Spring lawn guide for Keller homeowners

The rich green color, the soft feel beneath your feet and the iconic fresh-cut smell — thriving grass enhances your property in countless ways. Spring is the ideal time to focus on your lawn, so by taking steps now, you can enjoy lush, green grass in your Keller home's yard for many months to come.

These four areas will help you focus your efforts where they will make the biggest impact.

Equipment prep

The first step to a successful spring lawn-care routine is to properly prepare equipment. After sitting in storage during the cool months, equipment may need a tuneup or replacement.

The lawn mower is your go-to piece of equipment. If it's gas-powered, make sure fuel hasn't gone bad by starting it up and letting it run for a while. Add fresh fuel as needed. Additionally, consider bringing your mower in for a tuneup. For a modest fee, a trained mechanic will go over all the mower components and make sure everything is in tip-top shape, including blade sharpening so your mower can cut efficiently.

Lawn trimmers are another popular tool for maintaining a yard. Again, start this piece of equipment up and see how well it runs. Add fresh line to the trimmer head so you get a clean cut. Finally, gather all other lawn-care tools and designate a convenient spot in the garage or shed to store them for easy access.

Mowing advice

A great-looking, weed-free lawn requires proper mowing. Experts agree you should mow as soon as the grass starts to grow to remove any brown tips and encourage healthy growth.

Keep the grass mowed to 3-4 inches tall. At that height, grass shades out weeds, develops deeper roots and cools the soil. Some grasses — such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescues and perennial rye grass — grow faster in cool weather. That means you mow more frequently in spring and early summer to keep it in the 3-4 inch range, and less frequently in mid to late summer and into fall.

Want an insider tip to a great lawn? Leave clippings on the grass. As they break down, they return important trace nutrients to the soil. If the grass is tall when mowed, spread out any large, heavy clumps so the clippings don’t smother the lawn.

Essential treatments

Seek out combination lawn-care products to get better results with less work. For example, just one application of Preen One Lawncare provides three treatments, so you save time while laying the foundation for a thick, green, weed-free lawn.

First, the application prevents crabgrass seeds from sprouting and — unlike traditional weed and feed products — also kills crabgrass seedlings up to 4 weeks after germination. Second, it kills dandelions plus 250 types of tough broadleaf lawn weeds on contact, down to the roots. Finally, it feeds the lawn continuously with a slow-release 20-0-6 formula that promotes even greening and strong roots for maximum heat and drought resistance.

Watering guidelines

Once your lawn starts growing, water becomes an essential component for it to thrive. A healthy lawn needs about an inch of water per week to stay strong. This can be a combination of rainwater and water you apply yourself. To reach the entire root structure, water should soak the soil 6 to 8 inches deep.

The morning is the best time to water grass. Temperatures and winds are typically lower in the morning, which means less evaporation. Strive to water grass before 10 a.m., but if you must do so later, wait until after 4 p.m., when the sun is less intense.

How do you know the amount of water your lawn is getting? Invest in a rain gauge to monitor precipitation. When using a sprinkler, set out a few empty tin cans in different places to measure water application. Unsure if you need to water? Try the footprinting test. Walk across your lawn and if your footprints are still visible after 30 seconds, it's time to water. Healthy, well-watered grass will stand back up quickly after you walk on it.

Set the stage for great grass this spring with these four easy tasks. A little effort now will ensure a lush lawn for your Keller home through summer and beyond.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

Keller homeowners can rest easy with these 5 home fixes

Ongoing, routine upkeep is important to ensure the house stays running. While it may seem easier to put off tasks for a later date, checking off some smaller chores now can help avoid incidents or costly repairs later.

Home maintenance can be simple to forget when during our daily lives, but it is critical to make time for safety-related tasks. Simple tasks like installing and maintaining carbon monoxide alarms only take minutes, and are crucial to keep residents safe from harm.

Amp up your Keller home's safety with the following quick tips:

1. Invest in light timers. Installing light timers for lights inside and outside your house can give the appearance of being home, whether you're away on vacation or you've stepped out for the night. Timers only take minutes to install and can make a world of difference when viewed from the street. By using a light timer instead of leaving a light or two on when away, you can save energy and money while still deterring any potential thieves.

2. Clean the gutters. With the end of winter storms come outside chores, and clearing out your gutters is important to keep your home safe. If the gutters are too full, your home can suffer from water damage to the roof and water can pour over the gutters, putting other parts of your home at risk. While you are checking the gutters, inspect your shingles to make sure they are still in good shape. This can help prevent future leakage during a spring shower.

3. Install carbon monoxide alarms. Known as "the silent killer," carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas, making it impossible to detect without a CO alarm. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates there are more than 80,000 incidents per year. The most important step is to have CO alarms in your home - and enough of them. CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and in all bedrooms or sleeping areas. CO alarms should be battery-powered or hardwired with battery back-up. First Alert offers a variety of alarms to help ensure your family is protected, including a tabletop alarm with a 10-year sealed battery and digital display to see detected levels in parts per million.

4. Store valuables. Having a safe at home can prove a wise investment when it comes to natural disasters. Through fire or flood, a safe can help protect important documents, family photos and keepsakes, as well as jewelry and other valuables. For the ultimate protection, look for a safe that is both fire resistant and waterproof (not just water "resistant"). Be sure to stow the combination in a secure place and share it only with trusted family members and friends.

5. Establish a family emergency plan. Knowing - and practicing - what to do in the event of an emergency is important. Ensuring loved ones are prepared for a fire, and know to call 911 and where to meet outside the home, is crucial. Other incidents may occur as well when you need to be prepared to stay in the home, such as a natural disaster or power outage. Having a plan in place for what to do if such an event occurs, and knowing where in your Keller home is the safest location, can be critical if an incident occurs.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

1019 Lane Street, Irving, TX 75061

Address: 1019 Lane Street Irving, TX 75061

Price:$460,000

Listing Number: 14010248

Bedrooms:4

Full Bathrooms:5

Square Feet:4603

Description: Living is easy in this impressive, spacious residence in the prestigious hospital district of Irving. An abundance of natural light evokes a relaxing lifestyle. Enjoy gatherings utilizing the amazing open floor plan graced by a fireplace and walls of windows that lead out to the rear deck. The recently-renovated gourmet kitchen will inspire your inner chef with its stainless steel appliances, huge pantry, breakfast bar and storage space. The formal dining room is surrounded by glass walls, bringing the outside in. Retreat to the master suite offering his and her bathrooms, sitting area and the warmth of a fireplace. Upstairs living space, sunroom, den and large secondary bedrooms offer a place for everyone.

Tour: https://www.propertypanorama.com/instaview-tour/ntreis/14010248

1824 Clover Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Address: 1824 Clover Lane Fort Worth, TX 76107
Price: $450,000
Listing Number: 14013098
Bedrooms:4 Full
Bathrooms: 2
Square Feet: 2345

Description: Nostalgic charm and historical appeal will be yours in this wonderful home located in sought after Arlington Heights. Awesome updates blend the past and present offering refinished, original hardwood floors, crown molding, vintage clawfoot tubs, vessel sinks and an authentic ship's door for the shower. The abundance of natural light throughout the home evokes a relaxing lifestyle. Large kitchen features quartz surfaces, stainless appliances, and soft close cabinetry. Spacious bedrooms and outdoor space offer a place for everyone. Upstairs bedroom is plumbed for bathroom. Just minutes from the cultural district, exclusive Camp Bowie small businesses, museums and 7th street shopping and dining. A must see!

Tour: https://www.propertypanorama.com/instaview-tour/ntreis/14013098

7533 Aubruc Way Fort Worth, TX 76131

Address: 7533 Aubruc Way Fort Worth, TX 76131

Listing Number: 14017229

Full Baths: 3

Half Baths: 1

Bedrooms: 4

Sq Ft: 3698

Description: Like-new home on oversized lot with no back neighbors! Open concept floor plan is an entertainer’s dream! Features an expansive granite island, stainless appliances, and tumbled marble backsplash in the kitchen, which opens to a large living with new LifeProof carpet, slate and shiplap gas fireplace, dining room, and tech center, all overlooking beautiful greenbelt outside. First floor master evokes peace and tranquility offering oversized shower, garden tub, dual sinks, and enormous walk-in closet. A game room, media room, and office or fifth bedroom offer a place for everyone. The backyard boasts a playground, a plethora of trees, and covered patio. Pools, trails, parks, and on backside of Keller ISD school.

Tour: https://www.propertypanorama.com/instaview-tour/ntreis/14017229

5 tile trends for Keller homeowners

Today’s tile trends extend so far beyond their traditional use as a staple of bathroom design that you may not recognize them. While once the most attractive and innovative tiles had to be imported, contemporary handcrafted tile and stone products for home design are now being made right here in the United States.

Keller homeowners and interior designers alike are always seeking distinctive visual touches to make each home special. Here are five ways tile design can enhance a room.

Elevate small spaces. Use tiles interchangeably to create a unique design. Distinct modular designs can be used independently, or combined to create patterns to delight the eye. Creative use of a variety of tile shapes like these can easily elevate small spaces such as baseboards, fireplace surrounds or backsplash areas in a kitchen.

Make a color statement. Whether you choose a single color or mix colors to create a pattern, the choices can overwhelm. You may choose colors that best complement elements already in the room. If you’re not working with a designer, consider traditional complementary color pairs when making decor choices, such as red-green, blue-orange or yellow-purple.

Create a calm mood. The latest trends in interior design reflect the desire for homes to be sanctuaries. Modern trends are nspired by the clean lines, appropriate scale and exacting proportion prevalent in Midcentury Modern architectural design. Choosing colors, lines, shapes and scale with simplicity in mind can help contribute to a feeling of calm.

Personalize your space. Find what appeals to you, and work with a designer or manufacturer who can meet your requests. Designed to spark the imagination, five distinct patterns in varying scales punctuate interiors with personality. Smaller manufacturers can personalize your project with their flexibility, customizing color choices and resurrecting a retired pattern or color, or even by recreating tiles present in a home refurbishing or renovating project. Make your space your own.

Create visual interest. Choose different textures through materials like wood, glass or tile to break up an otherwise ordinary surface in a room. The choice of tile adds a textural element to a room that can’t be duplicated by any other material. The goal of homeowners is to bring their vision to life.

Whether you choose to use tile in a more traditional way in your bath or kitchen, or to elevate another space inside a home with a more innovative style, use a customized design and select colors to create a unique environment anyone would want to add to their Keller home.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.

Cutting edge cooking trends for Keller homeowners

Today’s chefs and home cooks alike are seeking more meaningful food experiences, with smart, intuitive technology that’s high-performing and saves time. This year, leading brands are changing the way culinary enthusiasts source and prepare their food, emphasizing a heightened level of respect for all ingredients throughout the process. The result? Delicious food and healthier lifestyles. Here are four trends for Keller homeowners to consider which are currently driving the evolution of home cooking in 2019:

1. Farm fresh, locally sourced food. More than ever, home cooks strive to use fresh, locally grown or raised organic products, both in the interests of sustainability and to achieve the best tasting, most nutritious dishes. While some at-home chefs grow their own produce, others turn to sources like farmer’s markets and community-supported agriculture for the freshest ingredients in an effort to consume less processed food. Luxury kitchen appliance brands are starting to recognize this and educate consumers on how to stay “true to food.” For instance, Signature Kitchen Suite is producing short films that highlight food experts around the country who can help guide others to get the best out of everything we cook.

2. Waste reduction. Along with a growing interest in food sourcing comes the need to properly store and preserve it, not only to maintain freshness, but also to reduce waste. Important tips like decluttering your refrigerator and freezer, and making sure food is stored in the correct place are good first steps, but what about the quality of your appliances? Many new built-in appliances like integrated column refrigerators and freezers are purposefully designed, from their spacious capacity to their ability to preserve fresh food through optimum temperature control, thanks to innovative features like a linear compressor and engineered all-metal interior.

3. Smart technology and modalities. Many of today’s home cooks represent a new generation of forward-thinking individuals called “Technicureans,” or those who have a passion for food and appreciation for innovation. Imagine preheating your oven remotely or having the opportunity to use a go-to cooking method used in the world’s best restaurants. These kinds of things are made possible with recent additions to the home cooking technology market.

4. Food and wine pairings. Interest in wine culture is always evolving, and many at-home chefs have an affinity for curating their collections. Investing in proper storage is also key, especially for wines that are best served chilled. New integrated wine column refrigerators are bringing unique “wine cave” technology to wine connoisseurs. This technology significantly reduces vibration — a primary impediment to wine preservation that can cause chemical imbalances affecting the quality, flavors, aromas and texture. It also minimizes temperature fluctuations, limits light exposure and locks in humidity so aspiring sommeliers will have their sparkling wines, whites and rosés at the ready for Keller residents.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership. Call 817-337-0000 for Keller Home's for sale in Keller ISD.