Category: lawn and garden

Move over mosquitoes: Tick prevention grabs attention in fall and winter

(BPT) – Zika-carrying mosquitoes had their moment this year as the nation’s top headline-grabbing pests, but the arrival of cooler weather means the resurgence of another disease-carrying insect. Ticks transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, that affect people and pets. And while cold weather may kill off mosquitoes, ticks remain a year-round threat. The …

Old fuel can be hard on lawn mowers

(BPT) - Nothing says summer like neighborhoods coming alive with the sounds of lawn mowers and the smell of fresh-cut grass. But getting the lawn mower out of the shed and running properly can be a struggle early in the season. You turn the key and the...

Deer wars: coming soon to a suburb near you

(BPT) - When you think of deer, do you envision a shy doe hiding beneath forest foliage? Or perhaps you imagine a buck bounding through a field along a quiet country road. The reality of where deer like to live is much closer to home than you think. Hu...

5 tips to crown your lawn king of spring

(BPT) - Those winter chills are finally history and it’s time focus on outdoor fun again. Your lawn is the perfect spot for family gatherings, sports competitions, barbecues and relaxing afternoons, so why not make it the best it can be? Before y...

What’s in your pool water?

(BPT) - You hit the diving board, get some air and tuck up for the biggest cannonball of the season. It feels good to be back in the pool again. Or so you think. Because the truth is, if you knew what was in the pool water you were jumping into, maybe ...

5 home-improvement projects to help sell your home

(BPT) - The real estate market has improved across much of the country, but homeowners thinking about listing their homes this summer need to stay competitive to attract buyers. Buyers are looking for long-term homes, ones they want to stay in for year...

5 ways to redefine your outdoor space

(BPT) - Winter’s coldest days make you appreciate spring and summer, as well as the warm afternoons spent outdoors enjoying these seasons. And when the time comes, there’s no better place to relax than in your own backyard. If your space is...

Take the sweat out of your DIY projects this year

(BPT) - You've been dreaming about digging in your garden, changing your landscaping or improving your house all winter long. Finally the weather is nice, your yard is clear and dry, and it's time for you to get your hands dirty.  With the right t...

Give your landscaping a no-maintenance makeover

(BPT) - Low- and no-maintenance features top the list when making over outdoor living spaces because less time maintaining means more time enjoying.Low-maintenance landscaping outranks native plantings, water features and food/vegetable gardens accordi...

Creating an inviting, low maintenance porch

(BPT) - Your porch should be a warm, welcoming outdoor living space that offers comfort and helps make a house a home. Whether you want to remodel your porch from the ground up, or just give it a refreshing new look and feel, it's easier than you think...

Building memories around a fire pit

(BPT) - Whether you’re spending quality time with family or entertaining guests, few things compare to the cozy, warm and welcoming atmosphere created by a fire pit in the backyard. In fact, fire pits are among the most popular features for enhan...