Special Supplement

Saturday, March 27, 2021

2 • March 2021
Techniques to revitalize
a lawn after a long winter
Metro Creative
Pristine, snow-covered
landscapes can be won-
ders to behold. While that
blanket of white is idyllic, a
lawn’s delicate blades may
be paying a hefty price be-
neath the cold, heavy piles
of snow.
Snow plows push salt and
sand up on the grass while
subterranean animals such
as mice and moles dig bur-
rows beneath piles of snow
as they try to find food and
stay warm.
Such conditions are not
favorable for thriving land-
scapes. When the spring
thaw arrives, lawns may be
in dire need of some TLC.
The following techniques
can mitigate winter-related
lawn damage.
n Clear out debris. Re-
move any scattered leaves,
branches and other debris
that has been strewn across
the property due to storms
or snow-laden trees. This
will give you a clean canvas
to work on.
n Dry out snow mold.
The Family Handyman says
snow mold is a cold-season
fungus that causes gray-
colored circles or patches
on the lawn where there
has been snow. To alleviate
snow mold, rake the lawn
to loosen matted grass and
facilitate the drying-out
process.
n De-thatch the lawn.
Heavy snow can compress
the grass and cause some
of it to die off. De-thatch-
ing helps to remove dead
grass blades and separate
any matting. This enables
Remove any debris from the lawn after snow thaws to see what
you’re working with.
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water, nutrients and air
to reach the lawn’s roots
more effectively. Thinning
out old organic matter
also helps encourage new
growth.
n Aerate the soil. Cou-
pled with dethatching,
aeration involves loosen-
ing the soil or poking holes
to allow nutrients to move
freely to the roots.
n Kill weeds before
they spread. Weeds may
be the first to start growing
when the weather begins
to warm. Address them
promptly by manually pull-
ing them or applying an
herbicide.
n Overseed the lawn.
Chances are there are some
bare spots that have formed
over the winter. Overseed-
ing can help to fill in the
lawn. Make sure that frosts
are largely a thing of the
past and soil temperature is
around 50 F to 60 F before
seeding. Water daily until
grass fills in.
n Apply nutrients. Fer-
tilizer and compost can re-
store nutrients to the lawn
that may have been used up
over winter. A soil test at a
nearby horticultural center
can tell you which nutri-
ents are needed, according
to the Chemistry Cachet,
a guide to using chemistry
secrets for healthy living,
beauty, cleaning, and gar-
dening.
Lawns can be restored to
their pre-winter glory af-
ter some sweat equity and
about five to six weeks of
consistent sunshine and
warm weather.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Spring Home 2021
Homeowners who find that a traditional lawn is not practical can explore some low-maintenance alternatives.
Low-maintenance lawn alternatives
Metro Creative
A traditional lawn may not
be right for every property
nor desired by every home-
owner. There is no denying
that lawns take time and ef-
fort to establish and daily
or weekly maintenance to
thrive. Homeowners who
find that a traditional lawn
is not practical can explore
some low-maintenance al-
ternatives.
WILDFLOWER MEADOW
Homeowners with wide
swaths of property may dis-
cover meadows are cost- and
time-efficient. Stores sell
special wildflower meadow
mixes of seeds or homeown-
ers can use wildflower plug
plants throughout areas
where grasses are left to grow
longer. This natural area can
be a home to wildlife and an
idyllic backdrop to a home.
Most meadows only require
a spring or summer and au-
tumn cut to thrive and look
good.
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Partition areas of the prop-
erty for ornamental grasses
to grow. The gardening re-
source Elemental Green
says ornamental grasses
tend to be drought-resistant
and low-maintenance. They
won’t need much fertil-
izer and are often resistant
to pests as well. Ornamen-
tal grasses grow in tufts or
sprays and will not require
mowing. However, they are
not ideal for areas that get
foot traffic.
JOHN GERACE
Owner/Lic. R.E. Broker
Cell: 585.303.0407
RHONDA SAULSBURY
Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker
Cell: 585.297-2472
We’re here for you at GeraceRealty.com • Serving all of WNY • Visit us on the web or stop in.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
MOSS
Moss can thrive in shady
areas and ones where the
How to address moss in the lawn
soil tends to stay a bit damp. Metro Creative
Moss is velvety soft and Lawn care can be a labor of love. Maintaining a pristine lawn is
no small task, but it’s one that many homeowners proudly take on,
green, so it can mimic the knowing that all the hard work and time spent outside on sunny sum-
look of a traditional lawn mer afternoons is well worth the sweat equity.
but won’t require mowing After putting in so much effort to create a lush, green lawn, it’s
and other upkeep. Because understandable if homeowners react with disbelief when something
it spreads quickly, moss can threatens the health of their turf. Moss is one such threat. Recogniz-
ing the threat moss poses is the first step to corralling it before it
take over quite rapidly. You overtakes a lawn.
will need to protect areas
EXPLAINING MOSS
where you do not want moss
Moss can be especially menacing because its green appearance
by creating barriers to stop
allows it to blend in with grass rather easily. As moss spreads, it be-
spread. comes more noticeable. According to the turf care experts at Scotts,
moss is a plant with shallow roots that spreads by spores and root-
GRAVEL like structures called rhizoids. Moss is opportunistic, and it will grow
where turfgrass is thin and weak. However, moss does not kill the
Stone and gravel areas can
grass. Rather, the conditions that promote the growth of moss can
reduce maintenance in the
kill the grass. Such conditions may include compacted soil or exces-
landscape and require very sive thatch, acidic or infertile soil, excessive shade, and insufficient
little upkeep. When gravel or excessive watering.
is installed correctly, weeds
HOW CAN MOSS BE CONTROLLED?
may not grow readily. Gravel
Penn State Extension notes that the first step to controlling moss
installation may include is to test the soil. Soil test kits are inexpensive and available at
laying heavy-duty, semi- most home renovation stores. Test results will reveal if the soil is
permeable landscape fabric,
See MOSS A6
which is available in home
improvement centers. Grav-
el is cheaper than pavers and
can be just as beautiful. Doug Diegelman
ARTIFICIAL TURF
If the desired look is a
lawn without all the upkeep,
there are various artificial
grass options on the mar-
ket. Homeowners who opt
for artificial turf can save
money and space devoted to
lawn mowers and other lawn
tools. 585-356-3438
Grass may be ideal for
some, but there are alterna-
Fax: 585-344-1458
tives for people who have
troublesome landscapes or Licensed and Insured
desire a low-maintenance Residential and Commercial
product for their homes.
GeraceRealty.com is your
sure “BET”
LOIS GERACE ROBERT GERACE
Into Your New Home With
Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker
Cell: 585.356.2113 Cell: 585.813.4902
DEBORAH KAISER JEREMY YASSES LORRAINE DILCHER STEVEN M. HAWLEY TAMMY SOTIR
Lic. R.E. Salesperson Lic. R.E. Salesperson
Cell: 585.343.3755
Lic. R.E. Salesperson Lic. R.E. Salesperson Lic. R.E. Salesperson
Cell: 585.356.5217 Home: 585.948.9136 Cell: 585.356.2394 Cell: 585.409.9999
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6 Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020

Some simple cleaning strategies make it easy to brighten outdoor furniture made of metal, glass, wood, and plastic.
Learn the right way to clean patio furniture
Metro Creative
Once the days begin to
grow a little bit longer and
the numbers on the ther-
mometer creep a tad higher,
outdoor entertaining season
is right around the corner.
Homeowners may be anx-
ious to return to the comforts
of their backyards. However,
their patio furniture may not
be ready for lounging just
yet.
Some simple cleaning
strategies make it easy to
brighten outdoor furniture
made of metal, glass, wood,
and plastic. Before home-
owners know it, their back-
yards will be ready for out-
door entertaining season.
PROPER STORAGE
Storing outdoor furniture
during the colder months
of the year is a great way to
protect items from the ele-
ments. This may involve
careful shrink-wrapping and
keeping items outdoors, or
by moving furniture indoors
to a shed or garage. Cleaning
the furniture one last time
before storing it also can be
handy.
REMOVE STUCK-ON DEBRIS
Inspect furniture and be
prepared to remove any
stuck-on debris, such as
bird droppings, sticky food
residue or even cobwebs and
insect nests. Be sure to use a
cleaning tool that is safe for
the material you are clean-
ing.
Test an inconspicuous
area of the furniture first to
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Give your home a
fresh new look
“IT’S WHAT WE DO”
ensure your tools don’t dam-
age the furniture. For exam-
ple, many scrub brushes can
scratch glass or aluminum.
MAKE A THOROUGH CLEANSER
Clean stains off of furni-
ture with a versatile cleanser.
A mild cleaner can be made
by mixing 1/2 cup baking
soda with 1 gallon of warm
water, according to the ex-
perts at Better Homes &
Gardens. Regular dishwash-
ing detergent also can be
mixed with water, as it has a
mild bleaching agent. This
cleanser can be used on plas-
tic resin furniture or metal
furniture, which are popular
patio furniture materials.
PATIO FABRICS
Check the cleaning in-
structions of outdoor fabrics,
as there might be specific
instructions on the tags. In
some cases, fabric may be
removed and washed in a
for spring!
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Richard Wendt, President
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Spring Home 2021
washing machine on a gentle
setting. A solution of dish
soap and warm water also
is a gentle way to clean out-
door fabrics. Once items are
clean, HGTV advises apply-
ing a water-repellent fabric
protector to minimize stain-
ing and maintenance.
STRIP OR SAND
Wood furniture may need
specialized care. If stains
cannot be removed with a
mild cleanser, then hard
woods like teak can be sur-
face-sanded to restore items’
original look.
Pressure washers can of-
ten do more harm than good
to patio furniture, so it’s best
to look for an alternative way
to clean them. Usually a bit
of elbow grease and a cleans-
er is all that’s needed. Give
the cleaning product time to
work. Wipe down and dry the
furniture thoroughly to pre-
vent the growth of mildew.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Leaves can stain
exterior surfaces
Metro Creative
Leaves that fall from trees
can stain exterior surfaces when
they settle on vehicles, concrete
driveways, patios, and other
surfaces, become wet or are not
cleaned in a timely fashion.
Leaf stains are caused by
tannins in the leaves. Pigments
can be absorbed by porous ma-
terials such as concrete, and
leave stains behind. While the
stains may wash away in time,
homeowners may prefer a fast-
er way to rid unsightly stains.
To remove moderate leaf
stains, mix oxygen bleach with
hot water and apply to stains us-
ing a scrub brush. Dark stains
may require a tougher cleanser,
such as one that contains triso-
dium phosphate.
Some homeowners use a
pressure washer to clean away
leaf stains, while others rely on
commercial leaf-stain removers.
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Safety first when power washing
your home this spring
Metro Creative
Spring cleaning is a great
way for homeowners to clear
their homes of clutter. But inte-
rior spaces are not the only ar-
eas of a home that can benefit
from some extra attention once
the weather warms up.
Harsh winters take a toll on
home exteriors. Dirt and grime
can build up on exterior surfac-
es over the course of the winter,
affecting the appearance of the
siding of a home as well as out-
door entertaining areas.
Power washing is a great way
to give a home a fresh, clean
look in spring. But there’s more
to power than simply renting
the right equipment and get-
ting to work.
The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention notes
that there are many risks asso-
ciated with using power wash-
ers. For instance, the CDC says
strong spray from power wash-
ers can cause serious wounds
that initially seem minor. Such
wounds can lead to infection
or disability if left untreated.
In addition, if manufacturer
safety instructions are not fol-
lowed, electric shock can occur
due to improper use.
Homeowners intending to
power wash their homes this
spring should first determine
if they’re physically capable of
doing so. Power washers can
be difficult to control, so it’s im-
perative homeowners honestly
assess their physical abilities
before renting a unit.
The CDC urges homeown-
ers to take these additional
safety steps to make sure the
process of cleaning their home
exteriors goes smoothly.
n Never point a pressure
washer at yourself or others.
n Do not attempt to push
or move objects with spray
from the washer. If anything
is in your way, turn the power
washer off and then move the
obstruction.
n Never use a gasoline pow-
ered washer in an enclosed
space, which can increase the
risk of carbon monoxide poi-
soning.
n Always test the ground
fault circuit interrupter (circuit
breaker or outlet) before using
March 2021 • 3
METRO CREATIVE
Power washing is a great way
to give a home a fresh, clean
look in spring.
a pressure washer.
n Always plug a properly
grounded pressure washer into
a properly grounded recep-
tacle.
n If an extension cord must
be used, keep the pressure
washer’s power cord con-
nection out of and away from
any standing water, and use
a heavy duty extension cord
with components rated for use
in wet locations. Keep both
the power cord and extension
cord connections as far away
as possible from the item be-
ing washed and away from
any water runoff. While power
washing, periodically take note
of the location of the extension
cord connections to ensure
they are not in a puddle.
n Wear rubber-soled shoes
that provide some insulation
when using pressure washer.
n Never cut or splice the
pressure washer’s power cord
or extension cords.
n Never remove the
grounding prong from the
pressure washer’s power cord
plug or the extension cord.
n Pause the project if a cir-
cuit breaker is tripped. Always
have a qualified electrician
check the pressure washer for
electrical problems after it has
tripped a circuit breaker.
n Never allow children to
operate a pressure washer.
Keep children at a safe distance
when an adult is using a pres-
sure washer.
4 • March 2021 Spring Home 2021

Master Gardeners bring knowledge to community

Brandie Waite is pictured leading a Garden Talk on seed blocking. The educational series is now presented via the Zoom video
conferencing platform.
By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
There are many people
who have been blessed with
a green thumb and the ability
to create exquisite outdoor
gardens or an indoor para-
dise filled with bright florals
and more.
On the other hand, there
are also many people who
aren’t sure where to begin
when it comes to starting a
garden.
Genesee County Cornell
Cooperative Extension has
offered the Master Gardeners
program to the community
since 1980.
The program has 80 ac-
tive and trained volunteers,
and encompasses a Master
Gardeners hotline and a
“Garden Talk” series. The
hotline takes about 500 to
600 calls per year, while the
talks – currently being con-
ducted via the Zoom video
conferencing platform – of-
what is wrong with their
plant,” said Janice Beglinger,
agricultural outreach coordi-
nator at CCE.
The volunteer-based
Master Gardeners program,
which is a nationwide pro-
gram, operates out of Exten-
sion offices. What started as a
small program has grown sig-
nificantly since its inception,
with a focus on soils, botany,
entomology, diseases, tree
care and more.
“Master Gardener training
prepares people to become
volunteers. The training is
open to the public in Gen-
esee County. After you take
the training you can decide if
you want to apply to become
a volunteer,” said Beglinger.
The Master Gardener
training runs about 13 weeks
and meets one night per
week, for three hours. There
may be an additional class or
two on a Saturday, Beglinger
said.
GENESEE COUNTY CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PHOTOGRAPH
ery other year, she said, and
there is a waiting list.
“The volunteers them-
selves have varying interests,
themselves, in horticulture,”
Beglinger said. “The basis of
the program is educational.
We’re sort of an arm of Cor-
nell University. We’re sup-
posed to bring the research
and research-based knowl-
edge back into the com-
munity. That’s why we do a
lot of classes – to bring that
knowledge out to the com-
munity and speak for groups,
do demonstrations.”
Anyone interested in tak-
ing the training should con-
tact Beglinger for more infor-
mation.
There is a fee to take the
training, which will be de-
termined when the class is
scheduled.
If you’re interested in
learning more about gar-
dening, either as a novice or
an expert, the trained vol-
A love of learning seeds
interest of MG volunteers
By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
What began as a hobby 25
years ago when Sue Eick of
Bergen wanted to spruce up
the area around her newly-in-
stalled in-ground swimming
pool, has blossomed into a
passion for science, and nur-
turing her love of learning.
“I wanted to plant a garden
around the pool and that’s
pretty much when I became a
gardener,” said Eick, 71, who
has been a volunteer mas-
ter gardener with Genesee
County Cornell Cooperative
Extension for 12 years. “After
gardening for a few years and
learning everything the hard
way – basically by killing ev-
erything – I decided it might
be a good idea to learn how to
do things the correct way.”
That’s when Eick was for-
tunate enough to find the
Master Gardeners program
both online and through
Cornell. She then took the
training course and became
a volunteer master gardener,
working on the helpline.
Eick, a retired physi-
cal therapist, was familiar
with Cornell from her time
studying at Ithaca College. “I
figured with their area of ex-
pertise they would probably
know something about the
latest and greatest in garden-
ing – which they do. That’s
Jan Beglinger, agricultural
when the Master Gardeners
outreach coordinator at CCE.
program popped up online
for me,” said Eick.
do so for the foreseeable fu-
Eick continues to help as a
ture,” Beglinger said.
volunteer on the Master Gar-
The Garden Talk series is
offered the first Thursday of deners helpline.
“I enjoy everything about
the month at noon. People
can register and check for the program. It’s the learning
I enjoy the most. Secondly, I
other events http://genesee.
cce.cornell.edu/.
The Master Gardeners pro-
gram is known to be a useful
resource within the commu-
nity for gardeners and resi-
Real Estate Services
dents are encouraged to uti-
lize the knowledge provided Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
enjoy the people,” said Eick.
“Jan (Beglinger) is amazing.
She’s been keeping us all in
touch with meetings through
Zoom. Continuing educa-
tional opportunities out there
have been incredible. It’s
been even more remarkable
with COVID because every-
one is reaching out to every-
one. It’s been an amazing op-
portunity.”
Beglinger heads the Master
Gardeners program at CCE of
Genesee County.
After completing the Mas-
ter Gardener training course
and becoming a volunteer,
participants have to com-
plete 50 hours of volunteer
work during their first year.
“At my first Master Gar-
dener training course, one of
the master gardeners said he
needed a partner. I thought,
‘Well, why not?’ And there
lies the tale,” joked Eick about
where she gained her start
with the Master Gardeners
program.
While Eick and other vol-
unteers may not have all the
answers to questions pertain-
ing to gardening, they will do
their best to work together
and provide a research-based
answer.
“That’s what’s so much
fun about it. You always have
questions you won’t know
the answer to. I love doing re-
search. That to me is heaven,”
said Eick.
“I am finding that the more
you know, the more you need
to learn. Especially, since the
10-plus years that I’ve bene
a master gardener and I’ve
seen things change so much,”
See INTEREST A6
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fers “a basic understanding “Each class covers a differ- unteers will offer research- by the trained volunteers. MADELEINE RUSCH
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of the science of gardening.” ent topic – botany, soils, in- based help to best assist you. “Using the Master Gar- TEE
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Additionally, the program sects, etc. The class will give “We have not run Master deners program, if you have 570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020
includes a volunteer-based a basic overview of a variety Gardener training during a question and we can’t give Cell: 716.913.0242
Master Gardeners training of horticulture topics,” she COVID. We have however, of- you the answer we’re going Office: 585.409.2114 • Fax: 585.343.8502
said. fered other gardening classes madeleinerusch@howardhanna.com
course for those looking to HowardHanna.com
further their knowledge of Training is usually held ev- on Zoom and will continue to See MG A6
horticulture.
Curious gardeners with an
inquiry, can call the Master
Gardeners hotline, free of
charge, at (585) 343-3040, ext.
127, from 10 a.m. to noon,
Monday through Friday, and RUGS, UPHOLSTERY AND FLOORS
connect with two volunteers
Betty O’Brien | 585.343.6119
who can help answer their
questions. Or, you can stop 8720 Seven Springs Road | Batavia, NY 14020
in at the CCE office at 420
East Main St., Batavia, with
in-person questions (masks
and check-in required). You
can also email any questions
to geneseemg@hotmail.com.
“We answer a variety of
gardening and related top-
ics, from insect identification
to helping people determine

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Sun-blocking ideas like awnings, shade trees and large umbrellas can help people enjoy their yards all day long.
How to add shade to a deck or patio
Metro Creative
Homeowners eagerly await
the arrival of the warm weath-
er so they can cast off the rem-
nants of cabin fever and bask
in the sunshine. However, as
summer nears its dog days, the
same sun homeowners once
coveted can contribute to
uncomfortable conditions in
outdoor entertaining spaces.
Meteorologists at WHAS-
TV in Kentucky took to their
neighborhoods in July 2020
to test just how hot surfaces
can get in the sun during peak
daytime temperatures. Con-
crete sitting in the sun almost
all day reached a temperature
of 134.7 F, while the same
concrete in the shade clocked
in at just under 80 F. When
air temperatures are around
Exploring different
backyard structures
Metro Creative
Designing an ideal backyard
space requires forethought
and an eye for style. Knowing
which features to include in a
yard often boils down to what
homeowners want to achieve
in the space. Will it be a relax-
ing oasis or a central enter-
taining focal point?
People often look to vari-
ous structures to add height
and visual interest to outdoor
spaces. Homeowners will like-
ly come across structures such
as arbors, gazebos, pergolas,
and even trellises as they wade
through the variety of features
they can incorporate into
backyard plans. Each of these
structures can add appeal, but
they also can offer shelter from
the sun and privacy when en-
joying the yard.
There are significant differ-
ences between each structure.
Here’s an in-depth look at
what sets them apart:
n Arbor: An arbor is one of
the more simple garden struc-
tures. It is usually a frame that
is arched or square-cornered.
Most homeowners use it as an
entryway to a garden or even
the front of the home. Those
with green thumbs may cover
the arbor with climbing and
trailing plants. The Spruce
says arbors date back to early
Egyptian and Roman gardens
and were used throughout Eu-
rope by the late 16th century.
n Pergola: The words arbor
and pergola are often used
interchangeably, but to sug-
gest the two structures are the
same would not be accurate.
Pergola comes from the Ital-
ian word “pergula,” which
means “projection.” Pergolas
were once projected from ex-
terior walls and supported on
one side by pillars or columns.
Today, arbors are usually free-
standing units with two or four
90 F, unshaded concrete and
asphalt can be 125 F and 140
F, respectively. While wood
decking may not be as hot as
asphalt and concrete, it still
can get steamy underfoot.
Homeowners who want
to be able to enjoy their out-
door spaces in an array of
temperatures can think about
investing in shade solutions.
Sun-blocking ideas such as
awnings, shade trees and large
umbrellas can help people en-
joy their yards all day long.
n Canopy: A patio canopy
is typically a freestanding unit
that can be installed over a
patio or a deck. Some people
prefer to bolt it down so it will
not be knocked over in windy
conditions. The fabric on the
canopy can be removed dur-
ing the offseason, helping to
posts. Pergolas may be con-
nected on one side to a home
or another structure. Some are
freestanding units supported
by four posts. Pergolas tend to
be larger and offer more pri-
vacy and shade than arbors.
n Gazebo: Gazebos are
more defined garden build-
ings, states the contractor
referral site Network. Gaze-
bos are freestanding units
that can be built in various
shapes. Some are octagonal,
others are square. Like a per-
gola, a gazebo is supported by
columns and may have low
railings or built-in benches.
Gazebos also may have a more
solid roof than arbors or per-
golas, providing sun and other
weather protection. The roof
may have added architectural
appeal, like a cupola.
n Trellis: A trellis is a simple,
geometrically-shaped struc-
ture that provides a surface
for climbing plants. A trellis
also may support fruit-bearing
trees. Trellis work may be used
in conjunction with an arbor
or pergola, or be installed on
fencing.
Incorporating structures in-
to backyard designs can pro-
vide functionality and appeal.
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improve its longevity.
n Awning: Awnings may be
stationary or retractable. Ma-
ny are installed directly onto
a home and can cast shade on
specific areas of outdoor en-
tertaining spaces.
n Shade sail: Similar to an
awning but a bit less structur-
ally rigid, shade sails are large
pieces of triangular fabric in-
stalled over areas of a patio,
pool or landscape, according
to The Family Handyman.
Shade sails are light and airy
and can be customized.
n Trees: A natural way to
increase shade in a yard is to
plant more shade trees. If sun
glare is an issue all year long,
and it’s not just the heat of the
sun that is troublesome, think
about planting evergreen
trees. Deciduous cousins will
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drop their leaves in fall and
only be effective during the
warm weather.
n Patio umbrellas: Many
umbrellas start at around $25.
Umbrellas can be paired with
patio tables, while station-
ary cantilever umbrellas sit
out of the way on their own
heavy-duty stands. A cantile-
ver umbrella tends to provide
more shade than patio table
umbrellas.
n Curtains: Homeowners
can block sunlight outdoors
the way they do inside, offers
MSN. Hang curtains from the
sides of canopies or between
posts on a deck to provide
shade and cozy spaces.
Shade is in high demand
when the sun is hot. Options
abound for making outdoor
areas more comfortable.
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Shade trees that can make
yards more comfortable
Metro Creative
Various factors motivate the decisions homeown-
ers make when designing their landscapes. Some
may be motivated by the ways additions will affect
the resale value of their homes, while others may be
guided by a love for a particular type of plant. Com-
fort is yet another motivator, and shade trees can
make yards more comfortable as the mercury rises.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the fol-
lowing are some popular shade trees that can add
beauty to a landscape and make it more comfortable
come the dog days of summer.
n Quaking aspen: The quaking aspen has the
widest natural range of any tree in North America,
spanning 47 degrees of latitude, 110 degrees of lon-
gitude (nine time zones) and elevations from sea lev-
el to timberline. That impressive range is no doubt
why the United States Forest Service notes that the
quaking aspen can grow in greatly diverse regions,
environments and communities.
n Northern catalpa: The Arbor Day Foundation
notes that the northern catalpa is easily identifiable
thanks to its heart-shaped leaves and twisting trunks
and branches. Nature enthusiasts, and particularly
those who enjoy birdwatching, may be happy to
learn that the flowers of the catalpa are frequently
visited by hummingbirds.
n Red sunset maple: Its name alone makes many
people think of lazy summer days spent lounging
in the yard. The red sunset maple provides ample
shade and comes with the added benefit of produc-
ing an awe-inspiring blend of red and orange leaves
come the fall. Red sunset maples can survive in a
range of habitats and their adaptable roots means
they can thrive in various soil types.
n Northern red oak: The state tree of New Jer-
sey, the northern red oak is, according to the Arbor
Day Foundation, both beloved for its aesthetic ap-
peal and valued for its adaptability and usefulness.
Northern red oaks can tolerate urban conditions,
but they do not do well in hot climates.
n Sawtooth oak: Another tree that produces
some awe-inspiring color, the sawtooth oak is a du-
rable, adaptable shade tree. Golden yellow leaves
in the spring will give way to dark green in summer,
only to turn yellow and golden brown in the fall. The
Tree Center Plant Supply Co. notes that the saw-
tooth oak can thrive in warmer climates where shade
trees that can coexist with high temperatures can be
hard to find.
Shade trees can add beauty to a property and
make a yard more comfortable. Homeowners are
urged to discuss shade trees with a local lawn and
garden professional prior to planting.
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6 • March 2021
Interest
From A4
she continued. “When I first
started, most plant prob-
lems were abiotic (from
people or the environment).
Now, there’s a lot of plant
problems, including disease
and insects. It’s all becom-
ing even more complicated
now with climate change. It
still keeps unfolding. We’re
introducing pathogens from
Asia and insects from Asia.
It’s just complicating it even
more…”
Garden enthusiast,
Brandie Waite, 36, who is the
administrative assistant for
the NWNY Dairy, Livestock
& Field Crops Team, took the
Master Gardener training
course in 2012.
“At that time, I was work-
ing for the Cooperative Ex-
tension of Genesee County
and Jan Beglinger thought it
would be helpful, if I had an
interest, to go through the
program and then I could
help at the window when
people dropped off sam-
ples,” said Waite. “I really
enjoyed it.”
Certain conditions, such as compacted soil or moisture, can allow
moss to grow where turfgrass is struggling.
Moss
From A2
lacking nutrients or if lime needs to be
applied and when to apply it. Such a
report also will indicate when to fertil-
ize the lawn, which can help restore
the turfgrass so it’s more capable of
competing with the moss.
If the underlying cause of moss is
shade and/or moisture in the yard,
homeowners can speak with land-
scaping professionals to discuss their
options. Replacing existing turf with
one that is well-suited to shade and/
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Waite, a Bergen resident,
didn’t start gardening for
herself until 2015.
“It’s completely taken
over my life. I’ve been an ac-
tive master gardener since
I took the training,” joked
Waite. “Once I started gar-
dening myself, I felt more
comfortable giving presen-
tations for the Speakers Bu-
reau.”
One of Waite’s specialties
is growing cut flowers. She
leads presentations for the
Master Gardeners program
about seed starting and
growing a cut flower garden.
“I recently did a talk on the
slow flower movement that’s
happening in the United
States,” said Waite.
The slow flower move-
ment is similar to the slow
food movement, in which
people try to purchase lo-
cally and sustainably grown
produce, and fruits and veg-
etables.
“With the flower move-
ment – almost 80 percent
of the flowers purchased in
the United States today are
grown and imported from
South America. So, it’s shift-
ing that trend back to buying
METRO CREATIVE
or moisture may prevent mold from
overtaking the lawn in the future. Penn
State Extension notes that some
turfgrasses may be best-adapted
to shaded, well-drained soils, while
others may be more likely to thrive in
shaded, moist soils. A local landscap-
ing professional can help homeown-
ers find a turf that will not only thrive in
the conditions in their yards, but also
in their local climates.
Moss can quickly take advantage
of conditions that make it difficult for
turfgrass to grow. Homeowners who
recognize that moss is overtaking
their lawn can address it in various
ways.
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and supporting local flow-
ers,” Waite said.
Talks hosted by Waite, pri-
or to the COVID-19 pandem-
ic, were in-person. Those
included Garden Talks and
a spring Coffee and Dessert
Series, and outside group
talks as part of the Speakers
Bureau. Garden Talk is now
conducted via the Zoom vid-
eo conferencing program.
“Gardeners are some of
the nicest people you will ev-
er meet. They are always will-
ing to share their knowledge
and their garden experience.
I really enjoy the Master Gar-
deners mission of neighbors
teaching neighbors. We’re in
a world right now that is very
digital. You can Google any-
thing, but that doesn’t nec-
essarily mean you’re going to
be provided with the correct
information,” said Waite.
“The mission of the Master
Gardeners program is to pro-
vide community members
with research-based infor-
mation that is tried and true.
You know you’re going to
receive reliable information
if you reach out to the Master Sue Eick, a helpline volunteer, is seen examining a sample from a
Gardeners helpline.” spruce tree. She is looking for signs of disease.
How to prepare a garden for spring planting
Metro Creative
The final weeks of winter,
and even the first few weeks
of spring, are still chilly in
many parts of the world. De-
spite those last vestiges of
winter chills, late winter is a
great time to begin preparing
gardens for the coming plant-
ing season.
Gardens may have to with-
stand months of harsh weath-
er each winter, and such con-
ditions can take a toll.
Gardeners can consider
the following tips as they try
to restore their gardens and
get them ready for spring
planting.
n Disinfect your tools.
It’s common to clean tools in
late fall or whenever they’re
typically placed in storage for
the winter. But cleaning and
disinfecting are not neces-
sarily the same thing. If tools
were not disinfected at the
end of the previous gardening
season, disinfect them before
doing any work on the gar-
den. Doing so can ensure any
lingering bacteria or fungi on
tool surfaces are killed prior
to the beginning of garden-
ing season. According to the
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GENESEE COUNTY CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PHOTOGRAPH
Gardeners can consider the following tips as they try to restore
their gardens and get them ready for spring planting.
University of Minnesota Ex-
tension, plant pathogens, in-
cluding bacteria and viruses,
can be transferred to and
infect plants through bits of
soil and plant debris left on
shovels and pruner blades.
Thoroughly disinfecting such
tools prior to using them in
the spring is a great way to
reduce the risk of disease in
your garden.
n Clear debris from
garden beds. Leaves, twigs,
sticks, and other debris may
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have gathered in the garden
over the winter. Such de-
bris can inhibit the growth
of plants and vegetables, so
make sure all of it is removed
prior to planting. Weeds
might even begin to sprout
up in late winter and early
spring, so remove them be-
fore they go to seed.
n Test the soil. Test-
ing the soil prior to planting
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to do the research and give
you research-based knowl-
edge and not just something
we found on the internet.
We want to make sure we’re
giving people an unbiased
source of information to help
them solve their gardening
problem,” said Beglinger.
“Gardeners are lifelong
learners, so if you enjoy gar-
dening and learning, the
Master Gardener program
might be for you,” she said.
The upcoming spring Mas-
ter Gardeners Gala, which is
one of two major fundrais-
ers for the program, is slated
for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 15
at the CCE office. The gala
features the sale of potted
plants, gently used garden
books, and a basket auction.
Proceeds keep the helpline
free.
For more information, call
the Extension at (585) 343-
3040 or visit genesee.cce.cor-
nell.edu.
can help gardeners deter-
mine what their gardens will
need to thrive in the coming
months. Garden centers and
home improvement stores
sell home testing kits that
are effective and easy to use.
Once the results are in, speak
with a professional at your lo-
cal garden center about the
best time to amend the soil.
n Loosen compacted
soil. Soil can become com-
pacted over winter. If com-
pacted soil is not loosened
prior to planting, plants will
have a hard time getting the
water and nutrients they need
to thrive. Loosening soil also
provides an opportunity to
inspect the garden for any un-
derlying issues, such as fungi
or weed growth, that you may
have missed when clearing
debris or testing the soil.
Late winter is a good time
to assess a garden and ad-
dress any issues that devel-
oped over the winter so plants
and vegetables can thrive
come the spring planting sea-
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Cedar Street attributes success
to community support, sons’ leadership
By KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
Deemed as an essential
business last year, Cedar
Street Sales and Rental was
fortunate to stay open the
entire year without having to
lay off any employees. Grate-
ful for the opportunity to
continue providing services
to the community, owner
Guy Clark, his sons, and his
staff, made sure to provide
their customers with quality
products and customer ser-
vice.
“We are blessed to be in a
business that thrived during
COVID. It seems like pretty
much anything to do with
being outdoors or home
improvements has been in
high demand,” said Guy.
“We had a record year in
sales of both Cub Cadet and
Stihl products last year. Our
rental department also had
a record year as contractors
and homeowners were busy
all year working on all home
improvement projects. That
trend will continue well into
this year and it won’t level off
until everything opens com-
pletely back up.”
With many people still laid
off or working from home,
there seems to be more time
allotted for home improve-
ment. Happy to assist how-
ever they can, Cedar Street
Sales and Rental foresees
another year of consistent
home improvement.
“We are anticipating an-
other very strong year with
both Cub Cadet and Stihl
however product availability
is a major concern. Manu-
facturers are struggling to get
enough raw materials and
workers to build the prod-
ucts that are in such demand.
We were highly encouraged
to order almost a full year’s
worth of inventory on our
pre-season orders, which are
placed in the fall,” said Guy.
“Our sons, Adam and Con-
nor, both came aboard after
graduating from college and
their business degrees have
come in quite handy. Histori-
cally, a pre-season order was
just what the name implied,
enough inventory to get you
through spring. This year,
however, we had to order
enough to get us through fall.
It requires a lot of decision
making and planning and we
couldn’t have done it without
their business skills.”
Cedar Street Sales
and Rental built its new
6,000-square-foot ware-
house in 2019, across the
street from their facility. It’s
set up as a giant home show
that displays more than 50
different models.
“The timing of building
our new warehouse couldn’t
have been better. We now
have the capacity to store and
display the large orders that
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AN ESTIMATE!
Spring Home 2021 March 2021 • 7
The Cub Cadet Top 100
Club recognition usually
comes with an incentive va-
cation; however, the vaca-
tion was canceled this year
due to COVID. Cedar Street
Sales and Rental also won
an incentive trip with Stihl,
in 2020, for our outstanding
sales of its battery powered
products. That trip was also
cancelled.
“The future is bright for
Cedar Street with our sons,
Adam and Connor’s, leader-
ship skills. Being in business
is harder than ever and it still
requires a lot of hard work,
but also strong business and
financial skills are a must.
You have to be willing to
change plans on the fly and
be constantly creative with
everything you do. This is one
of the big advantages with
being a locally owned and
operated business. We can
see a trend or problem and
react within minutes to take
advantage of the opportunity
or resolve a problem,” said
Guy. “2020 brought some
good things that I believe
will stick around for a while.
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
People learned to appreciate
Adam Clark, DJ Klein, Jeremy Flint, Connor Clark, Lana Flint, Dale Ehrhart and owner Guy Clark in the showroom at Cedar Street Sales
the simple things, includ-
& Rentals in Batavia. The business has once again earned recognition on the Cub Cadet Top 100 Club.
ing their own backyards, the
great outdoors, and many
younger people also now
‘Our sons, Adam and Connor, both came
have a stronger appreciation
for locally owned businesses.
aboard after graduating from college and their Small business truly is the
’
business degrees have come in quite handy. backbone to any community
and Genesee County has so
GUY CLARK many great businesses. I be-
Owner | Cedar Street Sales & Rental lieve strongly that you will al-
ways get a far greater value by
choosing your community.
built warehouse, Cedar to amaze me ... None of this Small businesses invest right
Street Sales and Rental offers would be possible with- back into the community,
a beautiful Strongsville Test out the continued support making it a better place for all
Drive park where customers from our customers and I of us to live.”
can test drive their mower of can’t thank them enough For more information
choice prior to purchase. for choosing our business about Cedar Street Sales and
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
“... Coupled with a zero for all of these years. Gen- Rental, stop in at 111 Cedar
Inventory at the Cedar Street Sales and Rental newly built
pressure, non-commis- esee County and the City of St., Batavia, visit cedarstree-
warehouse across the street from its main location.
sioned sales team it’s a com- Batavia are a great place to do tonline.com, or call (585)
bination that is hard to beat,” business,” said Guy. 343-4899.
we have received,” said Guy. the exact if not better price
said Guy.
“…Customers are shocked on every Cub Cadet. Our se-
For the 26th consecutive
when they see the huge wall lection is much larger, and
year, in 2020 Cedar Street
of crated lawn mowers all we professionally set up ev- Sales and Rental earned rec-
set up and ready to go. Many ery unit and offer parts and
ognition in the Cub Cadet Real Estate Services
people mistakenly think they service after the sale. This is a Top 100 Club, which is a na- Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
will get a better price at a box very big advantage.” tionwide sales contest. AR
D HA
W
BETH STAROWITZ
N
NA
HO
store when, in fact, we offer In addition to the newly “That fact still continues
TEE
100
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
AN
%
M
R
ON
A
EY B CK GU
A
570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020
FOLLOW THE DAILY NEWS Cell: 585.721.1639
Office: 585.409.2119 • Fax: 585.343.8502
THEDAILYNEWSONLINE.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/BATAVIADAILYNEWS bethstarowitz@howardhanna.com
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3 questions to determine if it’s best to renovate on your own
Metro Creative
A do-it-yourself mentality
has taken hold in millions of
households across the globe.
Popular television channels
such as HGTV and DIY Net-
work and accessible home
improvement content on
apps such as YouTube has
inspired many homeowners
to tackle renovation projects
around their homes.
Taking such initiative is
admirable, though it also can
prove costly if homeowners
end up biting off more than
they can chew.
Home improvement videos
and television shows have a
tendency to oversimplify ren-
ovation projects, potentially
giving homeowners a false
sense of confidence in their
DIY abilities. A concerted ef-
fort on the part of homeown-
ers to determine if it’s best to
renovate on their own or hire
a professional should always
be the first step of any renova-
tion project.
No two homeowners are
the same, but the follow-
ing three questions can help
homeowners determine if
DIY is their best option.
1. CAN I AFFORD TO DIY?
Professional home im-
provement projects are costly
for a variety of reasons. Mate-
rials can be costly, but so are
the tools and labor necessary
to do the job right.
Homeowners may not have
the tools necessary to com-
plete complicated projects.
Specialty tools can be expen-
sive to purchase or even rent,
and the cost of acquiring such
Call 811 before you dig
Contractors and homeown-
ers are reminded by local utility
companies to have underground
utilities marked before digging –
to protect themselves and others
from injury and to prevent dam-
age to underground utility lines.
Contact Dig Safely New York by
calling 811 at least two and not
more than 10 full working days
before the start of any excavation
project.
Follow these tips for a safer
project:
n Plan to have underground
utilities marked as part of all un-
derground construction
n Mark out the area of con-
Now Available at
Should I DIY?
tools should be included in
any DIY project cost esti-
mates.
Labor also factors heav-
ily into professional projects,
and for good reason. Talented
contractors have unique skills
that have been developed and
perfected over many years.
Those skills can ensure proj-
ects are completed quickly
and correctly.
Labor may seem costly, but
such costs may ultimately
prove to be a bargain com-
pared to the cost of fixing DIY
mistakes.
Projects that are minor
in scope and don’t require
the use of potentially costly
specialty tools may be better
suited for weekend warriors
than more complicated reno-
vations.
2. DO I HAVE THE TIME?
Homeowners must deter-
mine how much time they
have to complete a project
before deciding to do it them-
selves. No one wants to spend
months staring at an unfin-
ished renovation project.
Homeowners who are already
pressed for time may not be
able to complete projects in
a timely fashion, which can
make homes less comfortable
and even less safe.
3. CAN I PULL THIS OFF?
DIY projects can instill
homeowners with a sense of
pride in their homes, but it’s
imperative that homeowners
considering the DIY option
conduct an honest assess-
ment of their skills. A lack of
renovation experience does
not necessarily mean a home-
struction
n Call Dig Safely New York, a
free and easy service at 811 or 1
(800) 962-7962
n Provide adequate training
and supervision on a jobsite to
assure that good construction
practices are followed
n Properly maintain all un-
derground utility markings
n Hand dig in the area of un-
derground facilities
n Provide adequate protec-
tion and support for under-
ground facilities
n Use and properly install
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Spring Home 2021
Bring movie magic outdoors
Metro Creative
Social distancing recommendations issued in re-
sponse to the COVID-19 pandemic compelled people to
spend more time at home than ever before.
As the pandemic wore on, people looked for ways to
enjoy activities in their backyards so they would not be-
come overwhelmed by cabin fever. Home theater projec-
tors afford homeowners the chance to bring the magic of
family movie nights outdoors.
The tech experts at Digital Trends note that modern
projectors are a great way to enjoy a true cinematic expe-
rience at home, even if your “theater” is under the stars
in the backyard. Some projectors are designed to remain
outdoors so long as homeowners take the steps neces-
sary to protect the devices from the weather.
In fact, projectors are small and so easily moved that
homeowners can take them inside at the end of each
movie to ensure they’re not damaged by the elements.
In such instances, only the screen and the audio com-
ponents, like speakers, will require protection from the
elements.
But even interior projectors can be taken outdoors
when homeowners decide to watch a movie outdoors.
Projectors can even be used to watch television outdoors,
making them options worth considering for sports fans
who may be restricted from seeing their favorite teams in
person this season.
Watching television on a projector without a cable box
may require a little extra effort and a few more accesso-
METRO CREATIVE
ries than streaming a movie outdoors, and homeowners
DIY projects can instill homewoners with a sense of pride in their
would be wise to consult a home entertainment profes-
homes, but it’s imperative that homeowners conduct an honest
sional to ensure their setup is good to go before inviting
assessment of their skills before taking on a project..
anyone over to watch the big game under the stars.
owner cannot successfully the professionals.
complete a DIY project. But in Television shows and on-
such instances, it may be best line tutorials can make reno-
to start with small, straight- vations appear easier than
forward projects and then they actually are. Homeown-
gradually move up to bigger,
ers considering DIY renova-
more complicated projects
as skills are fine tuned. And tions can ask themselves a
homeowners who have never handful of questions to deter-
been at their best with a ham- mine if they’re ready for the
mer in hand should not be challenge of renovating their
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 Spring Home 2021 March 2021 • 9

Average timelines
for popular projects
Metro Creative
Home renovation proj-
ects are significant un-
dertakings. Working with
skilled and experienced
contractors can ensure
projects go smoothly and
are completed promptly.
Timing is a big consid-
eration for homeowners
as they begin renovating
their homes, and the home
improvement experts at
HomeAdvisor note that the
following are some general
timelines for popular reno-
vation projects:
n Home addition: Short
of a full-scale demolition
and rebuild, home addi-
tions are the most time-
consuming projects home-
owners can undertake.
HomeAdvisor notes that its
survey of customers who
recently completed home
addition projects reported
that the average time from
start to finish was between
three and four months. Cer-
tain variables, including the
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION scale of the project and the
Large windows naturally brighten homes while making rooms appear bigger local permits process, can
extend the time it takes to
the plumbing and moving
walls will likely take longer
than more cosmetic proj-
ects that are limited to re-
placing cabinets and coun-
tertops.
n Bathroom remodel:
More than 1,000 homeown-
ers surveyed by HomeAdvi-
sor reported that bathroom
remodels took about 4.5
weeks from start to finish.
Small-scale remodels that
focus on painting the walls
a fresh color and replac-
ing existing tiles can be
completed in less than two
weeks. But like with kitchen
remodels, bathroom re-
models that involve replac-
ing plumbing fixtures and
removing walls figure to
take much longer than that.
nSiding installation: Ho-
meAdvisor users report that
new siding projects take
roughly two weeks from
start to finish. That estimate
is the same regardless of
which materials homeown-
ers are replacing and in-
stalling.
nReplacement windows:
Homeowners who want to
replace all the windows in

Renovation trends emerging in ’21 complete a home addition.

Metro Creative
Home renovation trends
are ever-changing. Renova-
tions that might have been
de rigueur 20 years ago may
seem dated now.
Recognizing the poten-
tially popular trends of to-
morrow is a great way for
homeowners to give their
homes a fresh new look and
put themselves in position to
capitalize on popular trends
when they put their homes
on the market.
That’s especially so after
2020, a year when millions
of people spent more time
at home than ever before.
All that time working from
home and relaxing at home
gave millions of homeown-
ers ideas about what they
like about their homes and
what they hope to change.
The following are some
renovation trends that vari-
ous experts suspect could
emerge in 2021:
FOLLOW THE DAILY NEWS
Facebook.com/BataviaDailyNews
n Eco-friendly living:
Climate change, and how
to combat it, was a hot but-
ton issue during the 2020
presidential election in the
United States. So it should
come as no surprise that
urdesignmag.com, a web
magazine that showcases
creative trends in design, ar-
chitecture, art, technology,
and fashion, predicts that
eco-friendly living solutions
figure to be hot commodities
in 2021.
Eco-friendly appliances,
furniture and designs can
help to conserve energy and
reduce waste, which envi-
ronmentalists and govern-
ment agencies such as the
Environmental Protection
Agency note are two criti-
cal components in the fight
against climate change.
n Large windows: Large
windows can provide stun-
ning views of the outdoors
and allow ample natural
light into a home. It may not
be a coincidence if large win-
dows prove to be a hot trend
in 2021. The COVID-19 pan-
demic that dominated much
of 2020 forced many people
to spend considerably more
time at home. Darker homes
without much natural light
can adversely affect mood,
especially when people
are spending more time at
home.
HGTV predicts that home-
owners will seek ways to
bring more natural light
into their homes in 2021,
and large windows natu-
rally brighten homes while
making rooms appear big-
ger, helping people feel less
cramped. That’s an especial-
ly beneficial characteristic
when spending more time
indoors at home.
n Minimalism: The an-
ticipated popularity of mini-
malism in 2021 may also be
connected to the pandemic.
“You Call... We Haul It All”
As professionals were forced
to work from home and
many families spent more
time together inside their
homes than ever before,
they may have recognized a
need to cut back on clutter,
including extra furniture. A
minimalist approach is both
simple and clean, which can
make homes feel less claus-
trophobic.
n Multi-functional spac-
es: Homeowners asked a
lot of their homes in 2020,
as rooms were transformed
into multi-functional spaces
seemingly overnight. HGTV
notes that spending more
time at home showed home-
owners that it may not make
sense to dedicate entire
rooms of a home to a single
purpose.
Renovations that can help
homeowners transform
rooms into multi-functional
spaces figure to be hot com-
modities in the years ahead.
nKitchen remodel: Scale
is a big factor to consider
when estimating the time
their home can expect such
a project to take roughly
three weeks. HomeAdvisor
notes that such a timeline
it takes to complete various need not concern home-
home improvement proj- owners worried that they
ects, and kitchen remodels will be forced to brave the
are no exception. Some Ho- elements during the length
meAdvisor users reported of the project. Much of a
projects taking as long as contractors’time during a
four months, though the window replacement proj-
average time reported was ect will be spent on upfront
roughly six weeks. Projects measuring and then ensur-
that require major over- ing a tight fit once the win-
hauls such as rearranging dows have been installed.
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10 • March 2021 Spring Home 2021

6 steps to organize your home office Tips to improve WiFi

Metro Creative
Remote working has be-
come popular in recent years,
but the “working-from-home”
economy bloomed exponen-
tially as the world was forced
to confront the COVID-19 pan-
demic. According to Stanford
economist Nicholas Bloom, as
of summer 2020, 42 percent of
the United States labor force
was working from home full-
time.
The need for home office
spaces has increased as more
people work from home. Many
people have retrofitted various
spaces around their homes in-
to areas to get work done. More
organized home work spaces
can increase productivity.
Individuals can follow these
guidelines to create effective,
organized home offices.
BEGIN WITH THE DESK
The desk is the primary spot
where work will take place.
The right desk accessories can
provide visual appeal and also
serve practical purposes. Have
cups for holding pens and pen-
cils, baskets and bins for larger
items, and store whatever you
can elsewhere so it does not
lead to clutter on the desk.
Store wireless printers in a
cabinet or even on a bookshelf
so it doesn’t take up real estate
on the desk.
CREATE A PRINTING STATION
While you’re moving that
wireless printer elsewhere,
designate a space to serve as
The need for home office spaces has increased as more people work from home.
the central printing hub. This
way children who need to
print assignments for school
will know where to go as well.
Printer supplies such as extra
ink cartridges and printer pa-
per can be kept in decorative
storage boxes nearby.
INCREASE YOUR SHELVING
Shelving can help keep items
organized and off the desk in
home offices without closets
or drawers. Look for shelves
that blend in with decor but are
sturdy enough to be functional.
ORGANIZE PAPERWORK
Figure out a system that
works for you to help tidy up
papers you choose to save.
While some papers can be
scanned and stored as digital
files, color-coded file folders
can organize statements and
other important documents.
This makes it easy to find the
folder you need when looking
for certain documents.
ESTABLISH A CHARGING STATION
Repurpose certain items,
such as a desk organizer, into
an easily accessible electronics
charging station where phones
and tablets can charge at one
time.
METRO CREATIVE
MAKE ESSENTIAL BINDERS
HGTV suggests making
binders that can store the most
important papers for easy ac-
cess – even in an emergency.
Set up a binder for automotive
paperwork, including repair
receipts, a medical binder
where key medical records are
kept, a binder for manuals for
devices in the home, and one to
store financial planning docu-
ments.
These organizational tips
can help remedy common
problems around a home of-
fice.
around the house
Metro Creative
Speedy, reliable internet is
something people have quickly
grown accustomed to. That’s
no doubt why dropped WiFi
signals can be so frustrating.
Various things can contrib-
ute to slow or interrupted Wi-
Fi. As a result, there’s no one-
size-fits-all solution to address
underperforming Wi-Fi. But
that’s good news, as it means
there’s an assortment of strat-
egies that consumers can try
to improve the Wi-Fi in their
homes.
n Upgrade your router.
Many people rent their rout-
ers from their internet service
providers, but it may surprise
some to learn that they can buy
their own.
Buying your own router can
be beneficial in various ways,
not the least of which is it can
save money. Router rental fees
vary, but they typically cost be-
tween $10 and $15 per month.
Consumers will save money
in the long run by buying their
own router rather than renting
one from their ISP.
When buying their own
routers, consumers also can
pick from a host of options,
including routers with strong
performance ratings that may
contribute to better WiFi per-
formance.
n Set up automatic firm-
ware updates. It’s easy to forget
a router after it’s been plugged
in and internet service starts
working. However, manufac-
turers routinely issue firmware
updates to improve router
performance. Turning on au-
tomatic updates may improve
WiFi performance, and such
updates also can provide a host
of additional benefits, includ-
ing added security measures.
n Relocate the router. PC-
Mag.com notes that the loca-
tion of the router can affect
WiFi performance. If possible,
locate the router in the cen-
ter of the home so it can eas-
ily reach all parts of the house.
Locating wireless routers away
from walls and other obstruc-
tions also may improve perfor-
mance.
n Switch frequencies.
Switching frequencies can help
wireless consumers whose
service might be adversely
affected by congestion. Con-
sumer Reports notes that wire-
less congestion can affect WiFi
performance in apartment
buildings and densely populat-
ed neighborhoods. In such in-
stances, consumers can check
their routers to see if they’re
running on the 2.4 GHz fre-
quency band. If so, switching
them to the 5 GHz band, which
has more channels and is likely
to be less congested, may im-
prove WiFi performance.
Slow and/or interrupted
WiFi signals can be very frus-
trating. Thankfully, various
strategies can help consumers
quickly remedy such issues.

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