The ideal time to replace an out-of-order sump pump is prior to the next large storm and not after it. If your sump pump in the crawlspace or basement isn't turning on as the water level increases or if your sump pump is older than a decade, you shouldn't wait until it breaks down to replace it. Here is some information about what to look for when replacing your sump pump. Which Type Should You Choose? If your sump pump…

Your lawn is your pride and joy and the first impression people get of your home. Because of this, there is nothing worse than seeing brown spots forming in your yard, except not to understand what is causing it. While there is the possibility that your lawn has been scorched by the hot rays of the sun, if the spots are isolated and slimy, the root cause could be a fungal disease. So the question is, how do you get…

Your sprinkler system should be checked frequently to ensure it’s working properly. There are a number of simple checks you can conduct. They’ll confirm that the system isn’t leaking, that all the sprinkler heads are functioning correctly and that the timer is operating according to how you have it set. Check the Water Meter Look at the water meter gauge. There’s a smaller dial on the face, which is the leak indicator. If the arrow on the leak indicator is…

Do you ever stumble when you are coming up your walk at night? Or perhaps it is just hard to see. Avoid injuries and keep your garden paths and walkways safer after dark with these three ideas for better illumination. Direct the light towards the ground. Choose path lights for your walkways that direct the light towards the ground. This will not only provide better illumination for potential tripping hazards, but is less intrusive and will reduce the chance of…

Contrary to popular belief, pipes do not only burst in cold climates. They are actually at greater risk of bursting in warmer climates when homeowners fail to insulate them during a cold snap. Below are four steps you can take this winter to prevent costly water damage. Leave the Heat On Keeping your heat turned on while you’re away prevents your pipes from freezing and then bursting. While you don’t have to keep your thermostat at the same temperature, it…

A great spring lawn begins with a great winter. If you can keep your grass healthy during those cold months, you can expect a beautiful lawn when the weather gets warm. Here are a few tips to make sure that you get the best out of your lawn this spring. Get Rid of Debris Those broken branches, dead leaves, snow and other debris are getting in the way of your lawn's precious sunlight. Remove dead leaves and other debris to…

Are you looking for ways to improve your property? Landscape lighting improves both the look and safety of your landscape. Here are three ways to effectively illuminate your yard. 1. Directional Lighting Directional lighting can be used to direct attention to particularly attractive features of your yard. Often, this style of lighting is used beneath specimen trees or to highlight other design elements such as a rock wall or statuary. At night, the light is filtered upwards through the branches,…

Having good yard drainage ensures that your landscaping bounces right back after inclement weather. Here are three ways that you can achieve better yard drainage. Your Drainage Plan For more complex problems, you may need a property sketch that includes all of the features of your yard. After this, you can use a hand held sight level to find the low spots that are most susceptible to standing water. Making a Creek Bed If you invest in a creek bed.…

Outdoor drains – also known as yard drains or landscape drains – are usually present in properties with swimming pools, varying terrains, and extensive landscaping. The purpose of this drain is to divert water to the storm drain or down the street especially during a torrential downpour. Unfortunately, outdoor drains are susceptible to clogging from fallen leaves, trash, and debris. You can only detect this by inspecting the drainage and pipes on a routine basis. You can prevent clogging by…

One frustration that many gardeners face is insect invasions. Vegetables or flowers look good one day, and the next half of the leaves, blooms, or produce has been ravaged by evil little critters looking for a free meal. There are several ways to prevent insects from "bugging" you and your plants. Make certain the soil is healthy and right for the things you want to grow. If not, you can "strengthen" it up with additives that will help create strong…

Water pooling in your yard can cause your grass to become oversaturated and cause a lack of growth. Below are some common signs of a drainage problem. 1. Wet spots in your lawn or irregular lawn growth If you see wet spots in your lawn when it hasn't been raining, or when some of your lawn is greener and growing faster than the rest of your lawn, that area is probably receiving water which was not drained properly. 2. Water…

Although it is officially still the autumn season, it’s the perfect time to prepare your backyard or commercial pond to ensure it is ready to survive the long winter months ahead. Here’s how. Remove Your Pond Filter If your pond will not be running during the winter months and you use a pond filter, be sure to remove it while preparing your pond for winter. Leaving the filter elements in the pond while the water freezes increases the chances of…