Skip the Spray With Natural Ways to Keep Your Yard Looking Great

If you’ve spent any time in the garden this spring, you’ve probably noticed that weeds seem to grow faster than just about everything else. One week your flower beds look tidy and under control, and the next they’re being overtaken by dandelions, crabgrass, and other unwelcome visitors.

With more homeowners looking to reduce their use of chemical herbicides around children, pets, pollinators, and vegetable gardens, many are searching for practical alternatives. The good news? You don’t need a shelf full of products to keep weeds under control. A few simple strategies can go a long way.

Start with mulch.

One of the most effective weed prevention tools is mulch. A two-to-three-inch layer of shredded bark, wood chips, straw, or leaf mulch helps block sunlight from reaching weed seeds, making it harder for them to germinate.

As an added bonus, organic mulch helps retain moisture during hot summer weather and gradually improves soil health as it breaks down. Just remember to keep mulch pulled back a few inches from plant stems, tree trunks, and your home’s siding.

Attack weeds while they’re young.

The easiest weed to remove is the one that’s barely had a chance to grow. Taking ten minutes each week to pull small weeds can save hours of work later in the season.

If you’re using a hoe or hand weeder, try working after a rainfall or watering session when the soil is soft. You’ll remove more of the root system and make the job much easier on yourself.

Put boiling water to work.

For weeds growing in cracks along driveways, sidewalks, and patios, boiling water can be surprisingly effective. A careful pour directly onto unwanted plants quickly damages the foliage and root system without introducing chemicals into the environment.

This method works best in hardscape areas where you’re not concerned about harming nearby plants. As always, use caution when handling boiling water.

Use vinegar strategically.

Household vinegar can help control young weeds by drying out their leaves, particularly on warm, sunny days. Some homeowners add a few drops of dish soap to help the mixture stick to plant surfaces.

Keep in mind that vinegar doesn’t discriminate. It can damage flowers, vegetables, and desirable plants just as easily as weeds, so careful application is important.

Let plants do some of the work.

Bare soil is an open invitation for weeds. Groundcovers such as creeping thyme, clover, sedum, or sweet woodruff can help fill empty spaces and crowd out unwanted growth naturally.

The less exposed soil you have, the fewer opportunities weeds have to establish themselves.

A little prevention goes a long way.

The secret to weed control is consistency. A few minutes of maintenance each week, combined with mulch, healthy plantings, and early intervention, can dramatically reduce the number of weeds you’ll face later in the season.

Your garden will look better, your workload will be lighter, and you’ll create a healthier outdoor environment for your family, pets, and the beneficial insects that help your landscape thrive.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

10 Easy Tips To Keep Windows Clean and Streak-Free

Window washing is such a dreaded task that most homeowners don’t bother doing it. But there is nothing like clean glass to help bring the outdoors in and make your house feel really clean. If it has been awhile since you gave your windows some love, here are ten of my favorite tricks, tips, and hacks to simplify the job and get your glass gleaming again.

1. Never clean windows on a hot day. The glass will heat up, causing your washing solution to dry on the panes faster than you’ll be able to wipe it off. A cloudy, overcast day is your best bet for this job. 

2. Instead of relying on reams of paper towels, stop into your local hardware store and grab an eight-inch squeegee for those small panes. They make the job a lot easier with much less waste.

3. Don’t forget to wipe your squeegee blade between swipes to remove access cleaning solution and dirt. Otherwise you’ll just be spreading it around.

4. Here is a great DIY window cleaning solution. Combine one cup of hot water and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle and there you have it. For very grimy windows, clean with hot soap and water first, followed by the vinegar mixture for a nice shine. 

5. To get rid of really pesky streaks, use a dry board eraser. Unlike paper towels, an eraser can do away with streaks without leaving lint behind. 

6. If you really hate washing windows, take an extra step, and apply a window protectant. The clear polymer coating will help protect the glass from dust, dirt, and grime for longer. 

7. Hard water spots can be tough to remove with a regular window cleaner. A dryer sheet will do the trick, just buff in circular motions. It works on mirrors and shower doors too. 

8. Caterpillars love building nests in window tracks. Clean them out with a thin screwdriver and then follow up with a firm, toothbrush-sized bristle brush. 

9. Hate cleaning blinds? Wrap a pair of kitchen tongs in two microfiber cloths and secure with an elastic band on either side. Run the tongs between each slat to remove dust and pet dander. 

10. Have a can of WD-40 in the garage? A quick coat on freshly cleaned window sills will prevent dirt and grime from sticking.

If you swear that this round of window washing will be your last, consider upgrading to vinyl windows. The seamless, tilt-in design makes them so easy to clean and they are energy efficient too . It’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your home to save both time and money in the long run. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.