To ensure that your planted tree thrives long past the holidays, choose a species suited to your climate and region. Your local nursery will give the best advice. Read more »
turn down thermostat 3 degrees when having a holiday party
Ratchet down the thermostat by 3 degrees F—guests hate sweating over their holiday cocktails. — The Holiday-Ready House Read more »
remove aggressive vines on the outside of your house
Remove aggressive vines, which hold moisture against walls and wreak havoc on wood clapboards, slowing their ability to dry out after a rain and causing rot. — 12 Easy DIY Fall Fix-Ups Read more »
stack and season firewood, essential homeowner skills
Properly season firewood by stacking logs outdoors in a sunny spot, away from wood structures, to keep insects from migrating. — 56 Essential Survival Skills for Homeowners Read more »
clean birdhouse in fall
In the fall, when bird-breeding season ends, clean out birdhouses to attract newcomers. — Birdhouse Basics Read more »
look for the biggest bulbs to plant for the largest blooms
At the nursery, look for the biggest bulbs of your chosen variety—they'll give you the largest blooms. — Plant Bulbs Now for Future Blooms Read more »
low-voc paints dry fast, fix mistakes quickly
Low-VOC paints dry faster than the older latex formulations, so it's critical that you fix mistakes quickly. — Decoding the New Low-VOC Paints Read more »
open shelves and exposed beams in kitchen
Open shelves and exposed beams add a sense of loftiness in a smaller kitchen. — Inspiring Home Spruce-Ups on a Shoestring Budget Read more »
slim trash cans in kitchen
Use slim cans that require frequent emptying, to keep odors at bay and prevent back strain from hefting too-big bags. — The Right way to Handle Kitchen Waste Read more »
place double sinks at least 36 in apart
In the master bath, place double sinks 36 inches apart or more, measured drain to drain, so that you'll have elbow room. — Read This Before You Redo a Bath Read more »