(ARA) - In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature. Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest home solutions:

Timeless decks with natural looks

In the past decade, alternatives to wood decking products have made many claims of low-maintenance. However, if your deck has stains and is in an environment that breeds mold and mildew, maybe it's time to look at some new options on the market. If your decking product contains wood fibers, it may be absorbing stains and getting scratched in everyday use.

"There are low-maintenance products that give homeowners a rich selection of deeper deck shades, tropical hardwood looks and durable, sturdy railings that complement these colors," says Mike Gori, deck expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. He says the secret is cellular PVC technology, which resists food stains - even red wine - and stands up to the most high energy kids, dogs or neighborhood deck parties. Low-maintenance decks also increase your home's value because they economically add living space and are easy to clean.

Lattice entertain you

If you think your outdoor planters and window boxes cannot have detailed lattice work and scrolled designs because of a high moisture environment, think again. There are natural looking materials that support plant life and won't rot, split or warp, even with continuous watering and sunlight. For example, Walpole Woodworkers features the Freeport Collection of low-maintenance cellular vinyl boxes and planters that look like the real thing and have classic detail and lattice designs.

These durable items do not need liners and come with pre-drilled drainage holes. Beautifully crafted window boxes are charming accents to your home and bring color right outside your window. Adding architectural details also makes your home stand out in the neighborhood. The company offers free catalogs at (800) 343-6948 or visit www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

Stay pumped, go green

Following one of the wettest winters on record in many areas of the country, keeping your home safe from damaging flood waters is critical. Now, there are sump pumps that offer maximum protection, save energy and are very easy to install. They also feature backup battery pumps and alarms for extra protection in case of power outages. This increases peace of mind for homeowners and could be a make or break selling point.

The experts at WAYNE Pumps advise that if your sump pump is more than 10 years old, it may need to be replaced with new technology. "Our sump pump hydraulic expertise has evolved to where we can offer pumps that move more water faster using up to 50 percent less energy," says President Joe Mauro. "We've also developed features like quieter operation and the new iSwitch that uses a microprocessor to sense rising water levels before they could become a problem." He points out that investment in a reliable sump pump and battery backup system is minor compared to the damage water can do to valuables, family heirlooms and your home's resale value. Self-testing features to keep backup pumps in top shape and wireless alarms offer even more layers of protection for your home. For more information, visit www.waynepumps.com.

Repair cracks to prevent future damage

A small crack in your driveway or cement steps can become a crater, due to harsh weather and temperature changes. Crumbling concrete or cracked driveways can detract from curb appeal and reduce resale value. However, if properly sealed with the right caulk product, your outdoor masonry or blacktop areas can be repaired without continuing to deteriorate. You can also seal off energy leaks and keep out damaging moisture, indoors and out, such as around windows, receptacles and under the door step.

"We've been developing new caulks, such as our new RD 3000 advanced sealant line formulated to move and remain flexible once cured, allowing more stability through climate changes or pressure," says Jason Ringling, marketing director at Red Devil, Inc.

He noted that driveways, concrete steps and walkways can experience movement from car and foot traffic and endure the freeze/thaw cycles of the seasons. "You need a durable sealant that stands up to the elements to prevent the damage from spreading," he says. Always look for products specifically for concrete, blacktop, gutters and windows and doors. A simple caulk job reportedly can save you up to 20 percent in energy bills and big bucks in outdoor repairs.

Homeowners can make informed, smart choices about products that will improve their home's resale value and add enjoyment to their current lifestyle.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - It's summer time again and the living is easy - at least it's supposed to be. But when mosquitos invade your yard, it's tough to enjoy fun in the sun.

Lasting summer memories often begin with a pleasant environment in your own backyard. But the first step is keeping the mosquitoes at bay. TV home and garden expert Shirley Bovshow, in partnership with OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent, wants to help make your backyard an ideal place to relax or entertain guests by creating your own personal outdoor oasis this summer.

Bovshow suggests these tips to help you make the most of your outdoor time and space this summer:

Define your space: Use potted plants to identify space and create intimate areas in your patio or yard. Certain plants are perfect for screening an unappealing view, dividing large spaces into smaller ones and directing foot traffic.

Make it private: Hang inexpensive, colorful or patterned rugs between simple wood posts for a fast and cheerful screen.

Repel unwanted guests: Keep mosquitoes from spoiling your time outdoors. OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent provides head-to-toe protection without spraying anything on your skin and lasts for up to 12 hours. It features a quiet, battery-powered fan that circulates repellent and can clip to a belt, purse or chair. More information about helping to keep away mosquitoes can be found at www.off.com.

Be creative: Create a festive focal point with your pool at night by adding floating candles and glass orbs. If you are not swimming, these festive additions will make your pool look magical at night.

Keep it cozy: Create an impromptu side table with a large flower pot capped with a round paver or flagstone. You can add built-in seating by capping your raised vegetable garden beds with stone, wood or tile at a finished height of 14 to 16 inches and add cushions for entertaining guests.

Light up the night: Solar-powered path lights gather energy during the day and can be used as soft, ambient lighting at night. Gather and stick them into potted plants in your patio near sitting areas. Solar lights are safer than candles and require no electricity.

Add flair in unexpected places: Repurpose wine corks, sea shells and marbles as "mulch" or as a finishing touch to container gardens.

Whether you're creating a backyard oasis to amaze guests or looking to build a beautiful retreat for your own enjoyment, keeping pesky mosquitoes from taking a bite out of your summer time is priceless.

"For me, enjoying time outdoors is an essential element to a relaxing and memorable summer," says Bovshow. "With OFF! Clip-On, I can spend time outside enjoying my favorite activities without pesky interferences from bug bites and without having to spray anything on my skin."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When does a trend become a tradition? With continued interest in creating great outdoor living spaces, the trend for jazzing up the backyard may just be on the verge of becoming a staple of the American home, and as much a requirement as a great kitchen or welcoming bath.

And every summer it seems homeowners find new ways to create a "wow effect" in their outdoor living spaces. The outdoor experts at ConcreteNetwork.com point to five hot trends in patio design to help elevate your backyard patio from a nice patch of bricks to your favorite spot to entertain and relax this summer:

1. Make the backyard a destination

More people are foregoing costly summer vacations in favor of sinking that travel money into creating a getaway spot in their own backyards. Enterprising homeowners are using decorative concrete to create mini theme parks with faux rock water features, sculpted pools with water slides and garden bridges.

2. Cost-sensible, eco-conscious

Environmental awareness doesn't have to take a backseat to luxury, homeowners are finding. Backyard oases must also emphasize eco-consciousness, incorporating environmentally-friendly materials like concrete, which is sustainable. But they also like the organic look and feel that the material can impart. Concrete patios can mimic the look of natural stone - even lava - without the eco-impact associated with quarrying the real thing. Plus, concrete costs considerably less than many natural stone products.

3. Furniture built to last and last

Anybody can go to the local home improvement store and pick up a patio set. The truly trendy backyard designer turns to permanent backyard furniture, custom-made to fit your yard's style. Custom concrete furniture can take on any shape, from pool tables and benches to patio tables and planters. It lasts a lifetime and never needs to be painted or refinished.

4. Light my fire

When it comes to creating ambiance, few home improvements pack the wallop of a fireplace. Outdoor hearths are growing in popularity as homeowners continue to recreate all the appeal of their home's interior outside in the backyard. Whether you choose gas or wood-burning, custom designed or pre-cast, adding a fireplace to your outdoor landscape is sure to light up its appeal.

5. Size - and shape - matter

We've all seen patio disasters - the sprawling slab that totally dominates a tiny backyard, or the postage-stamp-sized patio that appears lost in a sea of grass. Homeowners are no longer leaving patio size to chance. Instead, they're putting a lot of thought and planning into right-sizing their patio to create a living area that meets their needs and fits the profile of their backyard. How the space will be used and how much space you have to work with will be main factors in sizing your concrete patio, according to Scott Cohen of GreenSceneLandscape.com. You can also find a patio size chart at www.concretenetwork.com/patio/size.html.

Whatever your personal style, and whether you're aiming to improve your home's resale value or enhance your enjoyment of your house, upgrading your outdoors is an investment that makes sense. Visit www.concretenetwork.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Virtually all of the 7 billion ash trees in the United States are at risk for infestation by the emerald ash borer, also known as EAB. You can save your ash trees by acting now and starting a prevention program.

The EAB is native to eastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea. In 2002, it was first discovered in southeast Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, likely a hitch-hiker in ash wood used for stabilizing cargo in ships, or for packing and crating. By May 2010, emerald ash borer infestations occurred in 12 states and two Canadian provinces.

By late spring 2010, the borer is estimated to have killed over 40 million ash trees in the United States and the potential devastation has been compared with the loss of the American elm and the American chestnut.

If you enjoy ash trees, have learned yours are infested, and are trying to save them from the emerald ash borer, it's possible to take action and rescue your trees. Without treatment, it is only a matter of time before the insect attacks and eventually kills your ash trees. There are several options available to protect your trees, including doing it yourself or hiring a landscape specialist. Both options involve using a systemic insecticide that is applied to the soil or tree trunk or injected into the tree.

It is possible to protect ash trees before the borers attack a tree. These protective treatments are usually applied in the spring and should continue each year. Large trees may require two applications per year. Once the borer infests a tree, treatment costs increase, but the tree can be saved as long as the damage isn't too severe or advanced.

The first step to protecting or treating infested trees is diagnosis. Contact a tree service company, a local nursery that offers this service, or a lawn and landscape service, such as Scotts LawnService. To find a service, a simple internet search of "emerald ash borer" within your zip code should give you companies that can provide EAB protection services. Make sure to ask if the technician who would provide the diagnostic and treatment services is licensed in your state.

Treatment options are generally less expensive than the cost of tree removal and replacement. For example, a 25- to 30-foot ash tree will cost about $400 to remove and replanting a similar size tree will cost about $2,000. In comparison, a landscape or tree company will charge about $50- to $75 per year to treat a tree that size, giving you about five to seven years of enjoyment before the cost of treatment equals the cost of tree removal.

"In my own yard, I have ash trees, several of which I value for shade and beauty," says Lee Schaber, vice president of technical services for Scotts LawnService. "There are a few ash trees on the back lot line that are not as significant to me. I've treated the prized ashes for the past two seasons and left the other trees untreated." Schaber continues, "The difference is remarkable: the treated trees look good, but the untreated trees are dying." For more information on the emerald ash borer, go to www.emeraldashborer.info.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - There was a time when it was the norm to go out in the yard and pull fresh vegetables up from the soil. At some point over the years, we moved from the goodness of home-grown vegetables toward processed foods and microwave dinners. Now consumers are becoming more aware of the financial value of growing their own vegetables, and how doing so can bolster the health of their families and of the earth.

Vegetable gardening might sound intimidating, but new technologies can make your thumb greener than ever. Combined with good old-fashioned growing techniques, your garden can be healthy and yield a good crop with less effort than you'd imagine - all while being good for the earth. Here are some tips for a garden that is doubly green.

Water, water everywhere, but not too much
* A fine balance needs to be struck when it comes to watering your vegetable garden, especially during drought conditions. You want your plants to get adequate moisture, but overwatering can be bad for plants and a wasteful use of a precious natural resource. Because it's better for both your crops and the environment, careful water usage is essential to being a truly green gardener.

Installing an irrigation system is a good way to keep water usage at the ideal levels. Plus, you don't have to plan a schedule around when you need to water. There are user-friendly, affordable solutions like Mister Landscaper's new Drip Irrigation Vegetable Kit, which connects to your outdoor spigot. It's a great way to ensure that your plants get the water they need, without wasting or over watering. The kit is drought approved in most areas and available at Lowe's in the plumbing department. Watering timers can also make the job of watering even easier. Keep in mind that it's best to water in the early morning, when the sun is lower in the sky, for 30 to 60 minutes, every other day. For more information about watering vegetable gardens, go to www.misterlandscaper.com.

One man's garbage is another's fertilizer
* Ever feel guilty about throwing out vegetable and fruit peelings, rinds or scraps? Your intuition might just be telling you that there's a better way to handle those leftovers. Composting is a great way to make use of organic matter that might otherwise just get thrown away.

Building a compost heap is relatively easy, and it will keep on giving back to your garden and the environment. The four necessary ingredients for composting, according to California's "CalRecycle" program, are nitrogen (from sources like grass clippings or those throwaway veggie scraps), carbon (from sources like sawdust or twigs), water and air. Once your compost is at the ideal level of decomposition (it will be uniformly dark brown and crumbly), spread it on your garden to give plants a nutrient boost.

Get growing - organically
* From the moment you start planning a garden, think organic. The most basic - and fun - choice of all is deciding which plants you'll grow. Choose organic seeds and starters so that you know you're buying into an earth-friendly business venture. There's the added bonus of knowing that your plants won't be tainted with harmful chemicals.

When it comes to maintaining your garden, you'll probably need things other than just compost. Look for products that are recognized as organic by respected organizations like the USDA or the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) - you'll be able to find an ever-growing supply of products like pest repellent or soil amendments.

Growing your own vegetables at home has many benefits: it saves money, allows you to control what your food is exposed to and provides a fun and easy activity that the whole family can participate in. And when you follow these green gardening principles, you'll be doing something good for the earth, too.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - You might think the end of summer means bidding farewell to fresh, homegrown veggies. Not so - many cool-season crops hit their heyday as autumn temperatures drop, and some even taste better when nipped by a light frost.

As long as their basic growing conditions are met, vegetable plants don't care what season it is. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to grow your fall garden all winter long. If, however, you live in a colder area, your growing season will be shorter.

In most regions of the country, gardeners plant fall vegetables in August or September for harvest in October and November. You'll need to carefully calculate your growing season so you can ensure plants have time to produce before freezing weather arrives. Generally, you should plant fall vegetables when daytime temperatures range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (the cooler the better); night temperatures should be above 40 degrees, and you'll need enough sunshine to ensure plants will get at least six hours of sun per day. You'll also need to give plants at least an inch of water per week.

To get started, remove all the debris left over from your summer garden so fall crops have plenty of room to grow. Add compost to your garden beds and landscapes. Soil should be light, well-aerated and well-draining - since fall gardens are more likely to get soggy from rain. Mulch will keep the soil cool and moist during the last days of summer.

You can also mix in an all natural fertilizer like Bonnie Plants, Herb and Vegetable Plant Food, made from soybean oilseed extract, known to contain 150,000 nutritional and organic compounds that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proteins, enzymes, plant hormones and carbohydrates. All are vital to plant growth. Next, find out your local frost and freeze dates. For most areas, frost doesn't have to end the fall growing season. Monitor your local weather forecast during late September and early October so you know when frost is coming.

Once you know your local frost and freeze dates, you can begin planning - and planting - your fall garden. Remember, when growing vegetables in the fall, plants need to be in the ground in time to mature before the first frost, and to yield most of their harvest before the first heavy freeze. Some cool-season crops mature in as little as 30 to 40 days, while others may take several months to produce.

Since time is of the essence when planting a fall garden, start out with transplants that are already growing. Choose fast-maturing varieties, like Bonnie Plants, to get the most for your harvest. The gardening experts at Bonnie suggest these fall crops:

* Winterbor kale - This vigorous producer weathers winter easily, even in very cold climates. Cut outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants about 12 inches apart

* Georgia collards - Another leafy green similar to kale, Georgia collards are prized for their sweet, cabbage-like flavor. Space transplants 36 inches apart.

* Romaine lettuce -- Romaine packs more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients than other popular types of lettuce. Space transplants 18 inches apart.

* Early dividend broccoli - Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Set transplants 18 inches apart.

* Mustard greens - Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable. Mustard greens always taste sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart.

* Bonnie hybrid cabbage - Bonnie's best cabbage is high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Space transplants 24 inches apart.

* Arugula - These fast-growing leafy greens are super-food for your bones. The leaves are "nutrient dense" and low in calories. Leaves grow best in cool weather.

As winter grows closer, you can extend your garden harvest by using floating row covers on frosty nights, or by planting in containers that can be brought indoors overnight. Be ready with some kind of protection to cover your plants. You can opt for something commercially manufactured, such as cloches, polyethylene blankets and corrugated fiberglass covers, or try simple household items like old towels, bed sheets, or even used plastic milk jugs with the bottoms removed.

You can continue to enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables through fall and even into winter when you start with some expert knowledge and the right plants. To learn more about growing a fall garden visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Now is the time to get outside and prepare outdoor living spaces for the entertainment season. While sunny days are perfect for fertilizing the lawn, planting flowers and laying mulch, don't waste those gray, overcast days, which are great for other DIY projects. One task that can be tackled on a dreary day is prepping and cleaning your deck for upcoming barbecues and get-togethers.

Staining your deck is one of the best ways to protect your investment from the elements, keep it looking nice and make it easier to maintain. However, professional results don't rely simply on laying down a coat or two of stain - any deck project should start with proper cleaning and preparation. And, while you may want a perfectly sunny weekend to stain your deck, prepping can be done at any time. Below are simple steps to help achieve great-looking results that last:

Gather your tools and materials. Plan to have the following within reach as you prep your deck:
* Broom or leaf blower
* Ladder (for decks off ground)
* Rags
* Tarps
* Buckets for mixing
* Synthetic brushes (2 to 4 inches)
* Rollers
* Long handles for rollers
* Roller frames and roller grids
* Cleaning product. Flood wood care offers wood cleaning and stripping products to help clean and brighten surfaces dulled and grayed by the sun, dirt and rain.

Check your surfaces. To ensure your deck is both safe and beautiful, be sure to inspect the area for bad wood, dry rot, loose nails, loose spindles and broken boards. Replace boards as needed and secure any loose nails and spindles.

Prepare yourself, the deck and the surrounding area. Make sure you take all safety precautions before embarking on your deck cleaning project. Wear gloves, safety glasses and old clothing - shorts are not recommended. Before starting, cover any areas you want to protect, wet down plants and shrubs, and wet your deck surface with water.

Clean, scrub and renew. Work the cleaner into the wood, working from the bottom up to reduce streaking. Be sure to keep the surface wet with water and let the wood cleaner stand for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Once cleaned, wood should dry for at least 48 hours before applying stain.

The cleaning process for an average-sized (300 to 500 square feet) deck should take approximately five to six hours. And, since Mother Nature won't harm your work, cleaning can be done on a gloomy day. A properly cleaned deck should be stained within 30 days. After 30 days, a light cleaning with bleach and water before staining will do the trick. For more information on wood care products, visit www.flood.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - It's summer time again and the living is easy - at least it's supposed to be. But when mosquitos invade your yard, it's tough to enjoy fun in the sun.

Lasting summer memories often begin with a pleasant environment in your own backyard. But the first step is keeping the mosquitoes at bay. TV home and garden expert Shirley Bovshow, in partnership with OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent, wants to help make your backyard an ideal place to relax or entertain guests by creating your own personal outdoor oasis this summer.

Bovshow suggests these tips to help you make the most of your outdoor time and space this summer:

Define your space: Use potted plants to identify space and create intimate areas in your patio or yard. Certain plants are perfect for screening an unappealing view, dividing large spaces into smaller ones and directing foot traffic.

Make it private: Hang inexpensive, colorful or patterned rugs between simple wood posts for a fast and cheerful screen.

Repel unwanted guests: Keep mosquitoes from spoiling your time outdoors. OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent provides head-to-toe protection without spraying anything on your skin and lasts for up to 12 hours. It features a quiet, battery-powered fan that circulates repellent and can clip to a belt, purse or chair. More information about helping to keep away mosquitoes can be found at www.off.com.

Be creative: Create a festive focal point with your pool at night by adding floating candles and glass orbs. If you are not swimming, these festive additions will make your pool look magical at night.

Keep it cozy: Create an impromptu side table with a large flower pot capped with a round paver or flagstone. You can add built-in seating by capping your raised vegetable garden beds with stone, wood or tile at a finished height of 14 to 16 inches and add cushions for entertaining guests.

Light up the night: Solar-powered path lights gather energy during the day and can be used as soft, ambient lighting at night. Gather and stick them into potted plants in your patio near sitting areas. Solar lights are safer than candles and require no electricity.

Add flair in unexpected places: Repurpose wine corks, sea shells and marbles as "mulch" or as a finishing touch to container gardens.

Whether you're creating a backyard oasis to amaze guests or looking to build a beautiful retreat for your own enjoyment, keeping pesky mosquitoes from taking a bite out of your summer time is priceless.

"For me, enjoying time outdoors is an essential element to a relaxing and memorable summer," says Bovshow. "With OFF! Clip-On, I can spend time outside enjoying my favorite activities without pesky interferences from bug bites and without having to spray anything on my skin."

Courtesy of ARAcontent