David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Heat waves are becoming more commonplace, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and extreme summer heat, which can be tough enough on people, is tough on our outdoor landscaping, too.  While there’s not much we can do to control the weather, gardening experts suggest taking these steps to help your outdoor greenery survive the heat: Water Early  - Watering on cool mornings ensures that more water will make it to the plants' roots before evaporating. Watering by hand or with a spray-nozzle hose can help direct the water where it's needed. Watch Potted Plants -  When the mercury levels rise, keep an extra close eye on your container plants. Potted plants are the first to suffer in a heat wave and will need more water than in-ground greenery. Mulch Those Beds -  Adding mulch to your garden is one of the best things you can do to protect plants from hot summer weather, as it conserves moisture and keeps th...

  A picturesque swimming pool is a favorite feature for today’s luxury homeowners. If you want to create a true backyard oasis, however, chances are the pool is just one part of the equation. For those who are looking to upgrade their backyard swimming here, here are several ideas that can take it to new heights. Add a Cabana For a truly resort-like experience, nothing beats having a cabana where you can lounge in the shade while hanging out by the pool. You’ll have the perfect spot to spend long summer days, whether reading a good book or drinking your morning coffee, while giving your pool area an exciting addition that transforms the whole aesthetic. Bring in the Fire Pit Anyone who enjoys sitting outside on a warm summer evening can appreciate a fire pit, but this feature has extra visual appeal when positioned nearby your swimming pool. Just imagine the enchanting ambience as you watch the flames reflect off the water after the sun goes down each night. Pool House If you’re lo...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com I n a world dominated by technology, kids are consumed by their phones, tablets and televisions. Designating limited screen time is becoming tougher and enjoying old school, outdoor playtime has been put on the back burner. So, why not spruce up your own backyard and inspire your children to get outside and away from their screens? With these backyard upgrades, you can help your kids appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some ideas that will help everyone get outside, enjoy the sunshine and connect with nature.  Treehouse For kids, there’s almost nothing more fun, or classic, than climbing a tree. And having a hangout in the treetops makes it that much better! Let your kids decorate to their liking, making this their own nature-filled sanctuary space. You can find instructions, materials and tools to make this a DIY project at your local hardware store, or hire a pro for a more luxurious look.  Swingset A staple in almost ever...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com All your hard work in creating a beautiful, lush lawn, can quickly go to waste in times of excessive heat and dryness. If you keep just a few simple things in mind, however, you can help ensure your grass holds up when conditions get tough. 1. Don’t walk on dry grass .  Well-watered blades of grass will bounce back when you walk on them. Dry grass, however, will stay tamped down when trodden upon. So when you're in a dry stretch, try to avoid walking on your lawn. Keep in mind, too much foot traffic is also a problem when the grass is wet as it can cause the soil to become compacted, which prevents air from getting to grass roots. 2. Check your mower blade .  If your lawn mower blade is dull, it will shred the grass, causing it to lose moisture. Shredded tips will also turn an unsightly brown. Make sure your blade is sharp so you can get a clean cut, and keep it at one of the highest settings to maintain taller grass. Tall grass means ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com If you don’t have the time to water your yard or don’t want to deal with the hassle, installing a sprinkler system could make things easier. It could be pricey and you would need to take precautions to prevent damage and expensive repair bills. Reasons to Install Sprinklers The primary reason why homeowners install sprinklers is convenience. You could program an irrigation system to water your lawn on a schedule so that you wouldn’t have to remember to do it, take time out of your day to spray the yard with a hose and hope that each area got the right amount of water. The best time to water a lawn is before sunrise. That prevents the water from evaporating too quickly and gives it plenty of time to be absorbed by the grass. If you’re not typically an early riser, getting up before dawn to water your lawn probably doesn’t sound appealing. With a sprinkler system, you wouldn’t have to. A sprinkler system could be set up to deliver different amoun...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com A healthy lawn can make your home appear inviting to guests and can help you attract a buyer if you decide to move. Keeping your grass green requires commitment and an understanding of what your lawn needs and when. When and How to Water Your Yard Water the grass in the early morning so the water will be able to penetrate the soil, rather than evaporate, and so the lawn will have time to dry out before evening. Watering late in the day will leave the grass damp overnight and encourage the growth of mold and fungi. Water your lawn deeply, rather than a little at a time. A thorough soaking will allow water to penetrate the roots and will make the grass stronger and healthier. The amount of water required will depend on the species of grass, type of soil, region and season. The Right Way to Cut Your Grass Before you cut your grass, make sure the lawnmower blade is sharp. A dull blade will tear the grass, and your yard may turn y...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com It’s summer–the season to fire up the grill, fill up the cooler, and invite family and friends over for a picnic or other get-together in your home’s yard. To stay safe and keep the outside fun going, however, you’ll want to avoid inviting two potential visitors: mosquitoes and ticks. Too many pesky insects can ruin a good time, and although most bug bites are annoying but harmless, some mosquitoes and ticks can spread dangerous diseases, such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent mosquitoes and ticks from joining a yard party this summer, and to keep you and your family safer. Make Your Yard Less Attractive Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near standing water. To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, either empty and scrub, turn over, or cover outside items that hold water—including buckets, planters, birdbaths, flowerpots and trash containers—once a week. Also throw out things you don’...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com The yard is something that you and your neighbors see every day. A well-maintained yard can add curb appeal to your home and can even increase your property's value. If you've been neglecting your yard, summer is an excellent time to tackle some projects you have been postponing. Many of them can be completed in a weekend, leaving you with a clean and vibrant-looking yard that is perfect for summer barbecues. Clean Up Overgrown grass and unruly shrubs can detract from the appearance of an otherwise beautiful property. Take some time to mow the lawn and collect the clippings. If your bushes need a trim, you can do that yourself, provided you have the right tools and skills. If you don’t, ask a neighbor to loan you tools and give you some pointers. If you have a garden, pull up any weeds you see. If you don't have a garden, you can plant some flowers to line the walkway to the house or place flowers in planters to cr...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Home improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value. Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The findings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year. "Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood wit...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com A patio is a wonderful addition to your home, offering al fresco space to connect with family and friends during the warmer season. But choosing the right outdoor flooring for your patio is important. Below are a few of the most popular choices. Tile.  Unglazed, ceramic tiles are a wonderful option for your new patio. The most popular varieties are quarry, terracotta or porcelain. Skip glazed tile, however—while it looks sleek, it's dangerously slippery when wet. Cut stone.  Also known as stone tile, these include a wide swatch of options, including marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, blue stone, phyllite and sandstone. Concrete.  This is a great, versatile and sturdy option. Before you imagine an ugly slab of poured concrete, remember it can be molded into any shape. Create attractive patterned tiles, or opt for stunning stained concrete. Flagstone.  These gorgeous stones offer an iconic, rustic ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Swimming is a great form of exercise, and a pool at home can provide endless hours of summer fun for your friends and family. According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, there are 10.4 million residential swimming pools in the United States alone—but they can be a large investment. If you're considering the pros and cons of an inground pool, inground pool liners manufacturer LOOP-LOC shares the following tips: Installation Process. Inground pools are always installed by pool companies, which are owned and operated by knowledgeable specialists. This completely takes the burden and responsibility off the pool owner, providing them with peace of mind in the process. However, the cost can vary depending on your area, so talk to pool professionals near you. Safety. When it comes to the safety of inground pools, there are numerous precautions that should be taken. Safety covers, for instance, are placed over pool...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com If your backyard is a bit on the boring side, but the idea of landscape design or an expensive deck redo is overwhelming (and beyond your budget), take heart! By sprucing up just a few key areas, your outdoor environs can go from basic to breathtaking in no time. Consider these six strategies from inground pool-cover manufacturer Loop-Loc: 1. Get rid of clutter. A lot of what gets in the way of a beautiful backyard is all our extra stuff. Sort through gardening tools, kids' toys and extra plant pots, and sell, give, or throw away anything you no longer use. Organize the rest in the garage or a shed so that it’s out of eyesight. 2. Add movement. Sometimes, all you need is a statement piece to produce some oohs and ahs. Try a comfy porch swing, outfitted with pillows and blankets. It’s sure to become a favorite spot for you and your guests alike. 3. Utilize water . The effects of a water feature are both beautiful and restora...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, yard maintenance often feels like trial and error. To help, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) shares the following common yard pitfalls, and offers advice on how to avoid them. Investing in the wrong equipment. Make sure the lawn mower is the right size for the lawn. If the lot is more wooded, a chainsaw and/or hedge trimmer may be required. Or perhaps a homeowner is moving from an apartment to a single-family home for the first time and needs all new equipment. Choosing the wrong plants . Homeowners need to consider the microclimate so their living landscapes thrive. Check the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which plants will do best. Not considering lifestyle needs. Homeowners also need to consider their lifestyle when selecting and placing their living landscapes. Those who travel frequently will want to choose low-maintenance plants, flowers and s...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com The warm weather, longer daylight hours, and blooming tree buds can mean only one thing: spring and summer have finally arrived. Now, with winter behind us, it's the perfect time to head outdoors and freshen up the yard. Beautify your landscape with these easy tips: Add a "Recession Garden" - An estimated 43 million people are expected to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and berries this year. Growing your own produce can save your family a large amount of money on groceries each year, and some say that fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies taste better than those purchased at the store. Befriend the Birds - Consider including a birdhouse, birdfeeder or birdbath in your landscape this spring. Not only will it lead beautiful wildlife to your yard, but it will also serve as a nice decoration. If you're on a budget this year, you can easily make a homemade birdfeeder by rolling a pinecone in peanut butter and ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com It's no secret that more and more people are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, so this may be the year to consider planting a vegetable garden. "Planting a productive and relatively fuss-free garden may be easier than you think," said Howard Rossiter, a garden department manager in Fullerton, Calif, "And you'll likely be rewarded with armloads of vegetables from spring through early fall." The trick, said Rossiter, is careful planning and making the best use of space. For beginners or veterans, he offers the following tips for successful vegetable gardening: Sunshine is essential for healthy veggies. Locate your garden where it will get at least six hours of sunlight a day/ In partially shady locations, you'll probably have more luck with leaf crops like lettuce and spinach than with sun-loving tomatoes and melons. Till the soil and improve it with generous amounts of compost, sphag...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Livable space may be traditionally confined to a home's interior, but the growing popularity of outdoor living design suggests that homeowners are broadening the definition to make the most of a home's total footprint. An outdoor patio is a natural extension of the home, offering additional seating and, with the right amenities, a way to enjoy meals and entertainment al fresco. After the sunlight fades, features powered by propane - like full outdoor kitchens, patio heaters, fire pits, flame lighting and more - can keep the fun going well into the night. What constitutes the perfect outdoor living space is as varied as homeowners' personal tastes. A simple seating arrangement with a fire pit or water feature may be ideal for one, while expansive hardscaping and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen can best meet the needs of another. Stop dreaming and start planning with these ideas for the features that can transform you...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Excited to grill out all summer long with friends and family? You should be! But don't forget to take safety precautions to stave off a grilling disaster. A recent Red Cross survey noted that grills can cause more than 9,000 home fires on average each year, and that three in five adults have walked away from a grill while cooking, which is one of the leading causes of grill fires. To avoid becoming one of these statistics, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips: - Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don't add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. - Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area. - Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill. - Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. - Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By John Voket During this part of spring landscaping season, property owners should resist the urge to prune everything in sight, because improper or unnecessary pruning can damage plants, shrubs, and trees, and end up producing the opposite results than you might be seeking. Experts at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension believe proper pruning is both a science and an art. The science involves recognizing plant flaws and eliminating defects. The artistic end involves removing expired plant pieces without someone knowing the plant has even been touched. Improper pruning or pruning at the wrong time of the year can result in unsightly plants, reduced flowering, or plants that are more likely to be damaged by diseases, insects or winter cold, according to the extension experts. Lisa Tadewaldt's blog at urbanforestprofessionals.com says avoid these common pruning mistakes: Using dull tools. Old or overused tools may ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Pool owners rejoice the start of summer, and the long poolside days that lay ahead. But before you dive in, make sure your pool is properly prepped. To help, inground pool covers manufacturer, LOOP-LOC, shares three simple pool cleaning tips to get you ready. Remove winter dirt. During the colder months, it is possible that dirt and potentially black algae forms on or around your pool. Be sure to scrub the side walls and steps of your pool until they reflect the pristine pool you have grown accustomed to. After you are certain you have scrubbed away any potential threats to your pool, remember to run the filter for a few hours. This will ensure the bacteria has been removed from your pool. The scrub and filter sequence may need to happen a few times before your pool is summer ready. Balance those chemicals . Once the pool is open, the truly difficult task of balancing pool chemicals begins. As the temperature will continue to heat...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com (Family Features)--To make the transition to summer season effortless, there may be some backyard upgrades and prep to be done to ensure your outdoor space is in tip-top shape. From your pool and patio to the grill, these tips can help get your backyard summer-ready. Overhaul the patio . Patios and decks are often considered the hub of the backyard, so consider sprucing yours up by power-washing the stone to remove any winter buildup or use stain for a complete refresh. Adding a pergola or umbrellas can help protect you from the elements and, for added comfort, consider installing an outdoor ceiling fan for humid days and a fire pit or patio heater for cooler nights. Upgrade outdoor furniture . To ensure your backyard furniture lasts, invest in materials such as teak wood, redwood, cedar or stainless steel, which are typically durable and low-maintenance. If you want to add a personal touch, consider colorful cushions, throw pillow...