Tag: garden

by Incredible Planet Staff

11 Must-Have Tools for Maintaining Your Lawn


Homes

You can learn a lot about a person by the condition of their lawn. A well-kept, lush green lawn tells a person that you’re responsible and well organised and that you take pride in your home. A brown and patchy lawn can (albeit mistakenly) assume that you’re messy and disorganised. The message you send with your lawn needs careful maintenance. 

Nobody wants a lawn that misrepresents who they are as a person. The problem is, lawn maintenance is not always easy. Watering your lawn regularly can help to keep your lawn looking somewhat healthy, but to have a lawn that sends nothing but positive vibes there are some must-have tools you should get. These tools ensure that you create and maintain a lawn that not only you and your family will appreciate, but your neighbours and guests will too. They’ll also make maintaining your type of turf a breeze. 

Must-have lawn maintenance tools

  1. Gloves

Before you even pick up a lawn maintenance tool, purchase yourself a pair of good gardening gloves. These will save you from painful blisters, scrapes, thorns, cuts and general wear and tear and will protect hands from chemicals and fungal infections that can be contracted by certain plants or gardening materials.  

When choosing gloves, durability is important. Even more important, however, is the fit. If they are too big or loose, you won’t have the dexterity you need and gripping tools and plants properly could be tricky. Your gloves should be snug, but not too tight to limit movement.

  1. Rake

Whether you’re preparing your soil to sow lawn seed or you’re trying to keep instant turf thriving, a rake is an essential item. A levelling rake with evenly spaced teeth will provide seed with the perfect soil texture to germinate in and can be used post-sowing to remove organic matter from established turf. A spring tined rake can be used to remove build up of dead grass or leaves, which can suffocate grass if it’s not dealt with in a timely manner. 

  1. Leaf blower

For quick and efficient cleaning of your yard, you can’t beat a leaf blower. Leaf blowers are versatile pieces of equipment and aren’t just made for blowing leaves. They can move grass clippings, clear wet garden debris, and be used to dry wet surfaces. 

Some models can even be turned into outdoor vacuums, allowing you to gather up dead leaves and turn them into mulch. 

  1. Fertiliser spreader

For feeding and weeding your lawn, a broadcast granular spreader is a must. It disperses fertiliser uniformly in a wide arc and reduces contact with potentially dangerous chemicals. 

You can use a fertiliser spreader to apply any lawn treatment, including grass seed, insecticide, lime, fungicide and fertiliser. The machine will evenly apply the product for more consistent results and will use less product than if you were applying by hand.

  1. Sprayer

Much like a fertiliser spreader, a sprayer helps you to control where you apply a product and how much you apply. It can also help you to spray underneath plants if required. Hose-end sprayers are inexpensive and easy to use, while tank or backpack sprayers allow you to carry more product for bigger lawns. 

  1. Lawn mower

Even if you hire someone to take care of your lawn mowing it pays to have a lawn mower on hand for emergency trims. Landscaper hold ups can happen and you never know when the in-laws might show up! 

Choose a mower that matches up with what you need for your lawn and your comfort. Look for a lawn mower that’s the right height for you and with an engine size that will handle tasks like cutting through tall grass, wet grass, leaf mulching and bagging. If using a ride on mower, add a dethatcher to the back which will quickly help you to rough up your lawn, remove dead grass and allow air and water to penetrate the surface to improve the growth of your grass. 

  1. String trimmer

A string trimmer allows you to cut grass and weeds in the places your lawn mower can’t reach. A good string trimmer means you can be agile around obstacles such as fences, trees, decks, bushes, pots and mailboxes. Look for trimmers with adjustable length shafts or handles so you can customise to your height. Battery-powered trimmers are generally quieter than gas-powered trimmers, but even so you might like to use ear protection when running your string trimmer as they can be noisy. 

  1. Shears

To prevent overgrowth of trees and bushes that can shade the lawn and cause it to die overtime, get yourself some shears. Hand-held pruning shears are great for decorative plants while larger hedge shears are better for shrubbery. To keep trees and palm prongs looking neat and tidy, invest in a pair of looping shears. 

  1. Garden trowel

It’s important that you dig out weeds early before they expand and kill off the lawn underneath them. Garden trowels can be used to dig up weeds that appear on the lawn, as well as install small plants and bulbs. You can fix bare areas quickly with seed or turf sods. 

  1. Hose or sprinkler system

There are two things that every lawn needs and that’s sun and water. You can’t harness the power of the weather but you can harness the power of a hose or sprinkler system to keep your lawn hydrated. To test if your lawn requires watering, take a screwdriver and put it into the ground until it hits 6 inches deep. If the soil’s not wet enough, it’s time to get the hose or sprinkler out. 

  1. Aerator

Over time, it’s common for your lawn to become so compressed that air and water has difficulty penetrating the surface. This prevents your grass from growing as it should. A handheld aerator with solid or hollow tines will relieve the compaction of your yard. 

Investing in the basics

Gardening tools are like kitchen appliances. There are a million different gadgets to choose from and at the end of the day, as long as you’ve got the basics covered – the cutlery, the crockery and utensils – you can get by just fine. The moral of the story is, you don’t need to fill the garden shed. You just need a selection of the correct tools on hand. 

With access to the tools listed above and the right kind of turf you’ve got everything you need to have a lush and beautiful lawn. The next step is to apply a regular maintenance routine in line with the seasons. This is the best way to protect your lawn landscape investment and to have the best looking lawn in the street that says only good things about you.


Weekly newsletter

Recent Posts

Visit us on YouTube

Visit us on Google Plus

Visit us on Instagram

Visit us on Pinterest

Visit us on Reddit

Popular Posts

Categories

by James Adam

Garden In Your Home: The 5 Best Plants To Grow In Your Place


Homes

Want to liven up a dull looking house? Maybe your home makes you feel upset and uncomfortable. Make your home a place of rest and relaxation after a long day by getting new plants for your home. Nature is something that we naturally crave, and it does not have to be far. It might be great if you grow some plants in your own place.

Aside from your new plants making your house look aesthetically pleasing and elegant, it will also brighten up your mood and it can bring you joy. You can choose many types of plants you can grow at home and it is not limited to shrubs or flowers, you can also grow trees if you want. It can also foster a relaxing hobby too such as gardening.

 

There are many plants you can grow at home for your various needs and wants. Here are the best plants you can get for your home either you choose to put them indoors or your outdoor garden.

Pear Trees

Pear trees can be one of the best plants to have in your home garden as it is easier to take care as compared to apple trees. It is also rarely infested by pests and it is almost always health free, diseases do not easily come to these trees.

Having fruit trees in your own backyard is not that complicated especially when choosing low maintenance trees like pear. You just have to know how to properly grow it to plant a pear tree. Piece of advice? Plant two pear trees for it to produce fruit.

Orchids

Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants or flowers as they are colorful yet low maintenance, not a lot of care goes with it. This can be grown indoor or outdoors as well, depending on your preference. It will beautify the place wherever you decide to put it. It has many colors to choose from.

It is also easy to take care of, there is no need to water them all the time. There are many flowers but the difference with orchids is how long its lifespan is. Its life can be as long as two to three months as long as you take care of it in the right way.

Dogwood Tree

This tree can bring colors all year round in your backyard and its flowers can be white, pink, and red. It is one of the most popular trees in the United States of America as it makes the backyard pleasing to the eyes and it is one of the most colorful plants too.

If you want to grow a dogwood, better find a spot that is well-drained but not too dry. When it comes to sunlight, it can thrive both in full and partial sun. This tree is easy to take care of too. Also, the soil has to be moist.

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera Plant is something that is practical yet it brings color to your room. This low maintenance plant loves the sun and only needs to be watered once a week. It also thrives in the sun but it needs a tall pot so its leaves won’t fall.

From this plant, you can create your own face, skin, hair and your vanity needs. It is one of the popular skin care ingredients that is used to moisturize the skin. It is also used for your hair and it nourishes it. You can also sell the aloe vera if you want as it is a hit in the skin care industry and it can sell well.

Rubber Plants

Rubber Plant is one of the best plants you can grow at home as it is not only low maintenance, but its big lush deep green leaves makes you go to forest scene that would make you feel more relaxed

Depending on your preference, rubber plants can grow from being medium-sized to a really large plant. Its size depends on the pot you choose for it. Putting them outside for summer will make the rubber plant grow massively.

This plant can thrive with low, indirect sunlight. You have to wait for the soil to dry before you water it. Besides the beautification it offers to your home, it is also one of the best air purifiers of your indoor air and can make your air fresh.

Takeaway

Growing plants in your own home is a good start to enhance your lifestyle. Sophisticated people opt to grow their own gardens either in their backyard or indoors, depending on their choice. Nonetheless, there are many types of plants for different kinds of people that suit different kinds of houses. Planting in your own home is a good choice for you, it can brighten up the darkest days.

by Incredible Planet Staff

Greenhouse Guide: Choose the Right Garden Greenhouse for You


Homes

Why would anyone get a greenhouse, is a good question to ask yourself when your home does not have much space to grow greens which need a confined space. There are tons of reasons why people opt for this and successfully seem to grow their fruits and vegetables by themselves without any trouble. But that is not the only reason for having it. Greenhouses provide a space where you can grow an array of plants from both non-flowering to flowering, it is portable so you can move it a different home in the event of relocation or renovating your house.

It is also good to prevent any pesky pests from invading your previous crops and eating it, leaving nothing for you, or burrowing holes in them rendering unusable. The most obvious reason people get them is weather conditions, especially if you like in counties such as the UK, where there are 4 seasons in a year, this is always the best option to keep temperatures optimal and not be affected by outside factors. This structure can also very easily be customized to make it larger or smaller by adding or removing pieces to it.

If you’re into organic, homegrown, then this is the best idea to have in your back yard. With so many different GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) crops popping up in every corner of the world, there have been serious concerns about the health risks of such items and in ingesting them regularly. Additional information can be found on established online sources if you’re not sure what these are. The most notable risk is the increase in allergens in human beings to name a few.

Wouldn’t you rather know where your fruits and vegetables have been grown, how they have been grown i.e. without chemicals and pesticides, and what’s in them i.e. pure and natural compounds? But what are your options when considering getting one of these installed in your garden. Let’s look at a few below.

Options of Green Houses for Those Considering One

Typical options come in three shapes.

  1. Freestanding. Great for all outdoor spaces, these are either a rectangular or square-shaped structure made of wood or glass and metal and can be placed anywhere in your garden the roof is an apex, that allows light to enter inside from all four sides of the model. This is one of the popular pieces seen in many homes and is simple and easy to clean as well. These options are noted for their good ventilation, open source of light and overall carbon dioxide enrichment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse
  2. Octagonal. An octagon stands for 8 sides, and that’s what this is all about. It has been created to support a more modern and stylish outlook and enhances the back yard even further especially when placed in the center of any garden. This however needs more space, so the larger the yard, the better suited this will be. Not to mention you can grow more inside of it.
  3. Lean-to. Traditionally the smallest of the three, and take up less space too. This is because it is constructed using one of your home’s existing walls such as on the side of the house or the garden wall itself. Thus, the name, because it typically leans on any existing wall. Although, the freestanding models mentioned of the other 2 options, get more sunlight than this option, due to the wall blocking it out on the one side. So, if your flowers, veggies, or fruits do not need as much UV, then this is ideal and space-saving for you.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for when searching for one, considering the amount of space and requirements you have, is essential in any decision regarding a structure such as this. As a matter of fact, a lot of Greenhouses 4 Gardens experts will tell you, that this is a project you should never undertake on your own as any sort of DIY task, but rather hiring someone who has been installing them for people for years, is the best way to go about doing it.

These professionals will know where to place is the best in the given space, how to do it, and may also give you some good advice regarding upkeep so it does not get damaged easily so you can carry on and grow your items with peace of mind knowing that they’re in a good place and you will soon be reaping the benefits of a healthy meal and gorgeous plants from it.

by James Adam

What to do In the Garden in June


Homes

Now that summer is officially here it’s time to think about how you can make the most of your garden. There are lots of different things that you can do all year around, but during the summer there are certain tasks that are worth taking into consideration to really make the most of the warmer season. 

From the design and layout of your garden, to certain safety elements, the following post covers a number of things for you to consider whilst gardening during the sunny month ahead. 

Greenhouse Considerations

If you’re someone who loves to grow produce in the greenhouse, then there are a few things you need to think about to ensure the summer weather doesn’t have an impact on your projects. Whilst the constant sun can be a blessing for your produce, it can also have a negative impact if too much sunlight is received, so it’s important to think about greenhouse shading and how to keep your greenhouse exposed to the right level of sunlight throughout each day.

Greenhouse shading is designed to shield your greenhouse (and its contents) from direct sunlight, which can help to filter the heat from the direct light, resulting in a positive growing environment for your projects. 

Tackle the Weeds

Sunshine and high temperatures can result in an abundance of weeds growing around the garden, so it’s really important to get on top of them and tackle them from the start of summer. If you leave the weeds to grow, they’ll spread and become stronger which will make it much harder for you in the coming months. Once you notice the pesky weeds starting to grow, tackle them straight away to prevent them from growing back. 

Watering Schedul

Creating a watering schedule in June for the coming months is really good for ensuring your plants are receiving the water they require to stay healthy and grow properly. By watering your plants at set times each day your plants will have the best chance of growing to their full potential, keeping them protected from the heat and sunlight. 

Garden Safety

When spending lots of time out in the garden, especially during the warmer months, it can be easy to forget equipment and leave certain items outside overnight. This can cause security risks, as leaving certain pieces of equipment out could result in it being stolen or used to break into the home. Be sure not to leave items like ladders propped up next to fencing, along with recycling bins near gates and so on. The less there is to tempt unwanted visitors into your garden the better. 

by James Adam

7 Reasons to Add a Water Fountain to Your Garden


Homes

Did you know that adding an in-ground pool can increase property value by around 10%? Different types of water features such as ponds or fountains can also add to home value while improving the aesthetics of your house.

In this case, why shouldn’t you decorate your property with a water fountain? This is one of the most popular features for backyards and it can improve the level of comfort in your property. Keep reading to find out more about fountains for decoration and why you should add a water fountain in your yard as soon as possible.

  1. It Improves the Aesthetics of Your Property

A beautiful water fountain will attract all the looks when you are visited by family members or friends. It can act as the central visual element in your yard and improve the exterior decor.

Best of all, it’s also possible to customize your water fountain in various ways. For example, homeowners add lights under the water stream to create a wonderful display of color at night when the fountain is running.

You can also add a waterproof speaker somewhere under the fountain to play soft music in the background. These improvements don’t cost a lot of money but help you score great points when it comes to exterior design.

  1. Water Fountains Act as a Natural Humidifier and They Can Improve Air Quality

You might be able to tell when the air around your property is too dry, especially during hot summer months. Dry air can make breathing more difficult. A water fountain can prevent this problem as it acts as a natural humidifier.

On top of that, the water running through the fountain creates negative ions that absorb dust and other impurities from the air. The fountain doesn’t only add humidity to the air surrounding your property, but it also improves its quality.

  1. A Water Fountain Increases Home Value

As mentioned earlier, different water features, including a floating pond fountain, tend to add to home value, so your initial investment is protected when you try to sell the house. Even if you go for a small water fountain, this addition will still increase the value of your property by a few hundred dollars.

On top of that, home buyers are usually attracted by beautiful things added or displayed outside. For example, a beautiful lawn can make a property sell quicker. So does a water fountain or another type of water feature installed in your yard.

If you want to sell your house for more money and sooner, adding a water fountain might help you in this case. It will also improve your quality of living until you finally decide to sell the house.

  1. Enjoy a Relaxing Soundtrack Each Time You Read the News in the Morning

Many homeowners love to sit in a comfy chair and drink a cup of coffee in the morning while getting updated with the latest news. This is a wonderful experience and it can be enriched by the beautiful natural soundtrack produced by your water fountain.

Believe it or not, the gentle sound of water pouring into the fountain can have therapeutic properties. It might help you relax, feel better, even fall asleep if you lay down on a sofa.

This soundtrack is “played” naturally by the fountain, it doesn’t cost any money, and it can help reduce the noises of a busy city. When you want to enjoy a moment of silence, you just turn off the water pump and the water will stop running in the fountain.

  1. There Are Multiple Types of Water Fountains to Choose From

You might be happy to find out that you can find a high-quality water fountain on the market regardless of your budget. Some of them are compact and eye-catching. Other water fountains are more sophisticated and larger. In any case, most homeowners are able to find what they are looking for.

Ideally, you would begin by seeing a lot of water fountain designs. This will help you determine what you like. The next step is to set a budget and look in your yard for a good place to install a water fountain. The best place is somewhere close to your patio, so you can enjoy the beauty of your fountain while spending quality time outdoors.

Some water fountains have a traditional design, others have a more modern one. Some fountains incorporate materials such as stone and wood, others are made using glass and metal. See a lot of models and pick the one that matches your personality the best.

  1. Water Fountains Might Be Able to Attract More Wildlife

As a rule, life starts to appear where there is plenty of water. Our planet is the best example in this case. Following this principle, adding a water fountain in your yard will eventually attract more wildlife that will enhance the exterior decor of your property.

For example, a lot of colorful birds might come and sip a drop of water from your fountain. These birds usually sing beautiful songs and add a nice touch to your yard. Your pets might love playing with the running water in your fountain and this creates excitement and entertainment in your yard.

  1. A Water Fountain Might Make Your Property Look Larger

This is another good reason why you should add a water fountain to your yard. Fountains are usually higher than wider and this adds another dimension to your property. Family members and other visitors need to look slightly upwards to admire your fountain. This will make your entire yard look bigger and more inviting.

Now You Know Why You Should Add a Water Fountain to Your House

As you can see, a water fountain can offer so many benefits, not to mention that your investment is protected in the long run. Your job is to set the correct budget and pick the right water fountain. Don’t rush this decision because you’ll stick with the fountain for years to come.

To help you pick the right water fountain and discover more home improvement tips and tricks, make sure that you check out the other articles on our website.

by James Adam

Six Signs Of Pest Infestation In Your Garden


Homes

Pest infestation comes in a number of ways because of the vast types of pest. Each pest has a unique mode of survival. 

Having pests removed is usually a very costly affair, but the costs of not finding an infestation early can be much greater. Because pests tend to multiply quickly. the greater the size of the infestation, the more costs you will incur; both through the removal of pests and the cost of property damage they cause in the meantime.

Pests usually nibble, scratch, break and contaminate almost everything they touch. The best way to minimize the effect they have is to get rid of them early, but this isn’t as easy as you might think. The truth is you may now be sitting in a house that is on the verge of being taken over and not even know it. call your professional pest control company to inspect your home as soon as possible.

Ants are one of the most common pests found in gardens. Ants build nests inside woods consisting of galleries chewed out with their mandibles, preferably in dead, damp wood. But they do not consume the wood, however, unlike termites. Sometimes, carpenter ants hollow out sections of trees. They also commonly infest wooden buildings and structures and are a widespread nuisance and major cause of structural damage. However, their ability to excavate wood helps in forest decomposition but it is rather an issue when they excavate wooden structures at your home. One of the most common species associated with human habitation is the black carpenter ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus). The genus includes over 1,000 species. They also farm aphids. 

Carpenter ants reside both outdoors and indoors in moist, decaying, or hollow wood, most commonly in farm and forest environments. Certain parts of houses, like the windows, roof eaves, decks and porches, are more likely to be infested by carpenter ants due to the fact that these areas are most vulnerable to moisture. Carpenter ants have been known to construct extensive underground tunneling systems. These systems often lead to an end at some food source – often aphid colonies, where the ants extract and feed on honeydew. 

These tunneling systems also often exist in trees. Pests are very sly creatures that inhabit the darker, and previously uninhabited, areas of a house; only venturing out at night or when it is very quiet. As a result, you are not likely to notice them until it is too late, and the whole house has become part of their territory. However, there are small, less obvious signs, as opposed to a mouse scampering across your garden, which you can look out for. The key is to remain vigilant. Here are some six signs to know if you have an infestation in your garden.

Physical appearance; never overlook the appearance of any pest even if it is just one. Most pest like ants, termite are eusocial insects. That is they live in colonies. So if you see an ant, termite amongst others, in your garden; there is a high chance that there is a colony of pests in your garden.

Physical damage to structure; most pest; such as termite amongst others.  They feed on wooden structures. Which serves as a sign of pest infestations.

Damaged plants; pest like grasshoppers, nematodes, amongst others feed on leaves. So if you find the leaves in your garden eaten up then it is a sign that you have an infestation on your hands. 

Pest droppings; larger pest like rats are easily noticed. This method works for larger pests.

Evidence of nesting; all rodents will always make nests from what they have available to them. They will likely nest in discreet places. Perform regular inspection.

Grease marks and grease tracks; grease marks can be a signal of rodent infestation as rats, mice tend to always travel through the same paths. 

by James Adam

4 Keys to Growing a Lush Garden


Homes

Are you having trouble keeping your plants alive?

To those novice gardeners, growing a big, lush garden might seem like a bit of a pipe dream. But, anyone can do it — the key, like with every other skill, is getting the basics down before you get started.

Are you ready to get planting but aren’t sure where to start? We’re here to help.

Here are four essential tips every budding gardener should know if they want to grow a vibrant, healthy garden.

  1. Protect Your Plants

It may seem odd to have to protect your plants from the rest of the outside world. But, it is essential for helping your garden reach its full, lush potential — especially in the early stages.

When you first plant your garden, your plants are susceptible to everything from vermin, like squirrels, to the wind.

There are plenty of ways to give your plants a leg up. That said, one of the simplest ways to protect your garden is by installing a small barrier, like a fence.

A barrier will protect your plants until they are tough enough to withstand everything Mother Nature can throw at them.

  1. Here Comes the Sun

Just like with people, when it comes to gardening, there is such a thing as too much sun.

When planning out your garden, you want to make sure you follow the sunlight requirements of every different type of plant you plan on growing.

Too much or too little sunlight can stunt the growth and budding ability of some plants, and kill others. So, you want to make sure you’re careful when picking a spot for and laying out your garden.

  1. Water Regularly

We talked about the sun, and now it’s time to go over the second essential thing a garden needs to thrive: water.

While you want to make sure your plants get enough water, if you aren’t sure how much is too much, you could run the risk of drowning your plants.

Before you pick up your watering can, you should take some time to do your homework and figure out how much water each type of plant needs.

Once you know how much water you need, you need to make sure you make watering your plants part of your routine. Regularly watering your garden is essential to helping it grow and thrive.

If your day to day schedule is a bit chaotic, you may want to consider looking into smart lawn sprinkler systems. A smart sprinkler system will keep your plants hydrated and healthy, without you ever having to touch a hose.

  1. Invest in Your Base

Finally, healthy plants require healthy soil.

If you’re having a hard time growing and maintaining a lush and healthy garden, you may have to consider the quality of your soil. A soil testing kit, which is available at any home improvement store, can help you figure out if your soil is rich enough to maintain healthy growth.

Anyone Can Grow and Maintain a Lush Garden

Growing a lush garden isn’t something reserved for gardening experts alone.

The key to growing a healthy garden doesn’t lie in any special tricks or talents. It’s simply putting in the time to properly plan and learn about the needs of the plants you want to grow.

Now that you know how to grow the garden of your dreams, it’s time to get planting.

Are you looking for a little more gardening advice? We’ve got you covered.

Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles, tips, tricks, and advice today!

by Rachel Hennesey

5 Important Considerations Before Installing a Pool in Your Backyard


Homes

A swimming pool is a huge investment. The range of options is also quite extensive so making a decision may require more time. The key to making a wise investment decision is to do your homework.

When considering the installation of a pool in your backyard, planning is crucial. Indeed, there are plenty of things that must be considered before buying a pool and having it professionally installed.

You must establish a budget, know the different types of pools and figure out which is best for your home. You also need to find a reputable swimming pool contractor, decide on the material costs, design and many more.

Before making a decision to buy and install a pool in your backyard, here are five crucial things to consider.

  1. Purpose

Figuring out why you have to install a pool will help you decide on the pool’s shape, size, depth, and even on the type of construction. Determine if you are going to use the pool for relaxation, to enhance a view or perhaps to act as a focal point in your landscape.

If you know your main purpose for getting a swimming pool, the rest of the decision-making process will be a lot easier to sort out. But the most important thing for you to determine is will you and your family use the pool often enough to justify the projected expenses?

  1. Ground Condition

It is quite easy to build a swimming pool on a level site. Thus, if your section slopes sharply, the construction costs will definitely be higher.

Moreover, ground conditions like a sandy, rocky or unstable soil and a high water table can make the construction harder. To assess site suitability, you may need to have soil tests done or perhaps commission a geotechnical engineering report.

Naturally, the size and location of your house will determine the shape and size of your pool. In small urban sites, they usually have strict regulations about pool construction. Furthermore, shading from neighboring trees and other buildings will also influence where you will place your pool.

However, you can depend on a competent pool construction company to find a solution to these issues.

  1. Location

Before deciding where to position the pool, you must first check the building regulations about site coverage allowance, proximity to wastewater fields, pool fencing requirements, and more. It is also crucial for you to consider the location of utilities like electrical, cable, telephone, water, and gas lines.

Other important considerations when choosing the best location for your pool include:

  • Circulation routes
  • Wind and sun exposure
  • View of the pool from the rest of the garden and inside your house
  • The storage area for the filtration equipment, sun umbrellas, toys and pool cleaner
  • Poolside entertainment and relaxation requirements
  1. Cost

The cost of a standard concrete pool is quite similar to one that is made of fiberglass composite. But since most concrete pools have a customized size and shape, their price is usually higher.

Additional costs should also be considered such as for decking, landscaping, heating, and covers. Moreover, you need to set a budget for ongoing filtration costs and keeping the water germ-free and clean.

Reputable pool maintenance companies emphasize that the lining is the largest swimming pool maintenance cost. Concrete pools must be re-plastered every 10 to 15 years, and acid-washed at least every three years. For vinyl-lined pools, you must allow for repairs at least every five years. Fiberglass composite pools, on the other hand, are relatively low maintenance and come with a lifetime warranty.

  1. Pool Contractor

To ensure the longevity and durability of your swimming pool, you need to let a professional pool contractor build and install it. When choosing whom to work with, consider asking for referrals from your family and colleagues who own similar swimming pools.

Some of the crucial things to consider when choosing a pool contractor are:

  • The warranty
  • Insurance coverage
  • Detailed quote
  • Track record
  • Professional credentials.

Pools are a great source of fun and entertainment. They can also serve as a stunning focal point in your outdoor living space. But remember that they require a certain amount of work and upkeep. Most importantly, take into account all the abovementioned crucial considerations before finally deciding to install a pool in your yard.

lawn mower 2914172 1920
by Incredible Planet Staff

Top 5 Lawn Diseases and How to Fix & Prevent Them


Homes

Your lawn is more than just an extension of your private property. It is an iconic aspect of any suburbia and the most visible and public space in a community.

Whether it’s an expansive front yard or a small backyard, lawn care is important. To some, it may appear as a vanity project, but it goes further than that. Lawn care matters because of its importance to the greater environment.

Lawns offers great carbon sequestration – capturing carbon and other pollutants. Lawns also introduce natural noise and heat reduction to your home. A good lawn will increase your property and neighborhood value. Not to mention, it’s a great outdoor space for your family to enjoy.

Lawn maintenance is not simply a weekend chore. Significant understanding of common lawn diseases and how to fix and prevent them can significantly help your lawn maintenance habits.

  1. Crabgrass invasion

Digitaria is a warm-season annual, but most people know it by its more common name; crabgrass. Crabgrass is adaptable and fast-growing. Appearing as ungainly clumps, crabgrass often features as two prevalent types; smooth and large. This weed is easy to control, but timing is crucial.

Under-fertilised and low mowing introduces crabgrass to lawns. So mow high and be sure to fertilize your lawn. Gluten corn meal is a great fertilizer for your lawn. It also serves as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides when controlling crabgrass.

This should be done in early spring to prevent crabgrass and fertilize your lawn.

  1. Bare patches

Few things are more unsightly in a landscaped garden or any home lawn than a bald spot. If a full, healthy lawn displays signs of bare patches, this could be attributed to heavy foot traffic, pet urine, or infestations by fungi, bugs, grubs, or other pests.

To eliminate these problems, you must address the issues. Introduce a path for the traffic flow issue. Train your pet to urinate somewhere else less prominently visible. Use pesticides to rid the lawn of pests and fungi. Once this has been done, you can reseed your lawn.

Spring or early winter is the best time to reseed the troubled areas. Keep the problem areas moist for a few weeks and water daily when necessary.

  1. Dollar spot

While dollar spot mostly affects turf-grasses, it is nonetheless a problematic lawn disease. The good news is, it’s easy to identify.

Occurring throughout the growing period, mostly during moist, warm days and cool nights, dollar spot appears as tan or straw-colored patches throughout your lawn. A lawn fungus by nature, it’s named so because it first appears as the size of a silver dollar.

For prevention and effective lawn control, aerate your lawn, mow frequently to stimulate healthy lawn growth, water deeply, but infrequently, and fertilize during the late spring season. While there are products out there that can minimize the spread of dollar spot, prevention is key. Adequate fertilization and lawn maintenance will ensure your grass outgrows its dollar spot problem.

  1. Lawn weeds

Lawn weeds appear in many shapes and sizes and are introduced to your grass through many means. Often, wind, birds, your lawn maintenance tools, and even your feet can serve as ferries for these unwanted weeds.

Whether it’s dandelions, the invasion of creeping Charlie, or even the annual bluegrass, weeds occupy space, food, and light your grass needs to grow and gradually ruins the look of your garden or lawn. There are various methods to get rid of lawn weeds according to seasonality and weed characteristics. But prevention is key to resist their aggressive growth throughout your lawn.

Ensure your lawn is watered deeply but infrequently. This promotes deeper root growth. Be sure to mow at a proper height to help grass grow thick and suffocate weed seeds. Proper feeding is also key. Feeding regularly, in 6-8 weeks intervals during the growing season thickens up your lawn and eliminate bare spots.

  1. Lawn pests

There are many reasons lawns can become vulnerable to pests. Weather conditions, poor drainage, and a lack of nutrients can contribute to the introduction of lawn pests. Early detection and identification are key in the battle against lawn pests.

As lawn pests can appear in a variety of ways, from leather jackets, moles, and worm casts, the numerous methods to control outdoor pests varies. Pesticides may provide relief but can contribute possible hazards to people and the environment. The most effective strategy for controlling pests is prevention.

Regular mowing, watering, and weed control can improve the health and appearance of your grass while limiting the growth of lawn pests. Be sure to remove grass clippings as they can promote the growth of fungal spores. During winter, avoid high nitrogen feeds. Long, lush growth may appear nice, but it’s an invitation for snow mold and other fungal diseases.

So next time you’re out mowing and raking, look out for these common lawn diseases. Proper identification is crucial in the battle for a well-maintained and beautiful lawn. Knowing what to look for can ensure the right preventative measures are used.