Plant an Apple Tree Using these Step-by-Step Instructions. Planting an apple tree involves a combination of art and science. It begins with understanding your local conditions and ends with ongoing tree care. In this story, we will provide step-by-step instructions and photos showing the mechanics of how to plant an apple tree. Container-grown trees can be planted in the spring or fall. Bare root trees can be planted in the spring or fall when the trees are dormant. For more information about selecting the specific variety of apple tree that’s best for you, please read Chose the Right Variety of Apple Tree. Before You Go to the Tree Nursery Before you buy an apple tree, make sure there is enough space in your yard to accommodate a mature tree. Standard (full-sized) apple trees can reach 30-40 feet tall and can have a spread (width) of 30-40 feet. A semi-dwarf apple tree can grow to 14-20 feet tall and wide. A dwarf apple tree at maturity will typically reach 6-12 feet … [Read more...] about How to Plant an Apple Tree
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Lawn Fertilization Tips for Spring and Fall
Lawn fertilization is necessary for healthy, green grass lawns. A well-fertilized turfgrass lawn is healthy enough to withstand stress from pests, foot traffic, and environmental factors. Quite simply, regular lawn fertilization is necessary to maintain optimal health. Here are some quick tips that will help you maintain a healthy green turfgrass lawn. Then I will give a more in-depth explanation of key lawn fertilization principles. Home, Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) from product links in this story. Thank you for supporting this website! 5 Quick Lawn Fertilization Tips Fast-Release and Slow-Release Fertilization Depending on your lawn’s needs and your preference, you can choose between fast-release inorganic lawn fertilizers and slow-release organic fertilizers. You can even use the blend of multiple fertilizers if you wish. For example, some homeowners use fast-release fertilizers, followed by a top dressing of organic … [Read more...] about Lawn Fertilization Tips for Spring and Fall
Top Dressing Your Lawn with Compost
Top dressing your lawn with compost is a common practice that has been used for centuries. In fact, in the 15th century top dressing was applied to golf courses in Scotland. Because top dressing provides lawns with beneficial nutrients, many homeowners use this technique along with regular lawn maintenance routines. Read on to discover helpful tips and the benefits to top dressing your lawn with compost. The Benefits of Top Dressing Your Lawn with Compost Top dressing a lawn with compost may seem at first to be ineffective or even harmful to your lawn. After all, the last thing you likely want to see is compost covering up your once lush, beautiful grass. Although top dressing your lawn has a temporary unattractive appearance, its rich nutrients deliver incredible benefits to lawns. Applying compost as a top dressing to your lawn can improve the soil structure. Top dressing can also build up beneficial soil microbes, aerate compact soil, improve drainage, and even reduce … [Read more...] about Top Dressing Your Lawn with Compost
Home Maintenance Tips for Spring and Summer
Here's you list of home maintenance tips for spring and summer to get your home and homestead looking sharp. Winter weather can be harsh on your house. The good thing about warmer months is that you get to take care of your home while enjoying the sun. So, now is the time to prevent unexpected problems and do home maintenance. Follow our list of home maintenance tips – spring and summer edition – to get the most out of this season. Home Maintenance Tips: Check The AC Unit Ideally, you should check your AC unit monthly and replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty air filters can only cause you harm. The unit has to work harder, and it can lead to increased energy bills and potentially damage your equipment. Also, make sure the insulation of your home is installed and functioning properly. You don’t want the warm air or cool air to escape through windows and roof. If you’re not sure what type of insulation fits your needs, check insulation4less to … [Read more...] about Home Maintenance Tips for Spring and Summer
A Spring Garden Jump Start in 12 Easy Steps
It's time for a spring garden jump start. There are gardening tasks to be done, and the growing season is coming. The grass is starting to green up, bulbs are peeking through the soil, and spring is around the corner. Gardening chores come fast and furious once warm weather hits. Sometimes you don’t have time to fit all the tasks in. A spring garden jump-start is a productive way to begin your gardening year. You can hit the ground running and get ahead of the season. That's why late winter is my favorite time to get many of the spring jobs done-- or at least get them started. It's a great way to reduce the springtime stress of too many gardening tasks to do. So what are we waiting for? Let's use these garden tips and get this spring garden jump start going! Step 1: Weeding My top priority in late winter/early spring is keeping weeds under control. Cold weather weeds such as chickweed and mustard are much easier to hand weed when small. Plus, the weeds haven’t gone to seed … [Read more...] about A Spring Garden Jump Start in 12 Easy Steps
