Take Control of Your Garden with These Natural Weed-Fighting Tips

Few things are more frustrating than spending hours in the garden, only to have pesky weeds pop up and ruin the party. Sure, you could reach for a chemical herbicide, but those come with health warnings and environmental concerns. Luckily, there are natural, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective ways to keep weeds in check without turning your yard into a danger for animals and kids.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for keeping your garden green—and your weeds gone:

Mulch like you mean it.

Mulch isn’t just for making your flower beds look pretty. It’s a weed-smothering superhero. A thick layer of mulch - about 2 to 3 inches - is enough to block sunlight from reaching weed seeds, which keeps them from sprouting in the first place. Organic mulches like shredded leaves, bark, straw, or even grass clippings will decompose over time and feed your soil, giving you a double win. Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the stems of plants to avoid rot.

Boil ’em alive.

It might sound extreme, but boiling water is one of the cheapest and most effective weed killers around. This is best used on driveways, sidewalks, and between patio stones, anywhere you’re not worried about killing off other plants. Just bring a kettle to a boil and pour directly on the weeds. Be careful, this method is simple but not forgiving if you spill on your foot!

Vinegar, the pantry powerhouse.

If you have white vinegar in the kitchen, you have a natural weed killer. A spray bottle filled with vinegar will dry out young weeds quickly, especially on hot, sunny days. For stubborn weeds, you can mix in a few drops of dish soap to help the vinegar stick to the leaves. Keep in mind this method is non-selective, meaning it’ll kill just about anything it touches, so aim carefully.

Get hands-on with a hoe.

There’s nothing wrong with a little elbow grease. Weeding by hand may not be glamorous, but it’s highly effective, especially if you catch weeds early before they go to seed. A sharp hoe or weeding tool can help you slice through roots just below the surface. Aim to weed after a rain or a good watering session—wet soil makes the job much easier.

Plant your ground troops.

Want to crowd out weeds before they get started? Ground covers like clover, creeping thyme, or sweet woodruff create a living mulch that prevents weeds from taking hold. Plus, many are low-maintenance and attractive, which is a win for any gardener trying to keep things neat without constant upkeep.

With a little time and some natural reinforcements, you can tackle weeds without reaching for the chemical spray. Your garden, and the bees, butterflies, pets, and kids that enjoy it, will thank you.

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.

10 Easy DIY Projects to Kick Off Summer at Home

10 Easy DIY Projects to Kick Off Summer at Home

Memorial Day weekend is here, and while backyard barbecues are a must, it’s also a great time to tackle those home projects you’ve been putting off. With longer days and warmer weather, summer is the ideal season to freshen up your space inside and out. Here are ten simple DIY ideas to get you started over the long weekend and keep the momentum going all summer.

1. Repaint Your Front Door

Want instant curb appeal? A bold front door color can completely transform your home’s vibe. Clean, sand, prime, and paint - it’s a project you can knock out in an afternoon and enjoy every day.

2. Light Up the Night

Add solar-powered lights to walkways, gardens, or patios for a warm, welcoming glow. No wires, no stress, just an easy upgrade that adds charm and function.

3. Build a Garden Path

Define your outdoor space with a simple path made from stepping stones, pavers, or gravel. It’s practical, pretty, and much easier than it looks.

4. Make a DIY Bench

A custom outdoor bench adds seating and personality to your yard or porch. All you need are some boards, screws, and stain or paint if you’re feeling bold.

5. Install Window Boxes

Brighten up your home’s exterior with flower-filled window boxes. Buy pre-made or build your own, then plant colorful summer blooms for a cheerful pop of color.

6. Refresh Outdoor Furniture

Give tired patio furniture new life with a coat of outdoor paint or fresh cushions. Don’t toss it, transform it.

7. Swap Out Kitchen Hardware

Big change, small effort. New cabinet handles and drawer pulls can modernize your kitchen in minutes. It’s the definition of low-effort, high-reward.

8. Start a Vertical Garden

No yard? No problem. Hang planters, mount pots, or repurpose a pallet to grow herbs, flowers, or succulents right on your wall or balcony.

9. Paint an Accent Wall

Pick a wall, grab a bold color, and make a statement. A new accent wall can completely shift the mood of a room and it’s a perfect project for a rainy weekend day indoors.

10. Update Light Fixtures

Swap outdated fixtures for something sleek and modern. Just be sure to cut the power before you begin - this project is about bright ideas, not sparks.

These DIYs are budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and designed to give your home a fresh, inviting feel without a major time commitment. So this Memorial Day weekend, fire up the grill and the paintbrush—you’ll be surprised how far a few small updates can go.

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

Why Is My Roof Streaky? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve noticed black streaks, moss, or patches of discoloration on your roof, you’re not alone. These stains are common and may seem like a minor issue at first, but they can lead to bigger problems if ignored.

The most common cause of roof streaking is algae, specifically, a type called Gloeocapsa magma. It spreads through airborne spores and tends to thrive in warm, humid environments. Once it lands on your roof, it starts to grow, especially on shaded areas where moisture hangs around. Over time, you might also see moss or lichen, which can cause even more damage by holding moisture against the surface of your shingles.

These growths aren’t just cosmetic. Algae and moss can wear down your roofing materials, shorten the life of your shingles, and in some cases, lead to leaks or water damage. That’s why regular roof cleaning is important.

So, what’s the best way to clean your roof? It’s not a job for a pressure washer. In fact, using high-pressure water can damage your shingles and lead to costly repairs. Professional roof cleaners use a method called soft washing, which combines low-pressure water with specially formulated cleaning solutions that safely remove algae, moss, and dirt without harming your roof or surrounding landscaping.

A proper roof cleaning usually takes just a few hours and can dramatically improve the look and health of your roof. It also gives a roofing professional the chance to inspect for other potential issues like cracked flashing, loose shingles, or clogged gutters that could cause problems later.

It’s also important to pay attention to any warning signs that there might be a deeper issue. If you notice a musty smell in your attic, signs of water damage on your ceiling, or poor ventilation, there may be moisture getting inside. That could mean your roof needs more than just a cleaning. It might be time to check insulation, repair parts of the roofing structure, or even have the roof replaced. 

Having your roof inspected and cleaned at least once a year, especially in the spring or early summer, is a smart habit. It helps catch small issues before they become bigger problems, protects your home, and keeps your roof looking its best.

And remember, roof work can be dangerous. Between the height, the angle, and the risk of damaging your shingles, it’s not something you want to tackle on your own. Always call a licensed professional who has the right tools, training, and safety equipment to get the job done right.

Your roof is a big part of what keeps your home safe and dry. A little regular care goes a long way in keeping it that way.

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.