Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Make Your Fall Leaves Work for You!

There are things you can do with leaves other than rake them and bag them.

Use them in compost.

Leaf mold is what’s left when you let leaves decompose naturally. It makes the forest smell…like a
forest. Leaf mold improves the soil and its water-holding ability and attracts beneficial organisms like earthworms.

Leaves make excellent mulch, suppress weeds, and feed the soil, but shred them first, as just a thick layer of wet leaves will form a solid mat and block water and air from getting to the soil. But when you shred them, they settle into the ground easier. When you first put down a layer of shredded leaves, hose them down thoroughly so they won’t blow away.

Stack leaves around plants and small trees for insulation.

Mow the leaves with your lawn mower and leave them on the lawn to feed the grass. The new wisdom about leaves is that this is the best and wisest thing to do.

If you’re going to rake, invest in a quality, ergonomic rake. Move your legs as well as your arms to reduce back pain. Rake in small sections. Listen to music. Rake downwind. Rake in groups with your whole family so it takes less time.

Only use leaf blowers to dislodge leaves from hard to reach areas, like behind bushes and under decks.

Wait until the trees are nearly bare before you start raking.

Use two garbage pail lids to pick up leaves and bag them.

Minimize how far you move the leaves. Maintain leaf piles in different parts of the yard so you’re not dragging tarps of them any long distances.

Wear gloves when raking to prevent blisters.


Monday, September 10, 2018

Protecting Your Property in a Storm


It’s important that you take steps to prepare your property, locate any insurance documents, and keep receipts for any temporary repairs made. These tips come to us from the Independent Insurance Agents Association.

Before the hurricane:
  1. Locate your insurance policies – name and number of an insurance agent and get their cell phone numbers.
  2. If you are asked to evacuate, stay calm and move out quickly.
  3. Protect your property by boarding up windows and storing outdoor furniture. Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
  4. Be sure to have on hand a supply of non-perishable food, water, and medication. Keep a full tank of gas in your car.
  5. Make sure your first aid kit is updated and fully supplied.
  6. Have flashlights (with extra batteries) or candles ready, plus a battery-operated radio for latest storm information. Don’t forget to keep an extra battery for your cell phone.
  7. If your property is damaged, make temporary repairs, save receipts and contact your insurance agent immediately.
  8. In the event that telephone service is disrupted, stay tuned to radio and television for further instructions.
After the hurricane:
  1. If there’s damage, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.
  2. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
  3. Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
  4. Take photos of damaged areas.
  5. Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
  6. Meet with your insurance company adjuster first before signing anything with a public adjuster.
  7. Look out for scams. People that show up to repair your property or move trees with an offer that’s too good to be true likely are trying to take advantage of you.