The Press-Dispatch

April 7, 2021

The Press-Dispatch

Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1359118

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 38 of 40

S-14 Home and Garden Wednesday, April 7, 2021 The Press-Dispatch © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2021. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer. Come to the Kubota Field Event to demo tractors, mowers and utility vehicles – plus, take advantage of competitive financing offers and on-site coupons up to $250. GREAT RIDES. GREAT DEALS. GREAT DEALS. 83 HWY 231 S, JASPER 812-482-9696 WWW.HOPFOUTDOOR.COM for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer. Field Event to demo tractors, mowers plus, take advantage of competitive on-site coupons up to $250. GREAT RIDES. GREAT DEALS. SATURDAY, APRIL 10 8 AM – 2 PM FOOD & REFRESHMENTS PRIZES Various factors motivate the deci- sions homeowners make when design- ing their landscapes. Some may be mo- tivated by the ways additions will af- fect the resale value of their homes, while others may be guided by a love for a particular type of plant. Comfort is yet another motivator, and shade trees can make yards more comfort- able as the mercury rises. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the fol- lowing are some popular shade trees that can add beauty to a landscape and make it more comfortable come the dog days of summer. • Red sunset maple: Its name alone makes many people think of la- zy summer days spent lounging in the yard. The red sunset maple provides ample shade and comes with the add- ed benefit of producing an awe-inspir- ing blend of red and orange leaves come the fall. Red sunset maples can survive in a range of habitats and their adaptable roots means they can thrive in various soil types. • Northern red oak: The state tree of New Jersey, the northern red oak is, according to the Arbor Day Founda- tion, both beloved for its aesthetic ap- peal and valued for its adaptability and usefulness. Northern red oaks can tol- erate urban conditions, but they do not do well in hot climates. • Sawtooth oak: Another tree that produces some awe-inspiring color, the sawtooth oak is a durable, adaptable shade tree. Golden yellow leaves in the spring will give way to dark green in summer, only to turn yellow and gold- en brown in the fall. The Tree Center Plant Supply Co. notes that the saw- tooth oak can thrive in warmer cli- mates where shade trees that can co- exist with high temperatures can be hard to find. • Northern catalpa: The Arbor Day Foundation notes that the north- ern catalpa is easily identifiable thanks to its heart-shaped leaves and twist- ing trunks and branches. Nature en- thusiasts, and particularly those who enjoy birdwatching, may be happy to learn that the flowers of the catalpa are frequently visited by hummingbirds. • Quaking aspen: The quaking aspen has the widest natural range of any tree in North America, spanning 47 degrees of latitude, 110 degrees of longitude (nine time zones) and ele- vations from sea level to timberline. That impressive range is no doubt why the United States Forest Service notes that the quaking aspen can grow in greatly diverse regions, environments and communities. Shade trees can add beauty to a property and make a yard more com- fortable. Homeowners are urged to discuss shade trees with a local lawn and garden professional prior to plant- ing. Shade trees make yards more comfortable Working in the yard safely A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and sum- mer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens. A sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook po- tential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But safe- ty precautions are of the ut- most necessity when work- ing in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is con- siderable. For example, the American Academy of Ortho- paedic Surgeons reports that, in 2016, more than 90,000 pa- tients, including nearly 5,000 children, were treated in hos- pital emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries. Lawn- and garden-relat- ed injuries can be prevent- ed without going to great lengths. • Know your terrain be- fore mowing. Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury. This can be especial- ly important when mowing the lawn with a riding mow- er. Adhere to manufacturers' recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over ac- cidents that can pin riders be- neath the mower. Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mow- ing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a walk-be- hind mower. For greater con- trol when using a walk-behind mower on an incline, mow par- allel to the slope. • Apply and reapply sun- screen. Sunburns may not re- quire trips to the emergency room, but they can still be se- rious. In fact, the Skin Can- cer Foundation notes that sun- burn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell car- cinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 min- utes before going outside to al- low the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you're sweating excessively. The SCF recom- mends broad spectrum sun- screens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Though a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is acceptable when walking the dog or driving to work, the SCF advises using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when engaging in ex- tended outdoor activities like gardening or mowing. • Employ the buddy sys- tem. Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or per- forming any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic In- stitute of Pennsylvania re- ports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask a sig- nificant other or neighbor to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to reduce your risk of falling. If cutting large branches, cut them piecemeal to reduce the risk of being in- jured by heavy falling branch- es. • Inspect the property for insect hives. The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hor- nets. Homeowners who are not careful can inadvertently come across hives when do- ing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dan- gerous for anyone, and espe- cially so for people with a his- tory of allergic reactions to in- sect bites or stings. Inspect ar- eas where you'll be working to make sure insects haven't put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm. Lawn and garden accidents and injuries can be serious. Thankfully, accidents and injuries are easily prevent- ed when homeowners take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Press-Dispatch - April 7, 2021