Lawn Care

How to Prune a Star Hydrangea

Star hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) create star-shaped blossoms in clusters during the summer and early fall. They often feature the word “star” from the cultivar name, like the “Star Gazer” and “Shooting Star” varieties. Star hydrangeas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Stump Removal backyard Littleton hardiness zones 6 through 9, in which they blossom each summer on old timber produced the summer before. Prune these hydrangeas straight when they finish blooming, before they start forming the flower buds for next year. Fill a bucket with one part bleach and nine parts water. Soak the bypass Stump Removal estimates Littleton, CO shears from the solution for 10 minutes and then rinse them before you prune. Repeat the process before moving to a new bush or cutting out diseased or insect-infested timber. Cut off the spent flower heads immediately after the hydrangea finishes flowering in late summer or fall. Cut back the…

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The way to Troubleshoot a 380 Polaris Automatic Pool Cleaner

Polaris, a division of Zodiac Pool Systems, provides a product lineup that encompasses high-quality pool-maintenance gizmos like fully robotic cleaners and high-performance booster pumps. One of these devices, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 380 automatic pressure cleaner for inground pools touts triple jets and 31 ft of feed hose. These attributes may lead to greater convenience, but they also mean the Vac-Sweep 380 requires a little more attention than the average pool skimmer. Filter Fixes If the Vac-Sweep 380 operates sluggishly or seems to lack electricity, a dirty filter may be at fault. To wash out the in-line filter screen, open the cylindrical filter housing — located in the end of the 380’s feed compartment — and pull out the filter. Rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water before replacing it. Cleaning your pool’s filter, skimmer basket and pump basket or draining the 380’s bag may help out as soon as the…

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The best way to Distress Suede

Suede, a sort of leather finish, is created from the hide of cows, sheep, deer and goats. This end is commonly used on leather used to upholster furniture pieces such as sofas and chairs. New suede includes a uniform, factory-made appearance, but you may prefer a more classic design. It can take decades for leather to look worn. If you don’t want to wait, then hasten the process by distressing the suede yourself. Distressing softens suede also gives it a weathered, lived-in look. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of one part lukewarm water and one part rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly mist the suede product. Allow the alcohol dry, then spray again. Wrap a cloth around the head of a hammer. Gently hit on the suede with the hammer to soften it. Instead, set a small, heavy ball at a tube sock, then attack the suede with it. Run a…