Transform Outdoor Spaces into Your Oasis

TRANSFORM OUTDOOR SPACES INTO YOUR OASIS Mr. Handyman On time. Done right. CREATE A GLOWING GARDEN Turn your yard into a flowering paradise full of color and life. Follow these easy tips to help your plants thrive. DISCOUNT DISCOUNT RAISE YOUR HOME'S VALUE UP TO 25% Hanging flower baskets Add mulch to your Avoid discounted Give your tomato plants in the sun may need garden soil to retain gardening seeds sold at least 6-8 hours of water once or twice daily. soil moisture and at chain stores. They sun and well-drained soil Baskets in the shade protect against probably haven't been to survive and thrive.5 require one-third less temperature extremes. stored under ideal Real estate experts say water than those in conditions, and you full sun.? may find germination to be spotty.“ well-landscaped yards can improve your home's value by 10-25%1 Sources: 1.www.examiner.com/article/how-to-improve-your-home-s-property-value-with-landscaping. 2.Lowes Creative Ideas/Outdoor Living. 3. Mother Earth News @ motherearthnews.com. 4. The Old Farmer's Almanac. 5. National Gardening Association. BUILD A LONG LASTING DECK® PRESSURE TREATED WOOD REDWOOD & CEDAR WOOD WOOD & PLASTIC COMPOSITE RUBBER COMPOSITE Are you considering adding a deck to your outdoor space, but not sure which material to use? Here's a helpful guide to the most common 100% materials used for decks. PRESSURE TREATED WOOD REDWOOD & CEDAR WOOD WOOD & PLASTIC RUBBER COMPOSITE COMPOSITE RETURN ON INVESTMENT decks are perfect for decks naturally resist decks have the look and decks use a mix of locations with high insects and decay and style of real wood but polyethylene resins moisture. Not only are also fire resistant. don't rot, shrink, splinter and recycled tires to will these decks resist They are simple to stain or call for annual staining compose a hardy Decks don't merely expand a home's living splitting or warping if and paint, but remember and sealing. These material that withstands space, they also add to its value. Experts treated properly, they that because these decks are available in extreme heat and cold. say you can realize a 100% return on your are also less prone to woods are soft, they a wide variety of colors This option isn't widely investment. If you need help making your rot and insect damage. are prone to marring and textures and can available, but you can deck or patio dreams a reality, Mr. Handyman Wash these decks once and denting. be cleaned with soap often choose from a can make it happen.7 a year and finish with and water. Some even terra-cotta, gray or a preservative sealer, have warranties that black color in either Sources: 6. Better Homes and Gardens. 7. North American Deck and Railing Association. and they can last up guarantee a lifetime a smooth or natural to 30 years. of use. traction surface. BEAT THE BUG WAR As weather warms up, you aren't the only one spending more time outside. Bugs are also out in full effect, but you can avoid them by following these tips. SPF 20% DEET For mosquitoes, the CDC When using both After coming indoors, recommends repelling sunscreen and repellent, check yourself, your kids YOU MIGHT THINK BUGS ARE JUST A NUISANCE, BUT THEY CAN TRANSMIT SOME SERIOUS DISEASES. them with products that apply sunscreen first and your pets for ticks. (ideally 30 minutes before stepping outside), contain DEET, picaridin, If you find an attached IR3535 or lemon tick, don't panic, ticks Mosquitoes have been linked to the eucalyptus oil.8 then add repellent. are easy to remove with spreading of the West Nile virus, That way, you get the full a pair of fine-tipped St. Louis encephalitis virus, eastern To keep ticks at a distance, benefits of each product! tweezers. Consult your avoid tick-infested areas equine encephalitis virus and even healthcare provider (especially places with high grasses) and use repellent dengue. Ticks can transmit Lyme if you develop a rash, disease and other serious infections fever, body aches, containing 20% DEET.’ Interested in a more natural and fleas can transmit plague. fatigue or headache, bug repellent option? Try stiff neck, or disorientation a product that contains lemon eucalyptus oil. in the 1-3 weeks Sources: 8. www.cdc.gov/features/moving following a bite. outdoors/. 9. www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ sun-bug-protection.html. STAY SAFE AT THE FIRE PIT" 10 Fire pits let you stay warm on cool summer nights and let you cook s'mores with the kids without driving to the nearest national park. If you're thinking about building a fire pit of your own, here are some things to consider. 10 %23 Contact your local Do not ignite fires with Make sure your fire pit Save two gallons or more fire department or chemicals such as is a minimum distance of water to be used for gasoline, lighter fluid or alcohol. The majority municipality to determine of 10 feet away from putting out your fire. if there are any laws your house, and three If you don't have water, against having a fire of fire pit accidents feet from any outdoor shovel dirt onto the fire pit in your backyard. occur because of how furniture. to stifle it. Slowly mix Some counties and the fire is built. the dirt with the embers According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, fire pits, or outdoor fireplaces, are the cities have laws that to make sure it's cool prohibit open flames before leaving. #1 REQUESTED in backyards. BACKYARD DESIGN FEATURE TODAY Sources: 10. ehow.com. MAKE A SPLASH WITH POOL SAFETY" 11 Swimming pools are a great way to keep your cool during the dog days of summer. Make sure you follow basic safety rules to create a protected paradise. 390 POOL AND SPA RELATED DROWNINGS Teach children basic Keep lifesaving Stay close, be alert Install fencing around According to information compiled from water safety tips; keep equipment on hand and watch children your pool with a lock media reports and released by the U.S. children away from such as life rings and in and around the to keep small children Consumer Product Safety Commission's pool drains, pipes a reaching pole. pool. Never leave and pets from having (CPSC) Pool Safely campaign, an average and other openings. children unattended an accident. Also, utilize of 390 pool or spa-related drownings in a pool or spa. a safety cover for when occur each year for children younger than it's not in use and install 15. Make sure to take appropriate safety drain covers to avoid precautions when installing your pool. entrapment. If you need help, talk to a professional! Sources: 11. www.poolsafely.gov. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL POOL OWNERS BECOME CPR CERTIFIED. Fully Insured - General Liability and Workers' Compensation. For franchise information call 1-800-289-4600. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Some services are subject to state or local licensing requirements and may not be available at all Mr. Handyman locations. To contact the Mr. Handyman nearest you, please call 1.877.674.2639 or visit us online http://www.mrhandyman.com