MARCH 29 , 2015

&Garden
Garden

TH

Home
SPRING

2 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

Statesville Mooresville

imp
presssion, not to m
mention reduce
e
your
you
ur energy
ur
nergy billss an
and
nd increase
your homes value.

After a window replacement,

taking care of your new window is
just as important. Wash windows
every few months so they always
look as good as the day they were
installed.
Avoid scratching the surface of
the glass, or frame, by utilizing
non-abrasive agents. Water and a
soft cloth is usually all you need to
clean windows thoroughly, but a
mild cleaner may also be helpful.

MAKING

Your
Home
THE ENVY
of the
NEIGHBORHOOD
You shouldnt judge a
book by its cover,
but you can judge a
home by its exterior.

Making your home the envy of the

neighborhood starts with boosting
its curb appeal. From general
maintenance to home upgrades,
here are three ideas to refresh your
homes look:

Update Windows

Replacing your windows with

beautifully designed products
will give your home a great first

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Choose Sleek Siding

If you are looking to boost your

homes energy efficiency and
attain a new look for your exterior,
replacing your siding is a great
investment that can achieve both
of these goals. Just be sure you
get a superior product to avoid
maintenance down the line. For
example, vinyl siding is an ideal
product because of its low

maintenance and longevity. No

matter what color siding you opt
for, you can make your entire
homes exterior pop by choosing
a distinct trim color.

A Grand Entry

It is said that the front door is the

focal point of your homes curb
appeal. When creating your
entryway, customize a new front
door with smaller side window
panels or glass panels within the
door itself. Look for an exterior
remodeler that can custom design
and install entry doors to match
your exterior dcor. If its not time
for a door replacement, consider
adding a splash of color to your
exterior by painting or staining
your existing door.
To love your home, you must
give it some love. Making the
necessary home upgrades and
maintaining your homes exterior
is a surefire way to turn heads.
-StatePoint

Brawley
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Statesville Mooresville

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

March 29, 2015 3

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4 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

benefits

The many
to hiring a

PROFESSIONAL

LANDSCAPER

Statesville Mooresville

The
e flow
wers are blooming, and the
gra
ass has
ass
h begun
b
tto grow anew,
grass
making spring a great time for
homeowners to once again turn
their attention to landscaping.
Those who arent looking forward
to dusting off their lawn mowers
and rethreading their string
trimmers may want to hire
professional landscapers to tend
to their lawns and gardens.
A recent joint study by the
National Gardening Association,
Residential Lawn and Landscape
Services and the Value of
Landscaping found that
homeowners spend roughly $45
billion per year on professional
lawn and landscape services,
as nearly 30 percent of all
households across the United
States use at least one type of
lawn or landscape service. The
rising use of lawn care services is
indicative of homeowners
appreciation of the convenience
and craftsmanship professional

services can provide. While the

impact professional landscapers
can have on a propertys
aesthetic appeal is considerable,
homeowners also benefit from
working with professional
landscapers in various other ways.

Time savings:

One of the biggest benefits of

leaving lawn care to the
professionals is the amount of
time it will save for the average
homeowner. Lawns generally
need to be mowed once per week
during the spring and summer
seasons and, depending on the
size of the property, that can take
an hour or more. Add the time it
takes to clean up clippings, mulch
landscaping beds and edge the
property, and homeowners can
expect to devote a significant
chunk of their weekends to caring
for their lawns. Lawn services
employ a few workers who make
fast work of the job, leaving
homeowners time to enjoy their

Thank
You!
Time saved and a professional job are just
two of the reasons homeowners hire lawn
care companies.

White's Sales LLC.

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2015

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583 Turnersburg Hwy.
y Statesville, NC 704-876-1181

202 Light Street Downtown Statesville 704-872-6292

M-F: 8-5:30 & Sat: 8-5

Statesville Mooresville
weekends however they see fit.

Reduced risk for injury:

Maintaining a landscape is hard

work, and those unaccustomed to
this type of activity may find
themselves winded or at risk
of injury. Improper use of lawn
equipment also is a safety hazard.
Leaving the work to professionals
can help homeowners avoid
strained backs, lacerations, pulled
muscles, sunburns, and any other
dangers that can result when
tackling landscaping projects.

Financial savings:

On the surface, hiring a

landscaping service may seem
like a costly venture. However,
after crunching some numbers,
many homeowners realize that
doing the work themselves may
cost more in the long run than
hiring a professional landscaping
service. Homeowners who
decide to go it alone must
purchase expensive equipment,
and those lawn tools will require
routine maintenance, which costs
additional money. Inexperienced
homeowners may incur extra fees
to fix mistakes that occur during
the learning process. Each year,
new seed, fertilizer, mulch,
pesticides, and other supplies
also must be purchased. But
professional lawn care services
typically charge a set fee per
month, and that fee covers the
maintenance of both your
property and the equipment
needed to keep that property
looking great.

Know-how:

Many professional landscapers

know how to address lawn care
issues that may arise throughout
the year. They will know how to
deal with dry patches of lawn or
poorly draining areas, and they
also can make recommendations
on plants that will thrive under
certain conditions.

SPRING

One-stop shopping:

Garden
Home &Garden

Certain landscaping services

provide many different options for
prospective customers. Basic
lawn cuts may be one package,
but there also may be services for
seasonal seeding, weeding, leaf
clean-up, and winterizing.

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Consistent maintenance:

Homeowners who frequently

travel or spend much of their
summers away from home often
find that lawn care companies are
a wise investment. Established
weekly schedules ensure the
landscape always will look its best
whether homeowners are home
or out of town. Spring is a great
time for homeowners to decide
if hiring professional landscaping
services is in their best interests.
The time and money saved, as
well as impact professional
landscapers can have on a
property, makes landscaping
services a great investment for
many homeowners.

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6 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

Statesville Mooresville

s
e
k
a
t
s
i
M
n
o
m
m
Co

made on home
renovation projects
Home improvement
projects can turn a house
into a home.
Homeowners plan scores
of renovations to
transform living spaces
into rooms that reflect
their personal tastes and
comforts.

Homeowners going it alone

may find things do not always
go as planned. In fact, a Harris
Interactive study found that 85
percent of homeowners say
remodeling is a more stressful
undertaking than buying a home.
But homeowners about to embark
on home improvement projects
can make the process go more
smoothly by avoiding these
common pitfalls.

Failing to Understand the

Scope of the Project

Some homeowners dont realize

just how big a commitment they
have made until they get their
hands dirty. But understanding
the scope of the project, including
how much demolition and
reconstruction is involved and how
much time a project will take can
help homeowners avoid some of
the stress that comes with
renovation projects. For example,
a bathroom renovation may
require the removal of drywall,

Tropical Connections

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Limited Edition Print by Elaine Hahn
230 North Main Street Downtown Mooresville

704.664.0236

Statesville Mooresville

SPRING

Home &Garden

reinforcement of flooring to
accommodate a new bathtub or
shower enclosure and the
installation of new plumbing and
wiring behind walls. So such a
renovation is far more detailed
than simply replacing faucets.

improvements can be expensive.

If your ultimate goal is to sell your
home, opt for renovations that will
look beautiful through the ages
and avoid bold choices that may
only appeal to a select few
buyers.

Not Establishing a Budget

Forgetting to Properly Vet all

Workers

Homeowners must develop a

project budget to ensure their
projects do not drain their
finances. If your budget is so
inflexible that you cant afford the
materials you prefer, you may
want to postpone the project and
save more money so you can
eventually afford to do it right.
Without a budget in place, it is
easy to overspend, and that can
put you in financial peril down the
line. Worrying about coming up
with money to pay for materials
and labor also can induce stress.
Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm
budget.

Making Trendy or
Overpersonal Improvements

Optional
Op
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ions and lim
limits apply.
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Damag items
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Homeowners who plan to stay in

their homes for the long run have
more free reign when it comes
to renovating their homes. Such
homeowners can create a billiards
room or paint a room hot pink if
they so prefer. However, if the goal
is to make improvements in order
to sell a property, overly personal
touches may make a property
less appealing to prospective
buyers. Trends come and go, and

professional may save you money.

Home improvements can be
stressful, but homeowners can
lessen that stress by avoiding
common renovation mistakes.
-Metro Creative Connection

It is important to vet your

contractor, but dont forget to vet
potential subcontractors as well.
Failing to do so can prove a costly
mistake. Contractors often look to
subcontractors to perform certain
parts of a job, and it is the
responsibility of homeowners to
vet these workers.

Union Grove Ruritan Club, Inc.,

27th Annual Spring Festival

Honoring Our Emergency Volunteers
Parade @ 10 AM
Float Contest

Expecting Everything to go
as Planned

Optimism is great, but you also

should be a realist. Knowing what
potentially could go wrong puts
you in a better position to handle
any problems should they arise.
The project might go off without a
hitch, but plan for a few hiccups
along the way.

*Note Parade will Assemble @ Union Grove UMC*

Entries needed
in all categories
Please call for
more information

Overestimating DIY Abilities

Overzealous homeowners may

see a renovation project in a
magazine or on television and
immediately think they can do the
work themselves. Unless you have
the tools and the skills necessary
to do the work, tackling too much
can be problematic. In the long
run, leaving the work to a

March 29, 2015 7

FOOD
ARTS & CRAFTS
PLANTS
CLASSIC CARS
TRACTORS
VENDORS & MORE

Entertainment
beginning
@11 AM

Saturday, April 18, 2015

8 AM - Until
Grounds & Gymnasium
Union Grove School

Parade - Avery Williams - 704-539-4263 or Jeremy Wooten 704-539-4306

Stephen Tulbert - Festival/Vendor: 704-539-4474
Wayne Mayberry- Antique/Classic Cars/Tractors: 704-539-5152

Sissy Carney Groce, Agent

When you add

to your homeowners,

renters and condo insurance, we dont just give you the partial
value of things that have been stolen or destroyed, we help you
replace them with the latest versions. We put our members rst,
because we dont have shareholders .
SM

Earl Carney Insurance

333-A Brookdale Drive
Statesville, NC 28677
704-872-6010
groces@nationwide.com

8 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

TREE

Transplanting a

No Small Task!
An alluring landscape can make a
home that much more enjoyable.
Many homeowners devote
considerable time to their lawns
and gardens, and that devotion
can pay both instant and
long-term dividends. A
well-groomed landscape can
make it more enjoyable to relax in
the yard, and such a property will
be more attractive to prospective
buyers when homeowners want
to sell their homes.
But even the most well-designed
landscapes sometimes need
some rearranging, and those
changes may involve transplanting
trees. Homeowners may
transplant trees for various
reasons. Some homeowners
might be moving to a new home
and want to take a favorite tree
along with them, while some
trees simply outgrow their existing
space and need to be moved
elsewhere on the property.
Regardless of why trees need to
be transplanted, homeowners
can take several steps to ensure
the process goes as smoothly as
possible.

Determine Why the Tree

Needs to be Moved

Some trees that are not

thriving in their existing location
may not benefit from a
transplant. For example, a tree
with a pest infestation might need
to be replaced rather than
transplanted. Determining the
reason behind a transplant can

Statesville Mooresville
on your property, storing it for a
long period of time increases the
chances that the transplant will be
unsuccessful. Ideally, you want to
plant the tree in its new location
as soon as possible. If you must
store it, make sure you dont
suffocate the root ball, as roots
must be kept damp or they will
die and potentially cost you the
tree.

the
e tran
nsplanted
d roo
ots time to
develop.
dev
velop.
velop
p In addi
addition,
addition
ition
n transplanting
the day after you have watered
the soil around the tree reduces
the stress on the trees roots,
making it easier to keep the root
ball intact.

Protect the Root Ball

When transplanting a tree, make

sure the root ball does not dry
out. If it does, the tree likely wont
thrive in its new location and all
your hard work will have been for
naught. Cover the root ball with
damp burlap or canvas so it can
retain more of the moisture it will
need to adapt to its new location.

-Metro Creative Connection

save you the trouble of

transplanting that wont benefit
from the move. If a tree is
not getting adequate sunlight
in its present location, then
transplanting it to a different
location on your property with
more exposure to sunlight might
While you can store a transplanted
reinvigorate the tree. If soil is the
tree
before you plant it elsewhere
problem, than transplanting the
tree might prove ineffective unless
you also test the soil where you
plan to move the tree and adjust
it so the tree can thrive.

Transplanting a tree
can add appeal to
a property and help
Plant the Tree Sooner Rather
reinvigorate an
than Later
unhealthy tree.

Prune the Tree Roots

Tiny roots that extend beyond the

tree absorb water and nutrients,
and such roots need to be pruned
before transplanting a tree.
Landscaping professionals note
that root pruning stimulates the
growth of new small roots nearer
to the trees trunk, and these
newer roots will be dug up when
the time comes to transplant the
tree. Root pruning must be done
well in advance of transplanting
the tree. For example, if you hope
to transplant the tree in the fall,
then do your root pruning in the
spring before new buds appear
on the tree. Speak with your
landscaper or a nearby garden
center to determine the best way
to prune your trees roots.

Time Your Transplant

Correctly

Avoid transplanting trees when

temperatures are colder and the
ground is frozen. Transplanting
before or after a thaw allows

Buy fresh and local!

Greenhouse and nursery plants.
Blueberries, blackberries
and vegetables in season.
Please call for availability.
Customer Appreciation Day
Saturday, April 11 9am-2pm
236 Williamsburg Road Olin, NC
N 28660
704 539-3450 or 704 880-3453
5
pre4@yadtel.net
p
y
www.prevettefamilyfarm.com
Doug and Debbie Prevette, owners
Open 8:00
0AM - 5:00PM Monday - Saturday

Statesville Mooresville

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

March 29, 2015 9

10 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

Statesville Mooresville

e
s
o
h
t
t
Trea

R
E
H
T
A
E
WARM W
Homeowners know that the arrival
of spring also marks the
re-emergence of insects. While
not every insect is harmful, if an
infestation grows considerably or
if insects begin to move from the
outdoors into a home, it may be
time for homeowners to call in a
professional.
The Entomological Society of
America points out that
homeowners cannot count on
bitterly cold winters to help control
the numbers of insects in their
yards. Insect ecology is affected
by various factors and is not solely
dependent on temperature.
Furthermore, what occurred
one year certainly may not be
repeated the next, as homeowners
who have had various insect
infestations in their yards can
attest. One year a yard may be
overcome with ants, while the
next year it may suffer through an
earwig infestation.
The first step homeowners looking
to curtail insects in their yards can
take is to determine if the insects
they see are genuine threats to
their lawns. Some bugs emerge
and swarm early in the season,
but then gradually disappear as
spring turns into summer. Other
insects may come out of hiding if a
homeowner is doing a lot of yard
work or construction around a
house. Practice a wait-and-see
approach to determine if you really
have an insect problem or just

!
S
T
C
E
INS

If an insect problem seems

out of control or if you need a
professional opinion about the
damage being done to your home
or landscape, consult with an
exterminator. Licensed
exterminators have the training
and expertise to assess insect
concerns and create a plan of
action that will minimize the risk
to inhabitants of your home and
nearby wildlife. An exterminator
will know what it takes to treat
insects and maximize the chances
of removing the problem promptly
and effectively.

repellent because the flowers

produce a scent that many insects Warm weather is synonymous with
Homeowners also must decide if it find repulsive. Thai lemon grass
many things, including the return
is bearable living with the insects. plants also can be used to keep
of insects. Homeowners may be
If insects are not doing any
mosquitoes at bay.
able
to treat unruly bugs on their
damage or if they can be
own,
but especially problematic
Remember, natural predators,
controlled relatively easily, then
infestations
may require the help
you might be able to avoid calling such as birds, bats, spiders, and
of
experienced
exterminators.
larger insects, feed on nuisance
in the professionals. However, if
bugs. Keeping these helpful
critters like termites and certain
-Metro Creative Connection
species of wood-eating insects are predators around may be an
invasive and damaging your yard, effective and natural way for
homeowners to control annoying
you may need to take action.
pests.
Anyone concerned with the side
YO
effects of pesticides and
UR
OF
insecticides can first try to remedy
FE
wood blinds
R
the problem naturally. Sometimes
its just a matter of making a yard
...nding solutions for families,
especially busy moms.
A WHOLE FAMILY OF
less hospitable to insects. Remove
WINDOW SOLUTIONS
leaves and clean up debris close
to the house, as these can both
encourage infestations. Piles of
rotting wood or leftover firewood
can be a food or shelter source for
a number of insects. Inspect water
spigots for leaks and improve
suspect drainage on your property,
as these things can be welcoming
to bugs that like moist
Blind F
Factory
surroundings. Remove standing
water whenever possible to
The Natural Choice
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Statesville, NC
eliminate spots for mosquitoes to
For Warmth And Style
incubate larvae.
704-924-9014
have stirred up activity.

CA

LL

FO

DE

TA
I

LS

TM

AAA

Natural remedies also may do

the trick. Mint, bay leaves, catnip,
and garlic can repel insects like
roaches and ants. Citrus can be a
natural flea deterrent. Some
homeowners have had success
planting marigolds around their
yards to serve as a natural bug

The rich, natural beauty

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Saturday by appointment only
l

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Hickory, NC

828-325-0917

Monday-Thursday 10 AM-5 PM
Closed Friday

www.aablindfactory.com

Statesville Mooresville

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

NEEM OIL
Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide that can be used to combat
a host of landscaping pests and diseases. Azadirachtin is an active
component in neem oil that can be extracted to repel and kill pests.
Studies have shown that neem oil is nearly nontoxic to bees, birds,
fish, and wildlife. In addition, neem oil has no link to cancer or other
diseases, making it a safe insecticide when applied correctly. When
consumed by insects, including grubs, insecticides made from neem oil
can make those insects cease feeding or reduce their feeding, helping
to prevent the spread of lawn problems associated with certain insect
infestations. In addition, neem oil can hinder the maturation process of
larvae by interfering with insect hormone systems, which can prevent
them from breeding. As is the case when applying any pesticides,
parents should be mindful of their children after applying neem oil.
Though studies have not found children are more sensitive to neem oil
than adults, parents may want to err on the side of caution and
prevent their children from playing in areas of the yard where neem oil
was recently applied.

March 29, 2015 11

JD Johnsons

Furnture Delveres & Moves

Sell New & Used Furnture Onlne
Delvery from Store to Home
Resdental & Commercal Moves
Furnture Removal & Cleanouts

FREE ESTIMATES!

-Metro Creative Connection

NO JOb TOO SMALL OR TOO big!

Save $25 on ($150-$200) Jo!
Save $50 on ($350-$500) Jo!
Save $100 on ($700-$999) Jo!
Save $250 on ($1200-$2000) Jo!

Danny Johnson
704-746-4444
JD_Delveres@yahoo.com
Snce 2003

& T he n
Now
Furniture
&
More

239 W. Center Ave

Mooresville, NC 28115
Downtown Mooresville
(behind the SunDrop Lady painting)

Selling New & Used Furniture

& Anything Else We Can Get!
Also Consignment!
Appliances - Electronics
V
Vintage
- Antique
Call Danny, owner
704-799-4445

Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm

12 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

HOW TO

Planting and fertilizing new grass

seed should be done when frost
is no longer a concern and before
frost arrives if you are planting
in autumn. According to Roger
Cook, a landscape contractor
and contributor to This Old House
magazine, sowing lawn seed
should be done when the soil is
warm, the daytime temperatures
are moderate and you can keep
the new seeds quite moist at all
times.
While grass seed can be applied

scavengers and prevent soil

erosion. Remove the straw once
the grass begins to grow.

Moisten the prepared area and

seeds have started to grow,

apply another round of fertilizer to
replenish the top layer of soil with
nutrients that may have washed
away from the constant watering.

Begin to sow the grass seed

fertilizing
schedule

Restoring lawns and gardens

back to their pre-winter glory is
high on many a homeowners
landscaping to-do list. In much
of the country, the best times to
tackle lawn projects are when
temperatures are moderate, like
in spring and fall. These seasons
also mark the best time to seed
and fertilize.

ferttilizer
fertilizer
tilizerr you will nee
need
ed depending
on where you live. Many fertilizers
contain extra phosphorous to
stimulate root growth in the lawn.
let the soil settle. You want the
soil damp but not so wet that it
causes the newly applied fertilizer
to run off.

set
a
seeding &

in the summer, it is more

challenging to get the seeds
to take root and thrive at this
time, as water is more likely to
evaporate under the hot sun.
Also, many weeds germinate in
the heat of summer. As a result,
the weeds can infiltrate areas of
the lawn where you planted,
compromising the look of your
lawn.
The process of reseeding and
fertilizing your lawn is relatively
similar if you decide to do so in
late spring or early fall.

Rake the parts of the lawn you

plan to seed and remove any
debris or rocks.

Apply fertilizer to the cleared

planting area. Use a rake or tiller
to break up the soil and distribute
the fertilizer to a depth of roughly
two to four inches. Speak with a
landscaper about which type of

Statesville Mooresville

according to the rate indicated on

the seed bag for the type of grass
you will be growing. Choose a
grass seed that will thrive in your
climate. Certain seeds are more
tolerant of drought and sunlight,
while other species are better for
shady areas or damper climates.
Again, if you have any questions,
consult with a lawn and garden
center.

Spread the seed with a

broadcast spreader. Some lawn
experts recommend spreading
the seed in parallel rows and then
repeating the process again in
rows set at a right angle to the
first series of rows for the best
chances of seed coverage. The
seeds then can be raked into the
soil, covered with a little more soil
and patted down.

Water to keep the seeds damp.

This may require watering twice
or more per day until the seeds
begin to germinate. Covering
the seeds with about 1/4 inch
of straw also can help keep the
seeds moist, deter seed

Roughly four weeks after the

Homeowners can employ a similar

process to overseed a lawn in
the hopes of producing a thicker,
more attractive landscape. Any
thatch and debris should be
raked away, and the top layer of
the lawn surface can be gently
aerated. Top dress the lawn with
a very thin layer of new soil and
compost.
Broadcast the seed over the
prepared lawn and lightly rake the
new seeds to help them settle into
the soil. Apply fertilizer and water
the lawn frequently to keep the
new seeds moist.
Once the seed has established
itself, you can water the lawn for
longer periods and less frequently
to help develop strong roots. Wait
for the lawn to reach a height of
three to four inches before the first
cut of the season.
Many homeowners like to take
on the challenge of seeding and
preparing their lawns. But some
may find the task is best left to the
professionals.
-Metro Creative Connection

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Statesville Mooresville

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

SIMPLE

1.
Choose to water more
effectively. Oscillating sprinklers

may harken todays gardeners

back to the carefree days of their
childhoods when they would run
through the sprinklers in their
parents yards. But such
sprinklers can lose substantial
amounts of water to evaporation.
When designing an irrigation plan
for your lawn and garden, use
drip irrigation or soaker hoses to
conserve water. If you must use
sprinklers, make sure they are not
shooting water too high, as wind
can blow the water away from
the yard where it belongs, and be
sure to position them so no water
is landing on sidewalks, the
driveway or the street.

2.
Add mulch to flower and plant
beds. Many a gardener has gone

to bed with a beautiful garden only

to return in the ensuing days and
see flower and plant beds littered

atte
entio
on that na
ative
e plants do not
need.
ed
d

5.

Plant with a plan. When

planting trees around your
property, plant them in locations
that can reduce your reliance on
air conditioning in the warmer
months. Plant a tree in a place
where it will help to shade
common areas inside your home
so such rooms are comfortable
without the air conditioner
cranking all day long. You can go
one step further, and plant
deciduous trees that will shed their
leaves when the weather gets
cold, ensuring that sunlight you
with weeds. Mulch is perhaps
want to keep out in the summer
best known for helping flower and can get in and warm up the house
plant beds retain moisture, but
in the winter, reducing the amount
mulch also prevents the growth of of energy needed to heat your
weeds. Preventing weed growth
home.
means your water is going to the
-Metro Creative Connection
plants and flowers you intended
it for and not to greedy and
unsightly weeds. Preventing weed
growth also reduces your use of
potentially harmful pesticides to
curtail the growth of weeds.

Gardening
Tips!

Sustainability is a concept that

can be applied to many facets of
life, and gardening is no
exception. Sustainable gardening
involves preserving and protecting
resources, which can benefit us
both in the present and in the
future. Sustainability is especially
applicable to gardening, and the
following are a handful of ways
green thumbers can embrace
sustainability in their gardens.

March 29, 2015 13

3.
Develop a compost pile.
Compost is made up of decayed

organic material, and it can be

used as a fertilizer. Gardeners can
make their own compost piles at
home, providing valuable
minerals and nutrients for their
lawns, without having to rely on
store-bought amendments that
need to be produced, packaged
and transported before they can
make it onto the shelves in your
local lawn and garden center.

ome Furnishin
H
y
t
i
l
a
gs
Qu

4.
Choose native plants. A
garden filled with exotic plants

and flowers may be stunning, but

unless those plants are native
to where you live, that beauty is
coming at a steep price. When
choosing plants for your garden,
choose native plants that are fully
capable of thriving in your local
climate. Non-native plants are
likely to need excessive watering
and other less sustainable

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14 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

Statesville Mooresville

may be
ma
e less cosstly than turning on
air conditioners
a
conditioners.
ditioners Als
Also,
so set ceiling
ffans to rotate counter-clockwise.
This will pull cooler air up from the
T
floor and create a wind-chill effect.

COOLING

YOUR HOME

without breaking
the bank!

Mother Nature is consistently

inconsistent these days, when
30-degree Mondays might be
followed by 60-degree Tuesdays.
Fickle weather is often
accompanied by large fluctuations
in temperature, strong storms
and unseasonable conditions,
making it difficult for homeowners
to maintain comfort levels in their
homes.

coolness. Shades and curtains

can save you up to 7 percent on
your bills and lower indoor
temperatures by up to 20
degrees. Homeowners also may
want to think about installing a
retractable awning on areas of the
house that get a lot of sun.
Planting shade trees is another
way to naturally cool down hot
sides of the house.

As a result of fluctuating
temperatures, home heating and
cooling systems have been
heavily taxed. Growing reliance on
HVAC systems has also driven up
energy bills, as moderate weather
synonymous with spring has given
way to more days of extreme
heat or extreme cold. As summer
approaches once again, reducing
cooling costs is a priority for many
homeowners. The following are
a few ways to cool your homes
interior without causing a spike in
your energy bill.

Draw More Air into the Attic.

Reduce Sun Exposure.

Much of the hot air inside of a

home can be attributed to sunlight
exposure throughout the day.
Walls and windows on the south
and west sides of a home will
bear the brunt of the suns rays,
so close shades and drapes on
this side of the house to maximize

Hot air rises, and in the

summertime hot air can get
trapped beneath the roof in
the attic and eaves of a home.
While an attic should have vents,
homeowners can speed up the
exchange of hot air with a simple
trick. Open up a window on a
shady side of the home, and then
open the attic door or take out the
access panel and place a box fan
inside to blow air up into the attic.
This will disperse the hot air and
help force it out through the vents.

SSwitch to LED or CFL Bulbs.

N
Ninety
percent of the energy used
ffor incandescent bulbs is emitted
as heat. This not only wastes
a
electricity but also can make
e
conditions hotter inside a home.
Switch to cooler, more efficient
light bulbs.

Reduce Humidity Levels.

Humidity makes hot

temperatures feel even hotter.
Clean laundry, take showers and
run the dishwasher at night or
early in the morning before the
day heats up. Dont forget to vent
bathrooms and kitchens by
turning on exhaust fans when
water is in use.

Rely on a Programmable
Thermostat.

Setting a thermostat to adjust

the air conditioning system
automatically means homeowners
can keep the temperature raised
when theyre not home and then
have it lowered shortly before they
arrive home. The thermostat also
can adjust temperatures for day
and night use.

Keep Doors Closed.

Do not cool rooms that are

unused. Maximize the cool air in
lived-in spaces by blocking off
rooms that do not need to be
cooler.

Invest in More Insulation.

Insulation does not just keep

homes warmer in the cold
weather. Insulation also prevents
hot air from infiltrating living
spaces while keeping cooler air
where its needed. Sealant around
windows and doors also will
prevent unnecessary air
exchange.
-Metro Creative Connection

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Use Fans Productively.

Using box fans to suck cool night

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north-facing windows and to
push out hot air from west- and
south-facing windows is another
way to increase circulation
through a home. Running fans

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Statesville Mooresville

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

Stamped
p
Concrete vs. Pavers

Which Is the Better Choice?

dayys orr less. Sta

amp
ped concrete
can
n be poured
do
or p
pumped
d iinto
t
place while pavers have to be
individually placed. Because of
this, installing pavers is a lengthier
process, and installation can
average 10 to 12 days.

Maintenance

Every aspect of your home is an

investment, including exterior
features. Driveways, patios, and
walkways should all work together
to enhance the overall style and
appearance of your home. With
that being said, there are many
factors you have to consider when
choosing the best material for your
exterior surroundings. You want
your patio, for example, to be
maintenance friendly and weather
resistant, but you also want it to
look beautiful as well. Trying to
decide which material is best can
be a challenge, but we are here to
help you out!

variation in color in the product. If

you are looking for a unique and
extraordinary style, stamped
concrete is your best bet.

Longevity

Stamped concrete can last for

decades when properly installed
and maintained. It is usually sealed
to protect it from elements such as
pool chemicals and harsh winter
weather. Although concrete has
the possibility of cracking,
adding steel reinforcement or wire
will enhance the strength and help
to control cracking.

Below, we have laid out how

stamped concrete and pavers
stack up against one another in
terms of style, longevity, speed of
installation, maintenance, safety,
and cost.

Pavers can also last for a long

time. Because they are small
and individually placed, you do
not have to worry about cracks.
However, theres a possibility that
they will settle and move over time
if not installed correctly.

Style

Speed of Installation

Both pavers and stamped

concrete come in a wide variety
of styles. However, the options
for a stamped concrete patio are
unlimited! There are countless
color combinations and hundreds
of patterns available that can be
suited to fit your wants and needs.
For example, stamped concrete
can mimic brick, stone, flagstone,
or travertine. A stamped concrete
patio can even be made to look
like a patio made with pavers.
Furthermore, stamped concrete
allows for customizations such as
imprinting logos.
On the other hand, your options
are more limited with pavers. You
also run the risk of unwanted

While neither stamped concrete

nor pavers have an extremely
quick installation, a stamped
concrete driveway or patio can
usually be completed in about five

COMFORTABLE
JUST GOT
AFFORDABLE.

Stamped concrete and pavers

require some degree of
maintenance. Both paving
materials will require the removal
of dirt or stains when necessary
by scrubbing or power washing.
Stamped concrete should be
resealed every few years or so to
protect the surface from stains
and to maintain its color vibrancy.
Pavers will require the removal of
weeds and moss that grow in the
joints. You will need to refill the
joints with sand as needed.
Unfortunately, you will also need
to be conscious of the possibility
of ants building their homes in the
sand.
While neither stamped concrete
nor pavers carry any significant
safety risks, you should always
be aware of potential accidents.
Stamped concrete can become
slippery when it gets wet.
However, you can apply an
anti-skid agent to prevent any
possible accidents. On the
contrary, pavers provide a
non-skid surface (unless sealed)
but can, however, cause tripping
hazards.

March 29, 2015 15

Cost

There is a lot to take into

consideration when
determining the cost of stamped
concrete versus the cost of
pavers. In most cases, it really
depends on the complexity of the
job. However, in general, the
overall process involved with
pavers is typically more expensive.
More elaborate stamped concrete
installations will cost more, but
concrete is the less expensive
option when you take into account
material and labor cost.
Stamping concrete may take more
skilled expertise, but laying
pavers can take approximately
twice as long as pouring and
stamping the same concrete
surface, which therefore incurs
more labor cost. With concrete,
you can achieve the same look as
pavers at less expense.
-Designcast

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16 March 29, 2015

SPRING

Garden
Home &Garden

Statesville Mooresville

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