Can Homeowners Use Fast-Growing Trees To Define Boundaries & Increased Privacy?

Installing a six-foot fence generally improves backyard privacy while increasing property values. But the price tag associated with fencing materials and labor often requires homeowners to invest thousands of dollars. And after the wood or composite structure has been erected, it will require maintenance, repairs and eventually need to be replaced.

Those rank among the wide-reaching reasons an increased number of homeowners are planting fast-growing trees to define property lines and create privacy. The benefits of what many call a “living fence” usually include lower costs and enhanced natural beauty. Like traditional fences, a keenly designed landscape that uses trees can also improve property values.

How To Plant A Living Fence

Along with reduced materials costs, planting fast-growing trees lends itself to a DIY project. If you have the shovels and time, digging a few holes for relatively young trees doesn’t require a contractor. Simply create holes large and deep enough to accommodate the root system, set it in place, fill in the vacant space and water as needed. There are some items that property owners will need to know before mapping out the tree line. These include the following.

  • How close together should you plant trees for branches to overlap?

  • Do you prefer year-round privacy from evergreens?

  • Do you prefer fall foliage from deciduous varieties?

It’s also essential to consider which varieties are best suited for a particular area and soil conditions.

Popular Fast-Growing Trees For Privacy Fences

When selecting the right trees for your landscape, there are a few elements to consider. The first involves choosing varieties that will naturally overlap to form a living fence. Maples, oaks, Loblolly Pines, among others, have large canopies. They rarely grow spreading limbs near ground level. The following varieties rank among the more popular ones deployed for living fences.

  • Green Giant Thuja:

     Reaching upwards of 40 feet tall with a thick evergreen spread of 5-8 feet, this full- or partial-sun tree remains a privacy fence favorite. Known for superior density, overlapping Thuja also deter deer.

  • Leyland Cypress:

    Maturing to upwards of 50 feet in just 15 years, this variety creates an almost impenetrable privacy barrier. With a spread of up to 20 feet when planted in rows, the Leyland Cypress also manages drought well.

  • Bamboo:

    Ranked among the fastest-growing landscaping assets, Bamboo is actually considered a type of grass. Resistant to insects and pests, it’s essential to select a variety that achieves the height and clumping density necessary for living fence privacy.

Property owners can plant deciduous trees such as Dogwoods and ornamentals to add flowering beauty. Although such varieties may not effectively provide privacy, hedges can supplement gaps. Perhaps the important takeaway is that people have options beyond the products found at home improvement outlets.

Is Kentucky the right place to purchase land?

A beginner's guide to Kentucky farmland featured image

The state of Kentucky is known for many things; including its speedway, bluegrass music, college basketball and more.
Many are drawn to the state for its charm, and many more are drawn in due to its rich agricultural community. 

If you’re searching for a farm for sale in Kentucky, you’re in the right place, as the state has much to offer those
you’d like to invest in acres of land. 

How much does a farm cost in Kentucky?

One acre of land in Kentucky is around $7,200, which is slightly above the average cost of the same amount of land in
the U.S. One reason for this difference is for the excellent quality of the soil, which makes it the ideal
agricultural land. 

The average size of farms within the state is 171 acres, so it’s not uncommon to spend over $700,000 for a property.
The cost of farms for sale varies greatly – if it’s near popular counties such as Jefferson County or Warren County,
you can expect to pay more. 

Where is the best farmland in Kentucky?

One of the best regions to purchase farmland in Kentucky is the bluegrass region. The soil in this region is fertile,
making it perfect for healthy pastures for farm animals to graze on, and great for growing crops. 

Is Kentucky a good place to have a farm?

Kentucky farms are rated some of the best in the country, as they have ample acreage close to popular zip codes,
high-yielding land ripe for agriculture, ranches with some of the best state-of-the-art equipment and more. 

Observing KY listings, there’s an increase in the cost of acres and farms – meaning investors can benefit long term
should they decide to sell their property in the future. 

If you decide to add Kentucky farms to your list of potential investments, consider speaking with a local real estate
agent to explore your options.

Should You Submit Multiple Offers to Purchase at the Same Time?

If you find lots of great homes are available and cannot decide which residence to buy, there is no need to stress. Rather than submit multiple offers to purchase various houses, you should hone your home search. By doing so, you can discover the right residence, at the right price.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you narrow your home search.

1. Define Your Dream Home

Think about the features you want in your dream home. Then, you can make a list of “must-have” home features and search for residences that offer these features.

Furthermore, consider where you want to reside. If you prefer big city living, for example, you may want to focus exclusively on city houses. On the other hand, if you want to reside in a small town, you can search for residences in myriad small towns.

2. Conduct a Preliminary Housing Market Review

Let’s face it – searching for a home can be overwhelming, regardless of whether you are a first-time or experienced homebuyer. But if you perform a preliminary housing market review, you can get a good idea about the volume and quality of available residences. Next, you can use this real estate market information to map out your homebuying journey.

Of course, it may be beneficial to attend open house events as well. These events enable you to get an up-close look at assorted residences. They also can help you understand the features you want in your dream house so you can further refine your home search.

3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent

When it comes to navigating the housing market, it helps to have a real estate expert at your side. Thankfully, real estate agents are available in cities and towns nationwide, and these housing market experts are happy to help you acquire a superb residence at an affordable price.

A real estate agent understands what it takes to help you find a quality home that won’t force you to break your budget. First, he or she will learn about your homebuying goals and teach you about the real estate market. A real estate agent next will help you analyze the real estate market and explore a broad range of houses. And once you find a house you want to buy, a real estate agent will help you craft a competitive offer to purchase this residence.

Let’s not forget about the guidance a real estate agent provides throughout the homebuying journey, either. Purchasing a house is no small feat, and a real estate agent will take the guesswork out of the homebuying cycle. Best of all, a real estate agent can respond to your homebuying concerns and questions at any time.

If you want to discover a home that matches your expectations, it helps to plan ahead for the property buying journey. By taking advantage of the aforementioned tips, you can streamline your house search and find your ideal home faster than ever before.

Buying A Home That Can Make You A Profit In Florida

If you’re in the market to buy a Florida home, you know what an investment it is. As house prices climb, you want to know that you’ll get a good return on the purchase that you do make. If you ever decide to sell the property, it would be a nice bonus to make a profit. Read on to discover the things you should look for in a Florida home to help you make it profitable.  

Location, Location, Location

Where a property sits is one of the most significant contributing factors to its value. If a home in poor condition is located in a desirable neighborhood, it surely has potential to increase in value. Some properties may be in already desirable neighborhoods. Other homes may be located in what’s deemed as an “up-and-coming” area. Think of the following when it comes to the location of a house:

The schools nearby 

The number of homes for sale in the area

The size of the homes in the area

The school system is one of the essential aspects of the value of the property, so a good school system is a good sign.

On the flip side, if you see a lot of properties for sale in the area, it could mean that people are desperately trying to get out of the neighborhood. For sale, signs could be a red flag. 

A Property Has Potential

Maybe you have found a Florida home that isn’t perfect but has a lot of charm. If you have a vision for the property, it’s possible that you can add value rather quickly once you buy it. If you fall in love with an area that you can’t afford, you could look for a fixer-upper. Remember that the smallest house in the most beautiful neighborhood is often better than the biggest home in a less desirable area.    

 

The Exterior And Interior Can Be Changed

It’s often hard to overlook the cosmetics of a home. If you’re looking for a way to add value and make a profit on a Florida home, you need an open mind. Curb appeal and the appearance of a home’s interior are simple to change. The best part is that these improvements add immense value to a property. Many enhancements are small yet make a big difference including:

  • Paint
  • Planting
  • Tile
  • Cleaning
  • Trimming

All of these activities are easy yet will make a home look like a different property.   

What Is Rustic Design?

Rustic design is frequently mixed with other interior design styles, but is an entire style on its own as well. While it might be easy to point out the rustic parts of other designs, narrowing down what “rustic” truly means can be difficult. Here we will go over the key elements of rustic design so you have a better understanding of the term and how to apply it to your own home decorating.

Here are the important features in rustic design:

Real Wood

Rustic design favors actual wood over artificial alternatives. Wide-planked wooden floors, barn doors and exposed beams are all key elements you’ll find in rustic inspired spaces. Wood pieces that are weathered or slightly distressed are a great choice, as the style celebrates the gritty and imperfect aspect of the material. Going for wood with obvious grain, knots and other unique markings and imperfections will get you on the right track to rustic design.

Handmade

Another key aspect of rustic decor is the focus on handmade and reclaimed pieces. A rustic design interior should have major furnishings that are unique and maybe a little rough around the edges. If you love to DIY, you’ll love exploring this aspect of rustic style. Obviously, not everything has to be handmade, but the more focus you can put on the handmade aspect of your style the better. Using reclaimed materials is a great way to further enhance the aesthetic, especially if you go the DIY route.

Heavy

Rustic style pieces are heavy. Tables and seating will have large, thick legs and broad silhouettes. The furnishings themselves may be literally quite heavy as well, especially if made from solid wood. For fabrics and softer aspects of the style, you can still find a lot of weight. Common materials include wool, dark leather and jute. Go for sturdy fabrics and anything else that evokes a strong yet low-profile feel.

Texture

The more texture you have in a rustic design space, the better. Unfinished wood with knots and grains is essential. You might also want to include other textured pieces like jute rugs or distressed leather. Raw stone and brick make great choices for features like fireplaces and kitchen accents. As long as you avoid anything especially smooth or shiny you’ll be within the realm of rustic style.

Exposed Beams

Wooden beams are an iconic aspect of rustic design. This goes both for interior and exterior aesthetics. Think vaulted ceilings with exposed beams that evoke the same feeling as a barn or lodge. Even if your ceilings are low or flat, decorative beams that give the appearance of being structural are a pure rustic charm. Regardless of the architectural style of your home, if you have any exposed beams you’re already on your way to rustic design.

While these are the basic tenets of the rustic design style, there are no rules. Mixing in contrasting materials like glass, polished metallics and softer textiles will still work in a rustic space. Use these tips as broad guidelines and let your creativity determine how to make this style work for you.

How Many Open Houses Should You Attend?

Attending open houses is common for property buyers in cities and towns nationwide. However, there is no set number of open houses that a homebuyer will need to attend to discover his or her dream residence. In some instances, a buyer may find the ideal home after attending his or her first open house. Or, a buyer may attend dozens of open houses and fail to find a residence that matches his or her expectations.

As a homebuyer, it is important to do everything possible to make the most of an open house. Lucky for you, we’re here to help you get ready for an open house and ensure that you can maximize the value of this event.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you get ready for an open house.

1. Create a List of Home Questions

You may have learned about a home from a listing. Yet a listing only offers a limited amount of information about a residence. And if you have additional questions about a residence, an open house provides you with a great opportunity to receive responses to your queries.

Craft a list of questions before you attend an open house – you’ll be glad you did. With this list in hand, you can ask questions about a home and gain the insights you need to help you decide whether a residence is right for you.

2. Perform Research

Try to collect as much information as you can about a home prior to an open house. That way, you can have a good idea about what to expect when you attend this event.

Also, you may want to put together a game plan before an open house. This plan allows you to prioritize different areas of a residence that you want to check out. Plus, it may help you conduct an in-depth review of a residence.

3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is happy to help you plan ahead for any open house. If you employ a real estate agent today, you can receive comprehensive assistance as you conduct your house search.

Typically, a real estate agent will keep you up to date about open house events in your preferred cities and towns. This housing market professional can attend an open house with you and offer immediate feedback as well. In addition, if you want to submit an offer to purchase a residence after an open house, a real estate agent can help you do just that.

Let’s not forget about the expert housing market insights that a real estate agent can provide, either. A real estate agent can offer insights into housing market patterns and trends. By doing so, a real estate agent can help you narrow your home search and ensure that you can find a great house at a budget-friendly price.

Ready to attend an open house? Use the aforementioned tips, and you can attend an open house and learn about all aspects of a residence.

Outdoor fireplaces: Brick fireplace considerations

Among the myriad options for illuminating and warming up your outdoor living space, the most cozy and luxurious are outdoor fireplaces. Brick, stone, concrete and other materials can be used to create stunning outdoor fire features in a wide range of design styles.

For DIY-enthusiasts, the prospect of building an outdoor fireplace might be an attractive one. However, it’s important to understand the scope and demands of the project before you get started.

To help you decide if building your own fireplace is the right move, here are some major things to consider:

Building permits & codes

One of the first things you need to consider before building an outdoor fireplace is whether you need a permit. Some communities require specific licenses or permits for large outdoor fire features, and might also restrict what type of fuel you use (wood or gas).

You’ll also have to abide by any rules for proper distance from structures, trees and fences, which can be problematic in smaller outdoor spaces.

Budget

Outdoor fireplaces vary wildly in price depending on several factors. While going DIY will cost you less than hiring a contractor, you’ll still need to budget for materials, supplies and equipment. One cost-effective option is to purchase a fireplace kit, including instructions and materials.

You may wish to consider the ongoing cost of fireplace fuel. For example, a wood burning fireplace relies on firewood, which can add up quickly without a wholesale resource. For an outdoor gas fireplace, your usage will be reflected in your monthly utility bill.

Outdoor fireplace materials

You need to construct your fireplace with heat-safe materials, and depending on the design you might need more than one material type. The most common materials include brick, cinder block, concrete or natural stone.

For the inside of the fireplace, you’ll need steel or fire-rated bricks that can withstand the extreme heat. Alternatively, you can use an existing fire pit and construct walls and chimney around it. To build the chimney, you’ll need a fire-rated metal flue pipe.

An impressive outdoor fireplace can help you enjoy your outdoor living space even on chilly evenings. Regardless of whether you go for the traditional style with brick, stacked stone or opt instead for a modern fireplace aesthetic, keeping these important factors in mind will help make your fireplace project a success.

Set the Bar High for Your California Luxury Property Search

If you intend to pursue a luxury home in San Francisco, Los Angeles or anywhere else in California, it may be beneficial to set the bar high for your house search. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of finding and buying a Golden State luxury residence that you can enjoy for an extended period of time.

Now, let’s take a look at three tips to help you transform your California luxury homeownership dream into a reality.

1. Create Homebuying Criteria

You know you want to buy a luxury home in California, but you are still unsure about what features you want to find in your dream residence. Fortunately, you can hone your Golden State luxury homebuying criteria to streamline your house search.

Think about your California luxury home “must-haves” and include them in your homebuying criteria. You also can include your Golden State luxury house “wants” in your homebuying criteria. It is important to prioritize your California luxury homebuying criteria too. This means your California luxury home wants should be lower priorities relative to your home must-haves.

2. Narrow Your House Search

Once you have California luxury homebuying criteria in hand, you should focus on where you want to reside in the Golden State. That way, you can search for luxury houses in a small group of California cities and towns.

Luxury houses are available across California, so there is no need to worry if you narrow your property search to select areas. For example, if you want to reside near the upscale boutiques and shops on Rodeo Drive, you may want to focus on luxury houses available in Beverly Hills. On the other hand, if you want to live close to family members and friends in San Diego, you can search for luxury houses in the city itself.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

Searching for a luxury home in Malibu, Cupertino or any other California city or town may prove to be a long, arduous journey. Thankfully, you can hire a real estate agent who will take the guesswork out of finding and acquiring a Golden State luxury home that matches or exceeds your expectations.

A real estate agent will learn about your California luxury homebuying goals and help you plan accordingly. Thus, if you want to buy a luxury home in Sacramento as quickly as possible, a real estate agent will help you accelerate your house search. Or, if you want to purchase a luxury house that provides convenient access to Disneyland, a real estate agent will help you pursue deluxe properties in the Anaheim area.

As you get set to kick off a California luxury home search, you should try to plan ahead. With the aforementioned tips, you can go above and beyond the call of duty to discover your ideal Golden State luxury house. Then, you can buy a California luxury house that you’ll be able to enjoy both now and in the future.

DIY Guide: Stepping Stones for Your Garden

Stepping stones are a perfect alternative to traditional garden paths. For small spaces or for a more rustic look, stepping stones can liven up a space while providing helpful functionality. There are many styles of stepping stone, such as those made from flagstone or concrete pavers. However, pebble stepping stones are a fun and creative addition to any yard or garden. The best thing about them is that they’re simple to make yourself. Here we’ll go over how to make your very own stepping stones.

Materials

Smooth stones or pebbles
Mortar

Equipment

Paintbrush
Rubber mallet
12×12 inch concrete mold
Protective gloves

Process

  1. Fill the mold with dry mortar, leaving about 1/3 inch at the top.

  2. Level the mortar either by hand or a small float, smooth out the mortar into an even surface. Use protective equipment to avoid skin burn or irritation from the mortar.

  3. Begin arranging the stones by nestling them into the dry mortar. Place them so they are snug against one another and stand up without tipping over.

  4. Because the mortar is still dry, you don’t have to worry about planning a design ahead of time. You can change stone placement as much as you need to make the perfect pattern.

  5. Once the stones are where you want them, use the rubber mallet to tamp them down. Try to make them level with the top of the mold. You can use a piece of wood, a ruler or any other flat object to test the level.

  6. Use the paintbrush to dust off the surface of the stones to remove any extra dry mortar.

  7. Slowly add water to the mortar using a spray attachment on a hose. Keep the water pressure low so that it does not send stones and mortar flying. Plan to do several light rounds of watering rather than drenching the mold.

  8. To test the moisture, use the mallet to tap on the stones. Watch for bubbles to appear or excess water to drain out when you tap the stones—this is your cue to stop watering.

  9. Take your thoroughly damp stepping stone mold to a covered but well-ventilated spot. The mortar will need to cure and harden for at least 48 hours before your stepping stone will be ready to use.

  10. The stepping stone should be hardened and cured after two days. Carefully remove the mold and wash away any loose mortar with water and a paintbrush.

Now you have a beautiful custom stepping stone for your garden. Repeat the process to make an entire path or keep them as standalone points of interest in your landscaping.

Beginners Guide to Creating a Mini Hydroponics System

A mini hydroponics system serves as a fun way to grow all your favorite fruits and vegetables all throughout the year. The plants get their nutrients from flowing water instead of soil, letting you skip the dirt in favor of something a little fancier. You can then control every aspect of their nutrient intake and grow a ton of plants in a small footprint. Ready to get started? Here’s what to do.  

What You Will Need

Although it is easy enough to operate, a mini hydroponics system requires many supplies and a couple hours of setup time.

You will need:

  • 20-gallon fish tank or plastic tote

  • Submersible water pump

  • Air stone and pump

  • PVC pipe with end caps

  • Rubber tubing

  • Indoor grow lights

  • Surge protector

  • Hydroponics pots

  • Growing medium (coco chips, rocks, oasis cubes, etc.)

  • Nutrient solution

  • Seeds

Also, grab a drill with a hole saw and several large bits, so you can create spaces for your pots in the PVC pipe plus inlet and outlets for the water.  

How to Get Set Up

Once you have your supplies, you will need to follow these steps to create your mini hydroponics system.

  1. Find a place near an electrical outlet to set up your mini hydroponics system.

  2. Place the tote or fish tank in its permanent position and put the air stone on the bottom.

  3. Run tubing from the air stone to its pump and hook up the surge protector.

  4. Put the water pump in the other side and suction it to the side of the tank.

  5. Fill up the tank halfway with distilled water and mix in the nutrient solution.

  6. Cut holes in the PVC pipe to fit up to six pots along its length.

  7. Cut a smaller hole in the upper surface of the pipe near the last pot.

  8. Cut a hole along the bottom of the tube on the other side to create a drain.

  9. Place the tube from the water pump into the hole in the upper surface.

  10. Plug in the air and water pump to the surge protector.

Once you plug in the pumps, the air pump will aerate the water to give your plants oxygen as they grow. The water pump will send water through the PVC pipe, which will then flow back down into the tank through the drain hole. This system needs to run constantly to keep your plants thriving.

After completing your steps, your mini hydroponics system is ready for plants. Add the pots to the pipe, place growing medium inside and plant your seeds. Leafy greens work the best in this type of system, but you can experiment with different plants to see what you like to grow. Also, don’t forget to install your LED grow lights about 12- to 24-inches above the tank.

Upkeep of Your Garden Hydroponics System

You will need to regularly check the pipe to make sure that the roots are not clogging your pipe or drain. If so, you can trim the roots back slightly or remove that plant and put new seeds in its place.

You will also need to change the water about once every couple of months to keep the nutrient solution fresh enough for your plants. Make sure to clean the tank thoroughly when you do that to prevent mold, mildew and algae growth.

As you figure out which plants thrive in your system, you can treat yourself to fresh fruit and veggies of all kinds. Even herbs are worth trying to grow once you have a good understanding of gardening hydroponics.