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How to Make the Grass Greener During Summer

By on February 16, 2013 in Outdoors

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Before you pack your bags and go on a road trip, consider the state of your front and back yards. At the height of summer heat, your lawn can easily turn from green to brown, especially if you do not take extra care of it during this season. Don’t you ever wonder how your neighbours keep their grass green? Here are some tips on making your lawn survive the sweltering sun.

Avoid Pesticides, Fungicides, and Insecticides

Make the Grass Greener

Image courtesy of Chatirygirl on Flickr

One of the mistakes of most homeowners when it comes to maintaining their lawn is spraying different kinds of chemicals to kill insects, fungi, and other types of pests. Getting rid of these crawlers are important in keeping your yard healthy. However, these chemicals also kill good microorganisms that keep your soil in good condition.  

Don’t Cut the Grass too Short

Taller grass help keep weeds out as they stop the growth of weed seeds. In addition, taller grass helps control the temperature of the soil. When the ground is cool, it holds moisture longer, which encourages production of soil microbes. These microbes help plants get nutrients from the soil but turning these nutrients into substances that plants can absorb. Cutting 3.5 to 4 inches off the grass is ideal. In most lawn mowers, you can do this by using the highest setting.

Fertilize Your Lawn Regularly

Following a schedule for fertilizing your lawn helps keep your grass healthy all year round. Some experts recommend fertilizing it at least twice a year, in spring and mid-summer. The best time to fertilize the yard is when the grass is dry and after you’ve mowed the lawn. This way, the fertilizer won’t stick to the grass blade. Fertilizing when the grass is wet could damage the lawn.

To keep your grass green, you should learn how to choose the right product to use for your front and backyard. Different products on the market have different compositions. Consider choosing those with higher nitrogen content. This stimulates growth and gives your lawn a deep green tone.

You may choose to fertilize more often than twice in a year, but this would mean spending more time on your yard than you’d like. Fertilizing your lawn often but not being able to trim the grass regularly put the grass at risk of insects and diseases. More growth equals to more mowing and watering duties. If you don’t have time for this, you can always hire a tradesman to do it for you.

Water Deeply

A brown lawn is unsightly.  This doesn’t mean, however, that the grass is dead or unhealthy. Most often than not, the lower portion of the plant, the part that the sun doesn’t reach, is alive and healthy.

For a greener lawn during this season, consider watering your yard deeply. This means keeping the sprinkler on longer but reducing the times you water the yard during the week. When you only water the yard for a short time, say 10 minutes, there may not be enough moisture that reach the roots of the grass. When the grass doesn’t receive enough nutrients, they will turn brown and wilt. You don’t have to water the yard frequently to keep it green all summer. For instance, you may water the yard for an hour once or twice a week, the more moisture that reach the roots, the better.

Don’t let your yard suffering from the heat. Keep it green by learning how to care for it properly. If you need help, contact a reliable tradesman in Australia with a green thumb.

 

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Flippin’ Houses in Australia: Renovating a Property for Better Profit

By on January 13, 2013 in Room Makeovers

Residential real estate is popular among investors and business-minded individuals for different reasons. Those who want predictable and higher returns choose to invest in real estate than in other industries. One of the popular and exciting practices in real estate today is flipping houses. It is famous among investors who want higher and faster returns without spending too much on capital.

What is Flipping

Flipping means buying an income-generating asset and reselling it as soon as possible for profit. While you can do this with any type of asset, flipping mostly refers to initial public offering and real estate. To flip a house is to redevelop a property. Those engaged in this activity buy a run-down house priced lower than other properties on the market. The buyers redevelop the property and then sell it at a higher price for profit. Others see flipping as a tactical strategy for real estate rather than long-term plan. Many people like flipping, as it gives them faster ROI and profit in the shortest time possible – provided they are good at redeveloping a home and finding a buyer for the newly improved property

How to Flip a House

Renovating a Property

Image courtesy of Woneffe, Flickr.

Recognizing a promising property, despite its current state, is one of the most important characteristics you should have when deciding to flip houses. Some properties only need minor repairs, while there are those that are beyond saving.

An ideal property for flipping is one that only needs cosmetic or minor repairs. Steer away from homes that need major repairs, as these are often money pits. A good property is also one that sits on a neighbourhood with perfectly maintained houses. Once you’ve turned this ugly duckling into a swan, many will be interested in buying the property, as it is in a neighbourhood with beautiful homes.

Cosmetic Repairs

Having a few sets of construction and repair skills can help you reduce your capital, flip the property and sell it faster. Of course, you can always hire the services of a tradesman to help you redevelop a home. Cosmetic repair ranges from polishing up the yard to simple paintjobs and installing different fixtures around the house.

Landscaping Makeovers

When flipping a home, don’t forget the exteriors. The front yard is going to be the first thing buyers will see. Make sure it is as impressive as the home interiors. Check for cracks on the driveway and walkway. Fill them up when necessary. Trim the bushes and trees. You may also like to plant some beautiful flowers on the front yard to give the exterior of the property and fresh and colourful look.

Exterior Facelifts

Go around the perimeter of the property and look for things that stick out like a sore thumb. You’d want to replace, repair or remove anything that is unsightly. Most rundown houses often need to have a fresh coat of paint. You should also paint threshold and doors. Check the windows, screens, storm doors, mailbox and light fixtures. Depending on the condition of the house, and the new look you want it to have, you may need to replace these things. Don’t forget to take a quick look at the gutters. Chances are, you may need to repair and repaint them too.

Interior Makeover

When redesigning, choose neutral colours for the interiors. Warm or cool tones are relaxing to the eyes. You can also go for bold colours, but only a few will appreciate an orange or red wall for the living room. Remember, you want to sell the house as soon as you can, this means trying to appeal to most homebuyers.  Choosing between a carpet and wood flooring is tricky but you can never go wrong with a new one. Strip off that old wall-to-wall carpet and replace it with a new one or switch to a beautiful wood floor.

Bathroom and Kitchen Brush Ups

Storage is important, especially in the kitchen. If the house has a small kitchen, maximize the wall and install cabinets. Consider replacing out-of-date, and damaged countertops. Throwing in a new stainless steel sink and faucet is also a great addition to a beautiful kitchen. Most tradesmen in Australia can help you fix plumbing problems in the kitchen.

Give the bathroom a fresh look by installing a new toilet seat, vanity, shower, and faucet. Don’t forget to get rid of mildew and other stains.

Flipping a house is exciting. To help you succeed, contact a tradesman in Australia who can help you give an old house a makeover so you can earn better profit.

 

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