Faster and Easier Fall Leaves Removal

Let's be honest, Fall is a pretty season but provides a lot of work in the yard. If you are looking to spend more time kicking your feet up and watching football and less time raking those leaves we have a few tips to help! Thanks to the folks at Consumer Reports  you will be able to spend more time doing what you enjoy and less cleaning up. Read full article here or begin below. 

"Tip of the day: Make faster work of leaf removal"
BY: CONSUMER REPORTS

Keep the job manageable. 

Don’t tackle an entire season’s worth of leaf cleanup in one day—unless you’re a glutton for a blister-and-ache-inducing marathon. Leaves will drop throughout autumn, so schedule clearing duty a few days during the season. Avoid working in windy weather (see Murphy’s Law above), and dress in layers to help control body temperature and avoid breaking out in a sweat. If the sun is out, apply sunscreen. If you live in an area with lots of ticks and a prolonged frost has not yet occurred, apply an appropriate insect repellent.

Choose the right rake.

 In our testing we found that extrawide rakes (36 inches) require more downward pressure to drag leaves across the lawn. That’s why we recommend a standard-width (24 inches) rake, ideally a model equipped with a soft grip. Before you purchase a rake with an ergonomically curved handle, see how comfortable it is to use by simulating raking in the store. Ergonomic rakes are designed to reduce bending and stooping, but they’re not a good fit for everyone.

Read full article here. 

Trick or Treat: Seasonal DIY Ideas

We found a great post on Country Living titled, '15 Spooktacular Outdoor Halloween Decorations'. The post offers up a variety of DIY Halloween decoration ideas perfect as we move into the end of the October. You can check out the post here or begin reading below.

"15 Spooktacular Outdoor Halloween Decorations"By: COUNTRY LIVING

Lantern Pumpkins

New York City stylist Marissa Corwin put a cheeky spin on the very word jack-o'-lantern with her three glowing silhouettes of old-school lamps. "They're a bit more sophisticated than your average spooky face—something adults can appreciate, too," she said.

Decorated Tree

Bare-limbed trees provide the perfect ghostly perch for jack-o'-lanterns, candle lanterns, and a flock of faux black crows (don't be surprised if a few real ones alight). Make sure the tree limbs are sturdy enough to support the weight of the items you are hanging and take care not to overdecorate, which can lessen the overall effect. Funkins (styrofoam pumpkins) are an especially good choice for this project, since they're lightweight and won't rot.

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Fall Cleaning Tips and Tricks

As we move further into October we think of pumpkin carving, hot chocolate, falling leaves and sweatshirts. As each one of you prepare for this weather change it is important prepare your house for the cool down as well.  We found a great series of tips from Better Homes & Gardens titled, "Fall Fix-Ups." These tips were published with the idea of creating a smoother transition moving further into October and eventually the winter. You can check out the tips here or begin reading below.

"Fall Fix-Ups"By Better Homes & Gardens

Clear The Gutters
Falling leaves and evergreen needles can block downspouts and cause rainwater to overflow gutters. Depending on where you live, the coming of winter can mean clogged gutters. This can cause ice dams, which push water under shingles and into your house. Clean gutters after most of the leaves have fallen, and do so by removing the debris with a plastic scoop or with a special curved wand attached to your garden hose. To keep gutters clear for next fall, install mesh or perforated leaf shields. In addition to cleaning gutters, you might need to install insulation in the attic or apply heat tape along the roof edge above the gutters to prevent ice dams.

Caulk The Cracks
Caulk can help keep out dirt, moisture, sound, and radon gas, and it can improve the general appearance of your home. Caulk before painting for a more finished look. Caulk where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, around window and door frames, and at corner joints formed by siding.

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