At Home Living 060416

Saturday, June 4, 2016 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Keep in the swim of things with your pool n Jamie Kidd on mulching summer plants, page 2 n Make a new color statement with white, page 3 n Eco-friendly lawns sprouting up in U.S., page 5

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REALTOR

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Rex Wolf/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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Mulching a must after planting for summer “Trunk damage at best June 1 is typically a Jamie Kidd Jamie KiDD limits growth. At worst, good deadline for having it can stunt or even kill finished all of the spring a tree,” says Charles planting. That is if the Barden, forester at Kansas rain and mud haven’t State University. Mulch kept you from getting pays for itself with one everything in the ground. saved tree.

Planting can certainly Mulching under trees continue into June, but jamiehan@ksu.edu jamiehan@ksu.edu where the shade is too plants generally need to dense for good grass be larger (and therefore growth also cuts down on the amount more expensive) to be prepared to hanof mowing and watering needed in your dle our summer heat and dry time (yes, yard. Another time and money saver! we will be dry sooner or later). Once Create paths and walkways with a planted it is a very good idea to mulch thick layer of mulch. trees, shrubs and flower and vegetable This permits easy access to any part gardens. of the landscape, even after a heavy Mulching is the placement of a protective covering (generally organic mat- rain. Mulch also reduces dust during dry periods. ter) over the soil primarily to modify Mulching can provide a finishing the effects of the local climate. Organic touch to the landscape. You have dug, mulches have an insulating characterplanted, weeded, watered, edged and istic that can reduce warming in the then mulched. I always like the look of spring and slow the startup of many my yard just after mulching. There are plants and bulbs. By June most soils no weeds (yet) and everything looks have warmed sufficiently, making this a pristine. It is a very satisfying feeling. good time to cover your gardens.

Mulching actually pays for itself by conserving moisture in the soil, reducing water bills. It inhibits weed growth, saving time and labor. It helps lessen infections on fruits and vegetables by preventing soil-borne pathogens from splashing onto plants. Mulching keeps soil from becoming compacted, which prevents oxygen from reaching plant roots. It regulates soil temperature, protecting plants from the heat of summer and reduces soil erosion.

Mulching also helps preserve the life of newly planted trees and shrubs by creating a wide berth around the base of the plants. This effectively becomes a mowing and weed-trimming barrier. No more nicks in tender bark.

Upcoming events

n The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will present “Container Gardening” 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 9, at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The program will focus on what and how to plant in containers. n Master Gardeners will present how to grow lettuce, kale and spinach 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at the MG Vegetable Garden by the train at the southeast corner of the Expocentre parking lot, 1 Expocentre Drive.

Applying your mulch

n For best results, remove as many existing weeds and grasses as possible. n If using coarse materials like bark chips apply to a depth of 3 to 5 inches.

If using finer mulch like peat moss, 1 inch is sufficient. Cypress mulch should be about 2 inches deep. A 12-inch pile of mulch around a sapling can literally suffocate a young tree. n Keep the mulch 2 to 3 inches from the base of plants. Apply mulch in a 3to 6-foot diameter under newly planted

trees. A 1-foot band around larger trees is sufficient for a mowing barrier. n Apply beyond the spread of shrubs to allow for growth without lawn mower interference. n Cover the soil to the drip line under fruit trees for optimum growth. n Avoid covering the growing point or crown on perennial plants.

Creating “volcanoes” around tree and plant bases is a no-no. The mulch can cause deterioration of the plant, leaving it vulnerable for disease and eventual death. Instead, create a “donut” by leaving a couple inches of space between the plant and the mulch.

Keep mulch a couple inches away from the foundation of your home.

While mulch generally is free of termites, the spacing allows you to monitor any mud tunnel development that may be climbing up your foundation walls. A study from Iowa State University Extension found no more termite activity in bare soil than in

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White, taupe create neutral design palette used as a contrast color. Black, like white, blends well with other colors, is a neutral color and adds an element of luxury and elegance.

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

It happened to the color gray, and black has always been a staple.

Now it’s time for the color white to shine.

White has often been ignored as a color, considered more of a backdrop or a background color for a blank canvas. However, white is indeed a color that can create not only a soothing and restful atmosphere, but it also can make an impressive color statement.

White and taupe can create a neutral backdrop for accent colors.

Shades of white

White and taupe

White surprisingly is a complex color with dozens of shades. Even a slightly different tone or shade can have a different impact on a space.

Some whites have cool undertones such as gray, blue or green, while others may have more of a warm undertone such as yellow.

When selecting a shade of white for your space, be sure to pay close attention to the colors you plan to place around it. White can be a color that can both reflect as well as absorb color. For instance, when certain colors are placed next to the color white, the properties of the white object can take on a hue similar to that of the neighboring color.

Ideal rooms

Tribune News Service

When considering using white and taupe in your space, remember it’s OK to use tints, tones and shades.

White and taupe are essentially related to each other. The combination is popular in large part because they blend well with other colors, while also being great foundation colors on which to build an entire color palette.

The result is often one that feels sophisticated, fresh and luxurious.

Don’t be afraid to mix white and taupe with rich chocolate brown or even caramel to create a warm feel or to mix white with cool colors such as gray and blue.

Want to make a bolder statement?

Black is a great choice and is often

White and taupe are ideal for any space in which you wish to create a neutral palette or soothing atmosphere. Bedrooms are natural choices as spaces where relaxation is desirable. When looking to create a versatile bedroom, you will never go wrong selecting pure white bedding.

But pure white bedding doesn’t have to be bland. In fact, pure white or neutral bedding is the darling of the design world because it allows for so much creativity. Add faux fur toss pillows or a sumptuous faux fur throw and neutral pillows for a soothing, elegant feel, or take that same pure white bedding and mix it with bold bursts of color for a livelier look.

Beyond the bedroom, the living room is another great option to incorporate white and taupe and use them to begin your color or design story.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design/home staging expert.

Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit www. cathyhobbs.com.

Kidd: Composted materials are best for improving soil Continued from 2 mulched soil. And, actually, “sustained activity (of termites) over time was significantly higher beneath gravel mulch.”

Organic mulching materials include compost, old hay, shredded newspapers, sawdust, straw, leaves, cotton hulls, peat moss, wood chips and grass clippings. Dried or composted materials are best. Fresh materials can generate heat, form molds or slime, smell bad and repel water. Make sure they don’t contain weed seeds, insects or diseases.

Over time, the organic materials will improve the soil. Till them into the garden in the fall and add a new layer the next spring.

How much mulch Inches deep 4 3 2 1

Material needed 35 cubic feet 27 cubic feet 18 cubic feet 9 cubic feet

Don’t forget to mulch your containers and baskets. They will love you for it.

Jamie Kidd is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

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Newer shower heads help conserve water

By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service

Q: Dear Ed: I am replacing my old shower head and want my new shower head to save some water. Even though I want to conserve water, I do enjoy a good shower. Can you please give me some of your famous Ed pro tips on choosing a new

conservation shower head?

— Billy, Rhode Island A: Conventional shower heads use 2 1/2 gallons per minute. So, if you choose a new shower head that uses less than 2 1/2 gpm, you can pick up additional water savings, depending on how low you go. A popular conservation choice is 2 gpm. While this flow change may be a

little lower, new technology can improve performance to offset any low-flow concerns. Some new conservation technology can include: n Easy-to-clean shower nozzles so the new shower head can continue to operate as designed. n Wide-face spray head so the water covers your body vs. a small targeted

A wideface spray shower head that allows the water to cover your body rather than a small targeted area can help conserve water.

spray area. n Air-injected technology that infuses every drop of water with air for a big shower feel that will blow you away.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate.

Tribune News SErvice

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Eco-friendly lawns: A natural look is in Some more resistant to drought

By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press

Eco-friendly lawns are sprouting up across America as property owners realize they can get better results for less work and money. Some are getting improved drought resistance, too.

“We have to change our mindset about what our lawns should be,” said Tom Tiddens, plant health care supervisor at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Some people don’t want to see a weed in their lawn. Although adding broadleaf plants will change its (manicured) look, it also will attract pollinators and reduce the

need for chemicals.”

Lawns, traditional or otherwise, need suitable environments in which to grow, but many homeowners don’t even know what kind of grass they have, Tiddens said.

“They may be growing lawns in places where it’s not going to work for them,” he said. “If they’re growing under maple trees, for example, they’re asking for trouble.”

A typical eco-lawn is a combination of turf grass varieties with broadleaf plants such as white clover, which supplies nitrogen to the roots, said Alec Kowalewski, a turf grass specialist with the Oregon State University

Dean Fosdick/THE Associated Press

Advocates of eco-friendly lawns say grass can be cut too short and too frequently. Eco-friendly lawns are allowed to grow higher to hold water longer.

Extension Service.

Yarrow can be added for drought tolerance, along with flowering plants like baby blue eyes, English

daisy, chamomile, California poppy and creeping thyme. They are tough enough to tolerate family activities, yet require less effort to keep up.

“The kinds of turf seed used varies from location to location; for instance, perennial ryegrass in moderate climates, fine fescue in shady environments, tall fescue in warm, sunny areas,” Kowalewski said.

Both eco-lawns and regular lawns can be organic.

“Meaning you fertilize with organic products and don’t apply pesticides,” he said. “Both eco-lawns and traditional lawns require mowing.”

Homeowners can take the environmental middle ground if they don’t want

to go completely organic, Tiddens said.

“Organic is a squishy word, anyway,” he said.

“Anything we can do to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers makes things in the yard more friendly. Go to spot spraying rather than area-wide (chemical) applications.”

Try to manage your lawn in a way that encourages health and vigor, which out-competes weeds and resists pests, he said.

Even simple things can help. Consider: n Mowing height and frequency. Tall grass, or anything from 2½ to 3 ½ inches, needs less water. Mowing frequency depends on how much flowering is desired and whether rain has encouraged heavy growth.

n Mulching. “Get a mulching mower,” Tiddens said. “You reduce the need for fertilizers by 20 percent by returning grass clippings to the ground.” n Chemicals. Only use pesticides or herbicides when pests or weeds are at a higher-than-desired level. Even then, limit their use. n Irrigation. Irrigate deeply and infrequently, about 1 inch of water per week. n Aerator. “An aerator pulls plugs from the soil of a lawn about the size of your thumb,” Tiddens said. “That helps improve rooting, irrigation, and improves the health of the lawn. It helps especially when you’re not dealing with good soils. It perks the lawn up.”

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Ask questions before installing your pool Maintenance requirements, cost among considerations

By Angela Deines

Special to The Capital-Journal

Maintaining a swimming pool, either an in-ground one or one of the above-ground variety, is a year-round task — not one that’s done when the summer months are knocking on the door.

If you want to build an in-ground pool, Clayton Sherwood, owner of Swims and Sweeps, said you’ll need to plan at least a year ahead.

“You can’t wake up on May 1 and say, ‘Hey, I want a pool by the end of this month’,” he said. “It doesn’t work that way.”

Sherwood said choosing a pool that’s right for you and your family may be the obvious next step, but making that decision needs careful consideration, especially determining how much you’re willing to pay.

It’s important to make sure you don’t build a pool for which you won’t be able to recoup your costs if and when you sell your home, he said.

“Is this a step house until you get to your big house? Are we going to be here for the next 15 or 20 years? Can we get our usage and money back out of it?” he said, noting questions that need to be asked.

In a seller’s market, he said, the homeowner is going to recover his or her costs.

In a buyer’s market, recovering those costs is usually more difficult. If you’ve maintained your pool, regardless of its age, the odds of recovering your costs increase.

“If you see a 20-year-old pool that’s been maintained, there’s good value there,” he said. “Usually that homeowner has used that pool for 20 years. Maintaining your investment is always very important.”

Estimated costs

Rex Wolf/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Topeka resident Jerry Armstrong prepares the in-ground pool in his backyard for the swimming season. In the year after his pool was built, Armstrong made the mistake of over-treating its water.

“What I didn’t understand was that after you treat the water, it usually takes two to three days for the water to stabilize,” he said.

Sherwood said above-ground pools have become more popular as the quality of those kinds of pools has increased. The main materials used for pools are fiberglass, vinyl and concrete. The materials you choose will dictate your costs.

A good above-ground pool will cost an average of about $6,000, Sherwood said. A pool of this price won’t accommodate a diving board but will be deep enough to play volleyball.

“They’re wonderful, and you can build it for less than $10,000,” he said.

An in-ground pool with a vinyl liner is the most popular pool in the Topeka market, Sherwood said. These pools range in price from $30,000 to $100,000. Features like lights, water features, waterfalls, wading areas and lighted deck jets will add to the costs, similar to adding features to a car.

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Pool: Pump, filter critical buys for future Continued from 6 “Finding a pool that’s going to meet your needs, in your budget, is going to be your biggest goal,” he said.

“You need to decide what amenities are important to you as a consumer.”

Knowing how to take care of your investment is crucial in preventing unnecessary repairs to your swimming pool. Sherwood said buying substandard vinyl liners, chemicals or equipment online or from a store that doesn’t specialize in pool products is risky.

“Don’t try to save a buck today, because it will cost you two tomorrow,” he said, adding a quality liner often can last eight to 10 years compared to four to five years for a thinner, substandard liner. “People trying to save a dollar today, that is going to come back and haunt them.”

Having the proper kind of pump and filter to treat your pool water is critical in extending the life of your investment.

“If someone goes out and buys a pump and filter system that’s not sized properly for their pool or doesn’t generate the amount of gallonage that they need, then they’re going to start having problems,” he said.

“If your water is constantly out of balance or out of whack or can’t be filtered right, that is going to start hurting your liners. That’s going to hurt everything.”

Treating pool water

When it comes to chemically treating your pool, Sherwood said, you need to understand the differences between salt, chlorine and non-chlorine chemicals.

Salt treatments have been on the market for about 30 years and have gotten better with time. However,

Rex Wolf/Special to THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Having the proper kind of pump and filter to treat your pool water is critical in extending the life of your investment. he said many older pools weren’t built to handle salt, because it has “its own set of rules” and can be corrosive.

Treating your pool with salt may mean lower maintenance, but without proper use, you likely will have to replace liners, hardware and other pool parts sooner rather than later, Sherwood said.

There is a misconception that salt is different from chlorine.

“You’re truly just generating chlorine from salt,” Sherwood said. “It’s still a chlorine pool.”

Chlorine is the most economical way to treat your pool water, he said. A chlorine-free treatment can cost 15 percent to 20 percent more than chlorine.

“Trying to choose the one (treatment) that’s best for your boils down to eco-

nomics,” he said. “You just have to follow the rules.”

Post-season maintenance

Sherwood said the endof-the-season maintenance is just as important as when you get your pool ready for the summer.

Many pool owners tend to get lax toward the end of pool season. Making sure the chemicals are in balance is critical as you begin to close your pool for the year.

“What we always suggest is you wait until the water temperature falls below 50 degrees in order to close your pool,” he said.

“But you want everything in balance going into it.”

Pool covers make a big difference in how you go about closing your pool, he said. If you have a solid

cover and close your pool in mid-September, you’ll need to check under the cover at the beginning of October and treat the water.

Using a pump to keep water from melted snow off your solid pool cover or to get rid of similar water that has gone through a mesh cover is recommended for winter maintenance.

Sherwood also recommends using a product to treat the water throughout the winter months, whiche will save you money, time and frustration when you go to open your pool once the water gets above 50 degrees in the spring.

“What you do when it comes time to close, watching your pool over the winter months and opening the pool a little bit early can probably be a lot cheaper than having to

drain the green monster,” he said. “There’s a correlation between it all.”

Creating outdoor spaces

Jerry Armstrong moved into his home in southwest Topeka in 2011 and had an in-ground pool built in his backyard two years later.

He wanted a wading pool that merged into the larger part of his pool so his grandchildren could enjoy being in the water.

“This is such an ideal place because the moms can come down here and sit and have their babies in their lap and be comfortable,” he said, adding his older grandchildren have their teammates over for pool parties. “We have a lot of friends. We know a lot of people, so this place gets used quite a bit.”

The first year after his pool was built, Armstrong made the mistake of overtreating the water.

“What I didn’t understand was that after you treat the water, it usually takes two to three days for the water to stabilize,” he said. “Finally, I went about a week and a half without doing anything, and it cleared up.”

Having learned his lesson from the first summer, Armstrong didn’t treat the water as often last summer, and it stayed clearer much longer.

“It needed minimal maintenance,” he said.

Armstrong said the best piece of advice he can give any new pool owner is to “get to know your pool.”

“Every pool is different,” he said, adding his pool is 20 feet wide and 40 feet long and holds about 40,000 gallons of water.

Cathi Buckley, store manager for Patio, Pool and Fireside, said when it comes to accessories for your pool, many people are building fire pits, using outdoor grills more often and investing in higher-quality outdoor furniture.

“They’re spending more money on their outdoor furniture than they are on their indoor furniture,” she said.

From her vantage point, Buckley sees more people in the Topeka area wanting durable, neutral-colored fabrics for their outdoor furniture add using brightly-colored pillows and other accents around their pools, including outdoor rugs, lanterns and artwork.

“People aren’t spending as much on vacations as they used to,” she said, “so they’re spending money to update their outdoor spaces.”

Angela Deines is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at angela.deines@gmail.com.

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Service Directory

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Check photocells if garage door isn’t closing properly Sensors can also be culprit if experiencing issues

By C. Dwight Barnett Tribune News Service

Q: I’m having a problem with my garage door opener. After leaving the house, I noticed the garage door did not close. I tried several times, but the door only moved slightly but would not close. I had to go into the garage and release the door opener

and then lock the door. Do I need a new opener?

A: An automatic garage door opener has two devices to protect you and your automobile from harm should the door accidentally close when you are under it. Your problem may be that the photocells are out of adjustment keeping the door from closing.

There are two photocells located near the bottom of the door’s track; one on either side of the door. If the beam from the photocell is blocked, the door will not close. Similarly, if one of the photocells has been moved, the light beam will be off and the door will not close.

There should be a colored light on the surface

of each beam to let you know the beam is properly adjusted. If one of the adjustment lights is off or is blinking, you can adjust the cell by moving it with your hand until the light is on and steady and stops blinking.

This is an easy DIY, but you may have to call a garage door company if the adjustment doesn’t solve your problem.

Another problem could be the door closer mo-

tor sensor. There are two adjustments on the door opener motor. One is an adjustment for the opening force of the door, and the other if for the closing force of the door. Find the closing force adjustment and turn the screw a quarter turn at a time until the door closes and stays closed.

This may take some time to adjust accurately. Once the door stays closed, open the door and

then lower it again trying to stop the door from closing by grasping the bottom rail with your hand.

If the door doesn’t automatically stop and open up, you need to adjust the closing force until you can stop the door. Sounds easy, but sometimes it takes several attempts to get the adjustment just right.

C. Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors.

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