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THE HOUSE-FRIENDLY YARD AND GARDEN
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During the spring and summer
months, many homeowners get their garden and yard work into full swing. This
month, Pillar To Post takes a look at several steps that homeowners can take
to make their outdoor spaces and their home live compatibly. |
KEEP WATER AWAY FROM THE HOUSE
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Be sure that the ground slopes
away from the house all the way around the perimeter. This ensures that any
moisture from rain, snowmelt, and sprinkler systems will be directed away
from the foundation. The base of shrubs and other
plantings should be kept at least 2’ away from the foundation to avoid
potential problems with roots and drainage. In addition, window wells should
be kept free of debris and lined with gravel to help water drain out of the
well and into the ground. Do not leave sprinklers on for
too long. Excessive water will not do plants and lawns any good, and may
cause problems if there are drainage issues in certain areas. |
THE RIGHT PLANT IN THE
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When a tree is growing very
close to the structure, there can be potentially serious problems if the tree
grows too tall or too wide for the space. Damage to eaves and roofs can be
caused by overgrowth, and there is even a danger of branches or an entire
tree falling onto the home. Existing trees should be professionally pruned to
lessen the potential for hazard. When planting new trees, homeowners should
research potential “candidates” to find how large the tree will eventually
grow and what the root pattern spread will be, then make decisions
accordingly. Homeowners should also consider
grouping plants that have similar water requirements to avoid over-watering
plants that don’t need as much. Not only will plants do better, but water
bills will be lower over time as well. |
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS FOR MAINTENANCE EASE
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Some plants end up requiring
more maintenance than a homeowner expects. When selecting new planting
material, homeowners should seek advice from qualified personnel at a local
nursery who will know what plants will do well in their area, as well as
their growth habits and maintenance requirements. Lawns should not be mowed too
short or too frequently. Allowing the blades of grass to shade one another
helps with water retention and allows grass to grow in more fully. Many newer
turf grasses require less mowing than older varieties, and should be
considered for new lawn installations. Homeowners can find out more at their
local agricultural or extension office. These are just some of the ways
homeowners can increase the enjoyment of their outdoor spaces while ensuring
that home and yard are in good shape. |
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Rocky Banks
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