Easily Turn Your Yard Into An Easter Scene

Do you live in a climate where you’re able to hold a beautiful Easter celebration in your yard? Take advantage and go all out! Adorn the yard with animals, ribbons, eggs, pastel colors, busy patterns, and the activities everyone loves, adults and children alike. Here are the best pieces of Easter decorative and entertaining advice.

The Basics

Mow your lawn a few days prior, so the grass is lush and healthy looking. To keep grass looking its best the months prior, mow in different directions every time and skip bagging the discards as it helps the grass maintain its nutrients and will grow straighter and longer when alternating directions. Take a rake to it lightly the day before your celebration to pick up any objects, leaves or grass.

The fun part is filling your yard with decorations that transform it into a world of Easter. Consider decorating some focal points first, to really make an impression with the least amount of things. Tables and seating are a great place to begin. Table cloths, runners, centerpieces, chargers and napkins are all items to adorn your table with. The table and the items can be rented pretty inexpensively as well. More focal points of your yard to decorate are deck railing, sheds, ponds or bird baths, and trees. You can decorate these just as you would a Christmas tree, with garlands, egg ornaments, animal figures, and more.

Activities

Easter egg hunts are the most obvious choice of activity for an Easter celebration, but there are endless Easter activities to choose from. Egg spoon races are second most popular Easter game. Guessing the number of jelly beans, egg tossing, and egg throwing are traditional Easter activities.

For the sake of this article, and showing off your beautifully decorated yard, Easter egg hunting is the way to go. Keep it safe by mapping out the parameters of the hunt to show the children, and give willing adults and teenagers bunny ears to wear while supervising the hunt.

Adding Extravagance

If you want to create an event to remember, hire an Easter bunny to take photos with or a small petting zoo. Animals such as goats, bunny rabbits, and baby chicks are popular and accessible. Creating a photo booth with a Easter decorated wooden walkway element is another great idea. You could even have a best or funniest photo contest, especially fun for the adults. An Easter stage can also be created in the backyard, where the children can put on an Easter play for the adults. Strategically plan it or just give them a stage and a box of dress up clothes and accessories and they’ll figure it out!

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Stump Removal 101

Stumps are what’s left of a tree that has been removed from the ground up. Stump removal is not usually included in the cost of professional tree removal because the process is a lot more involved than the cutting down and dragging away a tree. A tree’s trunk and roots run deeply. This is why many home owners have stumps in their yards. Their obvious reasons for wanting to remove the tree completely is because they are ugly, they take up space and dictate how you can situate your yard, and they form tripping hazards. The ease of the stump removal is up to many factors including how many stumps there are, what kind of tree stumps they are, how old they are, and how big they are. Once you delve into how complicated a stump removal can be, you might consider calling a professional with expertise and experience. Here are a few ways a tree service can assist you.

Heavy Duty Tools

A tree serviceman will have all the tools needed for stump removal. If the best method for removal is by grinding away the stump, a tree service will have the 1,000 pound grinder, the shovel, rake, chainsaw, and mattock needed to complete the job. You can rent a grinder for 100-200 dollars a day, but the equipment is dangerous, you should be taught how to use it prior, and a professional service would likely charge you the same or not much more AND haul the debris away for you.

Pull Out By Hand or Truck

Small tree stumps, especially those of dead or diseased trees, are easier to remove by hand. This can be achieved by using a shovel to uproot what you can and chainsaw away at what is exposed. If the shovel is not working to uproot the stump, a chain can be wrapped around the tree and it can be pulled out by truck. A tree service will have experience with this and do it efficiently for you.

Chemical Stump Removal

There are chemicals that can be used to disintegrate the stump, but the process is still quite a bit of labor. As much of the stump as possible needs to be removed by chainsaw first, and then again when the tree becomes spongy from drilling holes and filling them with chemicals. The tree can also be soaked in kerosene for a few weeks and then lit on fire.

You can also attempt to rot the stump or just light it on fire after filling it with fuel and putting firewood on top of it. However you choose to tackle the stump removal, you will likely need a lot of supplies and tools you may have to rent. It’s not likely that the city will pick up the stump in the usual trash, so you will also have to determine a way to dispose of it yourself. A professional can alleviate a lot of the headache by removing it using the best, most thorough method and taking it away with them. After you cover the hole and successfully grow grass seed over it, you can use the land how you see fit again!

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Avoid These 6 Costly Fencing Mistakes

1. Applying Finishes or Varnishes Too Early

After your fence is installed, it’s important to allow the fence to completely dry out before applying any new product to it. This is because the manufacturer puts moisturizing and preservation coatings on the fence that will likely interfere with anything you put over it if you do so too soon. Keeping your fence healthy for years can be enhanced by adding a clear coating to the fence if you enjoy its natural look, staining it, or painting it. If you paint it, you will have to repaint every few years.

2. Using Too Weak of Hinges

Most first time fence builders make the mistake of underestimating the size of hinge needed to hold the weight of their new fence. Furthermore, the posts and cement that anchors them will have to be done in accordance with the weight of your fence as well. This all depends on fence material, whether it was pressure-treated which causes fences to become more heavy than expected, and weather patterns like rain that cause the fence to become heavier as well. If you question these factors at all and your ability and experience level to work around them, call a professional for assistance.

3. Up-hill Fence Building

It’s very possible to fence a yard with an incline. You will, however, have to create sections that step up over the elevations properly. Your fence should be broken up into sections about 6-8 feet long and raised by one full or half foot. To insure the job is done properly, call a professional for assistance.

4. Pissing Off The Neighbors

Excuse our language, but building a fence without taking your neighbors or homeowners association into consideration is a big no-no. They say “bad fences make bad neighbors”. You don’t want to make this costly mistake. You want to enjoy your privacy without having to wonder what feelings are being had beyond the fence.

5. Too Long of Sections Without Support

Fencing sections are usually in 6 to 8 foot increments and there should be posts put at no longer than these 8 foot sections to insure that the fence is sturdy enough to withstand any pressure put on it (by animals, weather patterns, or pressure washing).

6. Lazy Posts

Concreting posts correctly, and at the recommended depth in the ground is essential for the integrity and longevity of the fence. Follow instructions and don’t cut corners here. Posts need to be put at least 2 feet under ground, but the rule of thumb is 1/3 the post’s length. Check with your local codes and city ordinances though, because they often have recommendations of their own. In the event you aren’t as cool with your neighbors as you’d like to be, having done everything to code will aid you in any disputes that could ensue.

Any or all of these mistakes combined can be costly. Be sure to check all these mistakes off your list by talking to your neighbors, checking with your city, reading directions, and calling a professional at any times of self-doubt.

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Yard Fencing Basics

Your Priority

What is the reason you are wanting to install a fence? Is it to keep the pet or children in the yard? Or for privacy and aesthetics? This question will likely narrow your choices a lot. If only to keep your loved ones in the yard, you can choose from many inexpensive chain link style fences. They are low maintenance and can be dressed up with colored plastic slats. For noise reduction and privacy, you’ll want a fence that is much taller and more solid.

Consider The Elements

Depending on where you live, there are probably fencing trends. If you are exposed to high risk of damage caused by storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, you’ll want to consider this when making your decision. In places that are threatened by these types of disasters, a wrought iron fence might be best. Even extreme high or low heat or humidity can cause your fencing material to crack, such as in Florida where you would not want the wrought iron fence because it would rust easily.

Budget

Common materials include (from usually most expensive to least expensive) wrought iron, aluminum, wood, vinyl, and chain link. Wrought iron is probably the toughest, followed by aluminum which is naturally rust-free and low maintenance. Vinyl can look really nice and be much lower maintenance than traditional wood (think white picket fence), but might cost a pretty penny. Wood is more expensive only because of its required maintenance to keep it looking nice (staining/painting/weather proofing/repairs), however, f you live in a neutral weather place, a wood fence can look really nice and serve its purpose. It’s a beautiful choice, aside from being costly. Chain link fences are the least expensive and get the job done. Like previously mentioned, you can enhance its look by adding colored slats. You can also landscape around the fence to improve its appearance. If you live in an HOA place or care what your neighbors think, gather their opinions because your decision effects the look of their backyards or neighborhood.

City Ordinance

Be sure to check with your city to obtain a permit for building a fence and follow all your city’s guidelines. If you choose to hire a company, be sure they are at least within these guidelines. Otherwise, look for their reviews and further evidence they are legitimate. Call three fencing companies to get their fence recommendation and quote before choosing one to be absolutely confident. Beware of low prices! As you know, companies who underbid are not always the most professional and you’d hate to pay less and get a poor execution.

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Buying and Caring For Outdoor Furniture

There is a lot to consider when buying your patio furniture. Spending more will not always get you the best quality. Design should almost be your last consideration. Finding outdoor furniture that requires little maintenance and can stand the test of time in the natural elements probably won’t be just a trip to the store. You will want to buy furniture with your specific state and region weather patterns in mind, whether or not you have proper storage for them in the off season, and how often you are likely to clean the items yourself. Here’s what you need to know:

Outdoor Grade Materials

My favorite low maintenance material to buy outdoor furniture in is Aluminum because it’s naturally rust-resistant, it lasts a long time, and don’t need special attention to cleaning because it develops a protective layer of oxide on its own! Cleaning is a snap. Just rinse it with a hose if you like. Any other metal you will want to look for a rust-resistant powder coding to bring it to the same caliber. If wood is more your style, they also aren’t created equally. Teak is the best wood material to consider because it has a 100 year durability rating and is naturally resistant to damage caused by bugs. Eucalyptus and Cedar are second best.

When purchasing cushions and pillows for your furniture look for high UV rating so they won’t fade or be vulnerable to damage over long periods in the sun. The best material to look for is a mildew-resistant acrylic. Cleaning these items can be done easily once per month during use using a water and bleach spray.

Caring For Your Furniture

If you don’t have space in your garage, shed, or home during the off season, it’s best to at least cover your furniture as a barrier from the harsh elements of fall and winter. Buy any cleaning and keeping supplies you might need to care for your furniture at the same time you buy the furniture and keep it in a storage ottoman or table nearby to encourage you to maintenance it as needed. If you purchased an iron set, with or without a rust-resistant coating, you can consider purchasing a wax product made specifically for weather proofing that material. You can spot clean your cushions in between uses to remove fallen leaves and dirt using mild soap and water and once per month, allow a bleach and water solution sprayed on to sit 30 minutes before wiping. This will keep them looking new! Some items can be machine washed, but should never be dried in a dryer. Hang them outside to dry and read any tags sticking out of the product for proper instruction from the manufacturer.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas and umbrella-like outdoor products need maintenance too! Especially after being used all season and then being stored. The joints need to be oiled and the fabric washed with a soft bristle brush and mild soapy water.

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Popular Outdoor Living Space Trends

One of the biggest trends of this century is extend your living spaces to the outdoors. This is achieved through sliding glass doors the size of walls being opened up to an extension of the home or creating an outdoor kitchen or living room. Here are the most popular trends uncovered over the years of extending living to the back yard.

Gazebo or Pergola Dining Space

You’ve seen it in magazines, the romantic dinner party outside at night under a pergola wrapped in white outdoor lights. The table is clothed and set just as you would indoors, real napkins, real silverware, plates, and wine glasses. Bringing your dining room outdoors is an ideal way to enjoy the best seasons of the year, whether you have sunshine all year or just in summer months. This is especially a great option for those that don’t have a designated dining space or have had to convert theirs into a space for another purpose. The trick for bringing living spaces outside is to not shy away from bringing indoor items out, including throw pillows, blankets and rugs. The best outdoor spaces look indoors except for the amazing backdrop of lush green landscaping.

Colored Curtain Enclosure

A newer concept being made popular is enclosing your gazebo with colored curtains and possibly bug nets, for privacy and for comfort. This space can be a romantic outdoor bedroom or living space meant for entertaining, meditation, or as a studio for an artist. The possibilities are endless!

Create An Arch

Accessorizing a gazebo with a decorative arch leading in further presents the structure as a permanent space and really adds to its majestic sacredness. You can also fence the gazebo or plant shrubs around it to add to its curb appeal. Adding mulched beds, or making decorative brick or stone walkways can also add to its charm.

Fire pit

A fire pit is most people’s first thought and is one of the easiest and budget friendliest outdoor living spaces to create. Fire pits can be more permanent structures or can be achieved through portable fire cages. Some beautiful outdoor fire space has been created with an outdoor fireplace! Neater, more contemporary designs are also coming out that are worth considering. Different materials and design can really elevate a property and its curb appeal.

Hot Tub In A Deck

Designing your deck around a hot tub is a great idea. If you entertain adults a lot or your work is very physically demanding, this option might be your favorite.

Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor dining space is a simpler version of the outdoor kitchen and is for those who prefer to cook inside and enjoy the food outside. For the avid griller or outdoor cook, the outdoor kitchen can be an amazing space. Options and add-ons for grills are endless, including outdoor refrigerators and granite countertops. This is a really fun option that leaves a lot of room to consider your cooking style and needs.

Tree house

Tree houses are less popular but still a contender for an outdoor living space. The most important thing I deciding to build a tree house is whether you have a strong enough tree to hold the space and if your county or city will permit it. The idea can be a romantic one for adult guests or children, if you have them.

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Easy Curb Appeal With Plants and Trees

You want to improve your curb appeal fast? Here are suggestions using plants and trees to improve the look of your front yard as quickly as possible, for potential buyers, visitors, or just yourself!

Frame your walk with trees

Symmetry is a beautiful element of design. If you want to draw the eye a little more up from the ground, hide something, or frame the walk, stairs, or doorway to the house, you can plant small trees on either side. Be sure to do your research to find the right tree for your lifestyle. Do you want a low maintenance tree that will not get very large, or one that takes up little horizontal space but gets tall and requires some pruning? Do you want a leafy tree-top, a tree from the pine family, or a bush? Do you want the tree to be green or provide color? Do you want a tree or bush that flowers?

Flower Boxes

Adding flower boxes to your windows or just the edges of the porch can add such charm and joy to the viewer. Some can even be purposeful if you plant useful herbs. Buying potted flowers that have already been grown to maturity are the easiest way to make this quick curb appeal adjustment. Otherwise, you can plant the seeds yourself. They can be planted indoors or outdoors. Gardeners plant them indoors well before planting season so that they reach maturity faster and can be planted in the boxes and bloom well before they would had they been planted outside first. If you choose to buy the plants pre-grown, you will want to purchase them before they bloom so that they bloom in your boxes!

Multi-level potted plants on the porch

Plants that remain in decorative pots outside are called container gardens. This look can be gorgeous and allows for a lot of creative freedom. A multi-level visual is appealing and can be achieved by using a decorative holder or shelf meant for the purpose. Otherwise you can find platforms for them to sit on such as wooden boxes in various sizes or make a platform of bricks. Use paint color, ornaments, and decorative pots to achieve the look you want! If you enjoy making collections and arrangements of things this might be the perfect option for you.

Upcycle a vintage piece into a unique planter

Old bicycles, bath tubs, wash machines, pieces of furniture, boots, and tractor tires are popular choices for turning regular household items into extraordinary planters. If you enjoy vintage things, thrifting or have been looking for a way to upcycle some of your junk, this is the way to go!

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