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www.tctimes.com Tri-County Times Featured Section Sunday, May 11, 2014 Featured Section ADD VALUE TO YOUR BACKYARD SUN SOLUTION AND ENERGY SAVINGS GOOD AND BAD KICKS OFF THIS SEASON GUARANTEE YOUR BUILD A PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A REPLACE THOSE

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Page 1: Tri-County Times Featured Section Sunday ...cloud.tctimes.com/ez_read/archive/2014/051114_GreatOutdoors.pdf · Tri-County Times Featured Section. Sunday, May 11, 2014. Featured Section

www.tctimes.com Tri-County Times Featured Section Sunday, May 11, 2014

Featured Section

ADD VALUE TO YOUR BACKYARD

SUN SOLUTION AND ENERGY SAVINGS

GOOD AND BADKICKS OFF THIS SEASON

GUARANTEE YOUR

BUILD A

PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A

REPLACE THOSE

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2 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

No matter how much you love your dog, it’s hard to love those inevitable brown spots from your dog’s outdoor

bathroom habits. But tackling that problem involves you more than it does your dog. Since you can’t prevent the urine spots, you as the homeowner have to treat the end result, the damage to the lawn. “There’s really nothing you can do to prevent the urine spots from happen-ing,” said Lisa Holzwarth, veterinary tech-nician at Pointe Animal Clinic in Fenton. As a dog owner herself, she understands the frustration that comes from the lawn damage. “About all you can do is hose the

Is your lawnHere’s how to minimize lawn damage from dog urine spots

By Sally Rummel • [email protected]; 810-629-8282

area down after your dog urinates there, to lessen the effects of the nitrogen on the lawn,” she said. While some home remedies have sug-gested that adding additional salt, gar-

lic or tomato juice to your pet’s food will increase water consumption, thus diluting the urine, veterinarians cau-tion against using these remedies. In-creased salt intake can cause problems for older dogs, as well as for those

with heart or kidney conditions. However, providing adequate water for your pet on a regular basis will help keep the urine diluted, reducing the potential for injury to the grass.

• Train your dog to use one specific area of the lawn to urinate, so that your entire lawn is not affected. You may also try an area of mulch or gravel, and train your dog to go there.

• Make sure your dog is well-hydrated, to dilute the urine and its effects on your lawn.

• Hose down the area each time your dog urinates there.

• Increase nitrogen fertilization frequency and/or the amount of fertilizer to help mask the urine-induced stimulation of growth and color; dark green spots will be especially visible on lawns not receiving adequate nitrogen fertilization.

• Make sure your lawn is well irrigated to pre-vent the accumulation of salts in the soil.

• If the turf is dead, remove the grass and one inch of soil. Re-sod the area with new grass.

There’s really nothing you can do to prevent the urine spots from happening.Lisa HolzwarthVet tech at Pointe Animal Clinic

‘‘’’

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 3

BUILD A FENCE

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU

Do your homework before you start a fencing projectBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Whether you’re looking for more pri-vacy, need to contain a pet or simply want to add interesting architectural detail to your yard, a fence will likely fit the bill. But before setting the first stake, be sure to call your municipality, to make sure you know the rules that guide structures built in your yard. In the city of Fenton,

city ordinances tell you how to proceed on such a project. You don’t have to go to all the expense of having a sur-vey done, but it’s important that you know you r exac t property lines. “First, we let a homeowner submit a plot drawing,” said Brad Hissong, building/zon-

ing administrator. “We’ll then do a stak-ing inspection, so we know exactly where the fence will be placed.” There are also permits required and specific rules that guide the size and style of a fence, depending on its location. “If you want a fence in your front yard, it can be no more than 3 feet tall and has to be

See FENCE on 13

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4 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

As winter slowly winds down, many gardeners cannot wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands dirty in the garden. Such excitement is not just good for gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to come as well. Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening season is still around the corner, completing the follow-ing projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right foot.Clear debris One of the best things you can do for your garden as winter winds down is to clear it of debris. Winter can be especially harsh on a landscape, and gardens left to the elements are often filled with debris once spring arrives. Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced during the winter frost, and even garbage that might

STARTS OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

GARDENHow to guarantee your

have blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won’t take long, but it’s a great first step toward re-storing the garden before the time comes to plant and grow the garden once again.Examine the soil Soil plays a significant role in whether a garden thrives or struggles. Examining the soil before the season starts can help gardeners address any issues before they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost opportunity, so test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or mineral deficiencies. This may require the help of a professional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy a successful gardening season. Another way to examine the soil is

less complex but can shed light on when would be a good time to get back to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a handful. If the soil quickly crumbles, you can start preparing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil is still clumped together, it needs more time to dry out before you can begin your prep work.Initiate edging Edging is another task gardeners can begin as they get ready for the season. Edge plant and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough so grass roots that may eventually grow into the flower bed are severed. Depending on how large a garden is, edging can be a time-consuming task, so getting a head start allows homeowners to spend more time planting and tending to their gardens

once the season hits full swing.Fight weeds Though weeds likely have not survived the winter, that does not mean they won’t return once the weather starts to heat up. But as inevitable as weeds may seem, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from turning beautiful gardens into battlegrounds where plants, flowers and vegetables are pitted against unsightly and potentially harmful weeds. Spring is a good time to apply a pre-emergent weed preventer, which can stop weeds before they grow. Though such solutions are not always foolproof, they can drastically reduce the likelihood of weed growth. Though gardeners might not be able to start planting their gardens in late winter or early spring, they can still get outside and take steps to ensure their gardens thrive once planting season begins.

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 5

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Summer is the time for outdoor fun, creating a backyard oasis for barbecues and outdoor play. This is the time of year when parents

head to the backyard to erect swing sets, play houses, tree houses and similar sea-sonal structures. For dedicated do-it-yourselfers, it may be a project to anticipate with excitement. For most busy parents, however, build-ing or installing these structures can be a daunting task.HERE’S SOME ADVICE FROM OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERTS:• Start planning early — you want to get ahead of the game so it’s not the middle of summer when you start your project.• Check on permits needed from your municipality. In the city of Fenton, you don’t need a building permit to build a play structure in your yard, but you do need a zoning permit. “All play structures must be at least 4 feet away from the property line,” said Brad Hissong, building and zoning administrator.• Keep in mind how much space a structure will take up in your yard. Also, consider how the structure is going to fit in to the overall appearance of your property.• Any outdoor project should be built where it is visible from the kitchen win-dow. Swing sets and playhouses should be big enough that children can grow into them.• Buy quality building materials and use a source that can also provide helpful, in-person advice. You may want to consider having a play set or swing set assembled for you.• Pressure-treated wood is clean and safe, and vinyl encapsulated swing sets are becoming more and more popular.• When buying a kit, make sure that all the

pieces and instructions are in place before starting the project.• Make sure the area where a playhouse or swing set will sit is flat, so the structure doesn’t lean or tilt.TREE HOUSES It’s important to pick out the proper tree in your yard and what has to be done to keep the tree healthy and strong. Basic tree houses should be built at least 20 feet off the ground, in order to hang swings and so that those using them can feel like they are actually up in the tree, but not too high. In order to properly build a tree house, a certified arborist should be called in to check on where the tree house should be placed. A cost effective approach is having the base built for the homeowner, then hav-ing them choose where, and how elaborate, they want to go. One popular type of cover is a tent, for its affordability and the fact it can be taken down in the winter. Tree houses should not be directly bolted into the trees. Over time, the branches or trunks could snap or break, causing the structure to collapse. Instead, they should be suspended from the trees. Customers can also purchase special bolts, which allow trees to grow over them and get stronger as time goes by. Again, you have to contact your mu-nicipality to make sure you’re following the rules. In the city of Fenton, you’ll need a zoning permit, and will need to check with officials to make sure your building method, structure and materials comply with city ordinances.

FORTRESSES OF

FUNPlayhouses, tree houses and swing sets create active lifestyles and imaginations in your home’s backyard

By Sally [email protected]

Play structures must be at least 4 feet from the property line.Brad Hissong, City of Fenton Building and Zoning Administrator

‘‘ ’’

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6 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

uPlant native Michigan trees and keep them well pruned and maintained By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 If your yard and trees were severely affected by winter’s ice storms, you’re probably still in the process of cleaning up debris and picking up branches. Next on your list might be to replace some of the trees that were lost, either having fallen down from strong winds or those that didn’t recover from winter’s frigid grip. Because we’re weeks behind a typical May, the jury’s still out whether some trees will still bud and recover, or whether their discoloration is a sign of permanent damage. For the best advice in replacing fallen or damaged trees, contact lawn/tree pro-fessionals like Branching Out Nursery & Landscaping or Yard ‘N Garden in Fenton. “Look around and see what trees made it through the storm without damage, and consider re-planting those types

of trees,” suggested Carol McAlister of Yard ‘N Gar-den. She also advises that homeowners plant native M i c h i g a n t rees tha t a re hardy and used to cold tempera-tures and snow. “Think about a mature red maple or silver maple. They grow fast and provide quick shade. Oak trees are great, too.” McAlister also advises homeowners to provide regular professional tree mainte-nance, because most of the trees that fell or were damaged are trees that weren’t correctly pruned or should have been cut down and replaced anyway. A lot of the downed trees had long branches, were rotten inside or had dead branches. It’s much easier, she said, to keep trees well trimmed and in good shape, so they can

Need to replace

IN YOUR YARD?TREES

withstand the wind and the ice. “I know how devastating it can be when a tree comes down,” said McAlister. “It can cause harm to your home or a neighbor’s, or your car, not to mention the hard work of cleaning up the debris.”

Look around and see what trees made it through the storm without damage, and consider re-planting those types of trees.

Carol McAlisterYard ‘N Garden

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREE FOR YOUR YARD• Consider the purpose of the

tree. Is it for shade, a windbreak or for beauty? Dense evergreens provide wind block, while leafy deciduous trees provide good shade in the summer.

• Choose native trees, as they will require less maintenance and live longer. Contact your Michigan State University Ex-tension Office in Flint for more information.

• Choose where to plant your tree. For a wind break, plant trees to the north, northwest and west. For shade, plant trees to the east and west of your home. Fast-growing trees are more brittle and likely to be damaged in a storm, so plant these farther away from your home.

• Select planting locations that won’t interfere with your power lines.

• Tall growing trees with a ma-ture height of more than 40 feet should be planted 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.

• Trees located near power lines must be pruned to maintain a safe distance from the wires. If you have trees that are growing into power lines, contact your electric provider.

Source: Energy Education Council

‘‘’’

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 7

uSome ‘pests’ are really good for your garden, outdoor plantsBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 You might say, “Ewwww!” when you encounter an earthworm in your pristine garden patch or be tempted to swat at every insect that swoops your way. But before you take a fly swatter or pesticide to every bug or pest you encounter, take a moment to find out if that bug might actually be doing you favors in your yard and garden. Here are a few bugs that might be worth attracting to your great outdoors:Ladybug — a species of beetle, their

distinctive “paint job” make them easy to spot. When your prize roses or tender vegetable crops are plagued with aphid infestations, la-dybugs come to the rescue. Adults eat 100

aphids a day; larvae can consume 100 aphids an hour. They also devour garden mites, small insects and the eggs of pests like mealybugs, boil worms, leafhoppers and scale.Dragonfly — all have big, compound

eyes, four transpar-ent wings on a long, narrow body. They’re bright and sometimes iridescent. Beyond their beauty, they feast on mosquitos, aphids and other garden pests.

Spider — These eight-legged arachnids boast a two-party body, small head and larger abdomen. Most spiders are shy and harmless. The ones that enter your home are different from the garden variety, which are valued for

eating huge quantities of insects. They kill more garden pests than all other beneficial bugs combined.Ground beetle — generally black

or brown with long, skinny legs, these noc-turnal insects hide dur-ing the day under leaves and stones. They take down slugs and snails and a host of other garden pests, including

cutworms and root maggots. They also clean up the garden, poking under fallen leaves for insects to eat.Hover fly — the black and yellow

horizontal strips may resemble bees or wasps, but they don’t sting and they have two wings instead of four. They hang in the air like tiny helicopters, darting from flower to flower.

They’ll even fly backwards. They eat loads of aphids and lay their eggs right in the aphid colonies. Their voracious larvae eat masses of aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, thrios and scale.

Green lacewing – with long, slender bodies and big wings, these insects are even more delicate than drag-onflies. The adults eat aphids. But the appe-tite of infant lacewings earns them the nick-name, “aphid lions.”

Babies look like little alligators and they also eat spider mites, leafhopper nymphs, mealybugs, whiteflies, caterpillars and other garden pests and their eggs.Bee — both bumblebees and honeybees

are furry, but bumble-bees are bigger. Unlike honeybees, the stingers of bumblebees can be withdrawn and used again and again. In their work of taking nectar from flowers, they track

pollen from plant to plant, fertilizing them as they go, more efficient than honeybees because of their size. Paper wasp — these insects are a

mixed blessing. They will sting, but only if they’re bothered by peo-ple. Unlike bees, wasps are not hairy, and can be identified by their long, narrow bodies and coni-cal, gray, papery nests.

On the good side, they eat caterpillars that can badly damage trees and plants.Butterfly — Some are pests, because

their hungry larvae cat-erpillars can damage crops and trees. But most help humans. Fly-ing from plant to plant in search of nectar, pollen sticks to their legs and they inadvertently fertil-

ize flowers and crops. With the loss of the bee population, butterflies are becoming even more important as pollinators.Earthworm — they are treasured by

organic gardeners for aerating the soil and breaking down leaves, wood, grass and stems into rich soil. Earth-worm force air into the soil as they tunnel through it, loosening

the ground, allowing roots to spread and water to drain. Their rich excrement makes nutrients from compost available to plants. They’re the basis of many food chains and sustain numerous bird species.Centipedes/millipedes — these in-

vertebrates lay eggs in the ground each fall and spring. They molt repeatedly, adding body sections, each with its own set of legs. They are both a help and hin-drance to homeowners.

Millipedes chew up organic material into fluffy, rich compost. Centipedes patrol the garden for slugs, fly pupae, cockroaches, crickets and worms. Although they eat spiders, carpet beetles and ants indoors,

See BUGS on 9

Good bugs vs. bad bugs

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8 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

Angelonia

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How to choose the right containers for your flowers

POTSPLANTSto

By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282

An old shoe, an old bicycle, a vin-tage milk strainer. What do they have

in common? They can be used as containers for any planters, making a statement about not

only your taste, but also what you value. Almost any vessel can be used as a planter, as long as it has holes for drainage and is

sturdy enough to last for a growing season.Size matters When selecting a pot, keep in mind that

large containers hold more soil and water, and will dry out more slowly than small planters will. So if you tend to your pots only a couple

of times a week, avoid small terra cotta pots that will need watering up to twice a day in the summer.

See PLANTS on 12

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 9

BUGSContinued from Page 7 they’re usually unwelcome.Assassin bug — this bug creeps up

on its prey, using its curved beak to inject saliva that liquefies the captive’s innards, which it then sucks up. They eat beetles, mosquitos, bedbugs, aphids, caterpillars

and flies. They also eat bees and some species bite humans and carry disease.Firefly — it’s a summer evening

favorite, because the luminous organ on its abdomen lights up to attract a mate. The carnivorous larvae devour other insects’ larvae, cutworms, slugs and snails, and

unfortunately, earthworms.SOURCE: Mother Nature Network

uNew materials require less maintenance, more styleBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Nothing says summer more than sitting out on a deck, enjoying a cool drink and the warmth of an evening barbecue. Decks are still a popu-lar home feature, paying back homeowners well when it’s time to sell their homes. According to Zillow.com, a deck will return 70.1 percent of its original investment. Today’s decks offer many features, from many graduated levels stepping down into the backyard, to custom built-ins and interesting features like swinging daybeds, custom planters, etc.

For a more contemporary look, many homeowners are using glass and metal for railings, coordinating well with the manicured look of wood. The glass adds a see-through feature, which is especially popular for lake dwellers, who don’t want to give up their beautiful views of

the water. “We do a lot of these ‘see through’ railings on the water,” said Brian Petty, of Fenton Glass Service in Fen-ton. “Usually, we add this feature for a hom-eowner who is replacing a wood deck with a more maintenance-free mate-rial and wants to add the

glass feature as part of this renovation.” Wooden decks continue to be popular, mostly because of their affordable price

See DECKS on 14

add value and enjoyment to your backyard

DECKS

We do a lot of ‘see-through’ railings for deck renovation projects on the water.Brian PettyFenton Glass

‘‘’’

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10 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

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Recognizing

termite damage Home ownership can be an unending series of adventures, especially for home-owners who love good home improve-ment projects. Some projects are fun and improve the value of a home instantly, while others are undertaken to address a potentially seri-ous issue. Discovering that termites are taking up residence where you live can be dis-concerting, but ter-mites are a very com-mon occurrence. Understand-ing termites and recognizing the signs of termite damage early on can help homeowners reduce the havoc that such critters can wreak on their homes. Termites are social insects that live together in colonies. These colonies eat nonstop, dining on wood and other cellulose plant matter. They also eat materials made from plants, like fabric and paper. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage a year. Studies show that queen termites can live up to decades under ideal climate conditions while workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years. While there are many varieties of termites, all are silent destroyers capable of chewing undetected through housing

structures. To eradicate termites, home-owners must first identify the insects and then contact a termite management specialist to address the pest problem.Spotting termites

Termites may not always be visible. Subterranean ter-

mite homes are usu-ally formed in soil, where the termites build elaborate tunnel

systems that channel through to above-ground food sources. Drywood and

dampwood termites may live within the wood they consume and be undetectable until the wood collapses or rots away. Homeowners often realize they have a termite problem when they witness swarming termites. At this point there already may be a mature colony at work damaging a home. Swarming, winged termites form in a mature, estab-lished colony. Winged termites emerge and fly off looking for mates. Afterward they will locate a new breeding site and form another colony, potentially spreading infestations through multiple locations. Winged termites are attracted to light and can be seen by windows and doors in spring. Other signs of termites include ac-cumulation of soil or dirt at the base of wood structures or the foundation of a home. There also may be fissures or

See TERMITE on 11

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 11

Retractable fabric awnings are very popular as an affordable sun solution for residential homes and condominiums. They provide instant protection from damaging sunrays while expanding outdoor living space and accenting the exterior of any home. Awnings, such as the ones available at Sunshine Awning in Fenton provide an eco-friendly way to reduce electric-ity usage. An awning can significantly reduce solar heat gain by limiting the amount of direct sunlight that enters a window or door wall. This is important because solar radiation through glass is responsible for nearly 25 percent of the load on an air conditioner. Retractable awnings provide beauti-ful accenting to a deck or patio while providing instant, freestanding, protec-tion from the sun. They provide all of the beauty and sun protection without the unsightly framework and costly seasonal maintenance of a stationary awning and do not require supports to be fastened to a deck. At the touch of a button or easy turn of the hand crank, homeowners can greatly expand their outdoor living space providing cool, comfortable shade. The most common awning fabric is acrylic, which is mold and mildew resistant and provides a significant level of sun protection. Retractable fabric aw-nings can accent anyone’s home, provide sun and UV protection, reduce air condi-tioning bills, and expand outdoor living space. In addition, they provide instant sun protection where shade is sometimes non-existent.

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Continued from Page 10cracks near wood surfaces. Some-times “frass” or termite droppings can be seen. They appear as rough, granulated sawdust. Covered mud tubes, or chan-nels of mud leading from the soil up the foundation of a home, are indicative of the presence of ter-mites. Even if termites are no longer present in these tubes, that does not mean the termites have moved on. They simply may have chosen a new path to your home.Treating termites It is very difficult for homeown-ers to get rid of termites by them-selves. Very often they require the work of professionals. A termite exterminator will conduct a visual inspection of a home and prop-erty and may do extensive testing involving expensive acoustic or infrared equipment to probe the soil beneath the house. Depending on the species of termite, the exterminator will sug-gest various treatments. These may include the application of pesti-cides and making areas around the home less hospitable to termites. Severely damaged wood may need to be removed and replaced. Termites are problematic in many areas of the world. These insects often stay hidden and do serious damage that can cost homeowners a fortune. Treating termites promptly is essential.

Recognize safety hazards during yard work

Attention, all green thumbs — and the bodies attached to them: It’s nearly time to get down and dirty in the garden. Whether you’re transforming your back-yard into an award winner or just trimming the lawn, the CSA Group, a leading certi-fication and testing organization, asks that you remember the following safety tips:

YARD WORK• Always ensure that products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized certification organization, such as CSA Group.• Read the manufacturer’s operating instructions and use products only as in-tended.• Wear protective eye and footwear. • What’s that you say? Wear hearing protection when operating loud machinery, vehicles or tools.

POWER LAWNMOWERS• Know your mower and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.• Look for these safety features: a rear guard to protect your hands and feet from rotating blades; a “deadman” control that stops the mower when you release the handle; and an “up-stop” feature to prevent

the handle from kicking up when the mower hits an obstacle.• Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, wire, toys and other objects (including that screw-driver you lost in the grass last summer), as they could get caught in the machine or flung by the blades.• Wear clothing that provides some pro-tection, including long pants, a shirt with sleeves and firmly-tied shoes with non-slip soles and hard toes.• Never cut the grass when it’s damp or wet, or when there is rain or lightning. Wet conditions greatly increase the risk that you will slip, suffer electric shock or clog the mower.• Always mow in daylight, never at twilight or in the dark. Keep your eyes on the lawn and look ahead for debris.• Shut off, unplug and engage your mower’s safety devices before removing clogged grass clippings.• Shut off the mower immediately if you hit an object. Check for damage and do not restart it unless you’re sure it’s safe to do so.• As suggested by its name, always push rather than pull a push mower.• All extension cords should be untangled, in good repair, have a three-prong plug rated for outdoor use and be of the recommended gauge for the load.

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12 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

PLANTSContinued from Page 8 Think about the shape of a pot, too. As the roots of the plant spread within the pot, it may run out of space if the pot is too narrow for the plant.Choosing containers From bright plastics to traditional clay pots and wood, you have a vast choice in materials and colors. The material a pot is made from affects its durability and maintenance, according to HGTV.com. • Terra Cotta — versatile and rela-tively inexpensive, terra cotta pots come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, even colors, if you choose glazed containers. It’s porous and allows air to pass through to the roots of the plants, but since it absorbs water from the soil, it also can dry it out. • Wood and baskets — although it’s frost-proof, porous and a good insulator for plant roots, wood decays and must be treated with a preservative to prolong its life. Baskets offer a similar natural look, but are less durable. • Metal — you can choose rustic utili-tarian planters for a cottage-style garden, or modern galvanized or powder-coated-metal containers in an urban, minimalist scheme. Keep in mind that thin metal containers offer little insulation for plant roots, making them prone to overheating and frost damage. Steel containers may also corrode, leaving stains on light-colored pavement. • Stone and concrete — strong, frost-proof, insulating and durable, these make perfect partners for plants. They’re very stable, even for small trees, but can be very heavy to move, once they’ve been planted. While concrete pots are inexpen-sive, stone pots are pricey. To get the look of stone at an affordable price, consider buying containers made from synthetic stone compounds. • Synthetics — man-made materials like plastics, polymers, fiberglass and resin come in the widest range of colors, sizes, plain and decorative. Synthetic pots are frost-proof and not easily broken, making them ideal vessels for households with children or pets.

GOOD, COLORFUL FOLIAGE PLANTS FOR SUN AND SHADE• Caladium (shade) Coleus (sun

and shade, depending on variety)

• Phormium (full sun to part shade)

• Canna (full sun to part shade)• Ferns (various types, filtered

sun to shade)• Persian shield (Strobilanthes

dyerianus, full sun/part shade)• Ornamental sweet potato vine

(Ipomoea batatas, full sun/part shade)

• Ornamental grass (various types, full sun)

GOOD CONTAINER FLOWERS FOR SUN AND SHADE • Twinspur (Diascia, full sun/part

shade) • Mini petunia (Calibrachoa, full

sun/part shade)• Nemesia (full sun/part shade)• Scaevola (full sun/part shade)• Salvia (Salvia guaranitica, full

sun/part shade)Source: Real Simple

Burton ...................... (810) 742-3364Birch Run .................. (989) 624-9356Lapeer ....................... (810) 664-3798Saginaw .................... (989) 791-1234Bad Axe .................... (989) 269-9249

Caro .......................... (989) 673-8400Marlette .................... (810) 346-2761Sandusky .................. (810) 648-2404Reese ....................... (989) 868-4165

tricountyequipment.net

*Prices are suggested retail prices only and are subject to change without notice at any time. Dealer may sell for less. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight and destination charges are not included. Attachments and implements are sold separately. Shown with optional equipment not included in the price. Prices and model may vary by dealer. Before operating or riding, always refer to the safety and operating information on the vehicle and in the operator's manual. **Offer ends 6/2/14. Get $1,250 off with the purchase of two or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements. Valid only at participating dealers. TRC4X110507TCA-4C

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 13

FENCEContinued from Page 349 percent solid,” said Hissong. If you’re planning to build a fence, here are a few things to think about before starting the project:1. Know what you want to accom-plish — your reason for installing it will guide you toward particular fencing materials and styles. For containing a dog, a basic chain link fence might do the trick. To block noise or add privacy, you’ll want something tall and solid. Whatever its purpose, it is important to choose the fence that will work for you.2. Choose your materials — you might love the look of a white picket fence, but remember that wood fences may require maintenance staining or sealing and can warp or rot over time. Vinyl might be a more maintenance-free option for this type of fence. Other material options include aluminum, steel, wrought iron and bamboo.3. Mix it up — if cost is an issue, you can mix different types of fences. For example, wood in the front and chain link in the back. That would also reduce the amount of maintenance that would be required.4. Do your research — check with homeowners, neighborhood associations and municipal building code officials about rules that dictate fencing’s look, height and material. City and neighbor-hood rules may specify that the decorated side of the fence needs to be placed toward the public face of the property. You’ll also need to know about setback regulations from sidewalks and property lines.5. Think green — you may choose to use greenery or other landscaping to serve as a fence, of sorts, protecting your home

from weather and to mark property lines. Again, check with your municipality for the rules about planted materials.6. Hire professionals — local compa-nies like Fenton Fence Company can take some of the hard work out of a fencing project. Fence installation is harder than it looks.7. Be a good neighbor — be open and up front with your neighbors about your fencing plans. Try not to block their views unnecessarily. A party fence can be built and shared by two or more neighbors, but such agreements should be made in writ-ing, and only after the property boundar-ies have been professionally determined.8. Consider climate — in cold climates that experience frost, concrete anchors are necessary for fence posts. A post should be secured 36 inches deep to avoid cracking in a cold snap.9. Create entrances — for safety and convenience, plan at least two paths into a fenced area. One should be large enough to accommodate bulky outdoor equipment, such as a lawn mower, large garbage cans, etc. Stepping stones, per-golas and other decorative elements can help indicate the locations of gates.10. Dress it up — customize it with decorative posts or finials, once your fence is up. You may want to paint the fence a contemporary color, or plant a row of flowers in front of it to make a truly welcoming façade.

Source: bhg.com

uCheck with your municipal office first, before beginning a home improvement projectBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Help is just a phone call away if you need to speak with someone in a local municipal office about a project you’re working on at home. Do you need a permit? What are the rules about putting up a fence, or burning wood?

HERE ARE LOCAL MUNICIPAL OFFICES TO

CALL, OR CHECK FIRST ON THEIR WEBSITE:

City of FentonPhone: (810) 629-2261Website: www.cityoffenton.org

City of LindenPhone: (810) 735-7980Website: www.lindenmi.us

Village of HollyPhone: (248) 634-9571Website: www.vi.holly.mi.us

Fenton TownshipPhone: (810) 629-1537Website: www.fentontownship.org

Tyrone TownshipPhone: (810) 629-8631Website: www.tyronetownship.us

Argentine TownshipPhone: (810) 735-5050Website: www.argentinetownship.com

Holly TownshipPhone: (248) 634-9331Website: www.hollytownship.org

Rose TownshipPhone: (248) 634-7551Website: www.rosetownship.com

Springfield Township (Davisburg)Phone: (248) 846-6500Website: www.springfield-twp.us

Groveland TownshipPhone: (248) 634-4152Website: www.grovelandtownship.net

Source: Source Book 2014

GOT A QUESTION?Projects that

might require a building permit Many homeowners have experienced the joy of completing a home improve-ment project only to learn upon comple-tion that the project is not in adherence with local laws. That realization, while heartbreaking, is often the result of a homeowner’s failure to secure a build-ing permit prior to starting the project. Homeowners who secure a permit before the onset of a project will know what they can and can’t do and can rest easy know-ing that an approved plan complies with engineering principles and local laws. Another disadvantage to forgoing the permit process is the potential perils such a decision cause when homeown-ers want to sell their homes. Projects completed without a permit might hurt a home’s resale value, and such projects are not often covered by homeowner’s insurance policies, meaning damage to areas of the home where an illegal project was conducted won’t be covered. While home-owners should always check with their local municipality before starting a project, it might help to know the fol-lowing are a few of the many home im-provement projects that typically require a permit before they can go forward.• Above-ground pool• Attached storage shed• Awnings• Carports• Deck installation• Demolition project, interior or exterior• Fireplace addition• Garage conversion• Handicap ramp• Handicap restroom• In-ground pool• Patio enclosure• Patio installation• Partition wall installation• Porch• Retaining walls• Roof change• Roof replacement• Room addition• Room remodel• Siding• Sliding glass door (if area is increased)• Skylight• Spa or hot tub installation• Windows, new or replacement

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14 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

DECKSContinued from Page 9 tag, especially compared to a deck made of PVC, which costs three times as much as a wooden deck. “It’s a battle between your wallet and low maintenance,” said Glen Schro-eder, merchandise manager for Michigan Lumber in Flint. “You ask yourself, ‘how much can I get away with?’ when it comes to lowering the maintenance chores that come with a deck.” Michigan Lumber sells treated wood and cedar, as well as PVC decking. These quality wood products require periodic cleaning and staining, while PVC deck-ing is almost maintenance-free. Michigan Lumber has chosen not to carry compos-ite wood decking, because they feel it’s an inferior product with problems of durabil-ity and strength. “We pride ourselves on providing customers with good value for their money,” said Schroeder. For homeowners who want their deck to mirror the contemporary colors that are so popular for their home’s interior, PVC decking under the AZEK brand is available in colors that match exotic hardwoods or tropical colors. “There are so many colors it’s almost impossible to stock all of them,” said Schroeder.

Homeowners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors. Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the appearance of your home.

1. Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant color or one with a custom design. This helps the home stand out from other properties in the neighborhood.

2. Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat and well kept.

3. Use outdoor lighting to make a home more inviting. Outdoor lighting also makes properties safer to traverse at night.

4. Clean a home’s exterior to remove mildew or discolorations from the sid-ing, driveway, patio, and other outdoor elements.

5. Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal color. Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gardens, which don’t take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home’s exterior.

6. Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore color.

7. Add shutters and accent trim to a home’s exterior to improve on the beauty of the house.

8. Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existing fence.

9. Replace concrete paths with tile or stone walkways to make entryways more impressive and inviting.

CURBAPPEAL

9 WAYS TO IMPROVE

Four steps to make an old deck look new• Make repairs — inspect your deck, especially the parts in direct contact with the ground, such as posts, stair stringers or joists. Inspect deck-to-house connections. Then look for cosmetic damage, like loose wood pieces that can cause splinters.

• Clean the surface — do this an-nually with a deck cleaner. Use stiff-bristle brush and “elbow grease” to apply, then rinse. For tough stains, use pressure washer. Dry thoroughly before applying stain.

• Apply stain — use semitransparent stain for older decks. Use sprayer and 2-inch brush for best results. Start on inside corner and work out. Apply stain parallel to deck boards. Apply a fresh coat of stain every other year, using a clear water repellent on alternate years for extra protection.

• Re-do the railing — replace wood spindles with maintenance-free rail-ing system.

Source: thisoldhouse.com

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The right outdoor furniture can make summer soirees that much more enjoy-able. Lounging in a comfortable patio chair is a great way to spend a warm summer evening. But choosing the right outdoor furniture for your patio is about more than finding the most comfortable chair. The following are a few tips for homeowners looking to make the most of their patio space. • Consider the function of your patio. Some homeowners can’t go a weekend without having guests over to entertain, while others prefer their patios to serve as a peaceful retreat from everyone and everything. If you’re among the former, then you will likely want your patio to resemble an outdoor dining area, which means you will need room for a table and multiple chairs. If you want the patio to serve as a retreat, then you likely won’t need a full dining set. Instead, choose a small table and one or two dining chairs, decorating the rest of the patio with a chaise longue or two, which allows you to stretch out and take a nap if you so desire.

FIND THE RIGHT OUTDOOR FURNITURE

• Opt for low-maintenance furni-ture. When choosing outdoor furniture, keep in mind that the patio and the fur-niture on it is meant to offer a place to unwind and relax. Furniture that must be constantly cleaned or covered up because it can’t brave the elements cuts into your relaxation time. All-weather wicker pieces and metal chairs can brave the elements, and even do so for years and years. • Consider double-sided cushions. When constantly exposed to the sun, the fabric on cushions can fade fast. Though some homeowners combat this by keeping an umbrella open or adding an awning to cover the patio, that’s not always a practical solution. Instead, con-sider double-sided cushions that can be flipped every so often to reduce fading. • Don’t overlook weight. Heavy out-door furniture might seem more stable, but such items also are more difficult to move. If you frequently move your outdoor furniture, then opt for items that are lightweight to make all those trips to the garage or shed a little easier.

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www.tctimes.com GREAT OUTDOORS Sunday, May 11, 2014 15

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810-691-5772michiganlandscapedesigns.com

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16 Sunday, May 11, 2014 GREAT OUTDOORS www.tctimes.com

(1 blk N. of Owen Rd.)

VINYL SIDING$4695

Per Sq.WHITE & SOME COLORS

SALE!

SIDING WORLD’SWINDOW SHOWROOM

SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Per Foot.027 Gauge

Per Foot.032 Gauge

RUN TO ANY LENGTH WHILE U WAIT!

5” GUTTER6” GUTTER

$164 $11518

COLORSIN STOCK

GUTTER LEAF GUARDS

COLORS AVAILABLE

MANY TYPESIN STOCK!!

VINYL SIDING

NAPCO COMFORTPer sq.

$5995White

CUSTOM TRIMAVAILABLE

Any Shape-Any Color

per pc.

FOROVERHANGS

VINYL SOFFITWHITE

$920

12” wide x 12’ long

VINYL SIDING

Super Foam

Insulated

ALUMINUM

$6395White &

50 colors

VINYL DECKING & RAILING SYSTEM

HOURS: MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • SAT 8-12 • SUN CLOSED

LIVONIA30625 W. Eight Mile Rd.

(½ mile West of Middlebelt)

248478-8984

DETROIT6450 Eight Mile Rd.

(3 miles East of I-75)

313891-2902

MADISON HTS30391 Stephenson Hwy.(Across from Costco

at 12½ mile)

248585-9050

WATERFORD5211 Williams Lake Rd.

(¼ mile south of Dixie Hwy.)

248674-1300

SAGINAW5393 N. Michigan Rd.

(¼ mile north of Tittabawassee)

989754-3440

SANFORD2252 N. Meridian Rd.

(½ mile south of US-10)

989687-7314

DISTRIBUTORS FOR

SIDINGWORLD.COM

BEAT THE PRICE INCREASES

SIDINGWORLD.com

DISTRIBUTORS OF EVERYTHING EXTERIOR