Date Archives: June 2020

In New England, we have to be mindful of getting home improvement projects done during our summertime window of good weather. Some indoor projects may be done in fall and winter, but anything that involves paint fumes, dust, and going in and out repeatedly should be done when you can keep the windows open. 

If you're like most homeowners, you've got an extensive list of projects you'd like to see completed. Perhaps you're planning to put your home on the market soon. 

We recommend prioritizing before you embark on any home improvement project. Try tackling a more involved project at the start of summer, when you have more time, and then make your way down the list to easier projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

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Our real estate agents love welcoming new residents who are relocating from another state. While every move is exciting, there's something really special about starting the next phase of your life in a completely new location. 

However, moving from one state to another also requires a bit more thought. Here are a few of the most important things to consider before taking the plunge. 

1. The Job Market
   If you haven't already secured a job in the new state you're considering, you'll want to take a close look at the current local employment opportunities. The last thing you want to do is uproot your entire life only to find that you're not able to make a living in your new home state. 

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Our real estate agents know one of the biggest reasons many people look forward to owning a home is to have a garden. Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it also means staying vigilant for that ever-present pest: Weeds.

National Weed Your Garden Day is June 13, a Saturday this year. It's the perfect time to get some fresh air and work on the best ways to protect your garden from weeds. Here's how to stay one step ahead of these troublesome invaders:

1. Minimize Soil Disturbance
   Most lawns have been heavily infiltrated by weed seeds. So, why aren't there weeds everywhere you look? It's because only seeds that reach the top two inches of soil get the sunlight needed to germinate. To prevent weed seeds from seeing the light of day, dig only when you need to. 
2. Mulch Early and Often
   Mulch helps your soil stay cool and moist while also keeping light away from weeds. Organic mulches can be attractive to crickets and beetles that actively feed on weeds, too. Mulch is best at a depth of about two inches – more than this can reduce the oxygen content in the soil. Spread mulch over a thin layer of biodegradable fabric to maximize your weed protection.
3. Choose Your Mulches Carefully
   Mulch is vital. But, it can give cover to unwanted guests. Get rid of all existing weeds before you mulch, and use only weed-free mulches from a reliable source. Leaf compost is a great option for most garden beds. When making your own mulch, use a straw instead of hay. Straw is virtually always weed-free, but hay can be rich in weed seeds.
4. Weed at the Right Times
   Believe it or not, there's a best time to weed. Weeding is best done right after a major rain. If you have gone a long time without a good rain, you have options: Weeds sliced off just above the soil line will quickly wither away. After severing a weed, settle mulch over the area.
5. Optimize Your Plant Spacing
   Shading the soil between plants helps prevent weeds from emerging. Design your garden with drifts of closely spaced plants, and you'll be off to the races. Many plants will thrive even with about 25% removed from the recommended spacing. The exception? Plants that are vulnerable to foliar diseases. These plants need space and shouldn't touch other plants even at maturity.
6. Use Irrigation and Fertilizer to Your Advantage
   A whole book could be written about the best way to irrigate your garden – and has! The right irrigation approach will make your plants healthier and save you money at the same time. Drip hoses are ideal for this, as you can place them beneath mulch directly around your thirsty plants. Don't forget to give your garden a fresh helping of good compost regularly.
7. Use Cover Crops and Low-Growing Plants
   Cover crops can be a terrific way to add character to your garden and defend yourself against weeds at the same time. Clover, barley, and wheat are just a few of your options. Not only are they beneficial to most other plants, but they will happily block out weeds for you. Always look for ways to prevent bare spaces, since these are where weeds are likely to pop up first.

Contact us for expert advice on buying or selling your home.

Have you always dreamed of having a beautiful backyard patio where you could enjoy your summer days and nights? You're not alone! Our real estate agents often hear from buyers who have added a great backyard to their list of "must-have" home features. 

The good news is, it's fairly easy to add or upgrade a patio, even if you don't have a ton of outdoor space. The following seven tips will help you make your dreams come true! 

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