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Seven uses for fallen leaves By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In
fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it’s actually a good amendment to garden soil, improv- ing its structure and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in
compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed. The ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in
METRO CREATIVE
Fallen leaves can be used in all kinds of ways, including compost and art projects.
See LEAVES, 2B
Defining hardscape and how to use it
Hardscaping refers to the elements in a landscape that aren’t living, such as paths, walls and fences.
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Curb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home. Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping. Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape. These features can include
everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs. DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties.
Choose materials.
As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like See HARDSCAPE, 3B
The basics of mulching
ply have to see the possibilities in outdoor living spaces.
Mulch is available in various forms. Like other land and garden products, mulch can go a long way toward helping plants thrive. Mulch comprises just about any material that is spread over the surface of soil. Its purpose is primarily to help soil retain moisture. In addition, mulch can staunch weed growth, keep soil cool, improve the aesthetics of garden beds, and even improve soil nutrient composition. When the right mulch is chosen, it can reduce the amount of time homeowners spend watering and weeding their gardens and insulate plants from dramatic changes in weather. Gardeners may not realize that mulch also can prevent garden soil from becoming overly compacted, according to HGTV. This can mean ben-
See EXPAND, 3B
See MULCHING, 2B
METRO CREATIVE
Homeowners can expand their living spaces with a little bit of work and creativity.
Expand living spaces with clever ideas Homeowners looking to add more space to their homes do not necessarily need to make major renovations. They sim-
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Most folks think about mulching in the spring, but mulching in the fall is important, as well.
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Leaves: Multiple uses Continued from page 1B cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages. They can act as added insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost. Gather a few of
the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. O r use clear contact paper to achieve
the same effect. —Metro Creative
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Homeowners should do a lot of research before they jump into a do-it-yourself project.
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Questions to ask before embracing DIY
Home improvement projects are as popular as ever. In its 2017 True Cost Survey, the home improvement site HomeAdvisor found that, between F ebruary 20 1 6 and F ebruary 2017, homeowners spent an average of just over $5,00 on home projects. That marked a nearly $ 1 ,9 0 0 increase from the year prior, indicating that homeowners are increasingly opening their wallets to transform their homes. In addition to spending money to improve their homes, many homeowners are spending their time on projects as well. While DIY projects can provide a sense of fulfillment and personal attachment to one’s home, prospective do-it-yourselfers should ask themselves some q uestions before picking up their hammers and getting to work.
Do I have any physical limitations?
No matter how simple home improvement television shows make projects seem, prospective DIYers should know that such undertakings are typically very difficult and oftentimes physically demanding. Homeowners
with existing health conditions or other physical limitations may not be capable of performing certain tasks or may need to take freque nt breaks, which can delay projects.
Do I have the time?
Many home improvement projects req uire a significant amount of time to complete. Homeowners whose time is already stretched thin with other commitments may not be able to complete projects within a reasonable amount of time. That’s fine if working on a part of the home that won’t affect daily life, but can prove stressful or problematic if the project is in a room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, that residents of the home use each day. Novice DIYers should be especially honest with themselves about the time they have available to work on the project, as such homeowners are bound to experience a few time-consuming missteps along the way.
Can I afford it?
While DIY might seem more affordable than hiring a contractor, that’s not necessarily true. Novice DIYers may need to buy
or rent tools, costs that can add up. Contractors already have the tools necessary to begin and complete projects, so the cost savings of DIY might not be as significant as homeowners think. Before going the DIY route, homeowners should solicit estimates from contractors, comparing the estimates to how much a project will cost if homeowners do it themselves.
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Can I go it alone?
Many home improvement projects req uire more than one set of hands, and it’s risky and even foolish for first-time DIYers to assume they can begin a project and see it through to completion entirely on their own. Homeowners whose spouses, partners, friends, or relatives are willing to chip in may think that’s enough. However, the DIY skills of those who volunteer may be a mystery until the project begins. Novice DIYers should enlist the help of a friend or family member with home improvement experience. If no such person is available, it may be wise to hire a contractor instead. —Metro Creative
Mulching: Alternative materials
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mulches to prevent fungi from colonizing in dry mulch and causing problems like a water-repellent surface on the mulch. Home landscapers considering mulch types may find that compost, manure and grass clippings from lawns not treated with pesticides can be inexpensive and versatile in garden beds. The home advice site The Spruce notes that newspaper may also be effective. Many newspapers have switched over to organic dyes, especially for their black-and-white sections. Newspapers are an inexpensive way to suppress weeds and act like organic mulch in beds. They can be covered with other organic mulch, like shredded bark, for more visual appeal. —Metro Creative
IN
alternatives. To work effectively, mulch should be applied in a 2- to 3- inch layer of material. This is the ideal amount to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth without choking plants. Also, mulch that is too thick may make it impossible for water to penetrate, or it may prevent the soil from airing out, causing continuously wet conditions that lead to root and stem rot. The University of Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center says mulch should not be placed directly against plant crowns or tree bases, as this can promote the development of disease. It may also serve as a habitat for bark- and stem-eating rodents. The center also suggests watering newly installed bark or wood
W
eficial earthworms can move easily through the soil, creating channels for water and depositing their nutrient-rich waste products. Gardeners can choose organic or inorganic mulch. O rganic mulches are derived from natural materials that will decompose over time, lending organic matter as well as various nutrients to the soil. O rganic mulches also may contain beneficial microorganisms that can fight against plant diseases. Inorganic mulches may be made of stones, landscape fabrics and plastic. Both types will need to be amended or replaced as they degrade. Those who want the most environmentally-friendly mulching materials can choose all-natural mulches instead of synthetic
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Expand: Make more living space Continued from page 1B
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Homeowners can increase their home fire safety with just a few moves.
Five ways to increase home fire safety
An average of seven Americans die each week as a result of house fires. Most fires occur in residential buildings between the hours of 1 1 p.m. and 7 a.m., when occupants are most likely to be asleep. Your first line of defense is fire preparedness. The winter is the most common time for home fires, as heating elements and holiday decorations can contribute to fires starting. Here’s five things you can do to increase your chance of survival in a fire: Install smoke alarms on every story of your home and outside sleeping areas. Be sure to test them monthly, clean them every six months and replace batteries in spring and fall. Having working fire alarms can
cut your chance of dying in a fire in half. Have a fire escape plan for your family and practice it. A small fire can spread rapidly — you may only have minutes or seconds to escape. When going over the details of your escape plan, check windows and doors to ensure all open easily. K now your local emergency number ( 9 1 1 ) . Never stop to gather belongings, and never re-enter a home after safely outside. When renovating, consider using fire-rated, noncombustible products. Your choice of insulation, for example, can be vital. Stone wool insulation resists temperatures up to approximately 2,1 50 F . When directly exposed to fire, it will not off-gas, contribute to toxic smoke or promote flames. F ire-
resistant building materials can give you extra time to escape when seconds count. Purchase a multi-use fire ladder for each bedroom in your home and practice using it. A fire ladder may be your only escape option if flames block critical exits. Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, especially in high-risk areas like the kitchen, near fireplaces and in the garage. Use only for small, contained fires that are not spreading rapidly. K now how to operate your extinguisher before an emergency occurs using the PASS method: “ Pull pin, Aim low, Sq ueeze lever and Sweep from side to side.” The safest option is always to evacuate your home and call for help. —Metro Creative
Carbon monoxide remediation Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Because carbon monoxide is found in the fumes produced when fuel is burned, it is present in and around homes. As a result, homeowners should be aware of carbon monoxide and make every effort to detect its presence. Carbon monoxide forms most readily when there is insufficient oxygen to complete combustion and produce carbon dioxide. Hot water closets, furnaces in crawlspaces, heating appliances in attics, and other contained areas are common areas where carbon monoxide can form. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that thousands of people visit emergency rooms and are hospitalized because of carbon monoxide poisoning every year. While it is a risk for just about anyone, infants, the elderly, those with breathing problems or chronic heart disease, and people with anemia are most likely to get sick from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has earned the moniker “ the silent killer” because it cannot be identified without the presence of a car-
bon monoxide detector. If a person believes he or she is smelling carbon monoxide, that person is probably mistaking the odor for other combustion byproducts that the human nose can sense. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of vehicle exhaust, boat engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, furnaces and fireplaces. It is produced anytime something is burning. That is why it is essential that products designed to be used outdoors are used exclusively outside, and that indoor appliances are properly vented to the outdoors. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and poison people and pets who breathe it in. Some people may not recognize that carbon monoxide is problematic in a home until multiple residents start complaining of similar symptoms. Common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, confusion, headache, and other flu-like symptoms, advises the consumer advocacy group Carbon Monoxide K ills. Those with repeated exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide may eventually develop
cerebral edema, which is a swelling of the brain. Carbon monoxide can compress brain cells and destroy them, leading to neurological issues and death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is actually the result of the head and heart not receiving sufficient oxygen. Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives and should be installed in all homes and apartments. The National F ire Protection Association says carbon monoxide detectors “ shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.” Individuals should follow the manufacturer instructions regarding where on the wall or ceiling the carbon monoxide detectors should be mounted. As an added safety precaution, the detectors should be placed on every floor of the home. Gas sensors in carbon monoxide alarms have limited life spans, so they should be replaced generally every five to six years, because calibrating and testing for carbon monoxide is more difficult than simply replacing the alarms. —Metro Creative
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O utdoor living spaces are coveted niches in a home. The American Home F urnishings Alliance says more than 70 percent of American households have outdoor living spaces, and nearly 70 percent of people use these spaces at least once per week in-season. F urthermore, homeowners are increasingly interested in enhancing these spaces to make them more usable and comfortable. F all and winter may be the best season to do these projects to get a bargain. A recent survey from the online home design and remodeling resource Houzz found that more than 4 ,50 0 users were planning a landscape update. In addition, 56 percent of homeowners surveyed were making updates to improve their yards for entertaining. While the creation of outdoor living spaces can
cost thousands of dollars depending on the renovation, homeowners have more budget-friendly options at their disposal as well. The following are some ways to create inviting spaces no matter how much sq uare-footage is present.
Revamp a garage or shed
Rather than turning a storage area into a catchall for items time forgot, clean out the space and put it to better use. F or instance, kids may appreciate their own clubhouse away from the main living area. These spaces also can be handy bonus rooms for when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate and backyard guests need to seek shelter. Wall art, curtains, a pendant light, and some comfortable outdoor-compatible furniture can q uickly transform a space.
Create a relaxing nook
Whether there’s a ledge, overhang, small terrace, or porch off the house, turn it into a relaxing area for reading a book or sipping a beverage. Use a few outdoor pillows, pull up a small folding table and dress the area with hanging lights and potted plants for a q uiet retreat.
Add privacy to a porch
If it’s privacy you covet, install curtain rods and hang lightweight mesh or another translucent material that obscures neighbors’ views without blocking out natural light. Invest in outdoor sofas and chaises to create an outdoor living room right on the porch. If your budget allows, consider closing in the porch as a true three-season room so it can be used throughout fall, spring and summer. —Metro Creative
Hardscape: Landscaping beauty Continued from page 1B on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.
Choose a theme.
The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials to work together. F or example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and
ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal. The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project will be cohesive.
Think about the purpose.
Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs,
as well as planting beds. F encing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.
Consult a professional.
While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, largescale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come. —Metro Creative
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How to improve indoor air quality in your home With winter on the horizon, homeowners are preparing their homes for a season spent largely indoors. Unlike the other seasons of the year, when homeowners can comfortably air out their homes by opening windows, winter offers no such opportunities to let nature improve indoor air q uality. Such a reality can make a home uncomfortable as winter drags on. But that discomfort pales in comparison to the health risks presented by poor indoor air q uality. Radon, volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners and lead from house dust are just a few of the many sources of indoor air pollution commonly found in homes, and these pollutants can be especially harmful in winter, when many people spend more time indoors thanks to harsh weather. But while you might not be able to change the weather so you can open windows in the wintertime, you can take steps to improve indoor air q uality in your home. Clean the floors regularly. Dirty floors take their toll on a home’s indoor air q uality. Dust that’s allowed to settle on floors may contain harmful chemicals and allergens that can lead to respiratory problems and additional uncomfortable
health conditions. Clean your floors at least once per week during the winter months, ideally with a vacuum that’s eq uipped with a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter is important because it can prevent dust and dirt from being blown back out of the vacuum in the exhaust. After you have vacuumed, mop the floors as well, as even the most effective vacuums leave potentially harmful dust particles behind. A onceover with a mop and some hot water can remove any lingering dust left behind by the vacuum. Place a floor mat near every entrance. Winter is a messy season, and it’s easy to bring in the great outdoors when you enter your home during cold weather seasons. Dirt that sticks to your shoes may contain potentially harmful chemicals, so place a floor mat near any door where people routinely enter your home and politely ask that all who enter wipe off and remove their shoes before moving about the house. Dehumidify your home. Mold and dust mites thrive on moisture, so homeowners concerned about the moisture in their homes during the winter months can purchase a dehumidifier to control allergens and reduce moisture in the air. In addition to using a dehumidifier, you can
control humidity in your home by using an exhaust fan when cooking, addressing leaky plumbing fixtures to prevent mold growth and making sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside of your home. Choose naturally scented laundry products. Everyone wants their freshly cleaned clothes to smell good, but the price you pay when using laundry products that employ synthetic fragrances may be far more steep than you realize. Such synthetic fragrances emit dozens of chemicals into the air, so choose naturally scented detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets when possible. Avoid plug-in air fresheners. Unless otherwise noted on the packaging, plug-in air fresheners likely contain volatile organic compounds, or VO Cs, which contain a variety of chemicals that can negatively impact both short- and longterm health. Instead of plugging in an air freshener to improve a home’s interior aroma, slice fresh lemons and leave them out in the kitchen and keep fresh indoor plants in living areas. Studies from NASA have shown that indoor plants naturally purify indoor air METRO CREATIVE by absorbing materials Routinely vacuuming floors can improve indoor air quality in a home by preventing the buildup of dust released by synthetics. mites and other harmful allergens. —Metro Creative
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Home security for the do-it-yourselfer F eeling secure at home is a priority for many people. Many people consider installing security systems in their homes to improve their sense of well-being. Whether one owns or rents, individuals may be surprised to learn that do-it-yourself security systems can be savvy investments. The right system can help people protect their belongings and their families, but sorting through the various security systems on the market can be a daunting task. While full-service setups that include professional installation and monitoring are available, some homeowners may want to investigate the highly customizable DIY kits now available. Some include personal monitoring, while others are self-install technologies with professional monitoring. Before getting started, homeowners and renters can ask themselves a few q uestions to help narrow down their options. What is your budget? Professional installation and monitoring will likely cost more than DIY kits. How large is the home? Are you tech-savvy? How freq uently are
you out of the home on vacation or extended trips? Do you desire emergency response? Do you want an entire package or just some deterrent devices? O nce men and women have answered these q uestions, it’s time to start shopping. Here are some DIY security system items that may be of interest.
Smart home security systems
These home security systems connect to a home’s Wi-F i network so they can be monitored and controlled using a smartphone app. O thers may be accessed through an application on the internet. It is important to look for a system that has the extra security of technology that is not easily hacked.
Security cameras
Some people may only want to watch the inside and outside of their residences. It can take mere minutes to set up wireless security cameras around the house. These devices connect to a Wi-F i network and give customers free access to a constant stream of video. Some systems make it easy for homeowners to listen in on
what’s going on at home and even talk to anyone within the camera’s range. O thers can be paired with cloud storage for recording video.
Professionally monitored
Residents who are away from home freq uently or are too busy to constantly monitor security systems may like the peace of mind of professionally monitored kits. Some services have affordable starter kits and video monitoring. Monitored alarm systems can be set to call the police or other emergency services if necessary.
Entry-level or advanced systems
Entry-level systems typically include a few door and window sensors, a motion detector and a hub that communicates with these sensors. This may be enough for someone in an apartment or small house. More extensive systems may include additional sensors, door locks, garage door openers, surveillance cameras, lights, sirens, and even water and smoke detectors. —Metro Creative
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