Real Estate Blog

Beating the Weeds!

Many of us have spent quite a bit of time over the last few weeks outdoors getting landscapes back under control after the dark cold winter months.  After a few visits to the local gardening center, you have chosen some new plants, trimmed emerging shrubs and bushes and fertilized everything in preparation for a new growing season.  As you admire your hard work and pat yourself on the back for your efforts, you see the WEEDS!  How is it possible that you spend so much time weeding and yet, they keep coming back?!  The one thing that may be missing from your landscape efforts is mulch! 

Mulch is an important addition to your home’s landscaped areas.  Not only does it “complete” the look for better curb appeal, it offers protection to the soil and plants from heat and drought and maybe most importantly, works as a blanket to help keep weeds under control which is not only a win for your time, but also your leg and back muscles!

There are several different kinds of mulch you can choose from depending on your vision or what you already have in place.  You should first decide if you want to use organic or inorganic material.  Organic mulch will decompose over time adding nutrients to the soil which will create a balanced environment for earthworms and other beneficial organisms to thrive.  Organic options include pine or hardwood bark, pine needles, shredded cedar, shredded leaves or grass clippings.  Because these options are natural and decompose, you will need to add to them at least seasonally or more often to keep a good covering over your beds.

Inorganic mulch will not decompose over time so it requires less maintenance but it will also not add any nutrients to the soil or assist in aeration.  It is a great option for those areas that you may not want to maintain regularly or where there are erosion or drainage issues.  Inorganic options include pea gravel, lava or river rocks and rubber chips.  Based on the size of the chips or rocks used, you may need to put down a layer of plastic or landscape fabric first for complete weed control if using any of these materials.

Regardless of what type of mulch you choose, adding this final landscape element will certainly help improve the growth of your plants, the curb appeal of your home and the health of your back!

..."You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

Spring is here and we are experiencing the season very differently this year, mainly from the inside of our homes.  While you are at home, you may have noticed the spring rain and warmer temperatures have encouraged a variety of small creatures to visit and attempt to share your living space!  Some common pests that may have already made an appearance include ants, silverfish, spiders and wasps.  As the weather gets even warmer the fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are sure to follow.  So, what can you do about these unwelcomed guests?

Many people have taken on extra cleaning and maintenance tasks around the house to pass the time without thinking about it being one of the best ways to get a head start on some DIY pest control.  You may be decluttering, cleaning and reorganizing items in rooms and spaces in which you normally don’t spend much time.  You may also be taking some extra time with routine cleaning tasks to provide your family a safer, more germ-free space. 

As you move through your home, consider giving some extra attention to certain areas to keep pests from becoming too comfortable.  The kitchen has a way of attracting all sorts of pests, mainly ants because like you, they enjoy a nice food and water supply!  Keep food sealed in airtight containers or zipper bags if possible and counters free of crumbs, spills and open food containers.  If you have pets, pay special attention to any bits missed after mealtime and keep bowls clean.  Keeping all floors swept, vacuumed or mopped regularly will decrease possible food supplies for hungry pests.

Closets, attics, basements or other storage areas can all provide good hiding places for pests because there are many dark corners and undisturbed hiding places that you may not access on a regular basis.  Consider storage containers made of plastic with tight-fitting lids rather than cardboard boxes which are not airtight or water resistant. When cardboard boxes become damp they can attract pests quickly.  Bathrooms can also provide dark, moist environments in which pests can flourish.  Look for cracks that may need to be caulked as these creatures can make their way into your home through the smallest of spaces!  Check under sinks and around tubs and toilets for any standing water.  Fix any leaks to eliminate the fresh water source pests need to thrive.

After a thorough cleaning on the inside, take a walk around the outside of your home.  Clean up debris such as leaf litter or other brush that may be close to your home, move any piles of wood away from your home’s foundation to avoid possible termite issues and check for any cracks or openings especially around doors and windows that need fresh caulk.  Pay attention to any standing water sources since as the days and evenings get warmer these areas can become good breeding locations for mosquitoes.

Taking these few simple steps now when you have some extra time to spend on home maintenance may go a long way in battling springtime pests and save you some money before they become a problem that will require the use of chemicals or having to call a professional exterminator!

"...You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814