Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Use Landscape Fabric Staples to Anchor the Seams

From the FamilyHandyman.com

The seams in landscape fabric in planting beds often open between sections. To solve the problem, use landscape fabric staples. You'll find them right next to the fabric in stores. Make sure the edges of the fabric overlap by at least 3 in. And don't skimp on the staples; place them about 16 in. apart. Also use staples to anchor landscape fabric around the perimeter. In hard soil, start the staples by hand and then push them in with your foot.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - What's the Best Weed Barrier?

From the FamilyHandyman.com

You have two good choices for the best weed barrier—organic mulch or high-quality landscape fabric. (Don't use black plastic. It doesn't allow rain to reach plant roots, and it traps water vapor, which facilitates the growth of mold and mildew.) An organic mulch such as shredded bark, in a layer several inches deep, will help control weeds. It will also decompose over time, which will add organic matter to the soil and make your tree happier. However, you'll have to add more organic mulch every couple of years. Landscape fabric, when protected from sunlight, decomposes more slowly than organic mulch and doesn't need to be replaced as often. However, the type of landscape fabric makes a difference. Hold the fabric up to the light and make sure the pores in the fabric are small enough to prevent weeds from growing through the barrier. Also, a good-quality landscape fabric is one you can't tear or stretch easily. It should feel stiff, not flimsy and limp.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Don't Fight Weeds Where Grass Won't Grow

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Poor light or soil conditions can make it all but impossible to grow grass in some areas. If you've tried more than once to nurture grass in an area and failed, it might be time to throw in the towel and treat the area with a landscaping alternative. The obvious choices are stone, mulch and attractive ground cover plants that tolerate the conditions grass can't handle. Kill any weeds with a nonselective herbicide (re-treat survivors after 10 days). The herbicide will break down within two weeks and the ground will be safe for new plants.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Kill Perennial Grassy Weeds One By One

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Quack grass is the widest spread example of a perennial grass that comes back year after year just like your lawn. It spreads through seeds and extensive underground root systems and is unaffected by broadleaf killers. Pulling grassy weeds only gets some of the roots, and the remaining ones will quickly sprout new plants. The best way to kill these weeds while protecting surrounding plants is by wiping the grass blades with a nonselective herbicide like Super Kills-All or Roundup. Wear a cheap cloth glove over a plastic or rubber chemically resistant (they're labeled as such) glove to protect your skin. Dip your gloved hand into the herbicide and then simply grab the blades near the base and pull the herbicide over the grass blades. Don't worry about coating every single blade. The chemical will absorb into the plant, make its way down to the roots and kill the entire plant. Most will die in a few days, but survivors may need more treatments.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Use a Dial Sprayer When Weeds Are Out of Control

From the FamilyHandyman.com

If your whole lawn is filled with weeds, a dial sprayer attached to your garden hose is the answer. It's fast and efficient. It's just a matter of adding concentrated broadleaf killer to the pot, and setting the dial at the top to the mixture called for on the herbicide container—for example, 2-1/2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Then hook up the garden hose and apply an even treatment to the weedy areas. Clear the yard of toys, furniture and anything else that can get contaminated by overspray. And be sure to protect your flowers and bushes with plastic sheeting or cardboard. Remember that broadleaf killers will kill or harm anything with leaves—including your flower bed.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Treat Weed Patches With a Small Tank Sprayer

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Patches or clumps of weeds are best treated with a standard 1- or 2-gallon tank sprayer. After spraying, triple-rinse the tank with water. With each rinse, pump up some pressure and flush out the wand, too.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Identify Weeds Before Planning the Attack

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Before you start any weed control program, you need to determine which of the three types of weeds you're controlling. Broadleaf weeds like creeping charlie have leaves, perennial grassy weeds like quack grass spread through roots and seeds, and annual grassy weeds like crab grass reseed themselves at the end of each growing season and germinate in the spring. Each requires unique products and application methods. Some treatments are very time sensitive, while others can be done anytime during the growing season.

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Do Air Cleaners Reduce Dusting?

An effective air cleaner removes large and small particles from the air in a single room. Within that space, it can relieve allergy or asthma symptoms and even reduce smoke and cooking odors. But don't expect it to relieve you of dusting duty. Air cleaners are sized to filter a small area, so only a small portion of the airborne dust in your home will ever reach the unit. For air cleaners to have a real effect on overall dust levels, you would need one unit in every room.

Example of a single-room air cleaner.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Kill Perennial Grassy Weeds: Too Late

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Once there are too many weeds to spot-treat by hand, it's time for draconian measures. Kill everything and start over. Spray a nonselective herbicide on the weedy area and wait two weeks. If they're not dead, spray them again. Once the weeds are dead, mow them as short as possible. After spraying the herbicide, wait 14 days to plant new grass so the herbicide won't kill it.

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Match the vacuum to the flooring

Suction alone isn't enough to pull much dust out of carpet. For good results, you need a vacuum with a powerful agitator. Upright vacuums are usually best for carpet, although some canister vacuums with agitators work well, too. When it comes to wood, tile or vinyl flooring, your best choice is a canister vacuumwithout an agitator (or with an agitator that can be turned off). An agitator does more harm than good on hard flooring because it blows dust into the air.

Match vacuum to flooring
Upright vacuum with powerful agitator is best for carpet.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Kill Annual Grassy Weeds: Late Season

From the FamilyHandyman.com

The best way to handle a few scattered annual grassy weeds is to spot-kill them with a postemergence herbicide that's formulated for grassy weeds, such as Ortho's Grass-B-Gon. Look for Grass Weed Killer or Crabgrass Killer on the label (Crabgrass Killer kills other grassy weeds too). Mix the concentrated herbicide with water (per manufacturer's directions), then pour the mixture into a handheld sprayer. Spray the individual patches of weeds. To ensure that there's plenty of plant material to absorb the weed killer, don't mow the weeds just before applying the herbicide or for three days after. Always read the herbicide's label before applying to make sure it will kill the targeted weeds and not harm your lawn.

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Clean the air while you clean house

All vacuums whip up dust with their “agitator”(the cylindrical brush that sweeps the carpet) or blowing exhaust stream. That dust eventually settles on the surfaces you've just cleaned. But if your forced-air heating/cooling system is equipped with a good filter, you can filter out some of that dust before it settles.

Just switch your thermostat to “fan on.” This turns on the blower inside your furnace and filters the air even while the system isn't heating or cooling. Leave the blower on for about 15 minutes after you're done cleaning. But don't forget to switch back to “auto.” Most blowers aren't designed to run constantly.

Turn fan on while cleaning
Turn your thermostat setting to 'fan on' position.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Kill Broadleaf Weeds: Late Season

From the FamilyHandyman.com

If a few broadleaf weeds pop up in the yard (you can always count on a few dandelions), spot-kill them with a post-emergence herbicide such as Ortho's Weed-B-Gon MAX (a 32-oz. bottle of concentrate covers 16,000 sq. ft.). Look on the label for “broadleaf killer” then check to see which weeds it targets. Some broadleaf herbicides also kill crabgrass. There's no need to treat the entire lawn, just the weedy areas. Don't let them spread and create a bigger problem. Premixed herbicides are OK if you have a small lawn and only a few weeds. Otherwise, buy concentrates to mix yourself—they're a better value. Wait until the temperature is between 60 and 85 degrees F. Mix the herbicide with water (follow the directions) and pour it into a small pump sprayer. Keep the nozzle 6 to 12 in. from the weed and spray until the leaves are slightly wet.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Take cushions out for a beating

Upholstery fabric not only sheds its own fibers but also absorbs dust that settles on it. You raise puffs of dust every time you sit down. The only way to eliminate upholstery dust is to buy leather- or vinyl-covered furniture. But there are three ways to reduce dust on fabric:

• Dust settles mostly on horizontal surfaces; vacuum them weekly. Vacuum vertical surfaces monthly.
• Take cushions outside and beat the dust out of them. An old tennis racket works well and lets you practice your backhand. A thorough beating removes deeply embedded dust better than vacuuming.
• Slipcovers for chairs and sofas are easy to pull off and take outdoors for a shaking. Better yet, some are machine washable. Slipcovers are readily available at discount and home furnishings stores and online.

Clean your sofa cushions

A cushion beating removes deeply embedded dust better than vacuuming.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Kill Broadleaf Weeds: Early Season

From the FamilyHandyman.com

A broadleaf weed is any undesirable lawn plant that isn't a grass. Dandelions, plantain, ground ivy (creeping charlie) and ragweed are a few of the most common broadleaf weeds. Before broadleaf weeds start growing in the spring, apply a product called Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper Containing Dimension, which is a preemergent herbicide. It kills weeds before they sprout from seed and even kills some weeds that have just started to grow. Park your broadcast spreader over a tarp or on the driveway (grains may leak out, and a heavy dose of herbicide on the yard can kill even healthy grass). Fill the spreader and distribute the herbicide evenly over your lawn between your first and third mowings in the spring. The company says a single application will last a full 120-day season. It's available at lawn and garden centers (call first to make sure). A 35-lb. bag treats up to 15,000 sq. ft.

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Beat and shake area rugs

In most homes, carpet is by far the biggest dust reservoir. It's a huge source of fibers and absorbs dust like a giant sponge. Even the padding underneath holds dust, which goes airborne with each footstep. Some serious allergy sufferers find that the only solution is to tear out wall-to-wall carpet and install hard flooring like wood or tile. Those of us who don't want to take that drastic step have to vacuum regularly. Vacuum pathways and busy areas at least once a week. The dust that gathers under chairs or behind the sofa is less important. It stays put unless it's disturbed by a toddler, a pet or a breeze. Vacuum large area rugs too. But also take them outside three or four times a year for a more thorough cleaning. Drape them over a fence or clothesline and beat them with a broom or tennis racket. A good beating removes much more dust than vacuuming. Take smaller rugs outside for a vigorous shaking every week.

Shake your rugs
Rugs are the biggest dust collectors. Shake them outside three to four times a year.

BUYING A HOME Debt to Income Ratios - What Are They?

ZILLOW

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will analyze your debt ratios, which are also known as your debt-to-income ratios, or DTI. Lenders calculate DTIs to ensure you have enough income to comfortably pay for a new mortgage while still being able to pay your other monthly debts.

There are two debt-to-income ratios that your lender will analyze:

Housing ratio or "front-end ratio"

Your lender will add up your anticipated monthly mortgage payment plus other monthly costs of homeownership. Other costs of homeownership could include homeowner association (HOA) fees, property taxes, mortgage insurance and homeowner's insurance. Normally, some of these expenses are included in your monthly mortgage payment. To calculate your housing ratio or front-end ratio, your lender will divide your anticipated mortgage payment and homeownership expenses by the amount of gross monthly income.

Total debt ratio or "back-end ratio"

In addition to calculating your housing ratio, a lender will also analyze your total debt ratio. At this time your other installment and revolving debts will be analyzed and added together. Installment and revolving debts will appear on your credit report. These payments are expenses like minimum monthly credit card payments, student loan payments, alimony, child support, car payments, etc. Your lender will add up all your monthly installment and revolving debts in addition to your estimated monthly mortgage payment and housing expenses and divide that number by your monthly gross income.

Debt-to-income limits

Generally, your front-end and back-end debt ratios should be 28 percent and 36 percent or lower.

• FHA limits are currently 31/43, though these can be higher with justification from the lender.
• VA limits are only calculated with one DTI of 41.
• USDA limits are 29/41.

Some lenders may be able to qualify you with a much higher back-end ratio by getting you approved for a non-conforming loan. A non-conforming loan does not conform to purchasing guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These purchasing guidelines usually have to do with standards or limitations on credit scores, LTVs and DTI ratios. Generally non-conforming loans are considered riskier, and a borrower typically has to pay more than they would for a conforming loan.

Isabella Rossellini Snags a (Relatively) Tiny Home in Manhattan

BY MELISSA ALLISON 
ZILLOW
Her main home is still on Long Island, so this 789-square-foot place appears to be the actress’ pied-a-terre.

Actress Isabella Rossellini already has a home on Long Island, but she just got a deal on a one-bedroom apartment in a high-rise on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The 789-square-foot pad was listed at $1.32 million; Rossellini paid $1.275 million.

The apartment is in a 35-floor building with a 60-foot lap pool, a fitness center, yoga studio and saunas. It features hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, a large terrace and, according to The New York Observer, which broke the story, custom Italian cabinetry.

Rossellini herself is half Italian, the daughter of Italian master filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and Swedish Oscar-winning actress Ingrid Bergman. Isabella celebrated her mother’s centennial at Cannes last month.

Known for roles in “Blue Velvet” and “Big Night,” Rossellini has made 38 short films in the “Green Porno” series on animals’ mating habits, and performs a one-woman show on the subject.

The listing agent for her new home was Yusook (Susan) Kim at Douglas Elliman.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Plant Hardy Ground Covers in Shady Areas

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Grass is a sun-loving plant. It typically needs six to eight hours of sunlight daily for good health. While several shade-tolerant species may do OK under trees and in other sheltered spots, it's more likely that you'll end up with weeds, scraggly grass and bare ground. It's much better to plant a shade garden or a shade-tolerant ground cover that in a few years will blanket the area like a green carpet. And you won't have to mow. A local nursery expert will advise you on which plants and ground covers do best in your region.

Denise Richards Lists Home With Living Room Ready to Party

BY MELISSA ALLISON 
ZILLOW
The yard boasts two pools with waterfalls, a grotto and a “beach.”

Actress Denise Richards is asking $7.749 million for her mansion in Hidden Hills, CA.

The 6-bedroom, 8-bath home features a nightlife-style living room with built-in seating, an onyx fireplace, chandeliers and red velvet accents. It also boasts a wet bar surrounded by glass beads. The dining and powder rooms are similarly decked out, with baroque-style wallpaper, furnishings and light fixtures.

There’s also a gourmet kitchen with a pizza oven, two separate offices and a custom-built dog hotel — for rescued pups, according to the Los Angeles Times, which broke the story.

The 1.1-acre property includes two pools with a waterfall, grotto and “beach” entry.

Richards, who has two daughters with ex-husband Charlie Sheen and a third she adopted, is starring this year in the TV series “Vanity” and the movie “Christmas Switch.”

The listing agents are Joshua Altman and Matt Altman, also known as the Altman Brothers, of Douglas Elliman and Jordan Cohen of Re/Max Olson & Associates.

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Capture dust—don't just spread it around.

Feather dusters and dry rags pick up some of the dust they disturb, but most of it just settles elsewhere. Damp rags or disposable cloths that attract and hold dust with an electrostatic charge (like Swiffer or Grab-it) work much better. Cloths that attract dust with oils or waxes also work well but can leave residue on furniture. Use vacuum attachments only on surfaces that are hard to dust with a cloth, such as rough surfaces and intricate woodwork, because the exhaust stream from a vacuum whips up a dust storm.

Use electrostatic dust rags
Use damp rags or disposable electrostatic cloths that attract and hold dust.

Check Out Caitlyn Jenner's New Malibu Estate

BY MELISSA ALLISON 
ZILLOW
The celebrated Olympian embarks on her new life with 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains and canyons.

The Jenner formerly known as Bruce — now Caitlyn — has taken a page from her daughters and bought her own Southern California pad.

The former Olympian — and former spouse to Kardashian matriarch Kris — dropped more than $3.5 million on an 11-acre spread in Malibu with 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains and canyons, as first reported by Variety.

The 4-bedroom, 4-bath home sounds plenty cozy, with radiant-heated floors, and fireplaces inside and out. There’s a covered patio, swimming pool and spa, and a downstairs area that could be used as a gym, office or guest quarters.

Jenner’s teenage daughters, Kendall and Kylie, have reportedly spent millions in recent months on their own homes in the Los Angeles area.

The listing and buyer’s agent was Brant Didden of 4 Malibu Real Estate

.

Tip for a Weed Free Yard - Healthy Grass Is the Best Weed Preventer

From the FamilyHandyman.com

Lawns that are nutrient-stressed are a breeding ground for weeds, so the best defense is a healthy lawn.

Test the soil to see what type and quantity of fertilizer is needed to help your lawn. Proper fertilization improves lawn health, so grass can compete better and crowd out weeds— without a lot of weed killer.

Michael Jackson's Neverland on the Market for $100M

BY MELISSA ALLISON 
ZILLOW
The orangutans are gone, but the railroad station and 22 structures still stand.

The acreage that was once a fantastical amusement park for the King of Pop is on the market — but without the carnival rides, orangutans and elephant, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The 2,700-acre estate north of Santa Barbara is on sale for $100 million.

Still standing are the railways and grand train station Jackson built, the Journal reports, as well as a floral clock that spells out “Neverland” and a fire department, minus the firefighters.

The property features some 22 structures, including a 12,000-square-foot main house with six bedrooms and attached staff quarters. There are also two- and four-bedroom guesthouses, a swimming pool, basketball court, tennis court and 50-seat movie theater with a private viewing balcony.

Jackson paid $19.5 million for the property in 1987. A real estate investment firm later bought a loan on which he defaulted and put the title into a joint venture with him, the Journal reports.

Suzanne Perkins and Harry Kolb of Sotheby’s International Realty and Jeffrey Hyland of Hilton & Hyland hold the listing.

Photos by Jim Bartsch

Cleaning Tips to Reduce Household Dust

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Rotate bedding weekly

Your cozy bed is a major dust distributor. The bedding collects skin flakes, sheds its own fibers and sends out a puff of dust every time you roll over. To minimize the fallout, wash sheets and pillowcases weekly. Items that aren't machine washable don't need weekly trips to the dry cleaners—just take blankets and bedspreads outside and shake them. You can spank some of the dust out of pillows, but for a thorough cleaning, wash or dry-clean them. When you change bedding, don't whip up a dust storm. Gently roll up the old sheets and spread out the new ones; even clean bedding sheds fibers.

Change bed sheets weekly
Frequently washed sheets reduce skin flakes, fibers and dust in the air.

4 ways setting up credit card alerts can save you money

By Jeanine Skowronski • Bankrate.com

High alert

Editor's note: Each week, one of Bankrate's personal finance reporters is reporting on a new way to save and chronicling the savings journey.

Around this time last year, I almost did what was, given my profession as a credit card reporter, unthinkable: I nearly missed a credit card payment.

The culprit was a pesky annual fee that was applied directly to my monthly statement. I caught the balance just in the nick of time, but considering the damage that misstep could have done to my credit score, I wanted to make sure I never ran into a similar problem again.

Luckily, my issuer offers a litany of credit card alerts. These email, text or push notifications (via an issuer's app) are "reason enough to select one credit card over another," says Richard Crone, CEO of Crone Consulting LLC. They can help you monitor spending, minimize fees, reap rewards and spot fraud easily.

Issuers generally list the types of alerts they offer online. You can hop into your credit card account and adjust your settings to receive notice of particular activities or transactions. But don't be afraid to call and ask about offerings before you apply for a specific product.

"Find out what's available and take advantage of it so you can protect yourself and stay financially healthy," says Beverly Harzog, author of "The Debt Escape Plan."

Keep in mind, these alerts are generally free, but your phone's mobile text messaging and Web access charges may apply. Ask your carrier about potential charges before signing up for notifications.

Here are four ways credit card alerts can save you money.

Never miss a payment

Missed payments can be very expensive. For starters, you'll incur a late fee -- typically around $25 to $35, Harzog says. You'll also start accruing interest on purchases that you may have meant to pay off in full.

Plus, missed payments seriously mess up your credit. A first missed payment on a credit card bill can cause a drop of 70 to 90 points on your credit score, depending on your current score, which, in turn, can make future financing more expensive.

Before applying for a new credit card, check your credit for free at myBankrate.

To prevent this from happening, set up a payment due alert. Many issuers let you customize when this alert gets sent, so you can specify how many days' notice you need to get the money in on time. Set up a payment received alert so you know your payment has posted. And, for some extra security, take advantage of a payment past due alert, which will let you know if you have forgotten to make your minimum payment.

If that happens "call your issuer (and) explain what has happened," Harzog says. "If you don't have a history of this, you have a good chance of getting a pass."

Monitor your spending

Some alerts can be "a great money management tool," Crone says, because they build a greater awareness of how much you are spending. Frequent chargers can use a daily or weekly balance alert, for instance, to make sure their bill isn't getting out of control.

Alternately, you might be able to set a spend threshold for yourself and ask your issuer to notify you once your balance goes above that dollar amount. Many issuers have similar alerts built around your credit limit.

This notification can be helpful in maintaining a budget, experts say. It also lets you know "what your (credit) utilization ratio is if you're worried about your (credit) score," Harzog says. (Remember, a good rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization rate -- how much debt you are carrying versus how much credit has been extended to you -- under at least 30 percent.)

To stay on top of transactions, set up a spending alert. You can customize these notifications, too, so you know when a purchase exceeds a certain dollar amount.

Find fraud fast

Many consumers "set (spending alerts) at zero," Crone says, so they are notified every time a transaction occurs and can easily spot unauthorized charges. There are other notifications that you should take advantage of in order to readily learn when something is amiss.

Any alerts that "relate to patterns of card use can be very important along the lines of protecting yourself against identity theft," says Bruce McClary, vice president of public relations and external affairs with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

For instance, you can have an alert sent every time a transaction is made outside of the U.S.or any time a transaction is made without the card present.

"Anytime the card is used to purchase something online or over the phone, an alert is sent quickly," McClary says .

You can also be alerted if a card is used for a cash withdrawal. These credit card cash advances generally carry the costliest interest rates.

If an alert pops up for a transaction you didn't make, call the issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Some issuers may even provide actionable alerts that give you more control over your account.

"If a questionable transaction surfaces, the alert will be sent for you to decline the transaction or accept the transaction," Crone says. Expect these types of alerts to become more popular as issuers compete for the most valuable credit card customers.

Reap your rewards

Many credit cards allow you to earn points, miles or cash back on your purchases, which can subsequently be used to fund a vacation, subsidize a big buy or even score your dream drone.

To help cardholders keep track of their points reserves, many issuers have incorporated alerts into their rewards programs, McClary says. For instance, set up a monthly alert balance or ask to be notified after a certain amount of points is accumulated so you're sure to use your hard-earned rewards.

If you have a revolving 5 percent cash-back credit card, elect to receive a text or email when it comes time to sign up for new categories. Plus, some issuers have alerts you can take advantage of that will let you know when a special deal or discount it is offering is about to expire.

One rule of thumb to remember: Rewards cards are best suited to consumers who never revolve a balance, given they generally have higher annual percentage rates associated with them. (You don't want any of the points you earn to be rendered moot by interest).

Secondly, make sure the alerts you sign up for are ones that you will really use.

If you simply ask your issuer to send you every alert in its arsenal, "you might start treating it as spam and take the alerts less seriously," McClary says. "Drill down the important ones."