| How to Restore Your Lawn Posted: 04 Mar 2019 04:00 PM PST A perfectly green and healthy lawn is every homeowner's dream. Whether you're outside barbecuing for the family, or soaking in the sunlight, a luscious lawn is a perfect complement to the ideal summer fantasy. By maintaining proper lawn care tips and clearing out debris that is suffocating your turf, you can bring your ideal lawn one step closer to reality. EditImproving Nutrient Flow - Remove thatch using a dethatching tool. Thick layers of thatch can fill with water and deprive your lawn of vital oxygen. Using a powered rake or other dethatching tool, navigate your lawn as if you were mowing it by moving in parallel lines up and down the length of your property.[1]
- Thatch is composed of organic debris that has built up without having proper time to decompose. Be sure to regularly clear organic items such as leaves, stems and large patches of cut grass from your lawn to prevent build-up.[2]
- A little thatch can be beneficial to your lawn. A thin layer of no more than half an inch can keep substantial temperature changes from damaging your lawn. Furthermore, it adds stability to lawns that see a lot of foot traffic.[3]
- Tear out weeds to give turf more access to important nutrients. While weeds can be an eyesore on an otherwise well-maintained lawn, they can also soak up the vital nutrients needed to properly flourish. Extensive patches of weeds can block sunlight and even soak up moisture, leaving your lawn weak and dehydrated.[4]
- Defense is the best offense when it comes to beating out weeds. Keep up basic maintenance such as watering and fertilizing properly. The turf will absorb its necessary water and nutrients, preventing weeds from getting what they need to grow.[5]
- Hand-weeding is the safest and most effective way to remove roots. Use a trowel or long spade and dig deep into the ground around the weed. Loosen the soil around it, and then carefully pull the weed up. Replace the soil that was removed and then re-seed the bare patch.[6]
- Apply a preemergent herbicide to prevent further weed growth. While it will not kill weeds directly, herbicides that are applied at the beginning of a season can temper weed growth. Only use these herbicides on lawns that have been growing for longer than a year and have not been overseeded recently.[7]
- Allow nutrients to sink in deeper by aerating your lawn. Aerators come in handheld devices, or in the form of large machines. They poke small holes into your lawn, allowing nutrients to permeate deeper into the turf. Follow the same path you did while dethatching.[8]
- If you're using a spike aerator, you may have to go over the same area several times in order to make sure your holes are plentiful and penetrate deep enough into the soil.[9]
- Because young turf has not established a solid root system, do not aerate your lawn within a year of either planting a fresh lawn or overseeding.[10]
- Leave the pieces of soil pulled up during aeration on your lawn. They will eventually decompose and work themselves back into the gaps left behind.[11]
EditAdjusting Your Lawn Chemistry - Purchase a pH testing kit and dig a small hole in your lawn. Fill the hole with distilled water, which has a neutral pH level. When the hole is filled, dip in your test strip. It should take about a minute for your test to give you a reading. You're looking for a 6.5 out of 14 on your scale.[12]
- Don't be disappointed if your pH level is too high or too low. It's very rare for lawns to be at the perfect balance without a little extra work.
- Mix limestone into soil that is too acidic. Stores will sell both calcitic and dolomitic limestone; either one is acceptable for this task. Spread the lime across your lawn after watering to allow the lime to properly sink into your soil. Be very careful to follow the guidelines on whatever brand you choose, or you could do more harm than good.[13]
- You can also spread the ashes from your fireplace throughout your lawn for a more organic method of balancing your pH levels.[14]
- Add sulfur to soil that is alkaline. Soil is defined as alkaline if it ranks higher than a 7 on the pH scale. Unlike lime, sulfur is slower acting and shouldn't be piled on. Check the brand instructions to find the recommended amount of sulfur per square foot, though two pounds per 100 square feet should do the trick.[15]
- Alternatively, simply use grass cuttings and other organic matter as a composting agent. Decomposition naturally adds acidity back into your soil. Just be careful not to add too much, or you will risk thatch build-up.[16]
EditMaintaining Long-Term Lawn Health - Hydrate your lawn properly. Like all living things, lawns need a substantial amount of water to survive. Frequent, shallow waterings can be detrimental to your lawn health, however. Instead, make sure your lawn receives about one inch of water once a week.[17]
- If you're unsure how much water your lawn is getting, place a ruler in the middle of your lawn. In a pinch, you can even use a can of cat food or similarly sized item to gauge hydration levels.[18]
- Breathe new life into your lawn with fresh seed. As the years wear on, lawns can begin to thin out. Thankfully, it's easy enough to restore a lawn to the lush, vibrant state of its younger years. Scatter more seeds, referred to as overseeding, across your yard in order to further fill out your lawn.[19]
- Watering an overseeded lawn is the exception to the once a week rule. A freshly seeded lawn will need a light watering twice a day. Keep this up for four days, then switch to a deep watering once a day for the next five days.[20]
- The amount of seed you should use varies based on the size of your lawn and the damage done. Be sure to refer to the instructions on whatever seed you use.[21]
- Adjust how you mow the lawn to prevent weed outbreaks. Longer grass can block out sunlight, depriving weeds of a vital aspect of their growth. Adjust your mower to a height of three inches, and be sure to never take off more than one-third of each blade of grass per mowing.[22]
- Don't dispose of your clippings. Instead allow them to decompose and provide extra nutrients to your lawn. Just make sure to remove larger clumps before letting it rest. This will prevent thatch build-up[23]
- Because you don't want to remove too much grass at a time, frequent mowings are necessary. Monitor the growth of your grass, and mow as often as necessary to ensure you're only removing one-third of the blade at a time.[24]
- Fill depressions left by lawn use and upkeep. The process of keeping up with your lawn through aerators and lawnmowers can leave ruts across your property. Fill these depressions with a mixture of sand and soil. Be sure to put down only a half an inch of the mixture at one time.[25]
- Deeper ruts will require further treatment. Wait until the grass has grown out again in the remaining divots, which will take approximately four weeks. Repeat the process in these problem areas.[26]
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| How to Walk on Ice Posted: 04 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PST If you live somewhere with cold winters, it's almost impossible to avoid walking on ice. Slipping on ice might not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to serious injuries. There are some tricks you can use to help navigate your way the next time you're stuck in an arctic blast. EditWalking the Right Way - Move slowly. Dashing across ice is just asking to fall. Instead, walk slowly so your body has time to adjust to the slick surface. You'll use less force as you move, which means you won't get as hurt if you do fall. [1]
- Walk with small steps. If your feet are too far apart, you'll have trouble keeping your balance on the ice. Take a small step so your foot is only a couple of inches ahead of the other. Then, repeat with the other foot. It'll take longer, but you'll be much safer. [2]
- Shuffle forward. Keep your feet about a foot apart. Then, slowly shuffle one foot at a time as you walk. This boosts your center of gravity, so you can stay steady even when the surface isn't. [3]
- Picture the way penguins wade. Try to mimic that as much as possible.
- Stand up straight. Good posture makes a ton of difference when walking on ice. Straighten your back so it's lined up with your legs. This helps control your balance. [4]
- Keep your arms at your sides. Moving your arms too much can make you lose your balance.
- Hold on to something. Sometimes you need extra support. Trekking poles make it easier to walk over ice because they can grip the ice and help you stay balanced. If you don't have a pole, try a cane. [5]
- If you don't have a pole or cane handy, check if there's anything nearby. Railings, ledges, and walls can help in a tight spot.
EditAvoiding the Danger Zones - Watch out for black ice. Black ice is sneaky. It is a thin layer of clear ice that blends in with the ground. It looks like an ice-free surface, but it's a major cause of ice-related injuries. [6]
- After a snowstorm, walk slowly, just in case there's black ice. Test the ground before stepping with your full weight.
- Avoid parking lots and other areas with asphalt, where it's easy for the ice to camouflage.
- Avoid slopes and hills. Flat surfaces are much safer than hills. Icy hills can't hold your weight, so it's easier to fall. Avoid walking on icy hills if possible. [7]
- Be careful on melting ice. Warmer weather doesn't necessarily mean safer conditions. When ice is melting, it becomes even slipperier. If you notice that the ice is starting to melt, walk carefully to avoid tripping. [8]
- Pay attention to your surroundings. When walking in icy areas, make sure to keep an eye on the ground. Ice usually isn't distributed evenly, so it can surprise you if you're not paying attention. Keep an eye out for ice up ahead, so you can adjust your pace in time. [9]
EditDressing Appropriately - Wear shoes with traction. When walking over ice, the right shoe can make all the difference. Shoes with traction give you a firmer grip, so you're less likely to slide. Think sneakers or boots with rubber soles, or cleats that have built in spikes. [10]
- Don't wear leather boots or shoes with leather soles. They have weaker traction, meaning you're more likely to lose your balance.
- Ice chains can be attached to shoes to help give you the extra grip you need.
- Wear a heavy jacket. No matter how careful you are, there's always a chance you'll fall. Wearing a heavy winter coat can help soften the blow. Try the puffy kind to give yourself an extra cushion.[11]
- Wearing thick, heavy pants can also help.
- Use gloves with grip. When we fall, our first instinct is to put our hands out to catch ourselves. It's important to protect your hands with sturdy gloves. Gloves with grip can stop you from slipping any further. They can also help you get a good grip on railings while you walk.[12]
- Think work gloves with black pads on the palms and fingers.
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| How to Wear a Cropped Sweater Posted: 04 Mar 2019 12:00 AM PST Cropped sweaters are wonderful, versatile pieces of clothing that can easily be dressed up or down. The possibilities are endless, as you can create so many different outfits using the same sweater! Match your cropped sweater with a blouse or a high-waisted midi skirt for a professional, chic style. These sweaters also pair nicely with high-waisted jeans or flared skirts to make fun, casual outfits. Shoes and accessories like heels, combat boots, and statement necklaces can also turn your cropped sweater into a fashionable outfit. EditStyling Professional Looks - Pull a cropped sweater over a blouse or shirt for a unique, formal outfit. Blouses and shirts don't have to be plain or boring! Choose a cropped sweater in a neutral tone that either matches or contrasts with your blouse. For example, a white cropped sweater and blouse create a flawless, minimalist look, and a black cropped sweater with a white blouse creates a statement look. Both looks are suitable for professional environments or for after-work social gatherings.[1]
- Try to stick to neutral-toned cropped sweaters for professional outfits, rather than bright colors or patterns. Cream, grey, and tan are all good options too.[2]
- Match a cropped sweater with a midi skirt for a chic, feminine style. This look is perfect for a day or night out on the town! For a minimalist outfit, pick a matching black, white, grey, or cream cropped sweater and high-waisted midi skirt. Alternatively, select contrasting colors for the cropped sweater and midi skirt for a statement outfit. For example, you could try a deep purple midi skirt and a mustard yellow cropped sweater.[3]
- The type of midi skirt that you choose to match with your cropped sweater can have a big impact on your style. Choose a free-flowing midi skirt for a relaxed look or a bodycon midi skirt for a bold, stylish outfit.
- Try a cropped sweater with tapered pants to create a professional vibe. High-waisted tapered pants can easily transform your cropped sweater into a professional outfit. Choose black, tan, or grey tapered pants and heels to match with your favorite neutral-toned cropped sweater.[4]
- Tapered pants that tie around the waist work especially well for this look.
- Wear a tucked in blouse underneath in case it gets warm and you want to take the sweater off.
- Wear a cropped sweater, tights, and skirt for a warm, elegant look. If you want to pull off a formal look with a cropped sweater and skirt but the weather is a bit cold, try adding tights! Choose plain or patterned tights that complement your sweater and skirt. To create a minimalist look, wear plain tights with a cream, grey, or black cropped sweater and neutral skirt.[5]
EditCreating Casual Looks - Wear a cropped sweater with a flared mini skirt for a cute outfit. Flared skirts with cropped sweaters are great for spring and fall when the weather is mild. Pick your favorite flared skirt and pair it with a cropped sweater of your choice. A white skirt goes well with a pastel cropped sweater for a feminine look, while a tartan skirt nicely matches a black, navy, or burgundy cropped sweater for a more edgy vibe.[6]
- This look goes well with cute, vintage sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat.[7]
- You can either wear the sweater by itself or with a top underneath.
- Try a cropped sweater over a maxi dress for a trendy style. Your favorite maxi dress doesn't have to be only for summer! Pair either a matching or contrasting cropped sweater with your maxi dress for an easy outfit.[8]
- This is a great outfit for cool, summer nights, as you can easily pull the sweater on or off depending on the temperature. You will still have a great outfit either way!
- Match a cropped sweater with skinny jeans for a classic, fun ensemble. A cropped sweater with your favorite high-waisted skinny jeans is a classic look that can easily be dressed up or down. For a night out, try a black cropped sweater with black skinny jeans and heels. Alternatively, for a fun day out with friends, try light wash skinny jeans with a bright, colorful cropped sweater and your favorite sneakers.[9]
- There are endless styles for cropped sweaters and skinny jeans. Mix and match with your wardrobe to find your favorite outfit!
- Pair a cropped sweater with boyfriend jeans for a relaxed vibe. This look is great for those cooler winter months, as it is cozy yet fashionable. Choose light denim high-waisted boyfriend jeans and your favorite cropped sweater. Yellow, red, green, and white cropped sweaters are all great choices.[10]
- This is also a great outfit to wear to show off your favorite belt.
- Wear a cropped sweater with high-waisted shorts for a fun, casual feel. A cropped sweater with high-waisted shorts is great for when you are enjoying the outdoors but the weather is mild. Pick your favorite denim shorts and a printed cropped sweater for a relaxed style or opt for a slightly more formal look with high-waisted black, white, or tan shorts with a neutral sweater .[11]
EditUsing Shoes and Accessories - Match a cropped sweater with heels for a professional, chic style. Heels can easily transform a cropped sweater from relaxed to professional. Wear heels that match a bright cropped sweater for a fun yet classy outfit or try neutral heels for a more minimalist look.[12]
- Heels and cropped sweaters go especially well with high-waisted skinny jeans or tapered pants.
- Wear combat boots with your cropped sweater for a fun, bold look. Cropped sweaters tend to look quite delicate, so try out combat boots for an edgy style. Match black or tan combat boots with high-waisted jeans and a bright cropped sweater to be ready for any adventure![13]
- Wear the sweater with a longer top underneath for a relaxed style or by itself for a neater look.
- Pair your cropped sweater with sneakers to create an effortless, casual vibe. A cropped sweater with sneakers is the perfect outfit for casual adventures with friends! Pick your favorite sneakers to wear with jeans and a black, pink, blue, red, or green cropped sweater so that you can be warm and comfortable.[14]
- Opt for solid-colored sneakers with a patterned sweater or patterned sneakers with a solid-colored sweater.
- Match a cropped sweater with a shoulder bag for a cute look. A small, cute shoulder bag goes well with both professional and casual cropped sweater outfits. Try a black, tan, or grey shoulder bag with a cropped sweater and a midi skirt or tapered pants. Alternatively, pick a bold red, blue, coral, or pink shoulder bag to wear with a cropped sweater and jeans for a fun, casual style.[15]
- Wear a chunky necklace with your sweater to create a statement outfit. A chunky, bold necklace is a great way to take your cropped sweater from casual to formal. Pick a necklace that has either a chunky chain or a large pendant, and match this with a solid-colored sweater.[16]
- A bold navy necklace would pair well with a gray sweater and black skirt. Add some pumps and you're ready to go!
- Try round sunglasses with a cropped sweater for a vintage feel. This look is perfect for a day out with friends. Pick a white, cream, or pastel cropped sweater and wear your favorite black or brown round sunglasses. The sunglasses and cropped sweater pair well with a floral dress or tennis skirt.[17]
- Cropped sweaters are great during fall, winter, and spring.[18]
- Cropped sweaters can easily be formal or casual pieces depending on how you style them. Experiment with plenty of different outfits to find looks that you love!
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