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(ARA) - Summer goes by so quickly, you don't want to miss a minute of it. But
as the days get shorter and the temperatures cool down, the signs are
unmistakable - fall is on its way. And even though you know you need to be
preparing your lawn, garden and home for the coming months, who wants to waste
precious summer days doing chores? Here are some tips to get those pesky tasks
finished quickly so you can enjoy your weekends.
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Garden - You've probably had your fill of zucchini and tomatoes by now. If your
plants have stopped producing, it's time to start the garden cleanup. Pull up
any spent plants and give your soil a head start for next year by turning it
over and adding compost.
Flower gardens should also be cleaned up. Cut back perennials that are done
blooming, and keep deadheading annuals to encourage flowering as long as
possible. Be sure to keep up with the weeding - the fewer weeds you have this
fall, the fewer you'll have to deal with next year. Before the really cold
weather sets in, lay down a thick cover of mulch to help protect your plants
over the winter.
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Lawn - Keep mowing and watering so your lawn isn't stressed going into the fall.
Give it one more dose of "weed and feed" fertilizer to give it an extra boost.
Now is also a good time to aerate your lawn - try wearing your golf shoes next
time you mow.
Outdoor Furniture - If you have vinyl furniture, give it a good washing and take
it in to store. Wood furniture can be more of a chore - you'll want to inspect
it for damage and do any necessary repairs before you store it for the winter.
This could mean sanding, scraping and repainting or restaining. |
Maybe now is the time to consider replacing that lightweight vinyl and
inconvenient wood furniture with stylish, low maintenance outdoor furniture. A
Minnesota-based company called By The Yard sells lawn furniture made from
recycled plastic milk jugs that is attractive and virtually maintenance-free.
The plastic lumber is colorfast, so it never needs repainting, and it is
impervious to all types of weather from freezing temperatures to blistering
heat. It can withstand moist or dry climates. "We've tested our products in
Alaska, the Arizona desert and the Florida Keys and after 30 years they still
look great," says company president Deb Anderson.
Find a Pre-Screened Contractor in Your Area
Because the heavy-duty polymer used to manufacture the furniture can hold up to
the elements, there's no need to drag your lawn furniture into the garage or
basement in the fall, only to drag it out again in the spring - simply leave it
in your yard year-round. What could be easier? All you need to do is hose the
furniture off in the spring and you're ready to enjoy it. Because the material
weighs about 20 percent more than cedar, it won't blow around outside like
lightweight furniture does. The material is also extremely flexible, which make
sit as comfortable as it is durable, even without cushions.
Decks and Patios - wood decks need to be cleaned and resealed periodically to
maintain their looks and their structural integrity. Check your deck to see if
it is showing signs of wear and tear. If your patio has settled over the summer,
now is a good time to patch any cracks that have developed so they don't get
worse over the winter.
House Exterior - Patch any cracks in the foundation and touch up any peeling or
cracking outdoor paint. Clean your gutters one last time so melting snow and ice
won't get trapped this winter.
A few quick preventive measures can make next spring much more pleasant, and
still give you time to enjoy the rest of your summer.
By The Yard furniture is available in 70 different styles and six colors. Choose
from Adirondack styles, rockers and swings, table and chair sets, benches,
gliders and loungers. For more information, visit www.bytheyard.net or call
(877) 220-0448 for a free color catalog.
Courtesy of ARA Content
