Home Hacks Design

Although backyards are great in terms of space they are providing, most people neglect their potential utility. In other words, we commonly see them as an extension of the house where you can come and relax during summertime.

This is pretty shallow although not completely wrong. Truth be told, there are so many thing we can do with this part of our home. For example, instead of paying so much for our bills, we can always use backyard as a unique power generating area.

You don’t believe me? Let’s check out these 4 methods that will help you use your backyard in the most productive way possible.

1. Get your solar panels

Most homeowners will put solar panels on the roof. This is a no brainer as roof has unobstructed access to the sunrays. But, in certain cases, this will not be enough.

If you have an agricultural plot attached to your home, you might need much more electricity than that. In other words, roof will not be able to facilitate all the solar panels needed.

So, as a solution, you can always position several panels in your backyard. Great thing about panels is that they are really cheap nowadays. Furthermore, you can get your money back after a short while which means that you will be making profit (by paying lesser bills) after that.

2. Water collection in your backyard

A lot of homeowners are dependent on local water provider. But, it is much better if they start getting the water themselves.

You can easily collect rainwater with rainwater tanks or rainwater barrels.

Rainwater barrels are simpler solution where you are able to get all the water dripping from your roof into a barrel. This rainwater can later be used for gardening and other backyard choirs.

Rainwater tanks are a complex structure that also collets rainwater. However, all the similarities end there. Unlike barrels, rainwater tanks are supplying your home with fresh, filtrated water. This is possible with submersible water pumps from ForPumps. With this pump, water can be sent from tank to house for further use.

3. Creating your own compost

While you’re gardening, you are probably using a lot of fertilizers. No matter how great these products are, they are still based on some chemical components.

Instead of paying hefty sums for fertilizers, why don’t you make your own?

Basically, all you need is to set up an area where you will dump all your biodegradable material. After dissolving, this material can have another use. It can be your personal compost saving you money and time which you would need for purchasing finished products.

4. Using the same materials over and over

Here is another eco solution.

If you have a big household, you probably have a lot of spare resources such as wood and metals. In some cases, you can even salvage some items that are busted and reuse them.

Basically, all these spare resources can be used to create backyard modifications. You can use an old wooden table, disassemble it and reuse its wood as for patio (naturally, you will need more wood than that). You can do so much with old, broken furniture and reinvent it within the garden.

Furthermore, these new items do not have to be décor purpose. You can use them also for some functional solutions.

Conclusion

We can use our backyard in various ways. Most homeowners already have the necessary materials for improvement. It all comes down to recycling materials and finding them a new purpose.

In some cases, you will have to invest in a rainwater tank or solar panels. Nevertheless, they will be a great long-term solution that will definitely save you a lot of money in future.

Most homebuyers find that purchasing a home with lush, beautiful trees in the yard is ideal. Trees can provide shade, privacy from nosy neighbors, and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Trees add beauty in the spring and summer when they come to life and contribute to the joys of autumn when the leaves turn colors and fall to the ground. After all, jumping and throwing leaves into the air during autumn is a favorite pastime of many. If you are one who prefers to purchase a home with large, old, trees and lovely landscaping there are a few things to consider before taking on such a commitment. The trouble is that although gorgeous and pleasing to the eye, trees can cause severe damage to one’s home and surrounding yard. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a home in an environment that includes trees.

Drain damage
Drain damage can occur without you even knowing it. A tree root can begin to fester in the drain line slowly, causing potential problems over time. A drain is a great place for a tree root to grow as it provides shelter, food, and water in a convenient place. A tree root can find its way into a pipeline if there are small cracks in the pipe. Additionally, if the pipe is leaking, even a miniscule amount of water, a root can find its way into the pipe. Once a tree root breaks into the pipeline, there is potential for problems to arise.

Root growth
As the pipe is providing nutrients, air, and water to the root, it will begin to grow. If the water is warm, the growth can take place at a quicker rate than usual. Once a root has proclaimed residency inside a drain, the damage can occur swiftly.

Drain Blockage
The combination of drain damage from a root that has trespassed and the growing root is detrimental to the health of a drain. Large tree roots can get stuck on dirt, debris, or grease, causing blockage and water backup in a drain. When a drain experiences a block, it is likely that water and debris can back up into your home causing unsanitary conditions for you and your family. In addition, it is likely that your home will need to endure costly repairs from the water damage or worse yet, an entire new sewage system.

Unfortunately, although there are several merits to owning a home on a tree lined street, tree roots block drains. There are ways, however, to prevent costly damage to your home and sewer system. Being diligent and cognizant of your trees and sewer system status, can help prevent unwanted issues. Be sure to know where the sewer clean out pipe is. Also be aware of where the laterals are and if you choose to plant trees, do so at least 10 feet away from the pipeline area. If you already have large trees growing in your yard, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional to come to your property for an assessment. A professional can come to your property with a variety of technological tools, such as but not limited to, an in drain camera to take a look at the status and health of your pipes. Although this could be an unwanted expense now, it could save you time, frustration, and money in the future.