Increase indoor ways to enjoy the majesatmosphere humidity and reduce ty of natural landscapes illness indoors. Houseplants can Prevention magazine be used to improve indoor Studies from the Ag- says plants can be used to spaces, and they also pro- ricultural University of screen unattractive areas, vide various health bene- Norway found that indoor moderate room temperaplants can increase hu- ture by shading spots from fits. midity in indoor spaces, the sun and even reduce Help with allergies which decreases the in- noise. Plants also can imcidences of sore throats, prove ambiance and create According to WebMD, dry coughs, dry skin, and a pleasing atmosphere in a rooms with houseplants the common cold. Higher room. tend to have less dust absolute humidity can deCan improve mood and mold in them than crease the chances of surthose without any foliage. vival and transmission of Leaves and other parts of the flu virus. Growing and caring for the plants serve as natuplants can alleviate everyFilter the air ral filters, catching airday stress. A nationwide study from UK Magazine borne particles and allergens. Plants with textured Researchers who pre- Gardeners World found leaves might be especially sented their work at the 8 0% of gardeners de effective at trapping par- 252nd National Meeting & clared themselves satisfied Exposition of the Ameri- with life compared to 67% ticles. c a n Chemic a l S ociet y among non-gardeners. GarPut more oxygen found certain houseplants deners were more positive into the air can combat the potential- mentally. Greenery can ly harmful effects of vol- help people feel more at The human respiratory atile organic compounds. home and improve mental system works by bringing Plants may help filter out health. A rehab center in in oxygen and releasing VOCs like benzene, ace- Norway found patients recarbon dioxide. Plants do tone and formaldehyde, ported a greater increase in the opposite during pho- which can enter indoor air well-being four weeks after tosynthesis. They absorb via cleaning supplies, dry- having greenery added to carbon dioxide and then cleaned clothes, furniture, their surroundings. Houseplants can imrelease oxygen. Plants can printers, and paints. put much more oxygen into prove indoor areas and the air, improving indoor positively affect personal conditions. health.
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DIY strategies to deep-clean carpeting
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What’s underfoot in a home can go a long way toward making residences comfortable and aesthetically appealing. A study of home buyer preferences using data from the National Association of Realtors found that 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring. But that doesn’t mean that carpeting doesn’t still have its devotees. In 2019, the real estate firm Opendoor installed nearly one million yards of carpeting in its homes. Houzz reports that, in 2018, 17% of renovating homeowners purchased carpets and 50% purchased indoor rugs. Carpeting and rugs can offset some of the shortcomings of hardwood, providing a softer texture that makes
for a better landing spot for active young children. However, carpets will require more maintenance than hardwood floors. Learning how to deep clean carpets can help homeowners, as vacuuming is not enough to keep carpets in top form.
Spot clean stains Stores sell a bevy of carpet cleaning solutions. When applying such solutions, do so in an inconspicuous area of the room to ensure colorfastness of the carpet and that the solution does not adversely affect the fibers. If the spot is clean and the carpet is not adversely affected, you can then apply the solution to more visible areas. Homeowners who prefer all-natural cleaning solutions rather than chemicals
can use a solution of white vinegar, baking soda and salt to make a safe cleanser, according to The Spruce. Soak the stain, use a scrub brush to work in the cleanser and then blot up the liquid with a clean cloth. According to the lifestyle resource First for Women, club soda also works as a cleanser when it is sprayed on a stain.
Deep cleaning C a r pets periodic a l ly need to be revitalized, and that can be accomplished with a specialized cleaning machine. Many are available for purchase (a good investment for homeowners with kids and/or pets), while others can be rented as needed. Remove all of the furniture from a room and vacuum to clean dust, dander and any other debris. Address
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any darker stains first by pretreating with a cleaning solution. Let sit for around 20 minutes. While waiting, learn how to operate the machine, fill it and clean out the soiled water. Never allow the machine to oversaturate the carpet with water, as it can get into the padding and subfloor, causing problems like mold or wood damage. Spray the water-detergent solutions, and then pass the carpet cleaner over spots repeatedly until the carpet feels only slightly damp. DoItYourself.com advises running the machine at the pace of one foot per second. Removing shoes when entering the home can keep carpets clean and reduce wear and tear. With frequent deep cleaning, carpets can maintain a like-new appearance for years.
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Spot clean stains and periodically deep clean carpets to keep them fresh.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 • 9D
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Techniques to revitalize a lawn after a long winter Metro Creative 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
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Remove any debris from the lawn after snow thaws to see what you’re working with.
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
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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 to 60 degrees 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.
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Low-maintenance lawn alternatives
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A traditional lawn may not be right for every property nor desired by every homeowner. There is no denying that lawns take time and effort to establish and daily or weekly maintenance to thrive. Homeowners who find that a traditional lawn is not practical can explore some low-maintenance alternatives.
Wildflower meadow
ficient. Stores sell special wildflower meadow mixes of seeds or homeowners can use wildflower plug plants throughout areas where grasses are left to grow longer. This natural area can be a home to wildlife and an idyllic backdrop to a home. Most meadows only require a spring or summer and autumn cut to thrive and look good.
tal grasses tend to be drought-resistant and low-maintenance. They won’t need much fertilizer and are often resistant to pests as well. Ornamental grasses grow in tufts or sprays and will not require mowing. However, they are not ideal for areas that get foot traffic.
Ornamental grasses
Moss can thrive in shady areas and ones where the soil tends to stay a bit damp. Moss is velvety soft and green, so it can mimic the look of a traditional lawn but won’t require mowing
Partition areas of the propHome ow ner s w it h w ide erty for ornamental grasses to swaths of property may discover grow. The gardening resource meadows are cost- and time-ef- Elemental Green says ornamen-
Moss
and other upkeep. Because it improvement centers. Gravel is spreads quickly, moss can take cheaper than pavers and can be over quite rapidly. You will need just as beautiful. to protect areas where you do not Artificial turf want moss by creating barriers to stop spread. If the desired look is a lawn Gravel without all the upkeep, there are various artificial grass options Stone and gravel areas can on the market. Homeowners who reduce maintenance in the land- opt for artificial turf can save scape and require very little up- money and space devoted to lawn keep. When gravel is installed mowers and other lawn tools. Grass may be ideal for some, correctly, weeds may not grow readily. Gravel installation but there are alternatives for may include laying heavy-duty, people who have troublesome semi-permeable landscape fab- landscapes or desire a low-mainric, which is available in home tenance product for their homes.
Lawn watering and fertilizing techniques ables are involved in grow- components. Knowing how much waing and maintaining grass, A lush, green lawn is a and water and fertilizer are ter and fertilizer to apply sight to behold. Many vari- among the most important and when to apply it can
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make a big difference in the appearance and health of a lawn. That’s because a well-fed and watered lawn will develop a better root system, which makes the lawn less vulnerable to stressors like drought, mowing, foot traffic, and heat, according to the Scotts company.
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There is no magic formula governing when to fertilize a lawn. The type of grass and how well-established a lawn is must be considered. Experts suggest having the soil tested to determine its pH levels and if any nutrients are lacking. A fertilizing schedule can then be developed after testing. Keep in mind that overfeeding a lawn will not make it grow any better and actually can damage the turf. Several small applications of fertilizer during the lawn’s most active growing period may be helpful, advises the home improvement resource Tools Around the House.
An annual application (late spring for warm-season grass or fall for cool-season grass) may be all that’s needed. Certain fertilizers need to be applied and watered in. Others may be combined with weed-control products and must be set on top of damp grass. Read packaging to determine the It’s best to water the lawn right application. before 10 a.m.
Water T he r ight water i ng schedule and techniques can help a lawn thrive. Scotts says adjusting for climate and nature can help grass to grow strongly. A lawn that has a grayish cast or appears dull green is telling an owner that it needs water. Another test is to step on the lawn. If footprints disappear quickly, the grass blades have enough moisture to spring back. Water the lawn in the morning before 10 a.m. when it’s cooler and the winds tend to be calm so that the water can soak in. For those who must water
at night, do so in early evening so that the water can dry before nightfall and will not contribute to disease. Scotts says to water an established lawn until the top six to eight inches of soil is wet. Most lawns need one to 1.5 inches of water per week from rain or a hose to soak the soil that deeply. Newly established lawns may require more water to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Visit a lawn care center for more information on watering the type of lawn for your area.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 • 11D
SALISBURY POST
4 tips for backyard barbecue success Metro Creative When the weather warms up, the opportunities to enjoy more time outdoors increase. For many people that means firing up the grill to cook dinners in the backyard and also to host friends and family for outdoor gatherings around the patio. Barbecuing is enjoyed around the world and is especially popular in the United States, where even presidents have touted the virtues of cooking outside. Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter and even Ronald Regan hosted barbecues with tasty grilled or smoked food during their terms. Barbecues are especially popular in spring and summer. Memorial Day often
marks the unofficial kickoff to the summer barbecue season. After Memorial Day weekend, the smell of barbecue often can be detected on a nightly basis in suburban neighborhoods. Follow these tips to make backyard barbecues even more successful this year. 1. Make food safety a priority. A successful barbecue is one in which everyone goes home sated and stuffed with delicious foods. However, ensuring people don’t fall ill also is vital. Keep in mind that the temperature outdoors impacts the rate of spoilage for raw and cooked foods. Always keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold (place items on ice or in coolers). The Food and Drug Administration, advis-
es moving leftovers indoors promptly and discarding any items that have been sitting outside for longer than two hours at room temperature. Items should be moved indoors or discarded even more quickly in especially hot conditions. 2. Learn how to smoke. Grilling is one skill, and smoking is another. As the popularity of food smokers has increased, prices have come down. Novices can visit barbecue competitions and talk to professionals about their tips for smoking foods, or learn more by watching tutorials online. Smoked foods take a lot of time to cook, allowing hosts an opportunity to mingle with guests. 3. Keep things simple.
Serve only a handful of items to cut down on the amount of preparation required. Two main proteins and maybe three side dishes is adequate. Chips or other pre-made snacks can fit the bill. Condensing options also reduces how much you have to manage. Be sure to have options for those with food allergies or intolerances when planning the menu. 4. Set up clusters of seating. Grouping sets of chairs at tables around the yard encourages guests to mingle. Also, it helps space out people for social distancing and avoids a bottleneck around the food. Make the most of barbecue season by embracing strategies to be successful hosts and hostesses. METRO
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air currents can carry pesticides that were applied to nearby properties. That means even people who do not apply pesticides in their lawns and gardens can still be at risk of exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. People concerned by the prospect of being exposed to the pesticides being applied by their neighbors can stay indoors with their children and pets while the substances are being applied. Those who live near fields and parks where pesticides are routinely applied can plant hardy, thick-branched trees to reduce their risk of airborne exposure.
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