Right Plant, Wrong Place Print

First Day Of Spring!  Jay Harper has some gardening, lawn and irrigation maintenance tips!

Checking your irrigation system.  Timers, sprinklers, drip heads and adjust as the sunset becomes later in the evening.

A month away from preparing for a summer lawn.  TEXT question is when is the best time to dethatch and aerate the lawn?

Discussion to extend your winter lawn to around Mother's Day in June

TEXT:  Is It too late to plant tomatoes?  No but some exceptions.  Jay gives a list of tomato varities to focus on.

Discussion of pollination of plants.  Jay's 'feather duster' technique.  And plants that can attract pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies.

Keeping weeds under control with pre-emergent.  Spring (and fall) are the best time to apply it.  Place it where you don't want weeds to pop up.

CALLER:  Has a lot of weeds growing in the lawn.  Should you use a weed killer first then add the pre-emergent?

CALLER:  Can a mix of vinegar and dish soap kill weeds?  It can but the application is non systemic.  Jay explains.

Organic method of killing weeds:  Solarizing with clear plastic over a garden plot.  (After the garden is done of course).

With citrus budding and flowering, a discussion of fertilization.  If you didn't apply in February, you can apply it lightly.  If the dirt is dry, you must water first before you add fertilizer.

CALLER:  Looking for a weed killer that safe around dogs.  Our suggestion is Bonide's 'Burnout'.

Discussion of planning ahead before you plant.  How do you know if your trees and plants are in the right place to not cause problems in the future?   What to consider if they have outlived their landscaping purpose.

Including understanding a tree's root zone.  Tree and plant roots that could grow into your home's foundation and sewer pipes.  

Rosie's suggestion of what the tree or plant will look like in 20 years.

While there's no steadfast rule on planting distance, Rosie has some thoughts to consider.

Discussion of how to control the growth of tree roots using a root barrier.

CALLER:  Constructing an addition to the home.  Part of it is a kitchen and needs to tap into the sewer line.  Found a crack in a junction part of the cast iron sewer line that needs repair.  How to go about repairing it.

CALLER:  Has a 30 year old home and found no insulation in the attic and the attic metal duct from the air conditioner.  The exception is insulation below the attic deck.  (cathedral Insulation).  

CALLER:  Has a 2019 home.  Uses the supercooling method during the summer.  Once the A/C goes off during on peak hours, the house warms up really quick.  Questions the location of the ducts.  Suggestion on what to do.

CALLER:  Has a palm tree between the home and neighbor's home.  Concerned about root growth that could damage foundation.  

Rosie's chainsaw story that nearly caused a divorce :)

Rosie On The House Home Maintenance Calendar reminder that you can order one at our E-Store.

CALLER:  13 year old tank water heater.  Homeowner has home water softening.  Technician drained it and found very little sediment but suggested the water heat be replaced.  Looking for advice.

LETTER:  Replacing the wood slats on outdoor gates.  Wants to use redwood.  What king of coating finish to use for Arizona heat?

CALLER:  Has a home purchased new in 1997.  Would like to do a general inspection of the home not to sell it but to spot issues the homowner may not be seeing.

Discussion of our Home Maintenance App powered by Home Zada!

Sanderson Ford

The Weekly To Do on Window Replacement.  Sal Sucato of Rosie Certified DunRite Windows And Doors discusses the things to consider to give you more 'bang for your buck' on new widows.  Dual or triple pane, glazing, energy efficiency, frame materials, noise reduction and more!

CALLER:  Looking for a contractor to reface cabinets and countertops.  (Romey explains refacing).

Takeaways from today's show!