Fact or Fiction: Will Tin Foil Behind the Radiator Warm Up Your Space?

It’s no secret that older homes are hard to heat. As temperatures drop, old-school radiators can struggle to keep a single room warm, much less an entire house. And if that house has leaky, thin walls, most of the hot air being pumped out of the radiator can just seep right out into the cold outdoors.

As winter approaches, a heating hack is making its way around the internet, promising to increase the temperature in rooms warmed by a radiator. Whether or not it works is another story let’s take a look.

The Tin Foil Radiator Hack

The hack as seen on TikTok, in the Irish Sun and many other places online is straightforward: wrap an old piece of cardboard in tinfoil and place it between your radiator and the wall. The idea is that the tin foil will bounce heat back into the room that otherwise would have escaped out through the poorly insulated wall.

Does the tinfoil radiator hack work?

The science behind the hack is sound, at least in theory. Tin foil is made to reflect heat it doesn’t conduct or absorb heat. By positioning a large sheet of foil directly behind a radiator, you’re certainly going to reflect at least some heat back into the room.

The question is really whether the tin foil will make a noticeable difference in the room’s temperature. That will depend on the room. This tin foil hack might be able to significantly raise the temperature in a small room, but probably wouldn’t make a substantial difference in a larger, more open room.

Is This Tin Foil Radiator Hack Dangerous?

Anytime a DIYer comes across a home hack online especially one that involves a potential fire hazard they should ask one question immediately: is this a safety risk? Placing tin foil and cardboard behind a radiator is not inherently dangerous. After a couple of winters, though, the tin foil will start to oxidize, which could cause trouble.

Using foil behind radiators may seem a good idea to save costs, but over time, this foil can oxidize and break down,” home safety expert Chris Wagstaff told HuffPost UK. If the damaged foil isnt replaced or is used at too high of a heat, this could potentially cause the foil to burn or start smouldering. If you plan to try this hack, it would be a good idea to change the foil every year to avoid this.

The post Fact or Fiction: Will Tin Foil Behind the Radiator Warm Up Your Space? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Fact or Fiction: Will Tin Foil Behind the Radiator Warm Up Your Space?

The Next Big Thing In Gardening: Talking Plants?

New gardeners have so much to learn about how to care for their gardens. Selecting the right plants for their hardiness zone is just the beginning. Next they have to learn how to tell when those plants need water, or more fertilizer, or to be pruned. More experienced gardeners are often looking to enhance and expand their skills. No matter your skill level, the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK is an important event for anyone in the gardening sphere.

What is the Chelsea Flower Show?

The Chelsea Flower Show is put on every year by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Most awards are judged by a carefully curated panel of gardening experts. According to the RHS, that panel generally includes “horticulturalists, garden designers, landscape architects, contractors, head gardeners, journalists or writers, and lecturers.” However, visitors also get to vote on certain awards. This practice allows all facets of the community to judge the gardens.

What’s Unique This Year?

This year, one entrant is aiming to present a futuristic garden: one that can talk back to you. Designer Tom Massey, working with Microsoft, plans to enter a garden that uses AI to communicate its needs. His goal is to embed soil sensors for as many of the garden’s needs as possible. These sensors will connect to a computer that can translate the soil readings into plain answers about what the garden needs.

He hopes that this technology can soon be used at a wider scale to usher in a new era of eco-conscious gardening. If gardeners can tell exactly how moist the soil is, they can be even more precise in their watering, for example. If enough people can implement something like this, Massey thinks, there could be a significant positive impact on water use.

AI and Resources

It is important to note here that generative AI consumes vast quantities of resources. So, we should not utilize it frivolously. According to Cindy Gorton, a contributor to Forbes, the data centers that power generative AI use “cooling towers and air mechanisms to dissipate heat, causing up to 9 liters of water to evaporate per kWh of energy used.” Water is already a scarce resource. It is our duty to be mindful of how we consume it and what we are doing to safeguard it. After all, you can’t nourish a garden without water.

Sources

AI Is Accelerating the Loss of Our Scarcest Natural Resource: Water, Forbes, 2024

The post The Next Big Thing In Gardening: Talking Plants? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: The Next Big Thing In Gardening: Talking Plants?

Why Buying a House Built in the Rain Might Be a Bad Idea

A recent viral TikTok video shows houses under construction in stormy weather, with the poster warning not to build a house in the rain. He singles out sheathing materials used in new builds, like OSB and particle board, as culprits for developing black mold problems. But, given that houses are built in the rain all the time, does that mean you should worry about the safety of your home?

“Generally, framing materials are treated to withstand moisture and rain during the construction process,” says Russell Vent, vice president of Paul Davis Restoration. “That being said, most residential home builders are, more often than not, not savvy when it comes to structural drying, mold prevention or mold remediation.”

If you think your house might have been built in the rain, or if you are worried about buying one that was, here’s what to consider.

Why You Should Avoid Buying a House That Was Built in the Rainy Season

Structural Damage

It is possible that rain can cause structural damage to houses under construction. Particle board will definitely become compromised if it gets wet, which is why it’s rarely used for sheathing.

Plywood is the most desirable sheathing because of its moisture resistance. However, it’s also expensive, which is why many builders choose oriented strand board (OSB). OSB is also water-resistant, but under persistent moisture, it can swell, and once it does, it will not return to its original dimensions.

“Houses built in the wetter months also tend to have dimensional challenges that homes built during dryer times of the year don’t experience,” says Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration. “This means that a straight piece of wood today might turn into a corkscrew come the dry season.”

While that likely won’t affect the structure’s safety, it could lead to creaking, cracking and other strange noises, especially when outside temperatures change.

Mold

Mold needs prolonged moisture to grow, so if a house frame gets wet but dries in a timely fashion, mold shouldn’t be an issue. But if the frame or sheathing is exposed to prolonged moisture or is damp when it is sealed up with house wrap, insulation and drywall, that moisture inside can manifest into mold.

“Concerns should be focused on the prolonged moisture,” says Vent. “If I turned on the hose and wet the wood subfloor, and then allowed it to dry out over the next few days, there would be a much less likelihood for mold growth than if I sprayed that same hose every day for three days, or if after I wet that wood floor, I quickly installed vinyl plank flooring before it had a chance to dry.”

How Do I Know If My House Was Built in the Rainy Season?

If your house was built in the rain, you might see signs of water damage, like staining on drywall and exposed wood or rust on metal components, all of which could be signs of serious structural problems.

“Even finished homes can show signs of stress in the form of cracks in drywall and uneven surfaces,” says Rudin. “Typically, the building inspector will force corrections on things like this before they get that far down the line, but it is still possible they’ve missed them, or those clues weren’t present yet during the inspection.”

Otherwise, to gauge how concerned you should be, you can check weather records for when your house was built, plus ask the builder about their water mitigation practices, such as whether they cover frames during stormy weather or promptly clear standing water from foundations.

“Everyone should assume that as their home was being built it, experience rain or other weather,” says Vent. But “I also wouldn’t be extremely alarmed if my home got wet during the initial stages on construction. It happens, but how the home builder is prepared to deal with it should be a point of understanding.”

What to Do to Avoid Mold If My House was Built in the Rain

If you are worried or suspect your home was built carelessly during rain or snow, hire a professional inspector to evaluate it for high humidity, wet building materials, construction flaws and mold, says Vent. “Mold inspectors, home Inspectors, industrial hygienists and indoor environmental professional’s (IEP’s) are a great place to start, and often do not come at a huge price point,” he says.

If they find mold, have it professionally remediated, says Rudin. Otherwise, try to keep everything as dry as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers to vent moisture-prone areas like crawlspaces and basements, prevent condensation on windows and seal up any areas that might be letting moisture into your home.

“This means keeping wood, drywall and any fabrics or porous surfaces free from standing water,” says Rudin. “Mold spores live in the air around us all the time, and there is no way to prevent their growth other than to prevent the environment that they need to live from existing inside your home.”

About the Experts

• Russell Vent is the Vice President of Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Rochester, New York, a disaster management, mitigation and restoration network with 350 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
• Josh Rudin is the owner of ASAP Restoration in Tempe Arizona. He started the company as a one-man operation in 2008, and today it has grown into one of the city’s top disaster mitigation specialists.

The post Why Buying a House Built in the Rain Might Be a Bad Idea appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Why Buying a House Built in the Rain Might Be a Bad Idea

Chrysler Issues Another Recall for Ram 1500 Trucks

Chrysler has had no shortage of recalls on their calls in 2024. In September, 150,000 Jeeps were recalled over a fire risk, and now, another fleet of Chrysler cars have been put on notice regarding an issue that could impact the trucks’ wheel bearing hub. Read on to learn which vehicles are impacted and what to do if your car is on the list.

Which Chrysler Trucks Are Being Recalled?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report regarding this issue, Chrysler is recalling some 2025 MY Ram 1500 vehicles. These cars were built between Oct. 13, 2023 and Aug. 11, 2024. Letters to owners are expected to go out by mid-December. The recall impacts 33,777 vehicles.

Why Are These Chrysler Trucks Being Recalled?

These trucks are being recalled due to a potential safety risk stemming from having been built with damaged front wheel bearing encoder rings, which caused a loss of wheel speed signal). This could disable Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which is designed to assist drivers with maintaining vehicle stability while driving, including acceleration, coasting, and braking. If the ESC system becomes disabled when its needed, it can increase the risk of a crash.

What To Do If My Chrysler Truck Is Recalled

Chrysler dealers will inspect and replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly of any trucks affected by this issue at no cost to the driver, so set up an appointment as soon as possible. You can call Chrysler customer service with further questions at 1-800-853-1403. If the service representative asks you for a recall number, it is 24V-794.

The post Chrysler Issues Another Recall for Ram 1500 Trucks appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Chrysler Issues Another Recall for Ram 1500 Trucks

Happsy Mattress Review: This Organic Mattress Changed the Way I Sleep

As I get older, my sleep woes have increased, from tossing and turning to insomnia and wake-ups due to overheating. This year, I added shoulder and neck pain to the list. My first thought was that my morning aches were due to my aging mattress (it had exceeded its expectancy by five years), but first, I tried other remedies. I used white noise apps and blue light glasses. Then, thinking my pillow must cause pain, I upgraded to a latex pillow with a higher loft that didn’t settle like a down-filled pillow. None of those changes did the trick, so I came back to thinking it must be my conventional mattress, which was way past its prime and no longer providing the support it did years ago.

With so many mattress and mattress topper options on the market, I first needed to narrow the possibilities by listing my priorities. Because I’m concerned about chemicals and sensitive to odors, I focused on organic mattresses. Within the nontoxic mattress lineup, I wanted a Goldilocks optionnot too springy and soft, but with firm support, the right amount of pressure relief and a lush top. Simply put, I wanted a mattress that slept like a dream and that I could happily sleep on for many years. The Happsy Organic Latex Hybrid Mattresschecked all those boxes, so I tested it.

Here is what I learned through the course of unboxing and sleeping on the Happsy, plus which sleepers I recommend this mattress for. Spoiler alert: I can’t believe I didn’t make this switch years ago!

What is the Happsy mattress?

Happsy is an online bedding brand that debuted its certified organic natural latex hybrid model in May 2017. Their organic mattress is made with a hybrid design featuring two inches of natural latex for pressure point relief and pocket springs that reduce motion transfer, so you don’t feel the flip-flop acrobatics of a partner while trying to catch your z’s.

Latex has some bounce to it, unlike the sinking feeling of memory foam, and instead of trapping heat as memory foam does, latex allows heat to escape. Latex is also built to last. “All-natural latex mattresses have been known to last for up to 25 years (with 15 years being quite common),” says Derek Hales, founder of NapLab. “Most mattresses may only last 8 to 10 years, so having a mattress with the incredible durability and longevity that latex provides is quite rare.”

A big selling point for me is that these mattresses are free from chemicals such as glue, adhesives, and flame retardants (conventional mattresses can have up to 10 pounds of glue in them). Along with natural latex in the comfort layer, the Happsy mattress is made of certified organic cotton and wool in the cover fabric, batting, and filling. The mattresses have been awarded certifications for using organic materials, meeting strict emissions standards, using fair-trade practices, and prioritizing overall sustainability. Despite being handcrafted in the United States with certified organic materials, this mattress is one of the most budget-friendly organic mattresses. As a bed-in-a-box, Happsy ships straight to your door, and shipping is free.

The outside covering of the Happsy mattress is certified nontoxic and organic by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning it’s free of harmful allergenic materials and odors. Next is a comfort layer of two inches of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic natural latex. Natural latex is a resin extracted from the sap of the rubber tree. Organic latex is expensive, but that extra cost adds value.

The support core consists of eight inches of individually pocketed coils sewn together. The coils help reduce jostling and minimize motion transfer for a more peaceful and comfortable sleep. The coil gauge determines the firmness of the mattress. Happy offers two designs: medium-firm and plush. The medium-firm design has 15-1/2-gauge coils in the center, with 14-1/2-gauge around the perimeter for edge support. The plush design has alternating 15- and 16-gauge coils. The higher the gauge, the softer the mattress.

Happsy comes with a 120-night sleep trial. You can return the mattress anytime during the trial and receive a full refund. Happsy will arrange for the mattress to be picked up from your residence at no extra charge. The bed will either be recycled or donated to charity. Happsy recommends you hold onto the wrapping and the box until you know you’ll keep the mattress to make the return trip easier for all involved.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at Happsy

$899 at Amazon

We Tried It

Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress

Shop at Happsy

$899 at Amazon

Pros:

• 120-night sleep trial and free shipping/returns
• Natural latex and pocket coils deliver support and comfort
• Designed to prevent overheating
• Nontoxic: contains no flame retardants, glues, adhesives
• Solid edge support all around
• 20-year limited warranty
• No off-gassing smell after setup

Cons:

• Lack of handles makes moving and flipping difficult
• No split sizes for couples, a drawback for couples who want to customize firmness

Product Features: Why Choose an Organic Mattress?

What’s so special about an organic mattress? “Organic mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, making them great for those with allergies or sensitive skin. They emit fewer chemicals,” says Marten Carlson, mattress expert and certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity. Carlson adds that organic materials are also more breathable than synthetic ones. “Even if you don’t have sensitive skin or allergies, organic mattresses offer cooling properties for all types of sleepers,” he says.

Kelly Murray, an adult sleep coach, adds that organic mattresses create a healthier sleep environment by eliminating the use of harmful chemicals. Traditional mattresses often contain harmful substances, including polyurethane, VOCs, PFAS, fiberglass, and flame retardants. “These chemicals can off-gas and be inhaled during sleep, which causes the body to become inflamed,” says Murray. “Inflammation triggers cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, to be released in the body in an effort to fight the inflammation. Cortisol is also the ‘alert hormone’ that keeps us awake and is responsible for our fight-or-flight response. As a result, this anti-inflammatory response triggers night wakings, leading to a poor night’s sleep.”

Themattress is known for its chemical and organic materials, with certifications supporting their claims. Here is a breakdown of what each certification means and why it’s important:

• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certifies that a mattress is produced with at least 95% organic latex and ensures there’s minimal environmental impact; it also ensures positive social impact, such as fair working practices and wages throughout the supply chain.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that textiles follow organic production processes such as spinning, knitting, and weaving.
• GREENGUARD is a third-party testing program that measures chemical emissions from consumer products.
• Organic Content Standard 100 (OCS) certification demonstrates that the organic fiber in Happsy products has been independently verified. OCS only accepts material from certified organic farms and tracks the chain of custody from the material’s source to the finished product.

How I Tested the Happsy Mattress

When the Happsy mattress-in-a-box arrived at my doorstep, I was eager to see how the hybrid mattress would perform. Let me start by walking you through the unboxing process.

The mattress came compressed, plastic-wrapped, and rolled up inside a tall delivery box. The box is heavy, weighing in at 126 pounds for the king-size mattress. Be sure to plan where you are going to put the mattress before unboxing. The mattress can be hard to move, especially without handles on the sides, which makes it challenging to rotate or relocate the mattress. I recommend having a helping hand when moving the mattress to the room you plan to use, especially since it comes without handles. My workaround? Use ratchet straps to create a grip and position the mattress.

Once I got the mattress unpacked and onto my bed frame, I carefully cut away the plastic wrapping. To my delight, the mattress expanded quickly, taking shape before my eyes. The directions mentioned that the mattress would take full shape in 48 hours or less, but it only took a few minutes for me.

One thing that immediately stood out was the absence of any off-gassing smell. As someone with a strong sensitivity to chemical odors and who prioritizes a healthy sleep environment, I was pleased to find that the Happsy mattress lived up to its promise of being free from harmful chemicals and odors.

I’m a tosser-turner, so I need a mattress that can handle all the sleep positions. After a few weeks on the Happsy, I found the medium-firm feel just right for most of my sleep positions but too firm for side sleeping. I needed more softness for my hips and shoulders, so I ordered the optional mattress topper. It gave the mattress two additional inches of soft plushness, with a supportive foundation underneath.

I was concerned about ordering a mattress topper that was not attached to the mattress but was pleasantly surprised to see that it barely shifted position, and it had an added benefitI can easily replace the mattress top (flashback to the time my foster pup had an accident on my new mattress!).

My sleep quality greatly improved during the testing period, and there was virtually no adjustment period once I added the mattress topper. In fact, I was thrilled to discover I wasn’t waking up throughout the night anymore due to overheating or feeling like I was sinking into the mattress.

Why You Should Trust Us

Despite being someone whose favorite pastimes include naps, I am a terrible sleeper. Over the years, I have tested mattresses with a mission to get a better night’s sleep. I’ve evaluated this mattress for feel, firmness, pressure relief, bounce and motion isolation. The mattress I tested is the medium-firm model with an optional topper, but it is also available in a plush design.

I also enlisted the expertise of Nichole Mondshein, sleep product expert at Sleepopolis; Marten Carlson, mattress expert and certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity; Kelly Murray, adult sleep coach; and Jill Zwarensteyn, certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. I consulted with Derek Hales, founder and CEO at NapLab. In the past 10 years, he has personally tested 360+ different mattresses.

At Family Handyman, we’re familiar with mattress reviews. We’ve tested everything from the affordable DreamCloud Mattressto the cooling Sealy Cocoon Chilland the Classic Saatva mattresses. We add to our reviews often, assessing whether a new sleep product on the market is worth your time.

FAQ

Is Happsy good for side sleepers?

Latex hybrids are a smart choice for side sleepers because the latex can contour to shoulders and support some weight. The latex-coil combination is also a smart choice for anyone who gets too hot while sleeping. The latex, wool, and cotton are all naturally breathable, and the coil layers also dissipate heat.

Side sleepers generally gravitate toward softer mattresses, which provide deep pressure relief for hips and shoulders. I found the medium-firm mattress provided excellent support and pressure release for my back and stomach sleeping positions, but I found it too firm for side sleeping. I needed a bit of extra cushioning that the mattress topper addition provided. The pocket coils enhance airflow and support for side sleepers.

An additional two-inch latex layer with the optional topper will give you a more plush feel and more contouring for your shoulders and hips if you need it. “A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress is usually best for side sleepers, says Jill Zwarenteyn, certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. “You want something that cushions your hips and shoulders while still supporting your spine. Hybrid mattresses tend to work well since they contour to your body.”

Nichole Mondschein, sleep product expert at Sleepopolis, adds, “Hybrid mattresses are a great option because they have structured support, combined with latex for comfortable cushioning on the hips and shoulders.”

Where is the Happsy mattress manufactured?

According to the manufacturer’s website, Happsy mattresses are manufactured and packaged in their own certified organic factory in the USA, which is used exclusively for organic mattress production, so there is no chance of contamination.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Across the different sites where this hybrid organic mattress is available, most customers have come to the same conclusion: They are happy with their Happsy! The mattress has nearly 2,185 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the manufacturer’s website.

Verified reviewer Eliana says, “The mattress came with no smell at all, which is impressive for a mattress (and as someone who is very sensitive to mattress smells).”

Reviewer Klawdya is sensitive to chemical smells and raved, “This arrived with NO ODOR AT ALL. I’m chemically sensitive and I usually have to wash new products immediately and then put the products far from my bedroom for a few days and wash them again with a vinegar rinse and/or baking soda. This was perfectly non-toxic! I’m so happy with this company.”

Amazon reviewer Lillian Garcia says, “From the first night it was great! Now two months later, I am so happy with my mattress. It’s really comfortable and supports my body in all the right places. Great buy!”

Sorcha was searching for a nontoxic mattress when she found Happsy. “Reading about the toxic off-gassing of regular mattresses was a wake-up call. I didn’t just want a comfortable mattress; I wanted one that didn’t contain formaldehyde and other toxic materials. I’m happy I decided that I deserve a comfortable, safe mattress.”

And verified purchaser Lily says, “This mattress is supportive, but not firm, and the pillow top is very soft, but not squishy. It’s the perfect blend. To us, it’s more comfortable than a conventional mattress and box spring, minus all the smell and toxins! We were nervous about ordering, but were so pleasantly surprised when we opened it up. We also purchased the Happsy foundation, because our bed frame needed it for height, and it’s fantastic as well. Very sturdy, very well-built. Extremely happy with our Happsy!”

Happsy Organic Mattress vs. Silk & Snow Organic Mattress

Both mattresses are designed with certified organic materials, a breathable sleep surface and a pocketed coil support system. The Happsy lacks zoned support, while the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress does, with a combination of soft coils on the outer thirds and firmer coils on the middle thirds.

If you want a firmer mattress with stronger edge support and can stretch your budget, the Happsy may be a better fit. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option with multiple firmness levels (firm, medium-firm, plush), Silk & Snow may be a more suitable option, especially for different sleeper preferences.

Final Verdict

Much to my surprise, my allergies greatly improved while sleeping on the Happsy, which is hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. The organic wool and latex naturally repel dust mites, mold and other allergens, making it a great option for people like me with dust mite allergies or asthma.

I am seriously impressed with this mattress’s comfort performance. While I felt incredibly supported, the mattress still provided cloud-like comfort. The biggest bonus: my neck and shoulder pain went away! If you prefer not to sink into the mattress, you’ll definitely want to consider this mattress.

Where to Buy the Happsy Mattress

VIA MERCHANT

Shop at Happsy

$899 at Amazon

We Tried It

Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress

Shop at Happsy

$899 at Amazon

You can purchase a Happsy Organic Hybrid Mattress directly from the company’s website, where they offer free shipping and returns, along with a 120-night risk-free trial. The Happsy mattress starts at $900 and is also available on Amazon. Happsy offers discounts occasionally, so be sure to check for promotions like the current 20% off using the code “FALL20” when buying from the Happsy website.

The post Happsy Mattress Review: This Organic Mattress Changed the Way I Sleep appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Happsy Mattress Review: This Organic Mattress Changed the Way I Sleep

Could This Hack Make Bagging Leaves Easier?

If raking leaves feels like an endless chore, youll love this clever trick. With just a large plastic bag and a few simple steps, you can quickly gather leaves without constantly bending over or making multiple trips.

A Quick Leaf Cleanup Trick

YouTuber Paris Karnes shared a quick hack to quickly tidy up unsightly leaves from your yard.

First, you shake out a large plastic bag. Then, stand in a wide stance and tightly wrap the bag around your feet. Shuffle your feet through the leaf pile and, with your hands, pull the leaves toward you into the bag.

This will save a lot of time and take some strain off your back from bending down repeatedly to move leaves from the ground to the bag. Its recommended that you wear gloves when handling yard debris.

Other Leaf Cleanup Hacks

One of the simplest ways to streamline leaf gathering is to use a tarp. Spread a large tarp on the ground in the areas where youll be raking and rake the leaves directly onto it. Once the tarp is full, simply drag it to your compost bin or disposal area. This technique minimizes the number of trips back and forth and makes moving large piles of leaves at once easy.

The fastest way to remove leaves from your lawn is with a lawnmower with a bagging attachment. By mowing over your leaves, youll shred them into smaller pieces. This makes the leaves perfect for mulching garden beds, providing natural insulation for your plants during the colder months.

Bagging Leaves vs. Leaving Them

The debate over whether to bag fallen leaves or leave them on the ground often divides lawn care enthusiasts.

On one hand, bagging leaves provides a neat and tidy lawn and helps prevent thick leaf layers from smothering grass. Bagging is also a way to keep yard spaces looking well-kept, especially important in neighborhoods with strict landscaping standards. However, proponents of leaving leaves argue that they provide essential nutrients and act as a natural mulch that enriches the soil and protects grass roots from winter cold.

Left untouched, a layer of leaves can create a blanket on the ground where mold can thrive over the course of a long winter. But when mulched with a mower, leaves break down much faster, adding organic matter back into the ground and creating a healthier ecosystem for the lawn. Also, leaving leaves benefits local wildlife, as it offers shelter for insects and small animals, essential for biodiversity.

For those who want the best of both worlds, mulching leaves on-site can offer a compromiseallowing the leaves to nourish the soil without overwhelming the lawn.

The post Could This Hack Make Bagging Leaves Easier? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Could This Hack Make Bagging Leaves Easier?

9 Christmas Tree Hacks That Will Make the Holidays a Breeze

Choose the Right Christmas Tree

After standing up and spinning around dozens of trees, you finally found the perfect Christmas tree. Now that you’ve got it home and unloaded it from the roof of the car, there are a few important things to do that will help get it in the house and make it easier to care for throughout the month. After all, none of these Christmas tree hacks will work if your tree doesn’t fit.

First, measure the height of the tree before you bring it into the house. If it’s too tall, you can shorten the trunk outside or in the garage where you don’t have to worry about a pile of sawdust all over the rug. Even if you don’t need to shorten it, it’s a good idea to cut an inch or so off the bottom of the trunk or have that done where you buy it. Fresh wood will absorb more water, helping keep the tree fresher longer.

Next, test fit your Christmas tree with the stand. You may need a bigger stand if the tree trunk is too big, or you can whittle it down to fit. Now’s the time to trim the lower branches, too. That way, there’s plenty of room between the floor and the lower reaches of the tree. Leave the net on it until you’ve got in the stand and set up in the house.

The post 9 Christmas Tree Hacks That Will Make the Holidays a Breeze appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: 9 Christmas Tree Hacks That Will Make the Holidays a Breeze