Crabgrass Begone

With a ton of rain, very high humidity, and hot temperatures, weeds are having a veritable field day this summer. For those of us who love a beautiful lawn, crabgrass is enemy number one and it’s loving every bit of the weird and wild weather we are having.

Crabgrass is just like other weeds in that it likes to take over. Once crabgrass gets its roots down, it spreads quickly, killing healthy grass in its path. Of course, crabgrass dies on its own when it starts to turn cold, but not treating it means it’s more likely to come back. Here’s what you can do today to get rid of it and keep it from ruining your lawn next year. 

The best course of action for crabgrass is a pre-emergent, but that’s only good in the spring before the crabgrass starts to grow, so if you missed it, it looks like you’ll be pulling by hand. That’s right, get out that kneepad because the best way to remove any weed is to pull it out, ensuring the roots come with it. The recent rain should have loosened those roots up a bit so now is as good a time as any.

Once you have the crabgrass out, you can fill in the bare spots with healthy grass seed and plenty of water. It’s important to wait to reseed if you’ve recently sprayed your lawn with weed killer. Water is also key here because the heat does make it tough for grass to grow. 

Now for your mowing. It’s best to keep the grass a bit longer and to let the clippings stay in place to give some nutrients and shade back into the lawn. Three inches is a good, healthy length for both old and new grass.  

If you’re looking for a chemical solution, you can use a post-emergent, but this can be tricky as the wrong product will kill your grass. When in doubt, it’s best to leave this job to a professional landscaper who can advise you on the most appropriate course of action. You don’t want to accidentally burn your whole lawn while trying to save it. 

Don’t forget, treating your lawn with a pre-emergent in the spring is the best way to avoid crabgrass in the first place. Crabgrass starts to germinate when the soil reaches 55 degrees, so it’s a good idea to get out there in April to ensure that your hard work is worth the effort.

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.

Prep Your Home for Sale with These Five Updates

In this white-hot real estate market, selling the family home could be a serious consideration coming into summer. While a big renovation project might not be in the cards considering the cost of supplies such as lumber, there are plenty of smaller “spruce up” options to breathe new life into your home and make it attractive to potential buyers. Here are a few ideas. 

The Kitchen

A kitchen is almost always the hub of a house, even for non-cooks. People love to get together to make meals, chat about each other’s day, and enjoy casual snacks in a comfortable common space. For any potential buyer, a kitchen design that’s clean, functional, and snazzy will help to increase the sale price. Just remember to keep your updates neutral enough to appeal to lots of potential buyers. Freshly painted cabinets and new hardware can completely transform the room.

Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial when listing a house on the market. It goes without saying that a roof streaked with mold and overgrown landscaping will turn people away. Consider power washing the house and tap into your inner green thumb to maintain plants and shrubs. You’d be shocked at how much of a difference a few small changes will make. 

The Master Suite

With the stress we are dealing with day in and day out, a quiet oasis away from it all is very appealing. A master bedroom complete with an ensuite is always a wise investment, especially if it’s relaxing. Soaking tubs, double sinks, and large closets have mass appeal, and paying attention to little extras can help people see themselves enjoying their potential new home. 

Backyard

As we’re getting closer to summer, people are excited to get outside and host small groups at home. From firepits to barbeque areas, privacy fencing to comfortable seating areas, making the most of a yard is a sure-fire way to encourage buyers to consider your home. An additional living space, such as a three-season porch, is also a huge bonus. 

Paint

Lots of homeowners paint their interiors to suit their lifestyles. That might mean bright blue and pink-colored bedrooms for kids and a few old trends that have seen better days. Repainting with neutral grays, bright whites, and warm taupe tones will give a home an instant facelift without too much expense or effort. 

Have you thought about giving your home a mini-makeover to get it ready for sale? What are your favorite tips? I’d love to hear from you, send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

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.

A Quick Guide to Christmas Tree Varieties

With so many beautiful Christmas trees to choose from, it can be hard to pick a style and species to suit a family’s home and unique needs. You might not know that some trees are better for kids while others are great for people with allergies. Yet other varieties are good for certain types of heat and can withstand warmer, dryer temperatures for longer. So without further ado, here is my list of the top trees that you’ll find at your local farm or stand, and some of the key differences to help you find your perfect match. 

Balsam Fir

One of the most popular picks for Christmas is a balsam fir, which is loved for its sturdy needles, bright green color, strong scent, and beautiful shape. Because of its popularity, the balsam fir is also one of the more affordable options of all the different tree types. You can’t go wrong with this classic, which grows strong and lasts long. Plus, like most firs, it’s hypoallergenic too. 

White Pine

This is another winner but for a much different reason than the balsam. White pines are loved by families for their super soft texture and touchable needles. They can grow very large and they are also inexpensive, which makes them the choice tree for many people with young children. One thing to note about this species is that those soft needles grow from delicate branches, so only go this route if you have lightweight ornaments. 

Douglas Fir

Though called a fir, the Douglas is actually a species all its own. While grown mainly in the Northwest region of the United States, this tree is popular all over the country because it’s tough enough to withstand early cutting and lots of traveling. The needles are soft with a sweet fragrance and the shape is conical, making it easy and fun to decorate without too much precision.

Blue Spruce

The color of this tree makes it the hero of any holiday decor. Those beautiful bluish needles are easy to fall in love with, but decorator beware - those babies are sharp! If you have a good set of gloves, they will be well worth using to get this tree in place. But once it’s decorated, you can rest easy as pets tend to keep their distance.

Concolor Fir

The concolor is a favorite in my house because it has all the wonderful characteristics of the fir species - great shape, good color, strong branches, and long needles. The difference is the smell. Unlike most Christmas trees, this variety offers a beautiful citrus scent, keeping the house bright and fresh smelling through the holidays. 

What type of tree does your family love? Is there one I have missed that makes its way into your house year after year? I’d love to hear from you - shoot me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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.