Tag Archives: back yard

Aug4

The Simple Way To Clear Your Backyard

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The Simple Way To Clear Your Backyard

It doesn’t take long for a backyard to go from trim and tidy to overgrown anarchy. Maybe it started with a few weeds around the fence. Then the bushes doubled in size. A few fallen branches got ignored. Suddenly, it’s a whole situation. But getting it back to clean doesn’t have to be a huge, exhausting project. With the right tools and a smart approach, anyone can turn things around in one solid afternoon:

Why Most Backyards Get Out of Control (And It’s Totally Normal):

Backyards grow fast. Trees shoot out new branches, vines creep up fences, and weeds love popping up overnight. Throw in a few rainy weeks or a busy schedule, and nature just takes over. It’s not lazy or bad planning – it happens to everyone. The good news is, there’s a way to handle it without spending every weekend sweating in the sun. It’s all about using the right tools that do most of the work for you. Big gas-powered machines can be loud, messy, and hard to manage. But newer electric tools make the process way easier and a lot quieter.

One of the most helpful tools for these jobs is an electric chainsaw. Whether you’re trimming thick bushes, cutting fallen limbs, or dealing with smaller trees that took over the back fence, this tool can clear large messes fast and without the noise or hassle of gas models.

Start with the Biggest Problem:

The best way to tackle an overgrown yard is to go for the most obvious mess first. If there are branches on the ground or a huge bush blocking the walkway, that’s the place to start. Clearing those out makes the space instantly look better, and it gives more room to move around for everything else. Cut up large pieces into smaller chunks that can be stacked, bagged, or hauled away later. Just getting those big eyesores out of the way gives a huge boost and it’s that moment when it starts to feel doable instead of overwhelming.

What to Cut, What to Keep:

After clearing fallen branches and thick growth, it’s time to look at what’s still standing. Trees and bushes should have space between them and the house, fence, or path. If anything is rubbing against walls or blocking light, it needs trimming. Use the chainsaw for the thicker stuff, and grab some handheld shears or trimmers for small branches and dead plants. Don’t be afraid to cut more than expected as most plants bounce back fast. The goal isn’t to get everything perfect, but just to give it shape and space again.

Mow, Edge, and Sweep:

Once the big mess is handled and everything’s trimmed, it’s time to focus on the ground. Overgrown yards usually mean tall grass and wild edges. Start with mowing the lawn. Even if the grass looks patchy or dry, cutting it down cleanly makes a huge difference. After mowing, edge along the sides of walkways, flower beds, or fences. That clean line makes everything look cared for, even if nothing fancy is going on. Finish up by sweeping or blowing away the leftover mess like leaves, twigs, or sawdust from the branches. This step takes the yard from “cleaned up” to “wow, that actually looks nice.”

Dealing With the Leftovers:

One part people forget about: where all the branches, grass, and leaves are going to go. If the city has yard waste pickup, great – pile it up for collection day. No pickup? A local green waste drop-off center can help. For anyone with a little extra space, a compost pile works too (just skip the big wood). Either way, don’t let the cleanup pile sit for weeks. Moving it out right after the job makes everything feel done!

Keeping It from Getting Wild Again:

Once the yard looks fresh again, staying on top of it becomes way easier. The trick is to do small jobs regularly instead of letting it get bad again. Here are a few simple ways to keep it under control:

  • Do a quick scan once a week for fallen branches or trash.
  • Trim bushes or trees when they start reaching over walkways.
  • Mow every 1–2 weeks during growing season.
  • Use electric tools that are easy to grab and use without making a mess.

Keeping tools nearby and charged up helps a lot. When something’s easy to grab, it’s more likely to get used before the job becomes a big deal again.

What Really Makes a Difference:

It’s not about having a picture-perfect yard. Most people just want a space that looks neat, safe, and comfortable to hang out in. That’s totally possible without needing to be a pro or spending tons of time every weekend. The real difference comes from a few things:

  • Using tools that don’t make the job harder than it needs to be.
  • Tackling the biggest problem first instead of trying to do everything at once.
  • Cleaning up in layers – branches, then bushes, then grass.
  • Taking 15 minutes once a week to stay ahead of it.

Whether the goal is to have space to relax, let kids play, or just stop worrying about what the neighbors think, the path to a cleaner yard doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small, use tools that help, and let progress do the rest!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb10

Common Issues You Might Come Across In Your Garden

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Common Issues You Might Come Across In Your Garden

For many, the garden is their sanctuary, so you want to enjoy it all year around. But, there may be times when you encounter problems in your garden that prevent you from enjoying it as much. Most of the time there will be a quick fix available. Take a look at the list below for some common problems you may come across.

Diseased Trees:

If you have trees in your garden, then you must look after these the best you can. If you don’t take care of them, then they may become diseased and you will have to get rid of them. If you suspect you have a diseased tree, your first instinct may be to chop it down. However, you could make it into a fantastic piece of art and keep it in your garden to admire forever.

Pests:

In the height of summer, this one may become a problem, winter not so much. Pests in your garden can really ruin the mood for you. You might be having a family barbecue and then a swarm of wasps suddenly appears to ruin your fun. Mosquitoes may also pose a risk especially if you are allergic to their bites. These tend to come out at night so if you are trying to enjoy the evening sun, then there could be issues.

Fear not, as there are always solutions to your pest problems and here are some recommendations: You can deter these types of pests by using scents they dislike such as citronella for mosquitoes and peppermint for wasps. If you have plants and flowers that smell like this, then it will help to keep them away. Alternatively, you can buy some scented candles to deter them from ruining your meal.

Water Problems:

If you live in a place with very little natural rainfall, you may need to use artificial water from a hose to water your garden. You might find your grass looking scorched due to the dry climate. This is nothing to worry about and will rectify itself if you keep watering it regularly. If you use a sprinkler system in your garden this can be turned onto automatic so your lawn is watered on a timer. This is an excellent option to consider if you would like to achieve lush, green grass. To get started, simply enter a search for “lawn sprinkler system contractor in Dallas, TX” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed professional to take on the job. Just make sure you aren’t out there when they come on as you may get an unexpected shower!

If you find yourself having problems with your sprinkler system, then contact your local irrigation system repair company to help sort this out as quickly as possible.

Moles:

One final problem that you may encounter in your garden is moles. If you don’t have this problem, thank your lucky stars as they are a nightmare! Once they are there they don’t seem to want to leave. Moles will burrow upwards and, unfortunately, leave quite a mess in their path. You will find your garden full of little brown mounds called molehills. In order to deter moles, you can get vibration devices that you stick in the ground and the moles steer clear of the movement.

Gardens are an amazing addition to any home but the problems above can prevent you from getting the full effect. As with any problem you are unsure of, it’s best to contact local experts so your summertime parties can be a huge success!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb11

Prepping The Outside Of Your Home For Spring

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Prepping The Outside Of Your Home For Spring

The thought of spring fast approaching is like a lighthouse amidst the gloom of the COVID-19 pandemic. Warmer weather means the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors social distanced with friends and loved ones and I know we are all looking forward to that! If your outdoor property is going to be the place to be this spring, start considering the following to get everything prepared for the first few warm days:

Tend To Landscaping:

Whether you plan on working on your landscaping yourself or hiring the experts from a landscaping company in Scarborough, this is definitely the first step you want to take when prepping your outdoors for spring. From installing fences and decks to the planting of lush greenery and flowers, you want your outdoor space to be just as welcoming to guests as your kitchen is. Get inspired about your dream yard from Pinterest, home design shows, or check out this landscape designer and see where your creativity takes you in a whole different setting!

Not only will beautiful landscaping boost your curb appeal and the overall aesthetic of your home, but it can also do a world of good. When you grow native plants, it encourages the growth of biodiverse ecosystems and a safe haven for endangered species like Monarch butterflies. You can purchase the best plants for your area to create a stunning display and a habitat for local species with companies like Direct Native Plants (or a similar one in your local area). Do your research, get to shopping, and open up your yard to wonderful wildlife. 

Fix Problem Areas:

It will be hard to enjoy your outdoor property if your home isn’t looking its best from the outside. As the warmer weather hits, do a walk through around your house to locate problem areas that need fixed. Whether this means giving your place a fresh coat of paint, patching holes, solving problems with pests, or, perhaps, tending to reinforcements. This can include providing additional structural support or contacting retaining wall experts in your area for extra help.

Spring also means a lot of rain and you will want to ensure that your yard is capable of handling the downpours. Standing water can turn your pristine yard into a swamp in no time at all and will bring a swarm of mosquitos and a host of landscaping issues. This will make it hard to enjoy the weather and all of the fun of the outdoors. It will be important to fix standing water in your yard before transitioning to spring. You want to deal with it all now instead of wishing you had already taken care of it halfway through spring. Then, you can fully enjoy the outdoors without constantly thinking about your to do list.

Garden Get Together:

Gardening is a hobby that can be done from a safe distance with friends and can be a lot of fun. How about hosting a get together to do just that? Visit a garden center for lovely flowers or plants and then hit up the craft store for pots and paints to create your own potted masterpiece. This is a fantastic way to let your creativity shine by decorating your pot and arranging your plants just so. Make one or a bunch to outline your patio with and you will have a beautiful display!

Contact Free Games:

A beautiful, manicured yard is just begging to be used and there are plenty of contact free games to enjoy playing with your friends. Invest in a set of bocce ball, croquet, or cornhole. All of these games can be played while social distancing and the bocce and croquet balls can be easily sanitized after using them. Despite being outdoors, it’s still important to keep following COVID-19 guidelines and contact free games will provide safe and fun entertainment for your guests.

Protection From The Sun:

There is nothing better than settling outside with a good book and a glass of lemonade but this can be difficult to do if there is no protection from the sun on your property to help keep you comfortable. Consider having a space on your deck or patio where you can cool down in the shade with a sun setter or a table with a nice big umbrella. This will be a welcome spot to beat the heat after a couple of games of bocce!

Spring hasn’t quite sprung yet but it’s never too early to start thinking about it and getting excited to break free from your living room. Work on getting your outdoor property ready for spring now and you will be ready to be the first one outside when the warm weather finally hits!

 

Jan14

Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Ideas

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Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Ideas

You can only rearrange your furniture, redecorate, and clean so much inside until you have exhausted all of your ideas to change up your space. So turn your focus to the exterior of your house, instead! Spring is going to be here before we know it and with warmer weather, you can finally get started on outdoor projects. Not only will you love making big changes but they will definitely help boost your home’s curb appeal, to boot! Try out the following:

New windows and doors:

Installing new windows and doors can totally transform your home’s exterior. If you have been living at your place for several years now and are starting to feel blah with its appearance, this might be just the boost it needs. Don’t forget to have fun with your choices, too! A bright colored door can sure make a statement and it will set your house apart from the rest in your neighborhood.

Sometimes, new windows and doors aren’t enough to give your home the update it needs. For example, if you have a brick home that is looking rundown or has areas in need of repair, hiring experts like Brickwork Pointing might be the way to go. This should be the first order of business when trying to boost your curb appeal by targeting problematic, noticeable areas.

Fresh paint:

If the paint on the outside of your home has seen better days, then perhaps a fresh coat is in order. Chipping paint and discoloration can really lower your curb appeal and makes your place seem less inviting. Fresh paint can fix this quickly and give your house a much needed face lift.

A patio or porch:

Having a new concrete patio outside for your friends to sit this summer is so important so that you can finally socialize! If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, expanding it even slightly can make a world of difference for accommodating guests. If you have enough space in the back yard, you could go all out and have a large area prepared though. How nice would it be to have the space for furniture, a grill, and a fire pit for your guests to enjoy with this new addition?! (Note: Unless you’re very handy, a patio expansion should be left to the professionals. Valley View Excavating or experienced pros in your area are highly recommended). There is nothing like enjoying the sunshine with your friends and a porch or patio will give you the opportunity to do so while boosting your curb appeal.

Repave your driveway:

The driveway might be one of the last things you think about but it is one of the first things that people see when they look at your yard. If winter weather has left your driveway cracked and damaged, then repaving it will definitely be in order as it will stick out like a sore thumb on an, otherwise, well taken care of property.

Expand your garage:

If you have a single garage and more than one car, your property can look a bit jumbled with multiple cars parked on the driveway. Not to mention that playing musical cars every morning when people are leaving is super annoying! Adding more space to your garage and some Custom garage doors by Bulldog Garage Doors is always a good bet to boost your curb appeal and you will never have to go into a freezing cold or insanely hot car again.

We have had ample time to improve our home’s interior and now we can turn our focus outwards as we transition into spring!

Jun28

A Flower For Me

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A Flower For Me

Hello! On Father’s Day, my sister and her daughter arrived at our parents’ house at the exact same time that I did. We didn’t plan it at all and it was perfect because we all had the maximum time together before we split back up for the day. Beautiful presents and lots of love were gifted to our dear old dad but I think I got the most special treat of all that day. Check it out:

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After presents, we all took a pause and went to the backyard so my niece, Valerie, could move and groove before my sister took off. My dad loves to show Val his flower and vegetable garden and she loves it too. More often than not, you can see my dad smelling the flowers with her and then he will help her pick a bloom for her mom.

On Father’s Day, Val wanted a flower for each hand once she picked her favorite. Then, she toddled up to her auntie and handed me a flower with a big smile on her face. And, right at that moment, our Golden Retriever gobbled up the flower in the hand she wasn’t paying attention to. *Face palm*

Once Val realized her other flower was missing, I offered her mine to make up for it. But, she just kept handing it back to me. I have to say, I was really happy she did because there is literally nothing better than getting a pretty little flower from your fifteen month old niece. I brought it home with me and put it in my dried flower collection and it’s never not going to make me smile whenever I see it. ❤

How did you celebrate Father’s Day? How is your garden doing this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun14

Animal Crossing Outdoor Fun

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Animal Crossing Outdoor Fun

Hello!! Children, teenagers, and adults alike have all been getting super into Animal Crossing during this quarantine. And, Johnny and I just so happen to be the adults who are super into it, lol. The charmingly simple game of building a prosperous island has captured many a hearts and I always look forward to when I can fish or catch some bugs for a while on our island of Dingusburg (Johnny’s idea, haha).

Recently, at work, I was outside with my client and her nieces and we decided to do some real life Animal Crossing of our own after we saw a big, beautiful butterfly flitting about the back yard. One of the girlies grabbed her butterfly net and the chase was on. We all took our tries at catching it and had no such luck. The butterfly flew away but it was still fun!

If you have little ones with some pent up energy from being cooped in, how about some Animal Crossing fun of your own? Set up a scavenger hunt outside or grab some butterfly nets and toy fishing rods and have an adventure in your back yard. Animal Crossing is all about enjoying the simple things, like planting flowers, picking fruit, and catching bugs… All of which can easily be done from your yard!

Still need some inspiration? Message me on Facebook at Sarah Mushenheim for my friend code and come visit Dingusburg. Then, bring a little of our island life into your activities with your kids for the day. 🙂

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Which games have you been hooked on in quarantine? What are some of your favorite activities with your kids? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug27

How To Revamp A Boring Backyard

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How To Revamp A Boring Backyard

With summer still going strong, we all want to spend as much time as possible outside. This means that you need to take the necessary measures to revamp your backyard. In the past, the backyard was a space for hanging laundry to dry and a playground for the kids. Nowadays, it is one of the top three areas that need to be renovated to improve the value of your property as well as your lifestyle. Here are some ideas that will help you to give your backyard the boost it needs:

Remodel Your Deck:

You need to remodel your deck if you want your backyard to look tasteful. An outdoor deck will benefit almost any home, whether you use it for entertainment or as a retreat. According to Deck Remodelers, an up-to-date deck will raise the value of your property significantly, which means that you should remodel yours if you are looking to sell your property in the future.

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Lush Greenery: 

Your backyard should be a bright, inviting space where you can play with the kiddos or chill with friends. Liven things up with beautiful blooms, a veggie garden, or maybe even a few fruit trees. Remember, the secret to picture book perfect grass is adequate hydration. For this reason, you might want to consider having an irrigation system installed to keep your grass healthy and looking its best. A well maintained yard is an instant curb appeal booster!

If you struggle to maintain your yard, a lawn service can be invaluable. This is especially great for older folks or people with no green thumb whatsoever! If you are interested in help for your yard, simply search online for a “lawn service Abilene TX” (or your local area) to find a team of pros to keep the outside of your property looking its best.

Add a Fire Pit:

If you want a space where you and your family members can cook and bond, you should add a fire pit to your backyard. You can use a shovel to dig a hole, then line its outer edge to make the fire pit look better. However, if you do not want to dig into your yard, you should buy a metal fire pit that will allow you to burn wood for your bonfire. Portable fire pits like the ones from Go Live Outdoor could also be a great option as you can move it anywhere on your property or even bring it on a camping trip!

Add Lawn Accents and Decorations:

You should opt for accents and decorations that will show off your personal style, such as ceramic animals and an outdoor gas lantern. You can also add wind chimes to tree branches if you want to include an element of music to your backyard. For some nighttime fun, you can place tiki torches to your newly renovated deck.

Cut Around Stones with an Edge Trimmer:

You should use an edge trimmer to cut the grass around stone pathways or walkways to end up with flat edges on your lawn that are uniform in size. To trim, you just have to place your edge trimmer on the side of the walkway before you start pushing it forward slowly. Just make sure that you keep your edge trimmer at the same height all the way to ensure uniformity.

Place Lawn Furniture in Your Backyard:

You should place several pieces of furniture in your backyard to create a calm and inviting atmosphere where people can talk and relax. You will find a wide range of lawn furniture at garden stores and lawn stores, including swings, chairs, and tables. If you have enough space, you should consider adding a retractable pergola system – a roofed structure that gives you an outdoor room and allows you to sit in the backyard on rainy and sunny days no bugs required!

Add a Water Fountain:

You should consider installing a small water fountain next to your flowerbed. This will add some ambient water noises that will have a calming effect on you. If you have the funds, you could hire a company to create a full water fountain in your backyard. You will have many water-feature choices to pick from, so your personal style will not be sacrificed.

If you are thinking about revamping your backyard, the above ideas will help you to get started. An updated backyard will not only increase the value of your home, but it will also make your outdoor space more appealing and fun to spend time in with family and friends.

Jul26

Butterflying Away

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Butterflying Away

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! We are so close to the weekend that I can taste it, but with that sensation can come a case of the blahs, because two sweet days off seems so close yet so far. So I decided to brighten up everyone’s newsfeed today with some pictures that my dad took of a big, beautiful Monarch Butterfly that was fluttering around the garden. And, soon, we will be Butterflying Away to the weekend in no time!

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^^^ Our butterfly friend isn’t in the sunflower picture, I just really like it! 🙂

There are so many different meanings that can come from spotting the gorgeous Monarch Butterfly. From good luck to a friendly hello from your guardian angels or a loved one that has passed on, Monarchs only carry the best vibes. That’s why it was so exciting for this little carrier of good news to be hanging around our garden, besides for the lovely pictures taken by my dad, of course!

I hope these pictures brighten your day and carry you to the weekend with a smile on your face!

What is one of your favorite surprises to find in nature? What is your favorite insect? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec18

Home And Garden: Protect Your Property

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Home And Garden: Protect Your Property

If you need some help with protecting your home and garden this year, you might want to check out some of these clever gadgets, which can be the perfect remedy for your home security problems:

Ring Video Doorbell: The Ring Video Doorbell is no ordinary doorbell, it allows you to answer the door without opening it. There are motion sensors on the doorbell, and you can download an app on your phone so that when someone rings the bell, you will get a notification from the app and you can see who is at the door. It also allows you to talk through the doorbell to whoever it is. This is ideal for if you have a parcel coming and you don’t want it given to the neighbor or if you have a friend coming over but you are running a bit late.

Yale Smart Home Alarm: Arm and disarm your alarm from your smartphone. You can also add a power switch to all of your appliances as well as on your front door, so that if you leave the house and panic that you haven’t locked the door or turned off the oven, you can do it from your phone! This is a high end item, and you can review a ton of different security systems at Homesecuritysystem.co if you are unsure of which one to pick for your price range and needs.

Nest Cam Indoor: Place the nest cam in your home in a certain place and you will be able to see a 24/7 live stream of anything going on in that part of the house. If there is any odd activity or weird noises, your phone will notify you so that you can see what’s happening.

Dummy Camera: If you don’t feel like shelling out the dough to kit your home out with full CCTV, you can bluff by hanging up a fake camera outside of your home. It is far cheaper and any potential thieves won’t be able to tell the difference, meaning that you are much less likely to have your home intruded by anyone.

Fake TV Light: If you are ever out of the house but you would like to mimic occupancy to deter anyone from coming near the home, you can use this gadget to make it look like the TV is on. The TV light mimics the color changes of a TV, and you can pre-set the light to come on at certain times.

Cam Safe: If you’ve ever seen on Pinterest those secret compartments behind a light switch, then you may like this gadget. The idea is to take every day objects in the home and make them into secret compartments to store your valuables. It could be as random as a can of Coke or a packet of chips. It will allow you to keep your valuables in the home, in a place where no criminal is ever going to look for them. You can even keep it in the fridge if you want to make it even more convincing.

Stay safe and secure this holiday season with the above gadgets!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec14

How To Make Your Winter Garden Look Fantastic

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How To Make Your Winter Garden Look Fantastic

America is in the midst of a gardening boom: one in three households grows food at home or in a co-op garden. Even millennials are joining in with gardening and the economic downturn doesn’t discourage people, either. Those with green thumbs are sure to dread the winter months. While your hard work is shining bright in the spring and summer, during the winter your pride and joy can sometimes be buried under a layer of frost and dead leaves. However, if you’re willing to change your perception a little, winter can actually be a great time for your garden. Here’s why, and a few tips on how to make your winter garden look fantastic:

Benefits of winter for your garden:

It turns out that gardens that experience winter may have some advantages over their warmer cousins. According to research from the University of Minnesota, many pests which are harmful to gardens hibernate when the weather gets cold. In addition, weeds grow more slowly and thanks to low light and less evaporation, plants often require less water in the winter. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Choose winter friendly veggies and crops:

Although you might have to give up on your tomatoes and most other fruiting crops during the winter months, there are many tasty and cold-hardy vegetables you can try to grow, instead. Top choices are Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, onions, and some types of spinach. Look for vegetables with leaves, stems, and roots, that mature more and more slowly as the weather cools and the days shorten. As an added bonus, some of these vegetables sweeten as the weather gets colder!

Making your garden look great:

There are many ways to brighten up a barren winter garden. Focal points such as an outdoor wall mounted fountain, a sculpture, or boulder can draw interest all year round. Water features such as ponds can look stunning in winter, becoming the center of attention in contrast to their plainer surroundings.

Thanks to the lack of weeds, winter-hardy plants, and the potential for dramatic winter views, winter gardening is a lot nicer than you might think. So grab your gloves and your shovel and join America’s gardening boom.