IN Peters Township October/November 2018 | Page 33

INDUSTRY INSIGHT MAXIMIZE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE SPONSORED CONTENT ENJOYING YOUR B A C K YA R D S PA C E AS SUMMER CHANGES TO FALL I nstead of spending your time inside, now is the time to take advantage of the warm weather and cooler evenings by relaxing outside. Here are some helpful tips for maximizing the enjoyment of all your outdoor spaces. THE LAWN Weekly maintenance can keep your lawn looking great. In addition to mowing the grass, trimming and removing weeds, your lawn needs plenty of water, sun and nutrients. If we go a stretch without rain, it is a good idea to give the lawn a good soak in the morning or evening hours to help it stay green and healthy. As we transition into fall, consider applying a fertilizer designed for end-of-the-season health and preparation for a strong start in spring. We carry options from Scotts, Jonathan Green and Ace. THE LANDSCAPING Start by removing the spent flowers (deadheading) to keep plants looking their best. They will reward you by producing more blooms. Next, fall is a great time to prune your trees and shrubs, which will keep them looking groomed as well as fostering healthy new growth. ACE IS THE PLACE FOR ALL OF YOUR LAWN & GARDEN NEEDS. • • • • • • • • Propane Filling Repair Shop Ace Rental Place The Paint Studio Power Equipment Sales Bird Place at Miller’s Ace Blade Sharpening Screen & Window Repair When you prune your trees and shr ubs you can develop a unified look to further beautify your yard. Hedge trimming, mulching beds, and refreshing seasonal plantings are also a great way to revitalize your property for the fall. PEST CONTROL While maintaining your lawn and landscaping, you may notice some pests around your yard (I’m not talking about your neighbors!). Insect control for your lawn can help eliminate the reproduction of pesky bugs around your yard. Spraying around the perimeter of your house can create a barrier between the outdoors and your home, helping to keep those pesky bugs out of the house. When choosing the proper bug control for your problem it is important to do your research before using any product. We have a great selection of products, and all the Ace helpful advice, to assist with any of these pest problems. THE DECK AND PATIO Here are two great areas to spend time with family and friends as summer transitions to fall. Patio furniture, BBQ grills and fire pits are all great items for these areas. All of them also need some occasional TLC. This is a great time to clean these items and give them a once- over for any repair needs, to get full use for the rest of the season. We have a great selection of cleaners, replacement parts and new items to help you with any of these projects. Decks and patios also require cleaning and maintenance and this is a great time to tackle that project. See us for pressure washers (rental or purchase), cleaners and sealers, or stains to bring these areas back to life. POOL MAINTENANCE After a long day of working in your yard, you can cool off in the pool. Here are some easy steps to maintaining a sparkling pool. 1. Balance the Chemicals - You can test the water with products such as a PH test strip. Maintaining ideal levels can keep your pool running efficiently and looking its best. This can help prevent algae, corrosion and reduce cloudy-looking water. 2. Sanitize - Sanitizers can kill bacteria and inhibit future growth. Chlorine is the most popular option because of the cost. 3. Prevent Algae - Cleaning your filters, skimming the pool and vacuuming are all important to maintaining a clean environment. Simply using your pool can help keep it clean by kicking up debris for the filter to catch. 4. Shock – Use when your pool needs an extra boost to kill the existing algae, helping to restore your pool to a sparkling oasis. This Industry Insight was written by Greg Gold. MCMURRAY BETHEL PARK Waterdam Commons Ruthfred Shopping Center 724-941-7970 412-835-4119 millersace.com Greg is a 27-year veteran of the retail hardware industry. With experience at every level of the business, he and his brother, Chip, have been the proud owners of Miller’s Ace Hardware in McMurray and Bethel Park for over 10 years. With a passion for finding solutions and providing premium products for customers, Greg continues to work actively to grow the business and support the loyal customers, neighbors and friends from the communities their stores serve. PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 31