Since the time that fire was first discovered it has become a valuable resource for lighting, cooking, and heating, while also serving as a gathering place for friends and family. While you may not need to rely on fire in the same way as your ancestors once did, a backyard fire pit can add beauty and value to any outdoor space. The Grounds Guys® are pleased to provide you with some great DIY fire ...
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Recent Posts in Home Improvement Category
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DIY Fire Pit Ideas | Backyard Firepits
July 23, 2019 -
What Causes Dead Patches in Lawn?
July 9, 2019 After all your hard work it can be disheartening to see dead patches in your lawn, but the good news is that you can restore the beauty and vitality to your landscape with the right methods and materials. In order to repair the bare spots and prevent them from returning, it's important to get to the root of the problem; read on to learn what causes dead patches in a lawn and how to fix them, from ...Continue Reading -
What Are the Different Types of Mulch?
May 21, 2019 Mulch is an essential component of any healthy landscape or garden, used to retain moisture, reduce or eliminate weed growth, maintain soil temperature, and more. Whether you are considering adding mulch to your garden for the first time or as part of your annual routine, your success is dependent on choosing the right mulch based on a number of important factors. Read on to learn all you need to ...Continue Reading -
How to Install Drip Irrigation
April 16, 2019 A drip irrigation system is a perfect solution for those looking to save time and money while keeping plants healthy and happy. With some helpful advice from the landscape experts at The Grounds Guys®, you can set up your own DIY drip irrigation system in just a few easy steps. What is Drip Irrigation? Drip irrigation simplifies the process of watering your plants, using a series of strategically ...Continue Reading -
How to Amend Soil
March 19, 2019 In order to help the plants in your yard thrive and look their best, it is necessary to ensure they receive adequate amounts of light and water, but the essential ingredient that is often overlooked is soil. In most cases, soil requires some type of amendment in order to provide the ideal conditions for growth. With a little help from The Grounds Guys® you can learn how to amend soil and give your ...Continue Reading -
Make Trick or Treaters Safe with Lighted Walkways
October 28, 2018 Halloween is a fun time of year when miniature ghosts and goblins stroll through the neighborhood in search of tasty treats. Provide your visitors with safe passage on and around your property with a lighted walkway that creates a welcoming path to your door. Here are some helpful tips for outdoor lighting from The Grounds Guys® that can help enhance the safety and security of your home this fall ...Continue Reading -
Why you Need Eavestroughs Installed this Fall
September 12, 2018 When bad weather strikes this fall, will your home be ready? Eavestroughs are a simple upgrade you can install to direct rainwater away from the foundation. Why does this matter? And what types of eavestroughs and downspouts are available to make your home’s water removal system attractive and effective? Let’s take a look. Types of Eavestroughs and Downspouts Eavestroughs come in many shapes, ...Continue Reading -
Consider These 10 Things Before Installing a Pool
June 26, 2018 Building a pool is fun addition for all ages to enjoy and experience the addition of water. Installing a pool takes planning and budgeting of finances and time before, during and after the actual construction. There are ten steps to consider when deciding on the additional of a pool. What is the budget? Building a pool is not only the cost of building but also the maintenance and other amenities ...Continue Reading -
How to Pave a Walkway if You Aren't a Contractor
June 21, 2018 Sidewalks, walkways, and patios are all synonymous with the term hardscape . According to the dictionary, hardscape is a man-made feature used in the landscape as contrasted with any form of vegetation. The materials are endless from concrete to pavers, wall blocks, and tile. Outdoor living is a growing trend that can be as simple as a small walkway to an elaborate design creating spaces for ...Continue Reading -
Checklist for New Homeowners Emphasizes Exterior Home Inspection
March 31, 2018 As you arrange the furniture and pick paint colours, it’s easy to forget about the landscaping around your new home. Your home’s landscaping not only provides visual appeal, it protects it from the elements, as well. As the leading expert in the landscaping industry, The Grounds Guys know how important it is to catch any problems early before they become an expensive fix. That tree leaning over ...Continue Reading -
Snow Blower or Plow: What's Better?
January 22, 2018 Freshly fallen snow looks beautiful, as white crystals blanket everything in sight. Unfortunately, that includes your sidewalks and driveway, where snow removal is necessary for ease of movement and safety. There are a number of snow removal options to choose from, and which works best for you and your property is a personal decision that only you can make. Before you head out to purchase a snow ...Continue Reading -
Time Well Spent – Outdoors
June 1, 2017 In the heat of the summer, there is nothing more refreshing than going for a cool swim in your pool. Overall, pools are great for relaxation, exercise and they even have lots of health benefits. The season is also perfect for spending time outdoors and yard games are a great way to get everyone off their smartphones and play! Keep the fun going with landscape lighting, which accentuates your ...Continue Reading -
Pressure Washing Makes Important Visual Impact
May 10, 2017 This spring, don’t let the dirty walls or driveways stop you from making your business or home look its best. Weather and year-round wear starts to show in driveways, on siding and brick and along patios and decks. If your surroundings seem more dull than usual, we have a solution! Pressure washing (or power washing) is a great way to enhance the exterior of your home or business. Power washing ...Continue Reading -
Declutter Your Gutters
October 27, 2016 When the rain starts pouring, how do your gutters respond? Do they function exactly as they should, or do they allow water to leak down the side of your home? It’s easy to take rain gutters for granted, but if yours are in bad condition or clogged with leaves and debris, poor gutter performance could have a detrimental effect on your landscaping and foundation. You may need to have new gutters ...Continue Reading -
Summer Staining: Wood and Concrete
July 27, 2016 When it comes to revitalizing the hard surfaces in your back yard, sometimes a fresh coat of stain is all you need. The nice weather this summer is the perfect time to stain concrete patios and wood decks and fences. Follow this guide to ensure your staining ventures are successful. How to Stain Concrete The most common concrete surface you’ll want to stain is the patio. The process is pretty ...Continue Reading -
Power Washing Your Outdoor Surfaces
July 22, 2016 If curb appeal is important to you, power washing could be the chemical-free answer to uncovering your home’s natural beauty . Power washing cleans up your home’s exterior and the hardscaping around the property, from algae-covered roof shingles to cobwebs under the eaves to bird droppings on the sidewalk. Whether you decide to hire a professional for power washing service or you want to attempt ...Continue Reading -
Improving Your Outdoor Space
July 18, 2016 This is the perfect time of year to improve your outdoor space with additions that may include an irrigation system, outdoor living area, deck and hardscaping features. By acting now, you take advantage of the chance to work in the warm weather while still getting to enjoy the additions you make for the rest of the summer. Looking for some inspiration? Here are four ways to improve your outdoor ...Continue Reading -
Become a Gardener and Find Your Zen
June 8, 2016 Evidence has shown time and time again that exercising your green thumb is good for you. Gardeners live longer, and are far healthier in mind and body than their non-gardening counterparts. Take out your spade and pruning shears and celebrate this National Smile Month with a little tooth-flashing assistance from this uber-beneficial hobby… Gardening is good! It boost helps you stay healthy. Dirt ...Continue Reading -
Keeping Things Green This Summer
June 3, 2016 Everyone wants a lush, beautiful yard, but this can be difficult to accomplish during a water shortage. The Safe Drinking Water Foundation found that between half and three quarters of all municipally treated water in North America is for watering grass. If you’re trying to save time and money by watering less, use these great drought-tolerant landscaping options to help keep things green this ...Continue Reading -
Lawn Mowing Tricks No One Ever Told You
June 2, 2016 Mowing the grass is a pretty straightforward task, but are you unintentionally making the chore harder than it needs to be? Follow these 10 tips from Lowes to make mowing the lawn easier for you and more beneficial for your grass. Sharpen the Blades At first you may think this tip simply lengthens your to-do list, but sharp blades prevent you from having to make multiple passes. A quick investment ...Continue Reading -
Rainwater Harvesting
May 16, 2016 Unique Ways to Save on Your Water Bill For ages, we've used rainwater for a variety of purposes including drinking, washing and irrigation. Although our rainwater may be too polluted to drink, it's still very suitable for other uses, like irrigation, washing and some indoor plumbing. The practice of using rainwater, called "rain water harvesting," is becoming more prevalent as water costs rise. It ...Continue Reading -
Creating a Beautiful Spring Lawn & Garden
May 10, 2016 As the weather warms, you may be excited to revive your dormant lawn and start gardening. Maybe you’ve been envious of your neighbour’s grass and flowers for a few seasons, and now you’re ready to learn the tricks for creating beautiful spring colour on your own property. Here’s what your lawn and garden need to look their best this year. Creating a Beautiful Spring Lawn Your grass can look lush ...Continue Reading -
10 Most Amazing Backyard Ponds
May 3, 2016 With the weather warming up, you’re probably looking forward to spending more time outside. Is your back yard ready for summer? Maybe there’s a bare patch that could benefit from the addition of a small pond. Or maybe you want to overhaul the entire back yard this spring and install a huge water fixture. Whether you’re thinking large or small, get inspired by these 10 most amazing backyard ponds. ...Continue Reading -
What You Need to Know Before You Install a Koi Pond
April 26, 2016 A koi pond is a great feature if you want a beautiful, natural setting to enjoy wildlife in your back yard. The addition of a waterfall adds the tranquil sound of falling water to your garden, making the space a true oasis you can retreat to after a long, hectic day. The benefits of a koi pond surely comprise the reasons you want to install one. However, before you start digging, you need to ...Continue Reading -
Ultimate Spring Clean Up Guide
April 15, 2016 Did winter cause problems to your lawn or damage a few bushes and trees? Spring is the right time to clean up your yard and prepare it for the growing season. This ultimate guide will lead you through every step of the process to help ensure a beautiful lawn and garden this summer. Prune Trees, Shrubs and Other Perennials Heavy snow storms, high winds and frigid temperatures can damage or kill ...Continue Reading -
Spring Trends
April 12, 2016 Spring is in the air, and that means you’re probably thinking about how to prepare your yard for warmer weather. If you’re in search of some inspiration, consider these spring trends and the benefits they provide in your back yard. Landscape Trends Entertainment: If you often have friends and neighbours over on summer evenings, now’s the time to transform your backyard landscape into one designed ...Continue Reading -
Landscaping to Increase Your Home’s Value
March 22, 2016 Many homeowners are constantly on the lookout for ways to increase home value, especially when it’s nearly time to list it on the market. If you’ve already thought about renovating the kitchen, tearing down living room walls and adding a Jacuzzi to the master bath, it’s time to think outside the home and consider the garden. Landscaping has a surprising impact on your home’s value. It all comes ...Continue Reading -
Mulch Madness
March 8, 2016 As you prepare your flowerbeds this spring, you may be facing a quandary: to mulch or not to mulch? Consider these pros and cons of this common garden add-on to decide if it belongs in your yard this year. Benefits of Mulch Mulch blocks the sun. This helps protect plant roots from heat damage and prevents weeds from taking hold. Freezing, melting and refreezing water can cause heaving, which is ...Continue Reading -
Is Melting Ice Dangerous?
February 25, 2016 Some people love winter and the magic of falling snow. Others want nothing more than to torch the white stuff and get back to warmer temperatures. No matter which category you fall in, you have to deal with ice and snow each winter if you live in a cold climate. Melting ice can pose some interesting hazards. Here are some of the dangers of melting ice and the solutions to help you avoid them. Ice ...Continue Reading -
Plan Your Spring Landscape
February 19, 2016 Does your backyard feel like wasted space? It doesn’t have to – you just need the right landscape design to suit your needs. Make plans now to transition your landscape this spring with the help of a landscape designer. Landscape Design Ideas Sometimes the hardest part about landscaping your yard is finding the right ideas you need to begin the project. Get inspired by these landscape design ideas ...Continue Reading -
Save Money on Energy Efficient Outdoor Lights
February 14, 2016 You have many options for illuminating your property at night, but energy efficiency is an important feature no matter what type of outdoor lights you choose. Consider some outdoor lighting products designed to make your yard look beautiful and save you money on electricity at the same time. Efficient Bulbs It was once a common practice to use traditional incandescent bulbs for both indoor and ...Continue Reading -
Benefits of Bark Mulch
February 8, 2016 Mulch is any type of material that is spread over the surface of soil to enhance the health and look of your garden bed. There are many types of mulch available, and bark mulch is one of the most beneficial types. It’s made out of tree bark shredded into fine, medium, and large pieces for top dressing your garden beds. There are many benefits to using bark mulch: Retains moisture in the soil Adds ...Continue Reading -
Preparing for Spring: Planting Annuals & Splitting and Replanting Perennials
February 4, 2016 Punxsutawney Phil in Punxsutawney, Pa., has spoken… we can expect an early spring this year! As onlookers witnessed at the annual Groundhog Day event, the beloved groundhog did not see his shadow. Whether Phil was spot on or a little off on his predication, it’s time to start making your preparations to have a beautiful and healthy spring garden. Do you need a little help getting started with your ...Continue Reading -
Snow Falls: Proper Snow & Ice Removal
January 27, 2016 The snow isn’t the only thing that falls in the winter. Once snow is on the sidewalk and driveway – melting and refreezing into ice – anyone is at risk to fall. Follow these tips for proper snow and ice removal to get rid of slippery surfaces and avoid injury the process. Effective Snow and Ice Removal Techniques Shoveling is the go-to option for many people, but you can try other snow and ice ...Continue Reading -
Holiday Spectacular: Syncing Lights and Tunes
November 6, 2015 A timeless tradition during the Christmas season is traveling near and far to see beautiful light displays. Whether it’s your neighbour’s home or a light show at the zoo, seeing Christmas lights is always something to enjoy with friends and family. Strings of lights are proudly displayed on trees, bordering windows, and twisted around awnings and front porches. Today’s Christmas light displays ...Continue Reading -
Irrigation: Different Techniques and Benefits
July 6, 2015 If you walk down the lawn care aisle at your local hardware store, you will see a wide assortment of tools designed to help keep your lawn green. Everything from special hoses to timed sprinklers that walk around your lawn like an animal to spray nozzles that have turn dials with countless water stream options can be found. Yes, it is definitely easy to feel overwhelmed… but you don’t have to! The ...Continue Reading