SWITCH: Mobile | ePaper | Subscribe

Homes Rentals Jobs Autos Contests

StatePoint Media

Cut back yard work with shortcuts

Last updated Monday, February 28, 2011 - 1:45pm

Spring is a time for rejuvenation and renewal... and for getting your yard back in shape.

If you're like most Americans, you love your garden and the budding trees of the new season, but don't want to spend all your precious weekends toiling away at yard work and lawn care.

Here are some easy shortcuts for getting yard work done in less time and with less effort this season:

Features, Home and Garden Read more Comments

Summer deck preparations

StatePoint Media

Last updated Monday, February 28, 2011 - 2:02pm

As the days get longer, there's nothing like barbequing and entertaining friends on your deck. But before you pass out those invitations, make sure your deck has weathered the winter and is ready for its seasonal duty.

The abuse a deck surface takes from the weather, foot traffic, barbeques, and food and drink spills can create both surface and structural problems.

"To make your deck last, clean it thoroughly every one to two years and re-stain every two to four years," says Mark Clement, host of the radio program "MyFixitUpLife." "It also helps if your deck is made from a natural, durable wood, such as Western Red Cedar, which holds oil based finishes for an extended period of time."

Features, Feature, Home and Garden, Utah Read more Comments

Sheri Armstrong/Fotolia.com
Cleaning your gutters regularly will prevent roof damage.

Take care of home's exterior

StatePoint Media

Last updated Monday, February 28, 2011 - 2:19pm

When spring cleaning your home, it's easy to focus on interior closets and drawers and forget the first thing any visitor will see -- your home's exterior. But outdoor surfaces and fixtures need your attention, too.

"Outdoor furniture can collect grime and rust during winter," says Alison Gutterman, president of Jelmar, manufacturer of CLR cleaning products. "It's important you clean them annually with an effective, yet safe, cleaner that won't harm your lawn or garden."

Make sure your spring cleaning includes these outdoor dirt-magnets:

Features, Home and Garden, Utah Read more Comments

iStockphoto.com courtesy photo
Wildlife like birds and butterflies add natural beauty to any garden.

Creating a garden the neighbors will envy

StatePoint Media

Last updated Monday, February 28, 2011 - 2:00pm

Gardens are a source of beauty. They are also a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Something as simple as hearing songbirds in the morning can help you start your day on the right note.

While your neighbors spend the season trying to grow a uniform lawn, why not elicit their envy by creating your very own Garden of Eden? A little pruning and some wildlife-friendly additions will make your garden stand out for neighbors as well as native birds and butterflies.

Features, Home and Garden, Utah Read more Comments