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OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE -
Lawn & Garden (continued)
b. Fertilizing shrubs is also easy. You just pretty much buy a bag of appropriate fertilizer, and hand spread the designated amount in the beds. Just follow the instructions on timing and application.
c. Fighting bugs and diseases on your shrubs is also easy. When you notice you
have a problem, just apply some plant bug or disease killer. These products are
available at your home improvement store. Fortunately, if you do not like to mix
chemicals, they come in easy to use pre-
4. If you are a little more adventuresome, you can even do your own landscaping and save a lot. Refurbishing a lawn is even a relatively easy thing to do.
a. If your lawn is in bad shape, consider re-
b. If a lot of landscaping is required, plan out what you would like to do and spread out the project over several months or years. This way the task becomes more manageable and affordable.
c. See what types of plants the neighbors have planted and you will get an idea of what looks nice and will grow well in your area. Try to avoid plants that do not thrive in your area. Remember, shrubs will grow so you do not need to buy the largest and most expensive shrubs available.
d. Buy your shrubs and plants as cheaply as possible. Unless there is some “specimen” plant you just have to have, most plants you will need can be purchased at your local Walmart or discount home improvement store. And most of these discount stores will guarantee their plants for a period of time, should a newly planted shrub die. Just save your receipt and return the dead plant. If you really want to save, buy plants at clearance sales which are often held in late summer and fall as the planting season is drawing to a close. Sometimes in the early spring garden centers will also mark down last year’s left over plants to make room for new deliveries.
e. Planting is easy. For the most part, plants will do well if you just dig a hole about 50% wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball, and just put the plant in the hole and fill in with soil. If the plant’s root ball is wrapped in plastic or fabric, make sure it is removed before planting. That is all there is to it. Just do not plant the shrub too deep and do not put soil above the root ball.
f. Remember, when buying gravel, top soil or mulch, buy in bulk unless only a minimal amount is needed. Local companies will supply whatever you want and deliver by truck. This will be much less expensive and far less time consuming than buying these supplies prepackaged in plastic bags.
g. If you require specialized equipment such as rototillers, chain saws, etc. to complete your project, these can be rented for whatever time desired, rather than purchased. Shop around for the best deal. Also, consider sharing expensive yard equipment with your neighbors.
Maintenance on the exterior of your home is important to keep the home from weathering and deteriorating, to assist with energy conservation and pest control, and to ensure the home looks nice. Sometimes it is necessary to hire a professional to complete some projects. But many projects can be handled easily and inexpensively by the homeowner.
1. Replacing missing caulk and repairing any obvious holes in the exterior of
your home is important for moisture control, pest control and energy conservation,
as well as preparing your home to be re-
2. The exterior of homes (including walks and driveways) often become dirty due
to normal dirt build-
a. If your only concern is general dirt build-
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