If you surf the web for lawn-mowing advice, you’ve probably seen this: Make your last mow of the season low — cut your grass lower than normal before putting your mower away for the winter. Hold on, experts say. Setting mowing height too low could easily damage your lawn. And […]
They leave shiny trails of slime on your sidewalk and across mulched beds. They hang out in your potted plants and under broad-leafed hostas. You might wonder if there is a fast way to slow the march of the garden snail on your property. Snails are one of the slowest […]
When the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library needed to clear weeds and brush from a hillside, passers-by didn’t hear the sound of lawn mowers or weed whackers. And when the Simi Valley wildfires threatened the area with destruction in October 2019, the buildings and grounds went untouched. A herd of goats helped […]
That massive oak tree is breathtaking, but the overhanging branches are damaging the shingles on your roof. You want to trim the offending tree branches, but the tree sits on the property line between your place and your neighbor’s. Are you breaking the law by breaking the branches? “Trees on […]
When you have a question about landscaping in your geographical area, you might consult the Farmer’s Almanac for planting charts or frost dates, or look at the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map for plant hardiness. But there is another chart that could help you with your landscape decisions — the Köppen climate classification system. […]
There’s something welcoming about the mature canopy of a tree in the front yard. It greets you and your guests, guides you to the front door, and provides shade and comfort during the warm months. And planting trees serves a larger purpose: One full-grown tree absorbs as much as 48 […]
You decided to save some money and opted for an above-ground pool instead of a built-in. And the kids had just as much fun swimming in it. But now that you look at it, the above-ground pool looks a bit sad, a big steel pail of fading summer memories. “Water […]
“Deep in my heart is a song Here on the range I belong Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds” They are an iconic part of old Western movies, and they are the focus of songs such as “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” by Sons of the Pioneers, the group that launched the career of Roy […]
When the trees turn into a blaze of color, something comes out of hiding. It has hibernated behind your lawn mower for the last three seasons, but now it’s hungry to take action and help you winterize your lawn. It’s your leaf rake. But do you really need to rake […]
They love your yard. They are lounging on the freshly cut grass, digging in your flower beds (and leaving gifts for you in the dirt), and they are stalking the areas around the bird feeders. Outdoor cats can take over your lawn space. “Cats may be attracted to a particular […]