Kelly & Carl Robinson - Home Sweet Home

973-500-3253 info@carellyrealty.com www.carellyrealty.com

courtesy of: Kelly & Carl Robinson

Dear Homeowners, May brings fresh energy, blooming gardens, and the perfect excuse to spend more time enjoying home—inside and out. As the season shifts, it’s a natural time to make thoughtful updates that enhance comfort, safety, and curb appeal. Inside, find modern ways to child- and pet-proof your home without sacrificing style. Learn discreet safety solutions and smart storage ideas—small changes that can create a space that feels both beautiful and secure. Outdoors, proactive strategies for preventing summer weeds can help you maintain a healthier, lower-maintenance landscape all season long. We also highlight practical steps to strengthen your home against potential fire risks, offering guidance that brings added peace of mind as warmer, drier months approach. With Mother’s Day around the corner, you’ll also find inspiration for hosting a relaxed and elegant brunch at home, complete with simple recipes that make the morning feel special without extra stress.

If home projects—or future real estate plans—are on your mind this season, I’m always here to help with guidance and support whenever you need it.

Kelly & Carl Robinson

973-500-3253 info@CarellyRealty.com carellyrealty.com/digital _ magazine www.CarellyRealty.com

Table of Contents

Recipes: Mother’s Day Brunch • Spring Vegetable & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart • Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries • Sparkling Strawberry Citrus Refresher

Family-Proof Design: Make Your Home Safer for Kids and Pets

Kids and pets are naturally curious, which means your home may need a few extra safety measures. The good news: today’s baby- and pet-proofing products are designed to blend into your home, not stand out. From discreet cabinet locks and mesh safety gates to simple cord organizers and outlet covers, small changes can help prevent accidents while keeping your home looking clean, comfortable, and stylish.

Win the Battle Against Summer Weeds SPRING STRATEGIES FOR A HEALTHIER LANDSCAPE

Protecting Your Home in Case of Fire

SMART STEPS FOR SAFETY

With a proactive approach and consistent upkeep, you can safeguard both your property and the people you care about most. This article shares practical ways to reduce exposure to embers, strengthen warning systems, and build a clear emergency response plan for your household.

Learn why spring is the critical window for weed control and how soil preparation, strategic planting, mulching, and targeted treatments can dramatically reduce summer maintenance. With these practical, proactive steps, you can create a landscape that naturally crowds out unwanted growth and stays easier to manage all season long.

May 2026

Family- Proof Design:

Because your home is inherently an intimate space, your interior design and home décor choices likely express your individual preferences, from color schemes and textures to the style of furnishings and personal touches that reveal the things you enjoy and value most. When your family includes young children and “fur babies,” certain safety precautions must be taken to protect them from accidents or injury. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your style to make your home a safe place. We’ve put together some valuable tips for how you can create a safe environment for children and pets while maintaining the home design aesthetic you’ve worked so hard to create. Make Your Home Safer for Kids and Pets

HOME SWEET HOME Magazine

If you find yourself excited at the impending prospect of a new baby or pet joining your family but are dreading house-proofing with bulky and obtrusive safety devices, this article will give you valuable information you can use to keep your child or pet safe without sacrificing your preferred home design and decor. You’ll find that modern innovations now give parents and pet owners a much wider and sleeker selection of safety devices to choose from, allowing them to take all the proper precautions while simultaneously maintaining their sense of style. A MODERN APPROACH TO BABY AND PET-PROOFING

1. BABY/PET GATES

A new generation of baby/pet gates constructed of materials ranging from nylon and canvas to a metal frame with mesh interior and a door will save you from continually marking up your walls and having to hurdle your way over the protective barriers to avoid reinstallation every time you enter or leave the area. Modern gates allow adults to open and pass through them with ease. Simply push the gate shut firmly behind you, and it will lock back into place. Gates made of these materials are also quick and easy to clean—just wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Protective gates constructed of a metal frame with a mesh center allow you to maintain the modern vibe of your home and clearly monitor little ones as they play. These mesh screen gates are available in a variety of neutral colors that easily coordinate with any interior.

May 2026

4. CABINET LOCKS:

This is another must-have safety mechanism to keep curious children and pets from making their way into cabinets that often contain sharp objects, medications, cleaning products, chemicals, and other dangerous items. It is especially important to use cabinet locks in the kitchen and bathroom areas where these types of products are most often stored. Hidden magnetic cabinet locks prevent children and pets from accessing items that could cause harm while remaining unseen. Magnetic locks are installed inside cabinetry and are unlocked with a special magnetic tool that should be kept high and away.

2. CORNER BUMPERS:

Baby bumpers are designed to protect small ones from accidentally banging into the sharp corners of furniture. Corner bumpers for child and pet-proofing have traditionally been made of foam padding that can be cumbersome and unsightly. The current trend is to use corner bumpers of soft silicone. This new take on a must-have safety precaution is designed to match the color of your furniture, making the corner bumpers less obvious but just as effective. Silicone bumpers are available in neutral shades like gray, black or clear—minimizing their impact on your interior design aesthetic. Leather has also emerged as a favorite material for table bumpers to match your favorite choice of wood—be it the rich reddish-brown of cherry or the lighter beige tones of furnishings crafted from white oak.

5. TOILET LOCKS:

A safety device on all toilet lids can prevent young children from climbing into the bowl and stop pets from drinking toilet water. There are a wide assortment of latch toilet locks available, as well as clear, plastic safety straps that are easy to install and extremely versatile, as they can be used to secure dishwasher and refrigerator doors, cabinets, toilet seats, and more.

6. TRASH AND RECYCLING BINS:

We usually throw things away as a course of habit, giving little thought to the danger our refuse could pose to prying little hands or the inquisitive nose or paws of a puppy. However, the things we dispose of in trash cans or recycling bins are often sharp and dangerous, such as used razor blades, cotton swabs, or the edge of a used aluminum can. To avoid harm and the potential for a messy cleanup, either use trash cans and recycle bins with sturdy lids or keep these receptacles inside a locked cabinet.

3. DOOR KNOB COVERS:

Gone are the days when bulky, white plastic was the only available choice for door knob covers. Today, several companies offer a range of door knob covers designed to coordinate with your choice of hardware, whether you have antique bronze, copper/rose gold, polished nickel or satin black.

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HOME SWEET HOME Magazine

7. OUTLET COVERS:

Keep cords off the floor by affixing them to the underside of your desk or table or along high shelves or doorways using adhesive-backed cord clips. Taking this preventative measure has the added benefit of keeping your floors clutter-free and your cords organized. Most importantly, it can prevent a young child or pet from accidentally pulling on cords attached to heavy appliances like computers and monitors.

To prevent shocks, burns, and other electrical hazards, it is imperative that you invest in some sort of outlet covers. Clear outlet covers provide an easy and cost-effective solution. You simply insert the covers into the openings and remove and replace them when the outlet needs to be used. Self-closing outlet covers are another popular solution since they work automatically, so you never have to worry that you have forgotten to replace an outlet cover. With the self-closing option, the moment the electrical plug is taken out of the socket, a cover slides into place, preventing access to the outlet. Children and pets are often fascinated by cords and cables. Playing with blind cords can lead to the cord becoming wrapped around the child's or pet’s neck, injuring or even strangling them. Young children and pets also love to chew, and a blind cord left within their reach can pose a choking hazard. Retractable cord wraps and roll-ups are easy to install and automatically remove cords from floor level and keep them neatly stashed up and away, preventing mishaps. Better yet, opt for cordless window coverings to avoid any chance of a tragic accident. We live in a ‘plugged in’ society, and our culture’s love of electronics means charging and other electrical cords are prolific in every home. Arrange your charging cords in an organizer and keep it neatly placed on a high shelf or inside a locked upper cabinet. You can keep teething babies and pets who love to chew from accessing dangerous electrical cords, cables and wires by purchasing spiral wrap, an inexpensive covering that prevents small teeth from biting into electrical cords. 8. SAFEGUARDS FOR CORDS AND CABLES:

May 2026

Proper baby and pet-proofing can certainly prove to be a challenge, but it can also serve as an opportunity for you to rethink your design aesthetic and make some prudent changes to keep your small family members safe and minimize the amount of time you spend cleaning the house. EXPRESS YOUR AESTHETIC IN A NEW, FAMILY-FRIENDLY WAY

Protect your children and pets while safeguarding your cherished personal mementos by looking at your home from a new angle! Go room to room and take note of breakable, potentially dangerous items stored near the floor or placed on lower shelves that should be moved up and away for safety and safekeeping! Remember, all young ones enjoy exploring as a way of acclimating to their new environment and learning to understand the world around them. Remove ceramics, items with sharp edges, cleaning products, and chemicals from areas that little fingers or paws could possibly reach. As you make this clean sweep, identifying and removing safety hazards within your home, don’t forget that numerous household plants are poisonous if ingested by humans or furry friends. Examples include popular flowers such as tulips, daffodils, varieties of lilies, including lily of the valley, the peace lily, and calla lily, as well as oleander and English ivy. Place these plants in secure and stylish hanging plant containers or, better yet, replace them with popular indoor plants that are nontoxic, such as African violets, prayer plants, parlor palms, and other varieties you can easily research online to ensure they pose no harm if accidentally ingested. You can also use artificial plants and floral arrangements that will safeguard your little ones and relieve you of the responsibility of maintaining live plants. TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT YOUR HOME FROM A ‘LOWER’ PERSPECTIVE

HELPFUL HINTS:

• Avoid the temptation to invest in home décor or furnishings for a new baby that they will soon outgrow. • Don’t be swayed by trends. Instead, invest in furnishings and décor that have a timeless appeal and that will serve your growing family’s needs for years to come. • Remember that, done right, you can baby or pet- proof your home by combining functionality and the style that appeals to your personal aesthetic. • Place your glass tables in storage and choose a fabric ottoman in the color palette and texture of your choice. Taking this step will protect your little ones and keep you from constantly reaching for the glass cleaner to remove small hand or paw prints. • It’s a fact: children and pets are messy. Prepare for this reality by choosing to furnish rooms with furniture covered in stain-resistant fabrics. Making this choice can save you heartache (and money) over damaged items and help you keep your cleaning chores to a minimum. • Choose storage with style. Both children and pets require accessories. Choose an ottoman or entryway bench covered with stain-resistant fabric that also features a practical storage space where you can quickly store toys and avoid clutter.

HOME SWEET HOME Magazine

May 2026

Protecting Your Home In Case of Fire With spring cleaning in full swing, it’s time to uncover the patio furniture and make the windows sparkle. It’s also the season to fortify your home against potential fire dangers. Even if you don’t live in a wildfire hotspot like the Pacific Northwest, every home can be vulnerable to fire. The good news is that you can minimize the risk of fire damage with a few proactive steps. In fact, there are many ways you can safeguard your home, and spring is the perfect time to do it.

HOME SWEET HOME Magazine

HOME HARDENING

CREATE DEFENSIBLE SPACE

While many of us take precautions inside the home, we fail to protect the exterior against fire exposures.

Fires require heat, air, and fuel to burn. The summer months naturally provide heat, and air naturally occurs year-round. The only factor you can control is the fuel around your home. Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize readily available fuels. After clearing debris from the roof and gutters, move to the base of the home and rake or leaf-blow to remove all flammable materials. Also, move wood piles, lumber, garbage, and pallets away from structures. Similarly, keep propane and gas tanks away from the house. Choe explains, “Cleaning gutters in the dry season matters because dried leaves lying in gutters create the perfect wick from the ground to the roofline. Class A roofing material and an 18” clearance of noncombustible material next to your foundation free of needles and leaves buys time for the wind to change direction.” A bit further out from the foundation, evaluate your landscaping. Cut away dead plants, keep dry grass trimmed low throughout the season, and look into fire-resistant options for plantings closest to the home. In forested areas, trim lower branches six to ten feet from the ground and ten feet from any structures. If you have a wood deck, treat it as part of the home, eliminating nearby fuels. “Defensible space begins at the ground’s surface for the first five feet of your structure,” explains Choe. “Mulch, dead leaves, and wood planters are torches waiting to happen when embers rain down during ember storms. Trimming tree branches a minimum of 6-10 feet from the ground prevents vertical fuel that can quickly spread fire from bushes to roof overhangs. My approach is to recommend this as part of ongoing maintenance vs. one-off cleaning. Seasonal maintenance will take 15-30 mins per side of your home. Trimming up 20% of overcrowded growth can reduce exposure much more than expensive remodels.”

According to Lo Choe, Owner of Aura Fire Safety in the San Francisco Bay Area: “If we’re talking about the leading cause of destruction during wildfires, 9 out of 10 times, it’s embers and not ribboning flames. That little piece of knowledge still blows most homeowners away!” This knowledge allows homeowners to assess threats differently. Embers are small bits of fire that can be carried significant distances with a bit of wind. That means it doesn’t take an inferno to damage your home—a spark from your neighbor’s chimney, an open grill, or a backyard burn down the road can be enough to ignite with the right fuel. To protect your home, start by clearing and inspecting the roof. Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and twigs. Then check for loose or missing roofing material. An ember can easily ignite flammable material on the roof or find its way into unprotected openings. The same applies to gutters, so be sure to check and clean them out regularly. Similarly, vents along the foundation and attic can provide access to embers. When replacing vents, look for those made with ember-resistant fine metal mesh. Choe says, “Swapping to ember-resistant vent covers for less than $300 alters your property’s chance of survival.” Another tip: While you’re inspecting the exterior of your home, seal any gaps along windows, corners, or the roofline where embers can enter the home’s frame. Also, fill holes around entry points for cables and pipes. These small tasks create a protective barrier and increase your reaction time if embers target your home. “Details make the difference, and most details are out of sight up high,” Choe warns.

May 2026

Both inside and outside the home, you should always have a plan for fire response. When an ember ignites, seconds count. Keep a hose connected and accessible on each side of the home throughout the season. Also, take advantage of rainwater barrels, pools, ponds, and water tanks if you need them in an emergency. Install pumps to move water on demand and check all components regularly. Save the fire department time by knowing where your closest fire hydrant is, and identify gas and electrical shutoff valves to your home. Practicing your response can save property and lives. Inside, check your smoke detectors twice annually (use easy reminder dates like the Daylight Savings time changes or summer and winter solstices), and inspect your fire extinguishers monthly. Ensure there are enough in the home and they are functional at all times. At a minimum, supply one fire extinguisher to the kitchen, garage, and each level of the house, especially if you have a wood-burning stove. Choe emphasizes this idea, saying, “Fire extinguishers should be ABC rated, less than 10 years old, and mounted no more than 5 feet off of the ground so anyone can grab and go. It's also a good idea to have at least one fire extinguisher per 1,000 square feet as it reduces reaction time by seconds. That $40 fire extinguisher that is charged and visible can knock down a stove-top fire before it becomes a $25,000 repair bill.” CREATE AND MAINTAIN FIRE WARNING AND RESPONSE SYSTEMS

HOME SWEET HOME Magazine

May 2026

CREATE AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

When fire happens, it happens quickly. Even with a warning of spreading wildfires, you may only have minutes to gather your belongings and get pets and loved ones to safety. Prepare and practice your response ahead of time. Start by creating a grab bag for each member of the household, including pets. In addition, if you live in an area with few roads, ensure you have escape options, and practice them so everyone is informed. Choe emphasized the importance of having a plan, saying, “Plans fall apart when people start improvising in emergency situations. A go bag with 3 days of medications, copies of IDs, an insurance packet, and a phone charger is under 15lbs and will give you back hours of your life. Trim your communication tree to three contacts outside of your immediate area and write it down on paper. Then store electronically. Cell service can be interrupted with little notice. Lastly, it’s better to have a reunification plan with a physical location at least 5 miles away than just “meet at the mall.” Have your family treat this preparation like a 1-hour tabletop exercise annually. It will enable you to make quicker decisions under pressure.”

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OTHER FIRE SAFETY TIPS:

• Know your local contacts for wildfire information. During wildfire season, follow the relevant Facebook community pages and bookmark the fire department’s information page. Post pertinent phone numbers on the fridge or other visible location. • If you’re due for a new roof, consider non- flammable materials such as metal, slate, or clay. If using asphalt shingles, find the fire rating and consider treating the roof for fire resistance. • Around the outside of the home, replace bark with gravel, concrete, or rubber. • Never leave outdoor barbecues, campfires, and burn piles unattended, and always have a charged hose and/or fire extinguisher nearby. Protecting your family and property against the threat of fire is less about major investments and more about vigilance. With a practiced plan and supplies in place, you’ll be ready if the unexpected happens.

May 2026

A Beautiful Mother’s Day

Brunch at Home Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, set the table with fresh flowers, and gather around for a relaxed brunch at home. These recipes strike a balance between special and simple—a savory puff pastry tart, fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes, and a sparkling berry refresher to toast the day. Whether you’re celebrating Mom, Grandma, or a mother figure in your life, this menu makes the morning feel memorable without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

SPRING VEGETABLE & GOAT CHEESE PUFF PASTRY TART Light, flaky, and bursting with fresh flavor, this tart looks impressive but comes together effortlessly. Serves 6–8

Ingredients: z 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Roll out the puff pastry slightly and place on the prepared sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through. 3. Mix goat cheese, cream cheese, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Spread evenly inside the scored border. 4. Toss asparagus, tomatoes, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange over the cheese layer. 5. Lightly beat the egg and brush along the pastry border. 6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed. 7. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

z 4 oz. goat cheese, softened z 2 tbs. cream cheese, softened z 1 tsp. lemon zest z 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces z ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved z ½ cup thinly sliced zucchini z 1 tbs. olive oil z Salt and black pepper to taste z 1 egg (for egg wash)

Serve warm or at room temperature — perfect alongside fresh fruit or a light salad.

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LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES WITH FRESH BERRIES

These pancakes are soft, fluffy, and gently sweet with a bright hint of citrus. Serves 4

Ingredients: z 1 cup all-purpose flour z 1 tbs. Sugar

Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 2. In another bowl, combine ricotta, milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. 3. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. 4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. 5. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden. 6. Serve warm topped with fresh berries and maple syrup or honey.

z 1 tsp. baking powder z ½ tsp. baking soda z ¼ tsp. Salt z ¾ cup ricotta cheese z ¾ cup milk z 2 eggs z 1 tsp. vanilla extract z 1 tbs. lemon zest z Butter for cooking z Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries z Maple syrup or honey for serving

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch.

May 2026

SPARKLING STRAWBERRY CITRUS REFRESHER

A bubbly, alcohol-free drink that feels festive and bright. Serves 4

Ingredients: z 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced z 1 tbs. Sugar

Instructions: 1. In a small bowl, mash strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release juices. 2. Strain mixture if desired for a smoother drink, or keep pulp for extra flavor. 3. Fill glasses with ice. Add a few spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture to each glass. 4. Pour in orange juice and a splash of lemon juice. 5. Top with sparkling water or sparkling wine and stir gently. 6. Garnish with orange slices and mint.

z 1 cup orange juice z 1 tbs. lemon juice z 2 cups sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine z Ice z Orange slices and mint for garnish

Fresh, colorful, and perfect for raising a glass to Mom.

HOME SWEET HOME Magazine

How to Win the Battle Against Summer Weeds Summer’s on its way, and we are longing to get outdoors to enjoy sunlight and warmer temperatures. Flowers begin to bloom, leaves reappear on the trees, and lawns bolt to life….but, like clockwork, those ever- happy weeds join the party, too. Although weed control likely isn’t at the top of the long and growing list of outdoor chores this time of year, spring is actually the perfect time to initiate a successful siege against these hardy, determined, crafty invaders. A proactive approach will not only reduce summer weeds but also create an overall healthier and lower- maintenance landscape to enjoy. While it’s important to note that total weed elimination is unlikely, a multi-faceted approach to early prevention, targeted planting, and consistent upkeep can be the recipe for winning the battle against summer weeds.

Why Spring Is the Critical Window

As Benjamin Franklin famously proclaimed, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to weed management, that means coordinating your attack now will significantly reduce your workload as the seasons progress.

May 2026

We spoke with Anna Ohler, owner of Bright Lane Gardens, based in Michigan to get some advice. Anna explains, “Weeds love freshly disturbed soil, so try to avoid unnecessary tilling and always mulch right after planting.”

Weed Barriers and Landscape Fabrics

An effective practice for controlling weeds is the selective use of landscape fabric, also referred to as weed blocker. This material is available in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses. While it’s not the best solution for all applications, installing weed barriers makes sense for pathways and beneath gravel or stone walkways. It can also be effective in permanent and raised beds. When used appropriately, it slows or eliminates roots climbing to the surface. Proper installation is essential for effective weed control. Begin by removing any large roots or clumps. Lay sheets of weed blocker down over the soil, overlapping the edges by several inches. Weeds will find opportunity in any gaps in the barrier, so review it with a critical eye. Thoroughly anchor the edges and along the seams. Cut out holes for your plants and apply a thick layer of mulch on top of the weed paper to further block weed growth.

To effectively battle your enemies, you first understand them. Just like other plants in the garden, weeds can act as annuals or perennials. Some grow in shade, while many thrive in sunlight. Then there is the matter of how they propagate. While select weeds crawl across the ground, others spread seeds far and wide with the help of wind, birds, mowers, and shoes. Still others move underground, sending runners to establish their territory. One trait most weeds share is their robust nature, which can turn them from a mild nuisance into an invasion with little warning. Long before you see them, nature is working beneath the surface, preparing for weeds to launch. In the spring, as roots establish and soil temperatures reach optimal levels, weeds are at their peak. This is why it’s essential to stop them early in the season before they begin to spread.

Soil Preparation

Strategic Planting to Crowd out Weeds

Preparing the soil for your summer garden starts as soon as the ground is workable in most areas. While you’re busy amending compacted soil and balancing pH levels, you may not even realize you’re prepping for weed control, too. Adding organic matter and optimizing your nutrient base creates strong plants that will outcompete weeds. In other words, focus on healthy plants, and weed control will begin organically.

Weeds are opportunistic. Bare soil receives optimal sunlight and the perfect landing spot for windborne seeds, inviting weeds to establish a home. Anna told us, “When it comes to summer weeds, the biggest shift I encourage my clients to make is moving away from constant spraying and pulling (and focus on prevention). Weeds thrive where soil is bare, disturbed, or stressed. The more you can cover the ground and support healthy soil, the fewer weeds you’ll deal with over time.”

While you work the soil, however, minimize disruption by lightly incorporating amendments.

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Healthy, thriving plants that fill the space will discourage weeds from establishing where they’re not wanted. Lay out a variety of large and small plants with taller shrubs in the back and shorter flowers in the front. If you still have bare soil, plant groundcovers such as creeping thyme, ajuga, sedum, pachysandra, or clover. In the garden, use the same technique to fill the space by intercropping above-ground plants next to underground vegetables. “One of the most effective weed blockers is plants themselves,” explains Anna. “Native plants are especially good at this because they evolved to compete, spread, and fill space. Native groundcovers like wild strawberry, golden ragwort, pussytoes, creeping phlox, and sedges create a living carpet that shades the soil and leaves little room for weed seeds to germinate. In sunny areas, dense mid-height natives such as wild bergamot, black-eyed Susan, and native grasses help block light at the soil surface. Planting a bit closer together than traditional spacing recommendations helps close gaps faster and reduces weed pressure early on. Once native plants are established, they do most of the weed suppression for you.”

Mulching 101

Mulching works by blocking sunlight, stunting the opportunity for weeds to thrive. Many materials, including bark, newspaper, cardboard, straw, compost, or leaves, can be used. However, to be effective, it needs to be applied in a thick layer. As an added benefit for the plants you do want to grow, mulching helps retain moisture, making water practices more effective. It also helps to regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from cold snaps and extreme heat. Anna explains, “Use organic materials that feed the soil while they suppress weeds. Shredded fall leaves are one of the best options, and they are free. Wood chips and pine needles also work well. Aim for a two to four- inch layer and keep mulch pulled slightly away from plant stems. Over time, this improves soil structure and makes it harder for weeds to get established.”

Chemical and Organic Weed Control

Peruse your neighborhood home improvement store or garden center, and you’ll find a plethora of options for treating weeds. Perhaps the least talked about are the pre-emergent weed control products. These products are specially formulated to prevent weed problems before they occur. However, to target your specific weed problem, you’ll need to be familiar with those in your yard. These products are primarily chemical herbicides, so familiarize yourself with the dangers to pets, pollinators, family, edible plants, and the soil. If you want to skip the chemicals, try organic options instead. Anna told us, “For people who want an organic weed spray option, think of it as a spot treatment rather than a solution for garden beds. A simple mix of stronger vinegar with a few drops of dish soap works as a contact spray and is best used on hot, sunny days for weeds in cracks, gravel, or along edges. It kills the foliage but

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Other Effective Weed Control Practices

When it comes down to it, the best tool for weed control is hand digging. While treatments and prevention can slow the speed of growth, hand pulling is the best method for fully removing the roots and eliminating the weed. Plan to weed following a rain when the soil is loosened and easier to work with. Engaging in regular weed removal will provide better results than a “once and done” mindset. This type of targeted effort is more effective than tilling, which will remove weeds in the short term but provide disturbed soil for new growth and cause bigger issues in the long run.

Lawn Care for Weed Control

As any homeowner knows, weeds don’t constrain themselves to beds and gardens. To minimize weeds in your grass, spot treat weeds and overseed to promote consistent lawn growth. Also, set your mower blade a bit higher. Longer grass will provide shade to the soil, reducing the number of weeds that establish. In all areas of the yard, encourage deep root growth by watering deeply, but less frequently. Water by hand or use target drip irrigation rather than sprinklers.

not the roots, so repeat applications are often needed. Boiling water is another effective option for sidewalks and driveways.” It’s best to use sprays before the weeds get out of control. With any type of spray, target your treatment to specific plants rather than applying widely. Protect nearby plants and avoid spraying in windy conditions. If you’re dealing with a bed of established weeds, try suppressing them with a thick cover. “If you are starting with an already weedy area, smothering is very effective. Cardboard or plain brown paper laid over the soil, soaked thoroughly, and covered with compost or leaf mulch blocks light and weakens existing weeds. After a few weeks, you can plant right through it. This method avoids chemicals and builds better soil at the same time,” Anna shared.

Avoid These Common Weed Control Mistakes

Waiting until weeds are established

Relying on a single method

Overusing herbicides

Leaving bare soil exposed Improper mulch depth

In summary, Anna reminds us, “The big takeaway is that weed control works best when you design for coverage instead of control. Dense native plants, organic mulch, and healthy soil reduce weeds naturally and make summer maintenance much easier year after year.”

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Is Now The Right Time to Sell?

To Request a No Obligation Housing Market Report: Call us at 973-500-3253 or Email info@carellyrealty.com .

This is all 100% free with no obligation. After you submit the online questionnaire, you will receive our free report with information that will help you determine your home's value. We recommend printing it out and taking a drive to see the homes we've identified as comparable to yours. See how your home measures up. This will help you get an even more accurate idea of what your home is worth.

An appraiser would charge hundreds for this service, but we will provide one at no cost.

If you would like our free, professional opinion on the value of your home, we'd be glad to help. We can talk on the phone, or we can meet in person. We look forward to helping you!

Kelly & Carl Robinson 973-500-3253 info@CarellyRealty.com carellyrealty.com/digital_magazine www.CarellyRealty.com

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