As fun as the holiday season can be, no one likes slipping and falling on icy and snowy driveways. It is important to shovel snow before it freezes and turns into ice. However, during heavy snowstorms, it can be tough to keep up with the snowfall before it turns into dangerous ice. Learning some safe ways to salt your driveway can help you avoid dangerous ice build up which could lead to personal injury and vehicles getting stuck.

Remove the top layer of snow before salting driveways
It will be easier for you to make the most out of your driveway salt when you remove the top layer of snow before applying it. When snow has just fallen, it usually has a soft powder-like consistency that is easy to remove. You won’t have to waste your salt melting snow that can easily be shoveled away.

Put down salt before expected snowfall
When it starts to get cloudy and weather reports say snow is coming, you should start salting your driveways. This is a great preemptive way to keep snow from turning into dangerous ice. This will also allow you to salt your driveway without the danger of slipping and falling on a slick surface.

Wear the proper clothing
No one likes being cold and wet while they are trying to clear their driveway. This is why it is important to wear warm snow boots and gloves while you are deicing your driveway. When you are handling rocksalt and you come in contact with ice, you could give yourself a chemical burn. The tread on your snow boots can also help save you from possible slips on the ice. The thick soles of a snow boot will also keep your socks warm and dry.

Apply the salt evenly
Using a sifter can be a great way to apply salt evenly on your driveway. A little bit of salt can really go a long way. You should focus on spreading an even amount of salt over your whole driveway. This will make your salt last longer and also prevent you from missing areas and wasting salt in certain places.

Use alternatives like kitty litter
Because rock salt is used so frequently during the colder months, you may have an emergency where you need to use an alternative. Kitty litter is a great alternative that comes in a gritty form and acts similarly to rock salt. Also, if you have animals who live with you, rock salt could burn their feet. Using kitty litter can help prevent chemical burns on animals. Kitty litter is also a great way to stop tires from spinning on ice.

No one likes an icy driveway in the cold winter months. However, without the proper use of driveway salt, an icy driveway is inevitable. You need to utilize safe ways of deicing your driveway to ensure a safer holiday season this year. Make sure you are wearing the proper gear and using safety precautions when salting your driveway this winter.

Preparing for winter is not only necessary inside of the home, but outside in the yard. Prepping your yard for the upcoming winter season does not have to feel complicated or stressful when doing so ahead of time. With the right winter preparations, enjoy the brisk cool air and the first snowfall without feeling overwhelmed.

Mow and Rake
Mow your lawn frequently even as the fall months approach and begin to turn the leaves. Mowing more often helps leaves to disintegrate while providing more sun exposure to your lawn. Rake your leaves once or twice each week rather than waiting for all of the leaves from your trees to fall. Set your mower’s blade extremely low to the ground to maximize the amount of exposure your lawn receives. Raking frequently keeps the leaves from becoming muddy and moist, allowing for easier pickup and less mess.

Fertilize
Fertilize your lawn during fall months to promote a healthier lawn once the winter has passed. Fertilizing your lawn during later fall months ensures brown spots and areas where the grass is no longer growing are replenished once the spring begins to arrive. Whenever possible, fertilize your yard just after summer has passed and before you begin seeing leaves falling in bunches. When leaves are covering your lawn it becomes increasingly difficult to properly view and fertilize all of the areas that require attention.

Aerate
Aerating your yard is essential if you have multiple trees, bushes, and areas where plants grow during the spring and summertime. Use mulch to surround your bushes and the trees in your yard to prevent the buildup of bark and large sticks, which may stunt the growth and flourishing of your garden and surroundings once the winter breaks.

Treat Weeds
Treat the weeded areas in your yard towards the end of fall and just before the first frost if possible. Use herbicides that are pet-friendly and non-toxic whenever possible if children and animals still spend time outdoors. Pull weeds surrounding your garden or fencelines to help minimize them after winter has passed. Treating weeds in the fall months prevents them from popping back up and creating eyesores once the warmer weather returns.

Get Organized
Organize your outdoor shed or garage and pack summer and outdoor tools away for the upcoming winter. Place winter items and tools such as shovels, salt, ice picks, and snowblowers towards the front of your storage area for easy accessibility. Remove summer decor and furniture as soon as the fall months become cold where you live to minimize moisture buildup and to prevent mold growth from damaging or ruining your belongings. Only utilize lightweight waterproof furniture and decor if you live in an area that receives heavy snowstorms and massive rainfall throughout the fall and winter months.

Prepping your yard for the winter months is a way to preserve its health for spring and summer once the snow and rain have passed. With enough preparation, relax and find joy in the beauty of your surroundings year-round.

When compared to the spring season, fall can prove to be a better time to plant. To have a smooth season, however, it means that you have to get ready for the season in advance.

Having a less busy fall season means that your preseason has to be activity packed getting your garden ready to ensure that you have reaped a satisfactory harvest at the end of it.

In getting garden ready, it is important however to note that times for fall planting will differ with regions. It is important to be not only knowledgeable of the fall signs but also familiar with the symptoms that are most concurrent in your specific area.

Fall Signs

• I. The soil will start to freeze
• II. The appearance of the first frost
• III. The rains of the fall will begin.

How to prepare for the fall season

1. Spring bulbs should be planted in preparation for the cooler temperatures.

They may include daffodils and tulips. It is important to mark where they have been planted to prevent digging them up later which will cause wastage.

2. Perennial plants at this time of the year tend to turn brown or yellow in the color of the leaves.

These plants should be pruned to give way to the growth of newer and greener leaves after the season.

3. Diseased plants’ foliage can harbor diseases and outbreaks.

Diseased plants should not be left as compost or just lying around as they will prevent the growing plants from being at full health thus also affects their productivity.

4. Fallen tree leaves should be raked up and stored as compost.

This, however, does not apply to all the leaves. The fresher leaves should be left to first compost and not raked into the garden.

This is because they will facilitate smothering among the young plants. Walnut tree leaves are another exception. Their leaves can neither be collected into the garden nor mixed with the compost.

These are because they possess a chemical that can hinder the growth of plants or even end up killing them.

5. Plants that are young or that have been planted recently should be staked.

Fall can tag along wet snow that is heavy and strong blustery winds. If these new plants are staked, they will be held intact preventing them from damage.

6. Ensure that your garden bed is mulched.

This will help retain the moisture of the earth and protect your plants from the varying temperatures.

Moreover, fall season poses an ideal time to spread compost especially on vegetable gardens with this compost being dug into the soil later during spring. This will give it ample time to integrate with the ground.

7. Adding nitrogen fertilizers despite them being either organic or chemical should be restrained.

These will have an effect on the plants that will grow as frost will either cause them damage or kill them. Moreover, microscopic organisms are affected by phosphate.

8. Leave attractive seed heads standing and bird feeders full.

This will create a garden that encompasses nature well as it will help embrace the migration of birds and attract the birds building more color and liveliness in your backyard.

In general, terms, watering your garden is a necessary step of getting your garden ready for fall. This and the above measure will create a beautiful and bountiful garden at the end of the season.

It’s every homeowner’s dream to keep their lawn looking green and healthy all year round. However, one of the biggest challenges you will face relates to how to control any weeds that grow in this space. Since weeds can be stubborn, you will have to identify the best time and method to stop and control the unwanted plants. There are a number of reasons why autumn makes for the best time to stop next year’s weeds from competing with the plants in your lawn.

You will have a bit more time
Compared to spring when most people are busy; you will have a bit more time in autumn. Since fighting weeds requires sustained efforts, you will be in a better position to identify the weeds, look for the best method to control them and enlist the help of a professional weed management company. In the end, you will have better chances of stopping the unwanted plants in their tracks and keep your lawn looking healthy.

Most weeds are still active
The best time to eliminate weeds in your garden is when they are still active. This is because the weeds will be more susceptible to herbicides at this time. If you want to ensure successful weed management, you will have to pick the right herbicides for the job. Working with a lawn care company will help you to achieve the results you desire within the shortest time possible.

Many desirable plants are dormant
Even as you put in place effective weed management strategies, you’ll want to control the weeds without harming the desirable plants in your garden. In autumn, most of your desirable plants will be dormant, a factor that will reduce the chances of their roots absorbing herbicides that would kill them. Choosing autumn as your preferred time to control weeds will promote better maintenance of your lawn or garden.

Best time for seeding
In general, weeds are known to be opportunistic. The unwanted plants tend to grow in the openings or thin areas within your landscape, competing with desirable plants for nutrients, water, space and light. Autumn would be a great time to seed so as to thicken your lawn and allow grass to germinate and grow in spring.

While you can consider using herbicides to control the weeds in your garden, you should minimize the use of chemicals that could have a negative impact on the environment. You should also prioritize your safety and that of your family.

Watering your grass is a crucial element of summer lawn care, but it’s tough to know exactly how to do that. Much of it depends on where you live and how hot it gets there, but there are some guidelines that you can follow. If you’ve asked yourself, “How often should I water my grass,” keep reading for some helpful tips.

How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?
As a rule, your grass should be receiving between one and one and a half inches of water per week, either from rainfall or from irrigation. This is a fairly general rule, but it should give you an idea of how much water you really need. This usually translates into watering your lawn two to three times a week for 30 minutes at a time, although you may need to water more during a particularly hot and dry summer. If you get a lot of rain, you obviously won’t need to water your lawn as often.

It’s also best to water your lawn as early in the morning as possible so your grass has a chance to dry out before nightfall. Having a wet lawn at night can lead to problems such as disease and fungal growth. If you find that you cannot water your lawn early in the morning, it’s okay to go out in the afternoon and water whenever you can. Watering later in the day is still better than not watering your grass at all.

How Do You Know Your Grass Has Had Enough?
It’s tough to really gauge how much water your lawn has received, but there are a few ways to check. The easiest is to take a 6-inch screwdriver and try to stick into the ground. If you’re having trouble doing this, your lawn doesn’t have enough water.

You should also be careful about watering your grass too much. Watering dry grass early in the morning for 30 minutes shouldn’t cause too much trouble, but if you notice that water is draining into the street in front of your house, you’re watering way too much and should scale your efforts back.

Use Your Best Judgment
Keep in mind that these are mostly just guidelines. Different types of grass and soil will have different needs when it comes to water, so saying “I have to water my grass” may mean something a bit different to you than it would to someone else. Use your best judgment. As long as you keep watering and you have a healthy green lawn, you’re on the right track.

For plants to grow strong and healthy, it is important to ensure that you provide them with the right conditions. One of the areas you will have to focus on is the soil. Today, thanks to innovation and advances in technology, you can adopt modern farming practices that incorporate the use of substances that enhance soil fertility. When soil is depleted and is nutritionally deficient, you can use soil enhancers to ensure that it is rejuvenated. However, it would be important to understand how the substances work before using them.

It enhances soil properties
Apart from anchorage; roots have the important function of absorbing water and minerals from the soil. For your plants to do this effectively, you must create a great environment for the roots to function properly. Applying a soil enhancer will improve your soil’s physical properties. This means that there will be better water retention, aeration, drainage, water infiltration, permeability, soil pH and gas exchange capacity. The product will also alter the physical structure of your soil and ensure proper soil compaction as a way of promoting root and plant growth.

Repairs damaged soil
There are times when the soil in your yard will become damaged, making it difficult to support plant life. Using a soil enhancer will not only help you to repair the damaged soil but will also make it possible for you to maintain soil quality. Mixing the soil with a soil enhancer before planting will replenish the soil so that the plants in your yard flourish.

It contains important nutrients
In order to improve soil quality and promote soil stability; soil enhancers are formulated in such a way that they contain important minerals. Adding the product to your soil means that the plants in your yard will be supplied with calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and other minerals. The minerals will increase the root and plant structure, effectively aiding strong plant development.

Promotes microbial activity
If the soil in your yard contains decomposing plant and animal remains, applying a soil enhancer will promote microbial activity. The decomposing remains will be a rich source of nutrition for your plants, further aiding their healthy growth. More humus in the soil will also improve the ability of the roots to absorb mineral nutrients.

Apart from using a soil enhancer to improve soil, you must ensure that your plants have the conditions necessary to achieve healthy growth. Working with landscaping experts will go a long way in helping you achieve and maintain a beautiful yard.

A firm foundation of healthy soil will increase plant vitality while reducing the need for fertilizers. Regrettably, many commercial and residential lots have shallow soil that is rocky or clay-like. Check out the following tips for establishing and maintaining healthy soil.

1. Loosen the soil.
Compacted, overly dense soil does not efficiently absorb water, and it can stress plants through difficult rooting. If you are preparing a landscape feature such as a flower bed or garden, use a tiller or other tools to break up the soil, removing any rocks or other debris. Use an aerator to loosen the soil of an established lawn without disturbing the grass.

2. Add organic matter.
Plants need organic nutrients in order to thrive, yet most soils consist primarily of rocky mineral fragments. Plant and manure composts add essential components and improve the texture of soil. Avoid using raw (fresh) manure, hay, or sawdust, as these materials can harm plant roots, introduce weeds, and can leach existing soil nutrients.

3. Have your soil tested.
Local nurseries, farmers’ cooperatives, and agricultural offices offer soil testing for a small fee. To perform a soil test, simply collect small amounts of soil from a number of locations on your property, and take the soil to the testing provider. Dig 2 to 5 inches into the soil to get a true reading. Test results will reveal any deficiencies, as well as the pH of your soil – its ranking on an acid/alkaline continuum. Different plants thrive at different pH values, and soil can be amended appropriately.

4. Fertilize.
No matter how good your soil is to begin with, vigorous plants inevitably use up available nutrients. Fortunately, nutritional substances can be easily refreshed. When preparing a new planting, mix organic fertilizer and mineral supplements directly into the soil, or sprinkle them on top of the soil. Pelleted fertilizers are generally slow release and will nourish your plants throughout the season.

5. Give your soil life.
Not only does soil consist of rock, minerals, and organic matter – each inch of soil contains millions of living organisms. Compost and compost tea (the liquid by-product of plant compost) contribute helpful probiotic bacteria. You can also introduce macro-organisms, such as earthworms. Worms aid in soil aeration and in further composting organic material; they can be purchased from many garden suppliers.

As you can see, soil maintenance is a secret worth sharing. If you apply these simple suggestions – aeration, organic matter, soil testing, fertilizer, and helpful creatures, your lawn will thank you!

Many households are going the organic route these days. Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are more popular than ever. You can also go organic with your lawn. Below we’ll explain why it could be a good choice for your home.

What Does Organic Mean?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic products must meet a series of rigorous standards, including the avoidance of certain chemicals, genetically modified ingredients, and other banned substances. Organic practices strive to “foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” Many people choose organic products to protect their health from the possibly harmful effects of synthetic chemicals.

Organic fertilizers refer to soil amendments that use natural sources of nutrients, minerals, animal products, plant compost, and certain approved synthetic materials. Organic fertilizers replicate natural cycles to produce outstanding results in your garden and lawn.

Reasons to Choose Organic

1. Organic fertilizers reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
An increasing chemical load on the body has been linked to a growing number of diseases, including heart disease, asthma, allergies, diabetes, mental disorders, and attention deficit disorder. When you choose organic solutions for use around your home, you reduce your family’s exposure to harsh chemicals. Organic choices are also better for the family pet.

2. It’s good for the environment.
The chemicals you place on your lawn don’t just disappear. Bio-magnification is the gradual buildup of harmful chemicals in the bodies of plants and animals, resulting in illness. For example, colony collapse disorder among essential honeybees may have ties to the use of garden chemicals. Opting for organic fertilizers reduces the amount of these chemicals entering soil, groundwater, and waterways.

The production of synthetic fertilizers also results in the release of chemical toxins and airborne pollutants. On the other hand, organic fertilizers often utilize by-products that would otherwise go to waste. You reduce your own carbon footprint by going organic.

3. In some studies, organic fertilizer has outperformed synthetic fertilizers.
In one study, the Agricultural Research Service found that farm fields treated with a manure-based organic fertilizer produced 12 percent greater yields than similar fields treated with synthetic fertilizer. The same can be true in your own backyard. This may result in reduced costs over time.

4. Organic fertilizer applications can be customized to fit your needs.
The fertilizer type and application process can be adjusted during the growing season to optimize results. Some organic fertilizers even result in permanent soil improvements, such as better aeration or drainage.

Organic fertilizers are better for your family’s health and for the environment, and provide beautiful landscape results. Make the switch to organic today.

Harmful weeds on your lawn will have a negative effect on the growth and appearance of grass, undermining the efforts and resources you have invested in maintaining the space. This is why it is necessary to employ the most effective weed control measures in an effort to improve the curb appeal of your home and give you pride in ownership. While it is possible to remove weeds on your own, here are reasons why you should seek professional help.

Safety
Some of the chemicals and herbicides used during weed removal may pose serious health risks if not handled and used in the recommended way. If you are not conversant with some of the herbicides, a DIY approach to weed removal may see you suffering from different health complications. You may also expose your family members and pets to the same kind of risks.

Protecting your grass and plants
One of the risks associated with weed removal is the use of substances that could harm other plants on your lawn. The herbicides you use may end up destroying grass and plants and compromising the beauty of your lawn. Rather than doing the work yourself, you should consider professionals who will choose the most appropriate products for the particular job.

Expertise and experience
Before selecting the right herbicide, you will need to identify the weed that has invaded your yard. Since you may not have the necessary expertise and experience to identify the weed, you may end up using products and methods that will not provide solutions needed to rid the weed problem.

Quality of work
Weeds are known to be stubborn plants and may regrow if the weed removal process does not meet the expected standards. Unlike when you hire a professional company to do the job, a DIY approach may see you doing substandard work that will not deliver the beautiful and healthy lawn you desire for your home.

Costs
In terms of costs, trying to remove the weeds within your lawn on your own is likely to be more time-consuming and costly. You may have to try out different approaches before arriving at the one that delivers results. Such extra costs can be avoided by hiring an expert to do the job.

Getting a reliable company for weed removal requires both time and thought. When choosing a company, you should work with one that has been in business for a number of years thus giving you the benefit of experience gathered over time.

When designing your landscape, one of the most important decisions you will have to make relates to the plants being used within the space. However, with people becoming increasingly concerned about the effects of human activity on the environment, native plants are gaining popularity. Plants that occur naturally in a particular region have been found to be very beneficial when used in landscaping.

Adding beauty to your space
Apart from looking to increase the value of your property, another reason you will want to design your landscape is for aesthetic appeal. Since native plants are accustomed to the conditions in your area, they are likely to remain green and healthy all year round. With the wide range of native plants from which you can choose, you will be able to create the dynamic display that matches your taste and preferences.

Less maintenance
Before choosing the plants you would like planted around your home, it is important to think about what they will require in terms of maintenance. When it comes to time and costs, native plants will demand less maintenance. The fact that these plants grow naturally in the region means that they are tailor-made for that type of climate. As such, you will not have to use fertilizer, pesticides and water as much as you would if you went for exotic plants.

Slow down the spread of fire
Fire has the potential to destroy the plants you have around your home, effectively undermining your efforts to make your surroundings more beautiful. When planted in the right region, native plants will stay greener for longer. When they are lush and healthy, they are likely to slow down the spread of fire. This will go a long way in protecting both life and property in and around your home.

Hold soil in place
Maintaining healthy soil will help you to control soil erosion, moderate floods and have a beautiful yard. Native plants will access all the resources they need to grow strong and healthy. Their root systems will grow deep and wide, a factor that will hold soil in place and preserve water quality. This will in turn provide even better conditions for the native plants and other plants in your home to grow.

In order to enjoy the benefits of these plants, it is important to identify native plants that are best adapted to your region. This will not only ensure that you preserve the natural heritage but also achieve sustainable landscaping in your home.