My birding journey started a few shorts months ago and I have been fortunate to see a wide variety of birds such as cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, sparrows, titmice, wrens and even a male yellow-shafted northern flicker! I have also seen the infamous blue jay. Blue jays have often been touted as “bully” birds but despite this title, their striking blue feathers and loud calls still make them a favorite among birders.

Although I have caught glimpses of jays and heard their distinct calls from afar, I have yet to snap a good photo of one so I did some research to find out how I can better attract blue jays to my yard for that perfect photo opportunity. Here is what I found out!

To attract blue jays, a surefire method is to provide the type of feeder they prefer. Jays are large birds and range in size from 9.8 to 11.8 inches and typically weigh 2.5 to 3.5 ounces so it would make sense that they prefer a large platform, or open feeder. Other feeders that attract jays are wreath feeders that can be filled with whole peanuts and certain types of hopper feeders.

I have seen many images of blue jays holding onto a peanut and for good reason! Another great way to attract them is to offer one of their favorite foods–the almighty peanut! Jays enjoy peanuts in or out of the shell and are one of the few birds that can crack a peanut shell in order to get to the nuts inside. Jays also enjoy black-oil or striped sunflowers seeds and whole kernel or cracked corn. Also, if your yard provides a supply of acorns, you can place those in your feeder as another welcomed treat!

Lastly, another sure way to attract jays is to provide a water source. This is one step I have yet to take for my yard but one I will definitely consider, especially with the upcoming change in season. With winter approaching, many birds will be on the lookout for a reliable water source to bathe and drink and I have heard that jays enjoy having fun in the water as well! Since they are such a large bird, a bath that is deeper and wider in the middle will be a must. Jays also travel as a family unit, so the whole crew may bathe together at once which means the larger the better.

In short, to attract blue jays, be sure to offer a feeder that will work for their large size, their favorite foods such as shelled or unshelled peanuts, and a clean and reliable water source all year round. With these tips you’ll undoubtedly attract these beautiful, striking, and fun birds to your yard for the perfect photo opportunity or simply to enjoy their playful backyard banter.

What is the best mosquito repellant for a yard? Mosquito control at home can be a difficult issue for many people who are not sure what is best to use. There may be many different mosquito sprays available in your local store, but which one should you use. In fact, the best answer is none of them, and here is why.

Mosquito repellant sprays work in one or both of two ways. They scare the insects away because of the chemicals they contain, or they kill them just like fly sprays kill flies. Either way, they are a very inefficient and largely ineffective way of mosquito control. Any effect such sprays have is temporary, and you can bet your boots that they will be back in an hour!

Mosquito Repellant or a Mosquito Control System

So maybe we should be discussing something more permanent that is not effective just for an hour or two? There are mosquito control systems available on the market that you can use, and there are companies that provide a professional means of controlling mosquitoes in your garden, yard or even the green areas around your business premises. The question is, what are they and how do you get access to them.

All around the country, particularly in areas where mosquito infestations are common, you will find businesses offering you this mosquito control system or that pest spray. Which to go for? Good questions! Here are some tips on how to choose the best mosquito repellant for a yard, and how to maintain effective mosquito control at home.

Choose the Chemical

All pest control systems, mosquitoes or ants, are based on an insecticide. Their purpose is to kill insects, and most will kill all insects of a specific type. Thus, the chemical in a mosquito spray will also kill ants, wasps, fleas, ticks and many other insects. You should therefore not just choose one which makes most claims, because some are more harmful to environment or to humans than others.

Take N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET): this insecticide was developed by the US army to protect troops in the jungle during World War 2. It is very effective, but also harmful to humans, particularly young children. Another is permethrin, an artificial mosquito control chemical that is based on a chemical contained in chrysanthemums. This is much safer to you, your family and your pets than DEET.

The point is, don’t just choose any mosquito repellant for a yard, but make a sensible choice based upon what is best for you. Maybe DEET is best if you have no family, pets and don’t have a lot of parties in your yard. But if you do, then go for the permethrin option. It is also very effective but is much safer, particularly for mosquito control at home rather than around business premises.

Best Mosquito Repellant for a Yard

Overall, the best mosquito repellant for yard is one which is safest to your family and your pets. In that case, as stated above, a permethrin repellant is likely best. You can also get permethrin mosquito control misting systems that provide lasting control after the initial treatment. There are natural treatments, but they are not generally as effective as permethrin. However, you should choose which you feel most comfortable with. Perhaps start with a natural mosquito control system, and if that fails go for the permethrin mosquito misting system.

Mosquito Control at Home: Conclusions

Mosquito control at home is your choice. The best mosquito repellant for a yard might not be the one you prefer, but at the end of the day it’s what works that matters. It is generally accepted that the permethrin systems offer the best balance between level of protection and its chemical effect. It is the better option if you want to negate the dangers of mosquito infestations to your family – its risks are very small in comparison to those of a mosquito bite.

Springtime is finally here and there’s no better way to celebrate the end of a long winter than by sprucing up and redecorating your yard to make it a summertime destination for family and friends alike! Yard redecoration is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to raise the property value of a house, and even a minimal amount of effort can give your yard the equivalent of a facelift.

Of course, you can always go for the gusto, so to speak, by adding an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool to your backyard. The pool and surrounding yard landscaping will certainly change the appearance and usage of your outdoor space, and probably make you wildly popular with neighbors who might not have even known your name before! Whether you decide to go all-out or just want to keep it simple by planting a garden full of color, springtime yard redecoration can give you the look you want at a price that fits your budget.

One of the most popular solutions for those looking to enhance their property is a thorough yard landscaping. Whether you want to revamp your front yard so passers-by stop and notice, or emphasize the back yard for hosting parties and entertaining guests, yard landscaping is a low-cost exercise homeowners can participate in slowly but surely, during their spare time in the spring. Planting plants and bushes along the front yard will provide an instant upgrade on the appearance of your house and earn you kudos from neighbors (and perhaps jolt them into action with their yard landscaping as well!).

In the backyard, meanwhile, yard redecoration can entail anything from adding plants and bushes to planting a garden, the latter of which of course serves a dual purpose. Flower gardens are an attractive sight and will garner praise from all who visit your home; while a vegetable garden will also help you feed your guests! There aren’t many things more satisfying than growing and cooking your own vegetables.

There are many starter tips that should be noted by those embarking on a wholesale yard landscaping project. First of all, have a plan-know exactly what you want before you start digging and planting flowers or garden vegetables and buying seeds and mulch. Consult with friends who have undergone similar projects and take note of what you like and don’t like, how much you can budget for expenses, and how much time you will have to devote to your yard landscaping.

Know your property. This seems fairly obvious before and after the fact, but even the most well-meaning of people can suffer the homeowners’ version of finding their eyes are bigger than their stomachs. Understand what you have the space to do when you embark upon yard landscaping, how much time you have to devote to the work, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Lastly, keep detailed notes of your progress. This can be as simple as cataloging the day, quantity, and kind of seeds you throw out when planting a garden of vegetables or as involved as recording every step you take during an overhaul of the front or back yard. Landscaping is an ongoing process, in a good way. Physical activity out in the fresh air is good for your health, and you will undoubtedly feel a great sense of accomplishment once you start to see results. There will always be something more you can do to bolster the appearance of your property, and being able to refer back to your notes in future years will only help you improve your efficiency and timing. Good luck and make sure to have fun this spring!

Sometimes you need cash right away- emergencies come up, you are late on your rent, or maybe there is just a cool, new item that you want to buy right now. Doing yard work for friends, family, and neighbors can be a quick way to make a few bucks. You might not get rich doing yard work, but you are sure to make fast and easy money.

Everyone wants a nice looking lawn, and no matter the season, there is always yard work to be done. In the summer, you can mow grass. In the fall, you can rake leaves. And in winter, of course, you can shovel snow. There are trees, flowers, and bushes that can be planted in any season, and oftentimes people simply need their lawn cleaned up- trimming existing shrubbery or removing trash or debris from lawns can be a money maker too. All you need are a few bucks to advertise. Fliers throughout your neighborhood, and going door to door asking if people need yard care is a great way to start.

If you have your own lawn care tools, that is great. If you don’t, you could say in your advertisements that you can only work for people who have their own tools to start. Then, you could offer a low price to do their lawns. If you are fast, reliable, and friendly, your customers will be sure to tell their friends about the great job you did and you can even new customers in addition to repeat business. If you are a very good salesperson and worker, you could even parlay your search for fast and easy money doing yard work into a full-fledged lawn care business.

Most amateur front yard landscape designs include some grass, a tree or two and maybe a flower bed. And sadly, a lot of people completely ignore their backyards outside of the grass, the pool or a vegetable garden. But the benefits that come from adding professional landscape to your back yard or front lawn are incredible. Everything from the worth of your property to the condition of your neighborhood can change when you commit to professional landscaping. Your front yard and back yard will not only look great, but the improvements have some terrific additional benefits, too.

Energy Conservation: You can actually cut down on your utility bills with professionally landscaped front yards. If your home sits on a corner property, or faces an intersecting road, you probably get the full force of the sun and wind. NJ landscapers take those elements into account when they create designs, and as such might plant trees that will provide shade (keeping A/C costs down), or construct hardscapes that will protect your home from the winter winds (keeping heating costs down.) Some front yard landscape designs even help absorb the heat of the sun by working like a natural form of insulation.

Bio-Diversity: In the interest of honesty, it has to be said: bugs are pests. Grubs and beetles will eat your plants, and mosquitoes are both annoying and dangerous. But when you have someone professionally landscape your backyard, you get a person who knows which plants will attract which insects or birds, and which are more likely to attract bugs or rodents. Certain flowers will attract butterflies, who will take of pollination, saving you money on expensive “flower food” or fertilizers. And while birds might be a problem when you first seed a yard, they also eat the bugs that may destroy your plants later.

Additional Living Spaces: Most people want to get the most use they can out of their outdoor spaces. When you landscape your backyard, you can create an additional living space for you and your family to enjoy on nice days. You can have a design team build the perfect outdoor kitchen, or create a peaceful Zen garden. You can even incorporate such elements into your front yard landscape designs, too. If you have a large front lawn, why not add a reading corner or a water fountain? Professionals who create landscaped front yards for a living know how to make private areas for you to use, so that you can utilize all of your space without feeling exposed to the neighborhood.

Curb Appeal: Landscaping your front yard adds monetary value to your house – period. Landscaped front yards look better, encourage sustainability and water conservation, and promote the value of the neighborhood. In fact, studies have shown that people searching for their first home believe good landscaping is indicative of better housekeeping – a fact NJ landscapers will willingly share. So by landscaping your front yard, you’re showing the world that you devote time and energy to maintaining your house. Think about it: who on earth would dedicate so many hours to pruning the trees and mowing the lawn if the roof leaked or the foundation was bad, right?

Continuing the Landscape into Your Backyard

There’s a lot to be said for continuity, and having your front yard landscape designs flow into the back yard is a good idea. Hiring a design team is the easiest way to do this, because they’ll know exactly how to create beautiful front yard landscape designs that become useful and practical in the back yard.

Need an example? Let’s say that while landscaping your front yard, you decide you want to add a natural stone wall to set off the plants and shrubs that have already been planted. When it comes time to design the back yard, you need to reconsider that stone choice: will it be strong enough to double as pavers? Will you need to double the amount you purchase because your back yard is very large – or will they look out of place because your back yard is small? Will it break your budget?

Hiring professionals eliminates these issues, because they’ll already know which materials will work best for both beauty and utility. They’ll have a specific budget with which to landscape your backyard and your front yard, and can choose plants, stones and trees that are both pretty and sturdy. They’ll keep costs down, too, because all of the guesswork will be eliminated. NJ landscapers make it a point to know which materials can be purchased locally, so that the natural environment of the area will flourish – and so that you won’t pay a fortune in shipping costs, either. Overall, it makes more sense to hire a contractor to create the designs from beginning to end. You’ll always know what you’re getting, and you’re sure to be happy with the end result.

Although front yard landscaping is not necessary, it has become a very popular project among many homeowners because it adds beauty to the front of the house. After all, a great yard in front gives an even better impression to the guests and even to anyone who happen to pass by the place. A good front yard landscape gives a warm welcome to the guests and visitors of the house. As it is the first thing to be noticed, it should be the most accommodating of all.

There are actually many landscaping ideas that you can follow or use as a guide. Whichever you want to imitate, you should remember that your front yard must still contain some personalized elements – something that will tell the guests of who you are and what kind of people are living inside the house. Thus, if your front yard looks bad, it may give a bad impression on those who see it.

The most important element in any landscaping project in your front yard, however, is not really the aesthetics but the functionality. There is no use of having a breathtaking view in front of your abode if you have a hard time accessing the door anyway. People who walk through your yard will never learn to appreciate its beauty if there are too many obstacles along the way and if there is no proper place for them to be able to just pause, stop for a while and enjoy the view.

Usually, simple landscaping ideas will do the trick such as adding plants here and there. You can also have curbs and walkways placed in to add beauty and to have some place where you can step in, without destroying the grass as well as the other plants. Remember though that the focal point of any front yard design is the front door of your house. Without a clear path and a clear view to the door, your yard can look like mayhem and your guests will feel like they are inside the jungle.

You can start by painting your door with a complimentary color to your house, to make sure it stands out. Then, you can put in some plants around or near the door to highlight it – but do not overdo, of course. From there, you can start adding in other elements until it reaches your gate, if you have any, or until it covers most of your front yard.

You can also place in another pathway to the side of the house and add tables and chairs where you and your guests can sit around and chat. If you are not too sure about realizing the landscaping ideas that you have in mind, it may be best to get a landscape architect to help you. Just make sure to tell them exactly what you have in mind so that they can start with the work and then you, your family and friends can enjoy its beauty right away!

Have you considered different landscaping ideas for front yard and backyard projects? Are you wanting to move forward but have not found pictures for your landscaping ideas for front yard and backyard? The motivation for healthier, peaceful and relaxed living is producing in a expanding awareness of the value of landscaping to a residence. Your strategies for home modernizing therefore, must not be restricted within the walls of your residence, but really should expand to incorporate your lawn, backyards and outdoor dwelling areas.

Landscaping, if correctly organized, effectively carried out and appropriately financed will enhance the comfort, increase the visual appeal and boost the valuation on your house. This website “pictures and ideas for front and back yard landscaping” has been prepared as a service to home owners who need landscaping ideas for front yard and backyard and also intend to make the outside of their residences as beautiful and as comfy as the interiors. The information found on “pictures and ideas for front and back yard landscaping” will benefit you and your home! We are here to help you get the information and insight on how to implement landscaping ideas for front yard and backyard to make your home your personal paradise.

How are you implementing landscaping ideas for front yard?

When you purchase a new residence or choose to enhance your older one, you’re, obviously, concerned with each and every foot of ground that goes with it, for modern living and modern day gardening could make each and every inch of your home useful and attractive. New strategies of garden soil enhancement, grading, fencing and terracing make even sloping, hilly lots, previously undesirable, now appealing and choice. Modern day chemistry has introduced new nutrients to your garden soil and has now supplied weapons resistant to the traditional adversaries of the garden: disease and pesky insects. Hardier bulbs and plant seeds make landscapes more productive in addition to incredibly vibrant. Incredible hybrids have extended the list of flowering trees and shrubs, producing specimens for each and every coloring and design plan, every kind of home and garden. All these choices are great for landscaping ideas for front yard and backyard.

New gardening tools and supplies speed the time-consuming backyard and front yard landscaping garden duties. New ideas and methods for living deliver us to the outdoors, and bbq dinners and comfortable lawn furnishings make a small suburban backyard and front yard as luxuriously satisfying as was once possible only with a huge property. Architecturally, today’s home might be more a part of the great outdoors than was yesterday’s. Huge picture home windows, glass walls, glassed-in sun patios and balconies all combine in making your garden an element of your house. As a result, the scene will become that much more valuable. A good looking garden, a luxuriant lawn and healthful flourishing trees and shrubs all bring just as much towards the inside of your house as your drapes and window treatments or wallpaper. The time and effort spent with your lawns and landscaping will pay off in each and every way, indoors in addition to outdoors. Landscaping ideas for front yard and backyard that come to fruition will enhance your home and the value as well.

Need help with landscaping ideas for front yard?

Whenever you plan your grounds you’ll be influenced by a lot of the concepts you utilize in decorating your house. Proportion, texture, coloring, line, tranquility, functionality -these are terms that pertain to landscaping in addition to designing. And for those who have large grounds, you’ll reap the benefits of meticulous planning just as considerably as does the owner of one third of acre. Garden books are full of conventional ideas for excellent back yard and front yard landscaping, but you’ll want to take into account not the most perfect garden alone, however the one strategy that’ll be ideal for your particular household. Evaluate your family, its requirements and routines; then style and design your grounds to best fulfill its prejudices, wishes and requirements.

At a recent local investor meeting the question was raised, “should we use a sign in the yard, even if we only plan to wholesale the property?”

I have a very strong opinion about yard signs.

Yes – you should use a sign at every opportunity.

1. A sign in the yard is probably the best marketing tool you can use. We have an addendum we hand out to sellers giving us permission to start marketing as soon as we have the signed contract. By signing the addendum, they give us permission to put a lock box on the door and a sign in the yard, as well as show the property at pre-approved times. Naturally they don’t always sign and, when they don’t, we respect that. When they do sign, however, we jump right on it.

2. Because neighbors see our signs, they often call to say “can you buy my house, too?” or “I have someone who is interested in buying this house from you” (a friend, family member, co-worker). Signs often produce immediate feedback.

3. When doing a rehab, we immediately put a sign in the yard with a “Coming Soon” rider. The neighbors are thrilled to know the house is being renovated and, again, often have a buyer. Additionally, people driving the neighborhood do so because they have interest in the area or work nearby. A sign in the yard may be the only way they’ll know your house is for sale.

4. A sign protects your property. Neighbors call when they see anything suspicious going on: “lights have been left on at your house”, “water is running out of your house” (yes, we received this call..), “a tree fell on your house”, etc. Naturally, it’s not always bad news, but you get the idea.

5. Signs going up and coming back down quickly – because your property sells quickly – are enticing to those thinking of selling their own home.

6. Additionally, for years I’ve said that the number one way we rent properties is by signs in the yard. Don’t underestimate this inexpensive way to get your name and number out to the public.

There’s added impact if you have more than one sign out in an area at a time. Just as real estate agents become known in an area, you can too! Signs play a big role in that recognition.

Do you put out signs? You should.

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign!!!

**Side note – the above photo was taken last week at a property we’re rehabbing. About 5 days before we finished the property, we accepted a full price offer on it because the buyer has been wanting something in this neighborhood and didn’t want to miss out on this one. Thank goodness for this sign!

Yard sign material options vary considerably. One of the most popular, possibly even the industry standard, however, is corrugated plastic. This lightweight, highly-versatile material can be used for almost any type of sign, from business advertising to political campaigns to personal events (birthday parties, baby showers, etc.). This article explains everything you need to know about corrugated yard signs to help you decide if this is the right material for you.

Description

Corrugated plastic, sometimes called “coroplast,” is a lightweight, twin-wall material. The two sides of plastic are joined in the middle by fluted slats, similar to the look of corrugated cardboard. The material is much more durable than cardboard, however. It is fully-weather resistant and designed for outdoor use. In addition, corrugated plastic can be recycled, which means it is environmentally-friendly. The most-common uses for this material are for bandit signs, political signs, real estate signs, and personal lawn signs.

Cost

The cost of your corrugated plastic sign is primarily dependent on your size and quantity. Regardless of these two factors, however, coroplast signs are going to be on the lower-priced end of the yard sign scale. Most companies offer high-quantity, bulk discounts for ordering a lot of yard signs, which is great for political candidates and real estate agents who need a large amount of signs. In addition, another great way to save money on corrugated plastic yard signs is to limit your use of color. Companies which use screen printing often offer a 1-color, 2-color, or 3-color discount, meaning that the less color you use, the less-expensive your signs.

Options

The first option you need to choose, if your sign company offers it, is what color corrugated plastic you want. The most-common colors are white and yellow, though some sign printers offer others. White and yellow are generally best, however, because they’re light enough that you can see your printed information.

Another option to consider is whether you want the sign to be one-sided or two-sided. Two-sided signs are a great choice when your sign will be placed at the street, seen from both directions. Keep in mind, however, that this will make your lawn sign more-expensive.

Finally, decide what shape you would like your yard sign to be. Not every company offers this option, but some allow you to select from a variety of standard shapes (houses, arrows, states, etc.). This makes your signs look more-custom and unique, but again, at a price.

Life Expectancy

Coroplast signs are indeed made to withstand the elements, but they will not last as long as, say, an aluminum or metal sign. The overall life expectancy depends on how the sign is used, but on average a corrugated plastic sign will last for about a year before needing replacement. If your signs are not outside this entire time, they will last much longer. The good thing about coroplast, however, is that it’s affordable enough that ordering replacements won’t break the bank.

Accessories

This material offers a variety of framing and mounting options. The most-commonly used accessory is wire stakes. These are a thin wire H-frame that slides down into the flutes of the corrugated sign and then is inserted into the ground. This is a great application for a temporary sign that’s easy to remove and reposition. It should not be used for a permanent application.

If you’re looking for something more-sturdy, consider ordering a real estate sign frame (your corrugated sign will fit inside it and be framed all the way around with heavy-duty angle iron). Another great option is to mount the sign to a fence (add grommets in the corners and then zip-tie to the fence) or on a wall (with screws or nails).

Designing a front yard is usually about accessibility and invitation. We spend hardly any time in the front yard as opposed to the backyard, but it is where we enter and exit our homes. For this reason, we may put much thought into driveways and walkways and then design everything else around that.

Landscaping your front yard can add curb appeal, a sense of invitation, increases the value of the property and acts as framing for your house. Though it is an important element of your house, you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to create a beautiful landscape. Something simple and functional can have maximum impact as well. Here are some ideas to help you update your front yard landscape.

Use your front door as a focal point – Paint the door a color that both contrasts and compliments the color of the house. The walkway should also flow easily to it so that people aren’t confused where to go. You can use a soft curvy line but keep in mind that you don’t want your guests to be wandering around thinking they took the wrong path that may never get them to the front door. In other words, it should be like following bread crumbs. Another way to lead them to the front door is to frame the house with smaller plants near the door.

Freshen up what you already have – At times all you have to do is prune and shape your existing foliage to revamp your front yard. Use vertical plants and shrubs to soften the corners of the house. You can also change out some of the potted plants you have for a different look.

Outdoor garden furniture adds appeal – If you think that outdoor furniture is only for backyards, you’re wrong. You can find an area near the front entry to place a small and sturdy aluminum table and chair; even if you have to clear away some old shrubs that are past their prime to do it. A nicely decorated seating area, maybe with outdoor cushions, gives guests the impression that they are welcome to stay for awhile.

Build an island garden – This can be done in less than a weekend. Pick a good spot somewhere like in the corner. Lay down layers of newspaper to keep weeds down and cover that with a large mound of black dirt. Add some shrubs and low maintenance perennials appropriate for the amount of sunshine in the area and cover the dirt with mulch or landscaping rocks. Use landscaping bricks or other type of edging around the perimeter and you’re done.

Use garden structures – Using an arbor, trellis or tall sculpture can add vertical height especially when the plants and flowers are growing at the same level. A garden gate leading to the backyard on one side could be used to balance round-shaped shrubs on the other side.

Add outdoor lighting – This is great for added security as well as to maintain the appeal of your house after dark. Solar lights are great for this purpose. You can place them along the walkway and underneath trees. They require no installation, wiring or electricity so pick your spots and that’s it.