How to truly make your patio an extension of your home (BPT) - If you’re like many homeowners, you consider the patio an extension of your home. So it’s fair to ask: Would you be just as comfortable nestled in with your favorite book or preparing a meal in your outdoor space as you would in your living room or your kitchen? As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor ar...
Holiday gifting guide for the bird enthusiast With the birding hobby’s growing audience of 60 million Americans and counting, you’re sure to have someone on your holiday list looking to attract more feathered friends to his or her yard. Online shopping has made checking people off your list easier than ever, and with flash deals and various holiday promotions ava...
Lawn mower care - it's time to winterize Winter is here in many parts of the country, and even if your region is still experiencing relatively warm temperatures, you know Old Man Winter is on his way. Your thoughts may already be on preparing the snow blower for a long, hard winter, but before you break out the ice melt, don't overlook the importance of winteri...
What you need to know about composite decking Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about the type of product you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.
Year-round backyard safety tips for families Your backyard is a space where you enjoy quality time with your family - from running around with your kids in the fall leaves to playing catch with your furry friend in the snow. It's a place to escape, but remember accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house, you need to ensure y...
Winterize your home in a weekend Preparing for Jack Frost's arrival can send a shiver down any homeowner's spine. A long to-do list for getting your home ready can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering where you'll find the time and resources. But, with some optimism, easy tips and access to a few rental tools, you can winterize your home in just one...
Why a little fall outdoor maintenance can go a long way After spending the summer enjoying the outdoors, it can be a little bittersweet to get the deck and yard ready for the cooler days ahead. The good news is getting outdoor areas ready for winter doesn't have to be a time-consuming process.
Got deer? Freeze them out this winter Deer are beautiful, graceful animals, we cannot deny it. But when it comes to where deer decide to dine, most of us just don't want them outside our windows foraging through our foliage. Their beauty and grace comes with the destruction - even devastation - of our well-cared-for and often expensive landscaped yards and g...
Birding - It's as close as your backyard Unlike most hobbies, backyard birding doesn't cost a lot, doesn't take tons of equipment, and doesn't require that you decipher complicated instructions just to get started. All you need is a backyard or a balcony.
Improving the health of your lawn Let's face it: When you live in the suburbs, a healthy, well-kept lawn is a must. Before anyone even steps into your house, it's your front lawn that makes the first impression of your home. So what's something that can help keep your lawn healthy? Many people seem to forget about aeration.
How to create the perfect outdoor space Comfortable spaces don't need to be constrained by four walls, and an outdoor entertaining area can quickly become the most important "room" of your home. You aren't alone if your porch or patio looks outdated and drab. Weather conditions can be tough on outdoor areas, but with a few simple updates, you can create a perf...
Why fall is the time to tackle invasive plant problems The crisp days of fall will soon be here, but a long dry summer has left many homeowners looking out on lawns and gardens overtaken with invasive weeds and vines. A yard full of these noxious plants is sure to make it difficult to enjoy the cooler outdoor temperatures.
