Home Help: Fall maintenance tips for a lush green lawn next spring

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Fall maintenance tips for a lush green lawn next spring

"Once temperatures are consistently below 60 degrees, your lawn will start storing up nutrients in preparation for winter. That's when you should start your fall lawn care regimen," says Bryan Ostlund, executive director of Grass Seed USA. 

Following are three proactive measures you can take:

Reseed thin or bare areas. By reseeding after the summer's heat subsides and before the first winter freeze, you can repair damage and give turf a jump start on root growth.

Aerify. You can hire a professional to aerify your turf, or rent a core aerator that uses hollow tines to pull up small plugs of soil at regular intervals. If you're reseeding, aerify right before you apply new seed.

Apply fertilizer. Cool-season grass should be fertilized in fall — even if your lawn looks healthy and has no bare patches — to promote good root development, enhance the storage of energy reserves and extend color retention.

Roofs

3 reasons fall is a great time for roofing

Cool breezes and falling leaves are around the corner, and for many parts of the country, signs of fall signal the best possible season for roofing.

What makes fall a great time for roof repairs or a full replacement?

Perfect weather: The same perfectly cool weather for camping and outdoor activities also makes it a great time for roofing. Spring and summer storms: The warmth and humidity of the spring and summer months are notorious for spawning severe thunderstorms. Hail and high winds can also damage the roof. "We always recommend homeowners hire a professional to examine their roofs, both for their safety, and to protect their roof," said Stephen McNally of TAMKO Building Products. Winter is coming: Winter can bring subzero temperatures and snow. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams and damp weather require the roof to be in top shape to defend against these threats. Life hacks

Hacks for a cleaner home

Check out the following hacks for a cleaner home from www.bobvila.com. 

1. Clean the dishwasher by emptying a packet of lemonade-flavored Kool-Aid into the dish detergent compartment and running the dishwasher.

2. Clean your blender by filling it 1/3 full with hot water and adding a few drops of dish soap, then running it for a while.

3. Keep your vehicle's cup holders clean by dropping cupcake liners into the bottom of each. Use silicone models and you can wash them in the dishwasher.

4. Freshen smelly sneakers by sprinkling a little salt in them. 

5. Wipe up pet hair by sliding a squeegee (like you'd use to clean windows) over the carpet.

6. Keep the bathroom cleaner by taking a minute to wash suds down the drain after using the tub and shower. 

Upgrades

4 yard updates you can complete in a weekend

Get a head start on spring by adding one of these yard-enhancing projects from RentalHQ.com now:

Pond: This fall, choose a sunny spot in your yard to build your pond, and with the help of a rented mini-excavator, you can move the dirt and even carve out the terraces. Patio and pergola: With the help of a post hole digger, which you can rent, you can have the posts in place before the snow flies. Flower beds: Preparing the bed in the fall means less dirt work in the spring, so you can focus on getting plants in the ground. Fire pit: This is the ultimate fall project because when it's done, you can enjoy it right away.