Do you want to get rid of rats in your garden? There are few things more annoying than dealing with garden pests, and rats are certainly pests. These rodents can eat your garden crops. Plus, rats are vermin that can spread diseases. The good news is there are some proven ways to get rid of rats in your garden and yard. Signs of a Rat Problem First, though, let’s briefly look at some of the signs that you have a rat infestation. One of the clearest signs of a problem is an accumulation of rat droppings. You might also notice burrow holes in the ground. A single rat burrow can house up to eight rats. Another common sign that there is a problem is the greasy trails that the rats leave behind. These will contain rat pheromones and might include pieces of their fur. This is how they mark a path around your garden. If you spot rat trails, you can use a cloth to remove these pathways. While this won’t be enough to get rid of the rat, it will help disrupt their passage around your … [Read more...] about How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your Garden
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Best Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmers
The best cordless electric hedge trimmers can make quick work of trimming your hedges and shrubs. The blades are sharp. The trimmers are ergonomically designed to be comfortable to hold and use. The cordless electric motors are quiet, powerful, and efficient. And the rechargeable batteries pack plenty of power to get the job done. Back in the old days (the 1990s), I owned an electric hedge trimmer. This was before cordless electric trimmers existed. My ancient hedge trimmer needed to be plugged in to get its electric power. That meant I could only trim as far away as my extension cord would reach. And that was a hassle. Even worse, one day I was trimming a shrub and accidentally used the trimmer to cut my 100-foot extension cord. That was an expensive mistake. So, I am a BIG FAN of today's impressive cordless electric hedge trimmers. I love the power of the brushless electric motors. I love the quick-charge lithium-ion batteries. And I love the freedom of taking my cordless … [Read more...] about Best Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmers
How to Remove a Tree Branch
Knowing how to remove a tree branch is an important part of yard maintenance. That's because having trees on your property is one of the best things you can do to stay connected with nature. Trees become permanent residences of birds and squirrels, and make your home and property feel more wholesome. A window in your home that overlooks a majestic tree can be the perfect place to relax. It's also a great view for your home office. Moreover, trees can also provide your house with some much-needed privacy if you live in a humming neighborhood. However, having trees can requires some effort. One of the most common problems with having trees in your yard is falling branches. Natural occurrences such as storms, heavy winds, rain, or a thick layer of ice can cause trees to lose their branches. At times, branches do not completely fall off the tree. Instead, tree branches can break, but hang onto the tree by a thin layer of bark. This can become a potential threat to property and … [Read more...] about How to Remove a Tree Branch
Should You Water Trees in Winter?
Should you water trees in winter? If so, what are the best tree watering tips for winter weather? Winter impacts everyone, and that includes the trees in your yard. Most people believe that since trees remain dormant during the winter season, the cold and dry conditions do not impact them. But that is far from the truth. The reality is that trees also experience the stress of the harsh winter season. You may not be able to witness the impact of winter on trees, but internally they are impacted unless you take proper steps to provide them relief. Editor’s Note: Keeping your trees healthy can involve more than proper watering. Dead tree branches should be removed to maintain optimum tree health. A battery-powered chainsaw is a handy tool to have in your tool shed! Protect Trees in Winter When it comes to providing relief, you must first know how the trees are affected by winter. Most people do not realize that if trees head into winter with dry roots, it can … [Read more...] about Should You Water Trees in Winter?
7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
Do you have plants for winter interest in your yard? If not, your landscape suffers from the winter blahs. When the cold season arrives and leaves drop from the trees and bushes, there is no winter interest. There’s simply nothing to catch your eye during winter season. “Most homeowners buy plants that are full of life and color in the spring and summer,” said Jeff Dinslage, president of Nature Hills Nursery. “But these plants go dormant and look lifeless in the colder months.” Dinslage points out that many attractive plants look great during the growing season. Plus, they add much-needed color and winter interest during the coldest months of the year. Here are 7 of his favorite plants for adding color and texture to the landscape during winter. Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) for sales generated from the links in this story. Thanks so much for supporting this website! Trees Can Be Plants for Winter Interest Evergreen conifers … [Read more...] about 7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
