Keeping your yard beautifully landscaped is the perfect way to not only make your home look beautiful but also to give you some much-needed privacy. Adding just the right bushes, trees, and plants can make a home unique and be an appealing target for animals like deer to grab a quick meal. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you will want to search for deer-resistant plants to keep your landscaping and yard looking fantastic, even with deer roaming the area.

There are very few things more relaxing than lounging in your own private hot tub, whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening or soothing your aching muscles. Despite the host of benefits that come with owning a hot tub, the perceived costs often prevent many homeowners from buying one in the first place. If you’re considering installing a hot tub in your outdoor space, you’re likely asking yourself: Are hot tubs expensive to run?

When you first become a pool owner, the first thing that becomes apparent is that you are going to need a lesson in chemistry. There are so many chemicals that you are going to have to get acquainted with. You might already know that you’re going to need some form of chlorine, but did you ever wonder why people are talking about bleach? Is that even meant for pools?

When you pull out the pressure washer and find out the hose is not long enough, there are different options. There are also warnings for some things that you should not do if you find yourself in this situation. You should first know the size of your hose in length and diameter.

Intex pools are one of the most affordable types of pools on the market. They’re above-ground pools that are durable and at the same time,  relatively easy to maintain. However, they tend to have one major snag. Sometimes, they end up being uneven. When this happens, you need to know what to do…and if you’re at risk of something worse.

Being a homeowner means you not only have to care for the house’s interior, but you must also give some attention to your curb appeal! Who doesn’t want to come home to a lush, green lawn?

Native to the rocky hills of China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, the Chinese pistache tree is known for its signature umbrella shape and its brilliant fiery leaves in the fall. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance tree with ornamental properties for your xeriscape back, front, or side yard, the Chinese pistache tree will check all the boxes. 

Flooding is likely to affect different parts of your yard in varying ways based on the elevation (or lack thereof) of the yard. If you live on a slope, then you will likely experience a lot of runoff. This can cause a loss of soil and nutrients, but it won’t cause the waterlogging you would experience if you live in a low-lying area or a flood zone.

Outdoor curtains have become an increasingly popular choice for outdoor seating areas. Whether you are looking to  relax on a patio, a deck, or in a pergola, curtains provide shade and privacy. They come in all forms, from sheer to printed to fully light-blocking.

One of life’s greatest enjoyments is sitting back and relaxing in your own backyard oasis, sipping your favorite beverage. Maintaining that tranquillity means occasionally breaking out the gardening shears and that noisy lawnmower, but machines break down over time.  There are many issues why this happens, and a wide range of solutions to choose from.

People use garages for a variety of purposes, including protecting vehicles, storing household items, serving as an extra room, and more. Whatever the case, it’s important to know how to safely operate your garage door, so no one in your family gets hurt. This includes knowing what to do when a spring breaks and if you can still use the door during that time.

A mushroom growing through your pavement is an odd sight. At first, you might be impressed – how did a squishy little mushroom lift the pavement? However, then you realize these little fungi are destroying your driveway and, as phenomenal as it is, you must fix the problem. 

When it comes to purchasing a new snow blower, you’ll find that there are plenty of options available to choose from. For this reason, it can be a challenge to narrow down the choices and pick just one. For starters, you have to make the choice between a snow blower that has tracks and one that has wheels.

Pool filters serve a single purpose: get rid of impurities in the pool. Plain and simple, right? Well, sometimes what they are supposed to do isn’t the thing that they are doing. If you recently noticed your pool filter burping out sand, it’s clear something isn’t right. It’s not supposed to do that! But, why is it blowing out sand like it’s going out of style?

Your garden will never be able to thrive if bugs continually eat your plants. Pests can also make it difficult to enjoy time outside and perform yard work. So, what are the best plants to keep bugs away?

I’ll be honest. There are so many different terms that you can learn when it comes to pool talk, it kind of shocks me. (See what I did there?) When I first heard about swim spas, I assumed that they were the same things as pools. Believe it or not, they aren’t. Swim spas and pools are different, and if you’re looking into getting one, it’s good to know what you should expect.

Craftsman leaf blowers are great during the fall season, especially if you live in a very foresty area. If you have a Craftsman gas blower, you can expect it to be reliable. That’s why people tend to be pretty shocked when their blower suddenly won’t start. Worried that you will need to replace it? Don’t be. There are quite a few simple fixes for this surprisingly common problem.

It’s no secret that butterflies are highly beneficial to any garden. They can help contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem, and they are great to look at. Luckily, there are many easy ways to attract butterflies to your garden.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that over 500,000 people receive treatment for ladder-related injuries per year. 97% of these injuries occur at a private residence and around 300 of them are fatal.

Having an outdoor gathering is commonplace in the spring and summer. After all, there is nothing quite like enjoying food, friends, and family with the sun shining overhead. Even if there is no rain in the forecast, it still helps to have some kind of overhead covering.

One thing no one ever tells you is that mowing the lawn has a learning curve. It’s not only learning about how to add fuel to your mower or how to turn. It’s also a matter of learning how to adjust your deck wheels and how to tell if you’re mowing properly.

Imagine the following moment: you’re in your pool, enjoying the jets. Then, the jets stop working and your pool lights shut off. Your breaker has tripped. You run over, untrip the breaker switch, and get back in. Within a matter of minutes, you can’t enjoy your pool anymore. The breaker tripped again. Your GFCI breaker is supposed to protect your system. So, what’s going on?

If you love gardening but live somewhere with cold temperatures for most of the year, you have learned over time that your options are limited. Many flowers, shrubs, and fruit trees that thrive in many climates simply don’t survive in some places with short growing seasons. The same is true for vegetables. But if you live somewhere with a short growing season, you will be happy to learn there are several vegetables that you can still harvest successfully.

How great is it to step outside and pluck a lemon from your tree to garnish a drink or make fresh-squeezed lemonade? Fresh fruit trees are a great addition to your yard space and garden. But if your lemon tree leaves are turning yellow, you might be worried that your homemade lemonade days are numbered.

A home isn’t a home without a foundation that can support it safely and without incident. However, factors such as cracks, heat, moisture, and roots can weaken your foundation to where it isn’t safe. The only option is to install a root barrier to make it safe, but what should you expect to pay for installation?

It can take years and even decades to build a sizable tool collection that you are proud of. There are just so many essential tools, it can take years to save up for them all. Power tools, in particular, are quite expensive, but necessary for anyone who wants to do lots of DIY projects. But once you finally do have a full tool collection and lots of power tools, you might find that organizing and storing your power tools is a whole new challenge you need to overcome.

You can tell your compost is ready when it shrinks and becomes brittle. However, parts of the compost pile may not be done, such as sticks. That said, you can tell the majority of your compost is finished when it’s brittle and smells quite earthy.

One thing that is on the want list for almost any gardener or plant enthusiast is a greenhouse. Among the popular styles of home and backyard greenhouses is the gothic arch design. Many gardeners considering their first greenhouse wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of building or buying a gothic arc greenhouse.

The garage door opener keypad is one of the most underappreciated devices we use regularly. That’s mainly because we only realize how important it is when it starts to malfunction. Getting out of the car to open up the garage door is an inconvenience for many of us. Thankfully, you won’t have to go through any kind of complicated process to get your garage door opener keypad working again.

A juicy ripe tomato in your garden is a sign of a job well done. You have likely waited very patiently for months for your tomatoes to ripen in order to feast on them. This makes it all the more tragic when you go to your garden to pick tomatoes only to see that birds have savagely feasted on your pride and joy. In order to avoid this heartbreak, you will want to know all the ways to keep birds from eating tomatoes in your garden.

Whether you like bugs or not, some of them are good for your garden. The average homeowner doesn’t like having to navigate a sea of insects and arachnids while doing yard work. However, it’s unavoidable, and many of them are more beneficial than you may think. So, what bugs are good for your garden?

Between their appearance and dietary habits, carnivorous plants are endlessly fascinating. Mostly known as vicious bug predators in tropical areas, carnivorous plants have proven they can grow in many environments, inside or outside. So, what are the best carnivorous plants for indoors?

Nowadays, outdoor furniture and cushions are a staple since many people love to entertain outside. Of course, rain is a natural occurrence, and many leave cushions outside year-round. They don’t think twice about them when it rains, but can outdoor cushions get wet?

If you have a pool, you’re no stranger to the work that goes behind maintaining it year after year. One of the most important parts that keeps your pool running in top shape is your pool filter. There are a handful of different filter types from which you can choose depending on your personal preferences. If you are planning to use a sand filter for your above ground pool, it’s important to choose the right size.

Along with improving security, wood fences can enhance the beauty and value of your property. Just like any other project, it’s important that you have all the necessary tools to get the job done. When you’re building a new wooden fence, the fasteners that you use are vital to both the style and long-term performance. This begs the question: what size wood fence screws should you use?

The color of your pool water can tell a lot about your pool’s health. That’s why we all naturally gravitate towards pools that have rich blues, crystal clear hues, and maybe a little turquoise in them. One color no one wants to see in a pool is brown. That’s a major ick right there, and it’s enough to have people run in the opposite direction. So, what is brown pool water doing in your pool?

With the right layout and design, your backyard can be a personal oasis, entertainment space, or extension of your living area. A popular addition to the landscape is a gazebo, whether for a dining or seating area or a secret getaway. But where should you put a gazebo in your backyard?

The sight of weeds is enough to ruin the perfect picture of your beautiful yard and garden. By summer, weeds are in full force, so it’s important to treat the root (literally) of the problem throughout the spring. Many homeowners understandably struggle with how to prevent weeds in the spring.

Composite decking is sought these days for a variety of reasons. Many homeowners like how it looks, others like the feel, and everyone agrees that it’s easy to maintain. But what if you already have a wood deck, you want a composite deck, but you don’t have the money or time to tear down the deck you have in order to set up a new one?

The pieces of wood leftover after you finished working on your latest project can still be put to good use. Leftover planks or sheets of wood can be set aside and utilized easily. Even irregular pieces of wood can still be used.

If you’re planning to update your patio, walkway, or driveway using natural stone, you have a number of options to choose from. Aside from choosing the size and color of the materials, you must also decide between tumbled pavers and non-tumbled pavers. Nowadays, many homeowners desire a more rustic, time-worn look out of their hardscape.

You can make functional patio pieces from several types of wood. But many homeowners appreciate the beauty of mahogany. So, is mahogany good for outdoor furniture, or should you choose something else? Here are your answers.

Whether you’re growing palm trees in your yard or a small palm plant inside your home, you likely selected them to enjoy their magnificent, lush green fronds. When palm trees flourish they are reminiscent of paradise and island getaways but have you noticed the leaves of your palm tree turning yellow?

Ticks are easily the scariest arachnids besides spiders, and they can be quite harmful to humans and animals alike. The sight of a tick on your body is enough to make you think twice about going outside during spring and summer. Most homeowners would do anything to keep ticks off their property. So, does mowing the lawn kill ticks?

Edging out a flower bed used to mean digging the outline with a garden spade. Fortunately, this task is much less tedious and significantly more accurate with the emergence of power edgers.

Briggs & Stratton is a gasoline engine manufacturer specializing in small engines, pressure washers, generators, and water pumps. Per industry standard, their engine specifications denote engine capacity with a “cc” (cubic centimeter) rating. This cc measurement – commonly referred to as engine displacement – indicates the cylinder capacity and volume displaced by a single revolution of an engine. In contrast, horsepower relates to a less precise measurement of general power output.

We all have thoughts of spending a lazy summer afternoon sitting in the shade in our yard. There is nothing more enjoyable than a late afternoon summer nap outdoors. Unfortunately, many of us don’t enjoy a large enough yard or patios to enjoy a hammock successfully. Most patio furniture is not meant for summer naps. However, you can have a comfortable place to snooze if a patio swing that converts to a bed is in your future.

Choosing between sod and grasses is not only aesthetic but also often about function and climate. One grass may be better looking while another may be better suited for the environment that you live in. Two common tropical types of grass are Bermuda and Zoysia, but what’s the difference between them, and which is better?

A sprinkler system can bring up the value of your home, but more importantly, a sprinkler system makes your life easier! Since professionally installed sprinkler systems can get costly, many have turned to DIY installation kits. But before you start digging, first find out how many sprinkler heads you can use per zone. And it doesn’t hurt to understand precisely how a sprinkler system works. 

There’s no denying that energy costs are out of control, getting higher and higher year after year. Utility costs tend to rise right along with the rising outdoor temperatures. Therefore, it’s not surprising that people want to reduce the heat entering their homes so that they can lower their bills. A popular method is planting trees to save on air conditioning. But this only works if you know where to plant them.

Known for its signature star shape, Nelly Moser Clematis is a favorite of gardeners everywhere. This pink floral vine is easy to grow and adapts easily to its environment. Because of this, Nelly Moser Clematis’s growth can get out of hand if not tended to properly, so it’s important to know how to prune a Nelly Moser Clematis.

Ground wires can be tricky. And they’re dangerous if they overheat. So, why do ground wires get hot on an electric fence? Better yet, is there anything you can do about it? Here’s what you need to know.

Fences are an integral part of any home. They offer protection and privacy, but many people don’t know much about how long it takes to install one.

After you’ve bought a brand-new hot tub for your backyard space, your next most important decision is to decide where you’re going to put it. Not only must the location be sturdy enough to support the hot tub, but you also want to ensure that it looks appealing and complements your landscaping to create a tranquil, outdoor sanctuary.

Troy Bilt are well known for their highly durable professional riding mowers. One of the most popular of these has been the Bronco. But even the most expertly designed components need replacing at times.

Building an outdoor shed can be an exciting weekend project. Maybe you’re expanding your storage space, or even creating a man cave or a tiny home. In any case, a safe and long-lasting shed requires a solid foundation. But what if your shed site has uneven ground?

Deer are often thought of as beautiful and majestic creatures. They are non-threatening in most cases and often pass through our yards. Many homeowners have asked themselves the question: what can I feed deer in my backyard?

Your pool is going to be a unique construction that will most likely require a liner. That liner is supposed to stay flush with the walls of your pool. That’s the only way to ensure that your liner protects your pool and keeps water in. So when you see your pool liner pulling away from the corners, it can be very hard to feel safe swimming. You need to get that pool liner back on its track.

There are few ways more fun to beat the summer heat than to jump into your swimming pool. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, then you know how much fun they can be. However, you also know how much work they can be, especially with dirty water. One of the best ways to take your water from dirty to clean is to add a pool clarifier.

Although a lawnmower is a crucial machine for lawn care and maintenance, many owners don’t take care of their mowers as well as they should. Over time, dirt, debris, and grass can get kicked into the motor, affecting various internal components. One of the most critical pieces is the carburetor (aka carb), which helps make the motor work. You should clean your carb at least once per season to keep it in good condition.