2011 Spring Home & Garden

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ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT APRIL 22, 2011

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2B April 22, 2011 THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

How to safeguard your home from leaks this spring

by Jessica HarperTHISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

April showers often bring much more than May flow-ers for those who have water leaking into their basements. Regrading the yard can solve the problem for some homeowners, but for others, it is a matter of filling cracks in the basement walls. Late April and early May is the perfect time to address a leaky basement because it has the right combination of dry spells and heavy rain, ex-perts say. The dry days allow time to seal the cracks, while the wet days provide evidence of where the water is entering and whether they are prop-erly sealed once the project is complete. Although it may seem like a daunting task at first, fill-ing cracks and waterproofing

is quite easy with the right tools. Keep in mind, filling in cracks and waterproofing the interior walls is only possible if the cement walls are ex-posed. If the basement is getting only a minimal amount of moisture, it may not be worth tearing down finished walls. When purchasing cement, consider the type of walls in the home. Most do-it-yourself books recommend hydraulic cement for both poured and block walls. This type of ce-ment contains a water-proof sealant and is premixed, which saves on labor. It comes in tubes and gal-lon tubs, which are available at most home improvement stores. Thin cracks can easily be filled using the tubes, while

deep cracks and holes are better repaired using trowel and globs of cement from a gallon tub. Be sure the wall is clean and dry prior to spread-ing the cement. Put enough in the crack to fill it. Then scrape the excess with a fin-ishing trowel to create a smooth uniform surface. If your basement walls are made of blocks and mor-tar, however, be sure to use mortar repair for the mortar around the blocks. Mortar is the grout-like substance that holds each cement block in place. This type of wall is com-mon in homes built before the 1950s. Rather than cracking, mortar often deteriorates over time. Mortar repair can be found in tubes at most See Leaks, 3B

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THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT April 22, 2011 3B

home improvement stores. Apply to areas where the mortar is deteriorating. For extra protection, paint the wall with water-proof ce-ment paint once the cement dries. In addition to filling cracks from the inside, it is important to fill them from the outside. Several do-it-yourself books recommend the fol-lowing: Dig a trench the length and depth of the damaged wall. For homes with exten-sive deterioration, the owner may want to hire a contrac-tor. There are several com-panies in the Twin Cities that will do this for between $1,000 to $3,000 depending upon the amount of work. Once the trench is com-plete, remove dirt close to the wall by hand and brush the wall clean. Then, wash the wall and allow it to dry. Apply two coats of tar-like bituminous sealer. Both can be found at most home improvement

stores. Then apply a sealer. Stick heavy-gauge polyethylene sheeting to the sealer after applying it to the wall. Over-lap all seams by at least six inches. Once finished, it is impor-

tant to grade the area as you fill the trench. This means sloping the ground down-ward from the home to allow water to drain away from the structure. Connecting a rain barrel to the drain spout will further

prevent water from seeping into a basement by collecting excess water, which can then be used for watering gardens. E-mail Jessica Harper at: [email protected]

Leaks/from 2B

Photo by Jessica Harper

Cracks and holes in a basement wall are best filled using hydraulic cement. For walls made of block and mortar, such as the one shown above, be sure to use mortar repair for the mortar around the cement blocks.

Photo by Jessica Harper

Connecting a rain barrel to the drain spout will further prevent water from seeping into a basement by collecting excess water, which can then be used for watering gardens.

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by Stacey AckermanSPECIAL TO THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

While home gardens and landscapes have an aesthetic appeal, this season consum-ers are looking for plants, grasses and water gardens that are also kinder to the earth. “This year consumers are looking for landscapes with more environmentally-sound solutions. The indus-try is trying to create more conventional landscapes that are environmentally-friendly,” said Matt Brooks, Landscape and Horticul-ture Instructor at Dakota County Technical College. In seasons past, hom-eowners would use Blue-grass, which requires a lot of water to be sustainable. Now people are putting in grasses that are more adapt-able to our cold climate, ac-cording to Brooks. The landscape industry is also encouraging hom-eowners to put in smaller

lawns to save on watering, which requires drastically more water than showers, baths or other household appliances. “We are also looking at trees for their cooling ben-efits,” said Brooks. The industry has discov-ered many utilitarian uses for plants, and many can save energy. Water features are also becoming more environmentally-friendly. “Ten years ago, ponds and water gardens were very popular. Today, people are realizing that they are a lot of work and use a lot of water,” Brooks said. Popular this season are ‘waterless’ water features, such as structures that only contain a small amount of water that is re-circulated and maintenance free. Organic and natural products are increasing in popularity, including or-ganic soils, natural fertiliz-ers and natural insect con-

trol products, according to Dan Silver, owner of Terra Garden Center in Lakeville. Another hot trend this season is vegetable garden-ing. With the increasing costs of fresh produce and the movement toward more natural and organic diets, many Minnesotans are opt-ing for home grown. While spring has sprung and people want to start gardening, it’s best to wait. “The last frost date for Minnesota is May 15, so don’t get too antsy,” said Melanie Carlson, plant ex-pert at Terra Garden Cen-ter. Temperatures must be consistently 45-to-50 de-grees at night for flowers. However, there are some cold-tolerant plants that are safe right now, according to Carlson. Try dormant pe-rennials. Pansies can survive in the mid-30s and require cool, sunny locations. They

A ‘greener’ approach to landscapesEarth-friendly landscapes growing strong this season

See Landscapes, 8B

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Shrubs can make dense, tall fencing options for homeowners who prefer to go the natural route.

A backyard can be a sanctuary for some peo-ple. It’s a place to which individuals can retreat, offering an extension of living space in the great outdoors. Chances are, a homeowner prefers to have his or her yard fenced in to maintain privacy. But homeowners aren’t always fond of traditional fencing materials. A natu-ral fence can be an option that offers a bounty of benefits. The purpose of a fence is to keep things in or out. Fences are often erected to serve as a barrier be-tween properties and of-fer privacy. To achieve

these goals, a homeowner doesn’t necessarily have to construct a wooden, plas-tic or wire fence. Many plants can serve as natu-ral fencing options and be very attractive to look at. Grasses – Consider the fast-growing bamboo. It is one of the fastest-grow-ing plants on the planet. Some varieties may grow as much as 50 inches per day! This tall, dense grass can be an inexpensive fencing option that quick-ly fills in on the perimeter of the yard. Just be sure to take inventory of the bamboo because it can spread quickly. Trees – How about

planting trees on the prop-erty? Evergreen trees, like Leyland Cyprus, may grow quickly. The dense foliage will quickly fill in and can create an attractive bor-der around the house. But evergreens aren’t the only options. Deciduous trees can also be planted. The thick leaves will form a privacy screen and in the winter the leaves will drop and let light into the land-scape. Shrubs – Much in the same way that evergreen trees can offer privacy on a larger scale, so can shrubs. There are scores of different shrubs that

Natural fencing offers benefits

See Fencing, 8B

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As the days get longer, there’s nothing like bar-becuing and entertaining friends on your deck. But before you pass out those invitations, make sure your deck has weathered the win-ter and is ready for its sea-sonal duty. The abuse a deck surface takes from the weather, foot traffic, barbecues, and food and drink spills can create both surface and structural problems. “To make your deck last, clean it thoroughly every one to two years and re-stain every two to four years,” says Mark Clem-ent, host of the radio pro-gram “MyFixitUpLife.” “It also helps if your deck is made from a natural, du-rable wood, such as Western Red Cedar, which holds oil based finishes for an ex-tended period of time.” Here’s how to get your deck ready for use: • Clear out: Clear all

furniture and potted plants off the deck. Then inspect the deck for dirt and pollen buildup. Sweep it clean of debris that may have fallen during winter. For safety’s sake, make sure there are no nails sticking up from the deck or from any posts. • Floss between planks: Clean between the planks and boards of any horizon-tal surfaces so rain can drain and air can flow between them. Reducing standing water and increasing air-flow will limit the amount of moisture that can collect and stay on the surface of the plank, thereby making your deck last longer. • Keep the finish sharp: Application of a quality wood stain or finish and pe-riodic retreatment over time will prevent discoloration and degradation of your deck and extend the wood’s lifespan. Keep in mind that natural woods that are sus-tainable and durable, such

as real cedar, can take and retain a variety of stains and finishes for more ex-tended periods. Such woods are natural looking, as op-posed to the faux finishes used on man-made compos-ite products. • Elevate planters: Direct contact between planter boxes and wooden surfaces can trap moisture and leave stains. Elevating them or placing them on rollers will release the moisture and make them easier to rear-range. • Beware of welcome mats: Mats can collect moisture and dry out too slowly, which can lead to water damage and/or wood rot. After precipitation, be sure to dry out the mat and allow the deck to dry. • Watch out for your grill: Grease from your grill is hazardous to your deck, so place it in an inconspicu-ous spot with a hard rub-

Get your deck ready for spring

See Deck, 7B

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Make sure your deck is clean and safe before entertaining.

ber door mat underneath it to keep your deck free of stains. If grease drips onto your deck, use a household

cleaner to wipe it clean. “It’s easy to forget that decks need maintenance and care just like your lawn or roof,” says Clem-ent “By performing rou-

tine checks and taking care of the warning signs, homeowners can extend the life of their decks so they can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Deck/from 6B

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can be as dense or thin as a homeowner desires. Rose bushes can look very attractive and serve as a deterrent to animals and people trying to get through the thorny bram-bles. The same can be said for holly bushes, which will be prickly but attrac-tive with their shiny, dark green leaves and bright berries. Certain shrubs are even marketed as natu-ral fencing. A chat with a landscaper can yield many

ideas of species that make great fences. Flowers and plants – Shrubs and trees aren’t the only fencing options. Many homeowners like the cottage look of a gar-den full of wildflowers and other plants. Congre-gating certain plants on the perimeter of the prop-erty can make an informal fence. Trailing vines like ivy or vinca can be trained to climb vertically. A thin mesh material or verti-cal slats can be installed and the vines tied to these

items before they fully es-tablish. Hardscapes – Instead of living natural fencing, rocks and boulders or even water features can also be used as fences. This type of fencing may be more aesthetic than practical, however, and can be used intermittently with other fencing options. The possibilities for natural fencing are end-less and can be mingled to create a landscape unique to any homeowner.

Fencing/from 5B

must be planted in con-tainers, however, until mid-May. There are many new breeds of flowers to look for this year, such as a new line of peonies called Itoh. “Their blooms are mammoth – almost the size of dinner plates and they come in really pret-ty colors,” said Carlson. “Another breed to watch for is Monrovia Hearty Hibiscus, which offers big blooms in salmon, peach-es and bi-color pinks.” A tropical vine de-buting this season is the Sun Parasol Mandevilla, which blooms all summer long in a vibrant array of reds and pinks, according to Carlson. Also watch for Mil-lion Bells, a small petunia flower that doesn’t need to be dead-headed and

comes in fun colors in-cluding Blackberry Punch and Coral Berry Punch, said Carlson. Many parts of the south metro, especially Lakeville, have clay soil, which can be detrimental to plants. Many newer-build homes only con-tain a small amount of dirt, and the clay is near the surface, according to Carlson. “The most important thing you can do to your garden is amend it with compost or peat moss to lighten up the sod,” she said. Another trend this sea-son is more of a move-ment toward outdoor liv-ing, according to Brooks. Homeowners are putting in outdoor kitchens and full fireplaces, expanding the living space to the out-doors. While outdoor living

spaces are becoming more sophisticated, landscapes are becoming more natu-ral and back to basics, with people planting ap-ple treesrather than extravagant manicured areas, said Brooks. Come and see for your-self this season’s plants and flowers and get ready to garden. Dakota County Technical College is hold-ing a plant sale to benefit the Landscape and Horti-culture Department’s Stu-dent Club. Visit the cam-pus on Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pur-chase a variety of annuals, herbs and vegetables and welcome spring into your home.

Stacey Ackerman is a freelance writer based in Lakeville.

Landscapes/from 4B

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2011 Spring Home & Garden