How to Control and Prevent Crabgrass in Your Yard

Crabgrass gets its name because it grows out of a singular root and the blades look like a crab's legs. The problem with crabgrass is that it is pervasive and tenacious and getting rid of it takes careful patience - it may take weeks or months. Also, it is important to prevent crabgrass from spreading - it is a prolific weed-like grass that can spread like wildfire and germinate across your entire lawn. It can also suck the life out of other plants and grass, leaving your back or front yard looking less than healthy. Here is how to control and prevent crabgrass in your yard.

 

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First and foremost, you want to practice watering your lawn accordingly. Crabgrass grows near the surface of the soil - whereas the healthy grass grows low. So, you want to water deeply - meaning that you want to set a timer and let the water soak. You want to do this once a week. If you water every day and lightly, the crabgrass will have a much better chance of surviving and thriving, so through your watering practices, you want to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Also, you want to mow your lawn regularly. According to the type of grass you have, you want to mow at exactly the right height and you want to mow often. Because crabgrass grows at the surface, cutting down its blades can cut down its water reserves, which can end up causing the plant to shrivel up and die. This is what you want to have happen to all the crabgrass on your lawn. So, be sure to find out what type of grass you have - then you want to mow on a weekly basis.

Next, you want to be sure to fertilize regularly. Fertilizing your lawn will give your healthy grass more strength. The reason why crabgrass can be so tenacious is because it sucks the power out of the healthy grass. So, if you make your grass even healthier and plentiful, you will effectively make the crabgrass the weaker link. When it comes to using fertilizer, you want to make sure that you visit a nursery to find the best brand - with the most nutrients. When it comes to fighting off crabgrass, giving your grass the nutrients it needs to survive is incredibly important.

Lastly, you may want to hire a specialized landscaper to design your back or front yard. A professional landscape company, like A-Affordable Lawn and Tree, will be able to find and help grow some of the hardiest plants. This is especially important if you live in a region where crabgrass grows more prolifically. In some warmer and dryer climates, crabgrass can be a serious issue, so a landscaping company may plant lots of succulents and native plants to take away the nutrients from the crabgrass. In the end, crabgrass is not attractive and it can make your lawn look less than presentable, so you want to work on finding an efficient solution to control and prevent it.

5 Small Studio Apartment Space-Saving Decorating Tips

The great thing about renting a studio apartment is that you can have your own place even if you're on a pretty tight budget. The downside, of course, is that you're likely working with extremely limited square footage, which can make decorating a functional nightmare. But if you're willing to face your challenge with practicality and a dose of imagination, you should be able to find ways to save space and still create the comfortable and functional residence you crave. Here are some options to consider.

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 1. Modular furniture. If you're living in tight quarters, you really have to forego the dream of large, overstuffed furnishings and opt instead for items that take up less space. Modular furniture is a good option because it is designed to be scalable. This means you can start small and add on as needed to complete your space. Plus, you can find great options on the cheap at stores like IKEA. So if you upgrade down the road, it's not like you've blown a ton of dough.

2.   Double-duty pieces. You could opt for cool furnishings like a cabinet with a hideaway bed that doubles as a desk when closed thanks to a hinged writing surface. Or you could get a bed frame that features drawers for storage underneath, alleviating the need for a bureau. And of course, many tables and ottomans offer the extra utility of storage in addition to their intended purpose.

3.   Overhead space. People often get so caught up in filling their floor space with storage furniture that they forget about the usable space overhead. A small bookshelf that runs floor to ceiling could be a lot more useful (and take up significantly less square footage) than one that is wide and deep but only a few feet high. You can also add shelves and pretty bins to any room for extra storage. And you might even use a bed that hangs from the ceiling. You can lower it to sleep and suspend it overhead when not in use. A simpler solution, of course, is a bunk bed with no bottom bunk.

4.   Creative storage solutions. A major problem for most anyone in a studio apartment is where to put their stuff. There aren't likely to be a lot of closets, so you're going to have to improvise. For example, instead of putting up a curtain or a wall to hide your "bedroom", use the back of a bookshelf as a headboard that hides your bed, provides storage on the other side (for media, linens, or dishes) and leaves the overhead space clear so light can pass through. And instead of putting towels in drawers or on shelves, add rows of hooks or racks in the bathroom to hang them.

5.  Visual trickery. Technically, this tactic for decorating your apartment won't actually save space, but it will give you the illusion of more space when you don't have a lot to work with. You might put up a piece of translucent glass for privacy that doesn't deter the natural light. Get chairs that have open backs and open space underneath. Go for tables made of see-through Plexiglas. Add large mirrors to bounce light and give the illusion of greater depth. You won't find many studio apartments forrent that give you all the space you need, so you have to do everything in your power to maximize. And using visual trickery to make your space seem bigger is a good way to make the most of your limited square footage.

5 Important Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Home AC System

You can't use the same AC unit forever - eventually it will break down and you will need to purchase a new system. It isn't so much an issue of obsolescence - new technologies emerge and make HVAC systems better. So, if your old system is reaching the end of its life, it may be a blessing in disguise - you may be able to install an HVAC system that is far better than the system you have now. But before you replace your AC, you want to ask yourself a number of questions to know if you are really ready to update your air conditioning system. Here are five important questions to ask before replacing your home AC system.

1.   Why do I need to replace my AC unit? Most of the time, you want to replace your air conditioner if it gets to be a certain age - past the ten-year mark and you are probably better off investing in a new unit. Also, your AC may be making some noises that connote the end may be near. It is important to know some of the common AC noises and what the cause may be. For instance, if your AC is making a continual shredding sound, it means your motor is about to burn out - you may as well replace the whole unit.

2.   Can you keep the ductwork? In some cases, you may not need to replace the entire AC unit - you may be able to keep the ductwork. In most cases, your AC system will be attached to a complicated link of ducts that travel inside the walls of your home. Removing the ductwork is often a challenge, so it may be smarter to just leave it.

3.   Is the HVAC contractor qualified? Before the actual install of the unit, you want to make sure that you hire a specialized HVAC specialist to complete the job. When it comes down to it, installing an AC system is a tricky job - you don't want to hire someone that isn't qualified or that doesn't have his or her license. These are standard procedures before you get to the actual install of the unit.

4.   Should I go with a system that is similar to my old system? In most cases, you want to go with a system that is similar to your previous system, because there is a good chance that your home was built around that particular system. If you go with a new system, you may have to pay a lot of money in installation costs. For instance, if you go for a geothermal system or a solar system, you may have a large install bill.

5.   Can I get an energy efficient air conditioning system? When it comes to down to it, air conditioners are not that eco-friendly, but if you focus your search efforts, you will be able to find a replacement air conditioner that has been tested for energy efficiency. You may also be able to find a system that uses a more eco-conscience fuel source. In the end, reducing your impact is also contingent on how often you blast the air conditioner.

Perth Experts Share Tips on How to Select the Right Mulch for Your Landscape

No mulch is perfect. However, understanding the attributes of various materials can greatly help you choose the best mulch for your landscape.

Important Considerations When Choosing the Best Mulch

Summer or Winter Mulch?

Summer Mulches – These are also known as growing mulches. They are normally applied after the soil began to ward in the spring. Some of their primary roles include warming the soil, retaining soil moisture, and reducing the growth of weeds.

Winter Mulches – They are used primarily as insulation for woody plants. They must be laid down in late fall to keep the soil evenly cool through the entire winter season. Some of the effective winter mulches include shredded leaves, pine needles and straw.

Where to Place The Mulch

1. For vegetable gardens or small fruit plantings, it is best to use black plastic and straw. 
2. For shrub beds or perhaps around trees, wood chips, pine needles and barks are considered the best-suited mulches. 
3. For rock gardens, use fine gravel or crushed stone mulches. 
4. For perennial or annual beds, consider using wood shavings, cocoa shells, and barks.

Characteristics Of An Excellent Mulch 

1. Readily accessible 
2.  Can be easily applied and removed 
3.  Cost-efficient 
4.  Gives organic matter to the soil 
5. It is free of toxic weeds, diseases, and insects.

Uses Of A Mulch

    Reduces soil erosion - If water droplets will land on bare soil, the soil particles usually fly in all directions which then can result to crusting and slow water infiltration. Mulches will actually break the impact of water droplets, thereby reducing soil erosion and crusting, as well as enhancing the penetration of water into the soil.

   Improves soil structure – As organic mulches decompose, they will provide organic matter that will prompt soil particles to aggregate. Large aggregates will actually boost aeration as well as enhance moisture condition in the soil. In turn, these conditions will encourage additional root development as well as biological activity – and this will indeed further enhance soil structure.

     How To Manage Mulches In Your Landscape 

 

1.  Prior to covering the area with mulch, you have to bring the site to its desired grade. Also, it is indeed a smart idea for you to treat the area with a pre-emergent herbicide before mulching. 
2.  Organic mulch must thoroughly cover the area to a uniform depth for it to become very effective. Be reminded that bare spots are very much prone to weed problems. Moreover, uneven mulch will not properly insulate the soil.

When it comes to mulching, there are indeed a lot of important things to consider for you to make the most out of your mulch.

About the author: Kenneth Lawrence is a homeowner and a writer. He usually spends his free time learning more about home improvement tips. He continually visits sites like http://www.mulchperth.com.au and reads books in order to increase his know-how about this industry. He shares what he learned through writing.