Inspect the Central Leader Most landscape trees should be pruned to have only one central leader (the vertical stem at the top of the trunk). This leader adds strength and stability to the tree structure and creates the tree’s upright and straight appearance. For some trees, more than one leader may eventually cause the tree to split, creating a wound for insect or disease infiltration. Some trees, however, can exist (and thrive) with more than one leader....
If you’re not familiar with grow lights you might not understand why you may need them. “People use grow lights to keep their favorite plants alive all year round," explains Zachary Kostantewicz of Soltech Solutions. “No matter where someone is, grow lights allow you to grow a variety of plants in your space. For most people, it’s a combination of wanting a certain plant in their space as a decor piece and needing more light to support the growth of that plant....
Once black mold has taken hold in a home, it must be eradicated. And, using extreme caution and protective gear, you can remove small areas yourself. However, because it grows so quickly, black mold usually requires a licensed professional to safely remove it from a home. If the black mold infestation covers 10 or more square feet, a professional should handle the removal. Removing large mold colonies requires exposure to heavy-duty chemicals and permits for the proper disposal of infected building materials....
How does the overall home look and feel to you? Your home should feel safe, friendly, and inviting. You should feel like it’s the right place for you. Evaluate how maintained the home’s exterior is. Ideally, the exterior, including greenery and driveway, are properly cared for. The paint, roof, and other parts of the building should be in good condition. Was the home easy to find the first time you visited?...
How De-Icers Work Ice melt products attract moisture to themselves to form a liquid brine which generates heat and melts ice. The product must reach the pavement to become effective. Once on the pavement, the brine can spread out and break the bond the ice has with the pavement. As the ice is loosened, it can more easily be shoveled away. Types Every year there are more and more choices when it comes to de-icers....
So get ready to enjoy the luxurious feel of sliding into bed on a set of soft, freshly washed sheets straight from the dryer with these solutions. Baking Soda/Vinegar Trick There are two simple ingredients that can turn even basic, inexpensive sheets into silky soft bedding: baking soda and vinegar. All you have to do is toss those stiff sheets into the washer with 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar, and wash for one cycle....
Here’s how to properly clean 10 common beauty tools for your health and your best self. Another way to sterilize tweezers is by using boiling water. Plastic and metal barrettes, headbands, and clips can be cleaned using the steps above. But you might also need to use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to remove hairspray residue. For fabric headbands and bows, follow label directions or spot clean with a gentle detergent and water....
Fear not, these easy tips will get you well on your way to settling in and feeling at home. Read on for the tried and true unpacking tips we swear by. If you do plan to eschew the cliche moving day pizza and cook your first night at home, plan ahead and pack one kitchen box with just the essentials you’ll need. That way you won’t have to rummage through bins and bins of pots just to find the one you need....
Why Bluebirds Need Houses All bluebirds are cavity-nesting species, and they need safe, secure locations to raise their broods. Unfortunately, they are not assertive, and more aggressive species can easily drive bluebirds out of prime nesting spaces. European starlings and house sparrows, both invasive species, will easily usurp nesting cavities, evicting bluebirds in the process. Bluebirds may also be subject to brood parasitism from brown-headed cowbirds, and young cowbird chicks can smother bluebird hatchlings and keep them from getting sufficient food and care....
Ground Yourself Since natural crystals come from the earth, they are connected to the earth element in feng shui. Earth energy encourages grounding and stability. If you are feeling unsettled, you may want to invite more earth element qualities into your home by working with crystals. Some crystals that have an especially strong connection to the earth element are tiger’s eye and tourmaline. Once you’ve chosen a crystal to work with, a great place to put it in your home is in the center of your home or bedroom....
