FALL Home & Garden 2023

& Home Garden

FALL 2023

A special supplement to The Mitchell Republic

& Home Garden

Four tips for lawn care in the fall

Layout Credits:

Cover and page design: Jen Phillips

Section editors: Luke Hagen & Lorie Hansen

Contributors: Mitchell Republic Staff

BY KAI ENGLISCH

Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — With the end of summer comes a critical period for keeping lawns green and rejuvenated.

For the best lawns, a little care now goes a long way come springtime.

Most of us are pretty decent with a mower and can handle our own lawns. But what about making your lawn the best on the block come springtime? What’s the ideal height that you should mow your lawn? Just what should you do now to have your lawn looking as fresh and healthy as that star lawn on your block?

Here are some quick tips from Mitchell lawn care professional Jason Hohn, who runs Jason Hohn’s Lawn Care.

TIP #1: FOR WELL-WATERED, WINTERRESILIENT GRASS, DON’T MOW TOO SHORT.

The first reason is that taller grass provides more shade, which helps prevent too much sunlight from hitting moisture-laden soil and drying it out in the sunlight.

“When you mow your grass taller it helps to shade the ground better. That helps retain moisture better in the ground,” Hohn said.

The other reason is that it helps retain root length, which is vital for having resilient grass that can survive dry periods or harsh winters by pulling from water deeper in the ground.

Hohn explained that roots grow and shrink in proportion to how tall above ground grass is. When it gets cut too short, the roots shrink as well. That makes grass less resilient.

“The deeper roots go the better chance they have of getting moisture down farther – and the better chance the grass has of surviving,” He said.

Longer grass of course means a tradeoff between potentially having a nicer lawn, and having to get up more often from Sunday afternoon football games to go mow. Hohn’s suggestion:

“Usually a good rule of thumb is leaving anywhere from three to four inches when you mow,” he said.

Mitchell Republic file photo

Sports Complex Supervisor Jeremy Nielsen mows the grass at Cadwell Park, while the Dakota Wesleyan University baseball team practices behind him.

Shedding some light on home solar

METRO CREATIVE

Consumers shopping around for home improvement projects may be leaning toward overhauls that can reduce energy consumption and save them money in the long run. This is a driving factor behind a growing number of homeowners investigating solar energy for their residences.

HOW DOES SOLAR POWER WORK?

Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes. Many people are familiar with photovoltaics (PV), which are the panels that absorb sunlight and create an electric field across their layers. Another solar technology, known as concentrating solar power, is primarily used in large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use, according to Energy.gov.

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have been put in use across the United States since 2008 .

COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SOLAR

The upfront expense of solar panels is significant, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $14,000 for initial installation. However, comparatively speaking, homeowners can

spend $1,500 or more per year on electricity, so solar panels will pay for themselves over time. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on energy needs and how many panels will be required to service the system.

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY CAN I EXPECT?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice says that the amount of power generated from a solar energy system depends on a few factors:

1. The average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets each year;

2. The pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces;

3. The size and strength of your system; and

4. Environmental factors such as snow, dust or shade that may cover the system.

SAVE EVEN MORE MONEY

Consumers can contact their utility companies to find out if they provide homeowners who produce solar power with ‘net metering.’ This program pays the homeowner money or gives credit for excess power the system produces and returns to the electric grid. Individuals also may be eligible for energy tax credits or other benefits.

Homeowners may find it worthwhile to explore solar energy, particularly if they consume a high amount of electricity.

Shutterstock photo

Construction worker installing solar panel on roof.

Simple landscaping strategies that can transform a home’s exterior

and within budget, lengthen the walkway to create the feel of a more grandiose entryway.

► Make things more symmetrical. A messy landscape can give a poor first impression, even if the area features some beautiful plants. In such instances, a little effort to make things more symmetrical, with equal parts grass and vegetation, can create a cleaner, more inviting look.

► Mulch your flower and tree beds. Mulch is a relatively inexpensive but effective way to add aesthetic appeal to a landscape. Freshly mulched beds beneath trees and flowers creates a clean and organized look, and the mulch also serves a practical purpose, as it reduces weed growth and helps the soil retain moisture so plants stay healthy and look better throughout the warmer months when rainfall may not be steady or significant.

METRO CREATIVE

The interior of a home may be where homeowners and their families spend the majority of their time, and there’s no denying that a well-planned interior goes a long way toward making a house a home. However, the exterior of a home, including its landscaping, can serve as a source of pride and catch the eye of prospective buyers when the home hits the market.

It’s easy to walk past a home with an eye-catching exterior and assume the homeowner has a green thumb or has spent lots of time and money working on the landscaping. Though that may be true, oftentimes it’s the simplest strategies that make all the difference. Homeowners can keep these strategies in mind as they look to transform the exterior of their homes.

► Dress up the walkway. A longer walkway can give guests a strong first impression of a home and won’t break the bank. Create new planting beds and plant bright plants and flowers along each side of the walkway. If it’s necessary

► Plant shade trees. Shade trees can be especially useful when selling a home. The shade provided by trees can shield grass from blistering summer sun, potentially helping it stay green. A lush green lawn appeals to buyers and gives the impression the home has been well maintained. In addition, shade trees can be used to create the look of a backyard oasis. A well-placed bench beneath a large shade tree can entice buyers who want a relaxing spot to enjoy warm summer days outdoors without getting a sunburn.

► Consider maintenance. The more exotic an exterior landscape is, the more maintenance it’s likely to require. Lawn and garden enthusiasts may not be turned off by landscape features that require steady maintenance, but homeowners who don’t have much time for such work should keep things simple. A poorly maintained landscape, even if it includes exotic plants and elaborate designs, will adversely affect curb appeal. Another feather in the cap of low-maintenance landscape features is they could prove more appealing to prospective buyers, who may view elaborate, exotic landscaping as a lot of extra work they won’t want to do. Some simple landscaping strategies can help homeowners transform their home exteriors without requiring a significant investment of time or money.

BUY. BUILD. REMODEL. REFINANCE.

Shutterstock photo

Beautiful fall landscaping.

The benefits of planting native species

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Spring and summer present ideal growing conditions for many plants, making these seasons an ideal time to tend to lawns and gardens. Though it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of exotic plants, avid gardeners and eco-conscious planters recognize the significance of native plants.

Novices may not realize that native plants are much better for a landscape and the local ecosystem it calls home. Recognition of the many benefits of native plants can make for healthier lawns and gardens and a healthier planet as well.

► Native plants are built for local climates. One of the issues gardeners who plant exotic plants run into is keeping those plants thriving when weather turns harsh. For example, exotic plants may require extra watering in areas that experience drought or even long periods without precipitation in spring and notably summer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that at least 40 states anticipate water shortages by 2024. Planting native plants can help to combat those shortages by reducing the need to water plants if conditions become dry in late spring and summer.

► Native plants save money. It’s also important to note that native plants save homeowners money. Because they’re capable of thriving in local conditions, native plants tend to require less watering, which can help homeowners

reduce their utility costs. But native plants also require less upkeep, which means homeowners can save on potentially costly, not to mention ecounfriendly, pesticides and other amendments in order to maintain the look of exotic plants. And though it’s not always the case, exotic plants tend to cost more at nurseries than natives.

► Native plants save gardeners time. In addition to saving money, native plants don’t require as much attention. Though spring and summer is a great time to be in the yard, it’s also a great time to be out and about. Because native plants thrive in local conditions, gardeners won’t need to spend much of their free time tending to them. Exotics tend to require a lot of extra attention and effort, especially when conditions become harsh. Spending more time outdoors in harsh weather does not appeal to most gardeners.

► Native plants blend in with an existing landscape. Native plants look natural within an existing landscape, adding some instant aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank. When planting exotics, homeowners may feel a need to redesign their entire gardens to create a certain look (think Japanese garden). That can quickly consume a budget and take up a lot of free time in both the short- and long-term.

Planting season marks a great time to revitalize a landscape. Choosing native plants when doing so pays numerous dividends for homeowners and the planet they call home.

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT

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Buying native plants can be beneficial.

How to create more privacy on your property

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An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind.

Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.

FENCING OR PLANTING?

Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves.

But planting has its benefits as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less

costly than fencing. The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose. Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations.

PLANTING

Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which

type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide year-round privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties. During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.

► Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day Foundation¨ notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree

reaches a mature height of 60-70 feet and can spread as wide as 25 feet. The Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.

► Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.

► Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.

Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.

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A combination of plants and fencing to create a more private property.

Let the outside in with all-season rooms

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Many homeowners express interest in creating fewer barriers between the interior and exterior of their homes. Some may have backyards built for entertaining and want to facilitate the transition between the inside of the residence and the outside when guests arrive. In other instances, homes may back to a nature preserve that homeowners want to enjoy more readily. Whatever the reason for bringing the outside in, all-season rooms can serve as a welcoming bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces.

WHAT IS AN ALL-SEASON ROOM?

Also known as a four-season room, all-season rooms are specially engineered spaces that provide a connection to the outdoors no matter the season. They are like sunrooms, but climate-controlled so that they will be comfortable throughout winter, spring, summer, and fall.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A THREE-SEASON ROOM AND AN ALL-SEASON ROOM?

The biggest difference between these two spaces is the level of usage and

the capacity of the room to be heated and cooled. Individuals who reside in climates with moderate year-round temperatures may get by with a threeseason room. However, those who experience all four seasons may need a more insulated space to make the room usable throughout the year.

FEATURES OF ALL-SEASON ROOMS

One of the more notable features of an all-season room is an abundance of windows, which allow plenty of natural light to shine in. All-season rooms also can feature creature comforts like a reading nook, outdoor kitchen spaces and televisions. Retractable screens can be installed when privacy or shade is desired.

MAINTAINING A COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE

All-season rooms can be built with adequate thermal insulation and energy-saving features. Insulation will be installed in the walls and roof, and homeowners may have a choice of window ratings for efficiency. Some all-season rooms are specially equipped with HVAC systems that may or may not be tied in to the home’s general

heating and cooling system. Some people use portable heaters or air conditioners to control the temperature in all-season rooms. It’s best to speak with an all-season room contractor to identify heating and cooling needs.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ALL-SEASON ROOM COST?

Prices vary by region and are contingent on the features homeowners desire. According to the outdoor resource Garden Center Care, a

three-season room can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 to build. A four-season room can cost $20,000 to $80,000 to add. If there is an existing three-season room, it may be more affordable to upgrade the space into an all-season room, but an architect and contractor should inspect the space to determine the scope of the project.

All-season rooms can be an ideal addition to a property, providing extra space for entertaining or lounging and a connection to the outdoors.

How to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable

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Private backyards are now go-to spaces for recreation and entertainment and great places to recharge the body and mind.

One ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was more time spent outdoors, even if it was predominantly on one’s own property. OnePoll, in conjunction with the lawn care company TruGreen, surveyed 2,000 American homeowners and found participants spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was three hours more than prior to the pandemic. In addition, respondents admitted that time spent outdoors was therapeutic.

A separate survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association found that people now spend more time relaxing, gardening, exercising, dining, and entertaining outside than in years past. Though COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, the desire to enjoy outdoor spaces has not waned.

While enjoying outdoor living areas, homeowners can do all they can to make these spaces comfortable and welcoming. The following are some good starting points.

GET ALL LIT UP

Outdoor spaces can be enjoyed no matter the hour when there is ample lighting. That could be why the International Casual Furnishings Association reports those who plan to renovate their outdoor spaces list outdoor lighting as a priority. Outdoor lighting not only sheds light on entertaining spaces, but also makes spaces safer and more secure.

INCREASE PRIVACY

No matter how friendly homeowners are with their neighbors, there comes a time when privacy is paramount.

Fencing, whether it is wood or vinyl, or even a natural fence made from closely planted hedges, can ensure residents feel comfortable venturing outdoors to swim, take a cat nap or even star gaze in private.

ADDRESS THE ELEMENTS

Homeowners should note the direction their backyard faces and the typical daily conditions of the space. For example, a yard that faces southwest may get plenty of strong sun during the day, requiring the addition of shade trees, covered patios or arbors to cut down on the glare and heat. If the yard is often

hit by winds, trees or bushes planted strategically as windbreaks can help.

SIT COMFORTABLY

High-quality comfortable seating increases the likelihood that homeowners will want to stay awhile in their outdoor spaces. A deep seating set complete with plush chairs, outdoor sofa or loveseat and chaise lounge chairs gives people more opportunity to sit and stay awhile.

TAKE A DIP

A pool can be the perfect gathering spot on a warm day, while a spa/hot tub can bridge the gap to cooler weather.

According to the Family Handyman, soaking in hot tubs can relax tired muscles after a long day, loosen up stiff joints, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

BITE BACK AT BUGS

Homeowners may want to consider using a professional exterminator to get rid of ticks, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects from outdoor spaces. As people spend more time enjoying their properties, they can consider the many ways to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable.

3 potentially low-maintenance trees to consider for your property

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Few things in nature are as breathtaking as a beautiful landscape. That beauty is perhaps one reason why many homeowners spend so much time and expend so much effort on their lawns and gardens. Though plenty of homeowners love spending time in the yard, others may not be so inclined. For the latter group, low-maintenance trees can be just what the doctor ordered. Low-maintenance trees can provide the beauty nature-loving homeowners desire without all the extra work of more needy plants. It’s always best to consult a local landscaping professional prior to planting to ensure a tree will thrive in a given climate. In preparation for that consultation, homeowners can study this list of three low-maintenance trees while recognizing that all trees may need a little extra TLC in extreme weather.

JACARANDA:

Instantly identifiable by its purple blooms, the jacaranda tree is native to South America, which makes it ideal in warm climates. The jacaranda tree is considered a shade tree and if or when it sheds its leaves, those leaves can typically be mowed, saving homeowners the work of raking them. However, the online home and garden resource The Spruce

notes that jacaranda trees can require substantial maintenance when planted near surfaces where people walk, such as driveways and patios. So when planting jacaranda trees, it’s ideal to do so in locations where falling leaves will land exclusively on grass.

AMERICAN ARBORVITAE:

The Arbor Day Foundation notes that the American arborvitae requires almost no care when it’s used as a hedge or a screen. That’s a popular use for this versatile specimen with a narrow, pyramid shape. Though it does not provide the bright blast of color offered by the jacaranda, the American arborvitae creates an elegant look that offers considerable privacy as well.

JAPANESE RED MAPLE:

The Home Depot notes that the Japanese red maple are very low-maintenance trees that can adapt to various soil types and grow in an assortment of light conditions. During dry periods, however, the ADF notes the importance of keeping soil consistently moist. Various types of soil can accommodate the Japanese red maple, so this is a consideration for any homeowner looking to add some color to their lawns without a lot of extra work.

When considering new trees for a property, homeowners can easily be persuaded by the beauty of the tree. Though that’s worthy of consideration, homeowners who want low-maintenance trees should speak to a gardening professional about the work required to maintain a tree’s beauty throughout the year, especially during periods of drought or other adverse conditions. In addition, ask the gardening pro to recommend non-invasive trees. Planting invasive trees can be harmful and cause damage to surrounding plants, which can be costly and time-consuming to address.

LAWN CARE TIPS

From Page 2

TIP #2: FOR A GREAT LAWN COME SPRING, OVERSEED IN THE FALL

With the hottest parts of summer behind us, the cool fall temperatures bring a relief from the heart – and present a great climate for plants to grow without moisture being vacuumed up by the heat. With that said, Hohn said that now is a great time to overseed, using a bit more than you’d normally use.

“Right now is a good time to overseed because it doesn’t get as hot during the day and it stays cooler at night. You want to get seeding going before winter sets in. That way you’ll have a better chance of your yard being full when springtime rolls around,” Hohn said.

TIP #3: NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO WEED — WEED KILLER IS YOUR FRIEND.

Hohn said that right now is a great time to keep up with weeding efforts, reminding that while its a year round fight to keep weeds at bay, right now

can be a good time to go inot winter with a weed-free yard.

“If you have weeds present in your yard, now is a good time to spray them and get them killed off,” Hohn said. “Going into winter you just want to try to have a weed free yard.”

Usually he does a couple rounds of spraying each year.

“I usually do weed killer in the spring, early summer, middle summer, and if needed then in the fall,” he said.

TIP #4: DON’T FORGET TO USE WINTERIZER

At the end of the fall, Hohn stressed that it’s very important to use winterizer, a type of fertilizer especially high in nitrogen and potassium, that helps to lock in nutrients over the long winter months. Used about a month or so after fall fertilizer, it can be a very important step in leading to a quick start to the spring, and can even help to keep the grass green over the long winter months.

“Right now the grass is storing up nutrients at the roots, which it helps with. That way when springtime rolls around, it’ll help it to green up quicker,” Hohn said.

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