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	<title>How To Get Rid Of It &#187; How-to Articles on Gardening | How to Get Rid of It</title>
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	<description>Home Remedies and Tips to Solve Common Problems</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:47:21 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Onion Grass</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-onion-grass/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:47:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=2194</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nobody wants to deal with the horror of unwanted onion grass popping up in their grass. Even perfect lawns can fall victim to this unwelcome guest. The good news is that there are several ways to deal with this invasive beast, also known as onion grass. Dig up the roots Using a gardening fork or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/onion-grass.jpg" alt="onion grass" class="img-right" />Nobody wants to deal with the horror of unwanted onion grass popping up in their grass. Even perfect lawns can fall victim to this unwelcome guest. The good news is that there are several ways to deal with this invasive beast, also known as onion grass.</p>
<p><strong>Dig up the roots</strong></p>
<p>Using a gardening fork or trowel, which is a small gardening shovel, may be the easiest way to deal with a small problem. Onion grass roots and bulbs are not very deep and can usually be easily removed this way. It is important to keep in mind that the entire root system must be dug up and completely removed, to the trash can for instance.</p>
<p><strong>Apply glyphosate</strong></p>
<p>Glyphosate can be applied to the area to kill the weed. In order to use this technique, great care must be taken. Correct conditions, such as weather and temperature, are very important. Instructions need to be followed carefully. It must be kept in mind that glyphosate is a plant killer and may cause harm to any plant that it comes into contact with, not only the onion grass.</p>
<p><strong>Turning to the many weed killers available</strong></p>
<p>A quick peek down the gardening aisle at almost any store will open a variety of options. Commercial weed killers will offer a hand in exterminating the product. In most cases it is best to start by manually removing as many of the clusters as possible. Protection of the healthy grass may be necessary. One way of doing this is to lay cardboard over it where it is conceivable.</p>
<p><strong>An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure</strong></p>
<p>Though nothing is foolproof, a small effort to prevent the growth of onion grass should at least keep it at bay. It is always a good idea to spend some time going over any area that will be planted or landscaped to prepare it. Digging up anything that seems suspicious of becoming a problem is a great way to start. If there is any substantial amount of weeds discovered, a preliminary application of weed killing solution should be considered. A thick layer of mulch on existing grass will help protect an already established lawn.</p>
<p><strong>Being persistent is the key</strong></p>
<p>Constant maintenance is a must to keep onion grass under control. When the invaders are spied sprouting again, pulling them up as soon as possible will be a huge help. Some gardeners chose to use a twice yearly regimen of applying chemicals. Proper timing of the doses will be most effective because of the fact that onion grass is a perennial. To prevent spring growth it is best to use the solution in the late winter. A second application in the late fall will be absorbed into the roots.</p>
<p>More than likely, lawn caretakers everywhere will need to employ a combination of methods to reach success. Above all, it should be remembered that onion grass is a weed and may require an extended amount of time and patience. With some hard work and persistence, even onion grass can be defeated.</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Grubs</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-grubs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-grubs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 00:27:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Animals & Pests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=2155</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you have problems with a patchy, browning lawn despite the fact that you have carefully watered, planted, and fertilized the grass? If so, you probably have lawn grubs. Grubs are small, worm-like insects that are actually larval stage Japanese beetles, European beetles, or Oriental beetles. The grubs live under the surface of the ground [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/white-grub.jpg" alt="white grub" class="img-right" />Do you have problems with a patchy, browning lawn despite the fact that you have carefully watered, planted, and fertilized the grass? If so, you probably have lawn grubs. Grubs are small, worm-like insects that are actually larval stage Japanese beetles, European beetles, or Oriental beetles. The grubs live under the surface of the ground and feed on the roots of grass. In turn, patches of grass begin to brown and die. If left unchecked, the grubs can easily destroy an entire yard. It is often difficult to completely eliminate grubs, but using these techniques can drastically reduce their numbers and give you a greener yard. Note: All of the treatments mentioned are most effective during the month of August. This is the time when grubs are the weakest and closest to the surface.</p>
<p><strong>Be sure grubs are your problem</strong></p>
<p>A simple way to confirm there are grubs present in your lawn is to dig up a small section of grass and count the grubs you find. A count of more than 20 grubs per square foot usually means there is an infestation. It is normal to have a few grubs in your yard, so if this is the case you may need to look into other sources of dying grass.</p>
<p><strong>Plant a thicker lawn</strong></p>
<p>The adult beetles seek out areas of thinner grass to lay eggs, so your lawn is more likely to remain untouched if it is too thick for the beetles. This can be achieved by seeding the lawn every spring and fall.</p>
<p><strong>Only water when needed</strong></p>
<p>The eggs and larvae need high moisture levels to thrive. Only watering your lawn when it is needed will reduce the population with the added benefit of lower water bills!</p>
<p><strong>Use a natural predator</strong></p>
<p>Parasitic worms called nematodes can reduce a grub population by 50% to 80%. They work by feeding and completing their life cycle inside the grubs’ bodies. Caution should be used as these worms can also eliminate other species of insects. Do plenty of research before trying this method to get rid of grubs.</p>
<p><strong>Kill them with bacteria</strong></p>
<p>Bacillus popilliae, commonly referred to as Milky Spore, can be used to kill grubs that are still relatively young and close to the surface. The best time to apply Milky Spore is around August as this is the time when grubs are the closest to the surface. This will not eliminate all of the grubs, so treatments may need to be administered several years in a row to be completely effective.</p>
<p><strong>Pesticides</strong></p>
<p>The use of regular pesticides on grubs is not considered very effective. It is difficult to apply at the proper time of the year as the grubs may be too large or too deep in the soil for the pesticide to kill them.</p>
<p>By using the strategies outlined above, you can transform your patchy lawn into the lovely, green lawn you’ve always wanted. It will take some time and dedication, but the results will be worth the work.</p>
<p><b>Image Credit</b>: <a href="http://www.ent.iastate.edu/soybeaninsects/node/347">http://www.ent.iastate.edu/soybeaninsects/node/347</a></p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Cattails</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-cattails/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-cattails/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 18:23:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=2142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There’s nothing like the calm morning sunrise with a light mist hanging in the air, as you sit on your deck or porch looking over your mirror like pond, with just a few cattails at one end. Before you know it though, the cattails have exploded and overrun your beautiful water feature. How do you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/cattails.jpg" alt="cattails" class="img-right" />There’s nothing like the calm morning sunrise with a light mist hanging in the air, as you sit on your deck or porch looking over your mirror like pond, with just a few cattails at one end. Before you know it though, the cattails have exploded and overrun your beautiful water feature. How do you make them disappear? Here is a little history on cattails and some tips to manage them. To the British they are known as Bulrush and Reedmace, to the Australians they are Cumbungi (not good grilled on the Barbie), and New Zealand refers to them as raupo. To Americans they are cattail, punks or corndog grass. Let’s look at 4 ways to manage your cattails.</p>
<p><strong>Spray it don’t Say it! </strong></p>
<p>Chemical management: Chemical management is probably the most commonly used method of removing cattails. It doesn’t require a lot of effort which in our fast paced lives means more time for other endeavors. However, the two main drawbacks to using chemicals is the effect on the pond or water feature and the cost. Now before you go spreading Napalm on your cattails here are two things to seriously remember. First, be safe! Always make sure to read your chemical containers for instructions and warnings. Second, check with your local and state government since some conservation laws require permits for applying aquatic herbicides and pesticides.</p>
<p><strong>Get out the Waders! Pulling by hand:</strong></p>
<p>This is probably the most inexpensive way to get rid of cattails, pulling them by hand. If you have the time and need the exercise or just enjoy getting wet in the great outdoors, this is the method for you. Remember though it is easier to pull these particularly persistent perennials when they are young. Be sure to reach down and pull them by the root otherwise they will return with a vengeance and wreak havoc on your newly cattail clear eco system.</p>
<p><strong>Time to Cut the Cord &#8211; Mechanical management:</strong></p>
<p>Now before you try to mow the cattails down with your riding mower (which I certainly hope you do not try) you should know that most mechanical means of managing cattails do not completely remove them and the efforts need to be repeated often. When the cattails are about 6 inches tall you can trim them with a gas powered trimmer. Please note GAS powered since you should never use anything electric near water. That could seriously ruin your day. If you use hand trimmers, cut the stalks below the water’s surface.</p>
<p><strong>Goats, Hippo’s, and Manatee’s, Biological management:</strong></p>
<p>Unless your cattails are on a farm pond chances are you don’t have a goat to stake out by the banks to munch on the many succulent seeded monopods growing from the cattail roots. And since Hippos are happily half way around the world, and Manatees are on the endangered species list; there aren’t many reliable ways to biologically get rid of cattails. There is a fish called the grass carp that is often mentioned as a control method but in reality they do not eat cattails.</p>
<p>Whichever method you choose to use in removing your cattails, remember that in reality some cattails can greatly improve the quality of your pond or other water feature by naturally filtering the water, keeps the banks from eroding, and provides food and shelter for the birds, frogs and fish.</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Mesquite Trees, Bushes and Shrubs</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mesquite-trees-bushes-and-shrubs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-mesquite-trees-bushes-and-shrubs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 14:10:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=2140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While many people enjoy mesquite flavored barbecue, few people enjoy dealing with these plants on their property. The roots of the mesquite tree or shrub can grow to forty-five feet in length. These long roots can damage foundations, and interfere with water, sewage and utility lines. The mesquite trees, or shrubs, thrive in dry, arid [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/mesquite-tree.jpg" alt="mesquite tree" class="img-right" />While many people enjoy mesquite flavored barbecue, few people enjoy dealing with these plants on their property. The roots of the mesquite tree or shrub can grow to forty-five feet in length. These long roots can damage foundations, and interfere with water, sewage and utility lines. The mesquite trees, or shrubs, thrive in dry, arid climates. The mesquite is a very hardy species, which makes it that much more of a challenge to rid your property of the plant. There are, however, a few things you can try to get rid of mesquite trees, or shrubs.</p>
<p><strong>Get to the root of the problem to get rid of it</strong></p>
<p>Mesquite, thanks to it&#8217;s hardy disposition, will grow back if you leave the root system intact. If you rent a bulldozer with a root plow, you can cut the mesquite roots just under the surface. While this will not prevent the mesquite from growing back entirely, it will delay the regrowth for a few years.</p>
<p>If the plant is not fully mature, and the roots do not extend to deeply within the ground, you may be able to dig them out of the ground. It&#8217;s recommended that you wait until after a rain storm if you intend to dig the roots of the mesquite tree or shrub out by hand.</p>
<p><strong>Spike it to kill it</strong></p>
<p>Cut the mesquite tree or shrub down, leaving only the stump. Other hardy bushes and trees can be killed by driving a large copper spike into the middle of the stump. This method has inconsistent results, but it is a less labor intensive method than digging the root system out by hand, and it is also more cost effective than renting a bulldozer. This may be the method you want to choose for to get rid of mesquite on your property.</p>
<p><strong>Spray and pray may be the key to destroy it</strong></p>
<p>If the chemical approach does not concern you, some gardening experts recommend concocting a mix of herbicide and diesel fuel. They then instruct you to spray the unwanted mesquite trees, or shrubs, with this mixture. The chemicals in the mixture are supposed to, essentially, suffocate the mesquite tree or shrub.</p>
<p><strong>Sewer treatment may unclog more than septic systems</strong></p>
<p>Another chemical solution may be to use a a copper chloride mixture, much like what they use to get rid of roots that clog sewer lines and septic systems. For this solution, you will want to drill holes into the stump of the mesquite tree or shrub, and also in the ground around the stump. Then pour the copper chloride into holes that you drilled into the mesquite tree or shrub.</p>
<p>It cannot be stressed enough that the mesquite species is a hardy species, prone to survival against all odds. If you are determined to get rid of the mesquite on your property, you should prepare your self for a long battle.</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Grasshoppers</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-grasshoppers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-grasshoppers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:19:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Animals & Pests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=2113</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Grasshoppers can be really annoying little insects and will destroy your plants, if given the opportunity. If you want to know how to get rid of grasshoppers and keep your plants thriving, check out some of the tips below: Get Chickens If you live in the country and have an influx of grasshoppers, you need [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/green-grasshopper.jpg" alt="green grasshopper" class="img-right" />Grasshoppers can be really annoying little insects and will destroy your plants, if given the opportunity. If you want to know how to get rid of grasshoppers and keep your plants thriving, check out some of the tips below:</p>
<p><strong>Get Chickens</strong></p>
<p>If you live in the country and have an influx of grasshoppers, you need about three or four chickens on the property. They love to eat these insects, and you may even end up with some nice eggs for breakfast. The downside to this option is that chickens will feast on certain plants, so be careful if you have a garden. Birds also love grasshoppers. If you can attract birds to the grasshopper-infested area, the birds will have a field day eating your insects and you will be free of the nasty bugs.</p>
<p><strong>Spray Garlic Oil on Your Plants</strong></p>
<p>Three cloves of garlic, minced, and an ounce of mineral oil will make a concoction that can be sprayed onto your plants. Before using, you should allow the garlic to soak in the mineral oil for approximately 24 hours, then use a strainer to strain out the garlic. A teaspoon of fish emulsion, which can be found in plant stores, should also be mixed with a cup of water. These two mixtures are then blended together and can be sprayed on the plants by using two tablespoons of the garlic oil per each pint of water. This will create a natural grasshopper repellent. Your garlic oil can be kept in a tightly closed jar and will probably last you throughout the season.</p>
<p><strong>Break Ground</strong></p>
<p>By breaking up the ground around your plants, you will be interfering with any egg laying that may be taking place. This, at least, will help to control baby grasshoppers from taking over where Mom and Dad may have left off.</p>
<p><strong>Keep Weeds Away</strong></p>
<p>Grasshoppers feed on weeds, so make certain you do not have any for them to eat. This may not only help your grasshopper problem, but it will also keep your garden looking attractive and neat.</p>
<p><strong>Use Mesh to Protect Plants</strong></p>
<p>If you are mainly concerned about protecting your plants from grasshoppers, there is mesh netting that can be placed around plants to prevent the nasty buggers from destroying them.</p>
<p><strong>Do You Own a Cat?</strong></p>
<p>Cats are natural predators when it comes to grasshoppers. If you have an outdoor cat that roams the property, you may find that your grasshopper population is dropping. Do not be surprised, though, if you find dead grasshoppers in the house, left there as a gift for you from your feline friend.</p>
<p><strong>Use Strong Coffee on Plants</strong></p>
<p>If you brew coffee about five times stronger than you would like to drink it and proceed to spray onto your plants, you may find that your grasshopper population will decrease. Of course, the strong coffee should be used only after it has a chance to cool down. It seems that grasshoppers are not coffee drinkers.</p>
<p>Here is one last tip on to get rid of grasshoppers: Move to a city!</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Weeds</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-weeds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:53:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=2070</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nothing can ruin a beautiful garden or lawn like a handful of weeds and this is exactly why seasoned gardeners hate these unwanted plants, which reproduce and multiply aggressively. Weeds can bring to the fore many problems in a controlled setting – they are unsightly, and they can take the sheen off the other plants [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/summer-green-weeds.jpg" alt="summer green weeds" class="img-right" />Nothing can ruin a beautiful garden or lawn like a handful of weeds and this is exactly why seasoned gardeners hate these unwanted plants, which reproduce and multiply aggressively. Weeds can bring to the fore many problems in a controlled setting – they are unsightly, and they can take the sheen off the other plants present in the spot. They suck up nutrients from the soil too, and some of them can cause skin irritation. </p>
<p>Moreover, if you like taking an occasional stroll down your garden or lawn without having to worry about thorns or prickles – you need to watch out for weeds and remove them constantly.  </p>
<p>Before you start off on getting rid of weeds – there are warm season and cool seasons types that you need to consider. True to their name, the warm season ones flourish during spring and summer, while the cool season ones crop up during late fall and winter. </p>
<p>There are a few measures that you can try to remove the weeds from your lawn for good, and these have been given below. </p>
<p><strong>Weeding by Hand</strong></p>
<p>You’ll need to get down and dirty in this method, because it involves a lot of effort, but as far as effectiveness goes &#8211; this method ranks near the top. </p>
<p>Under weeding, you’ll need to manually identify pull the weeds out from the soil. You have to pull them out entirely because in some cases, roots can grow again and the problem will persist. The best way to go about weeding would be by using a shovel or trowel, because deep rooted weeds can otherwise be quite hard to remove. </p>
<p>To make the weeding process easier, you can either make the soil around the weed’s roots loose, or you can soak the ground fully and then remove the unwanted plant. Hot water is very effective in this regard, so you better fill your kettle up before you go weeding. </p>
<p><strong>Mow Your Lawn, Time And Again</strong></p>
<p>Picking out weeds in a dense and unkempt garden can be a nightmare, so you should now your garden or lawn regularly so that any unwanted growth is strikingly visible. Mowing your outside space regularly will help you spot out the weeds faster, so that you can remove them before they start producing seeds. You can prevent sunlight from reaching these unwanted plants by mowing your lawn to a higher mowing range too. </p>
<p><strong>Try Using Herbicides</strong></p>
<p>There are many herbicides that you can try using, as these can help in killing weeds, albeit in a chemical way. Herbicides are easy to use and they are available in liquid form. All you need to do is pick up the hose and spray some herbicide on the spots where weeds are most prevalent in your garden or lawn.</p>
<p>Before you opt for such chemical measures, you should ensure that the herbicides you use aren’t capable of harming the grass in any way. Herbicides should be handled carefully as well, as they are mostly toxic and can affect your health.<br />
These three methods can help you control the growth of weeds in your garden, although you can opt for other alternatives like reseeding, aerating and fertilizing your lawn or garden. </p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Yard Waste</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-yard-waste/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:11:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mike</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=1104</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whenever fall starts sneaking up on us again, it seems my neighbors have catch a case of “fall fever”. Everyday there is the smell of leaves burning and friendly waves as they burn off the fever with yard work. However, are burning the leaves in the fall the best way to get rid of them? [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/fallen-leaves-yard-waste.jpg" alt="fallen leaves yard waste" class="img-right" />Whenever fall starts sneaking up on us again, it seems my neighbors have catch a case of “fall fever”. Everyday there is the smell of leaves burning and friendly waves as they burn off the fever with yard work. However, are burning the leaves in the fall the best way to get rid of them? Is throwing away your tree trimmings and grass clippings in the spring and summer to take up space in a landfill the best option? If you do not think so I will give you three alternatives to getting rid of your yard waste.</p>
<h2>Compost</h2>
<p>A compost pile is a great way to get rid of yard waste even in suburban yards. All you need is a small stretch of fence wrapped into a circle about three feet in diameter. Set it in a corner of your yard and throw your grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps into it. Even if you do not garden the compost will feed your grass and you can us it to mulch around your trees.  If the idea of composting it yourself is a bit too much then put an ad in the paper or Craigslist stating that you have free materials for composting I know many people who would love free compost materials for their garden.</p>
<h2>City Recycling Programs</h2>
<p>Many cities have recycling programs to dispose of yard waste in a responsible manner. Find out if your city has a yard waster disposal day by checking on the county website, or visiting town hall. If they do have a program leave your waste out on the designated day and in the proper containers and rest assured that your yard waste will be put to good use.</p>
<h2>Hiring a Yard Waste Disposal Company</h2>
<p>Last and in my opinion, least, you can hire a company to take away your yard waste. You are paying someone to get rid of vitamins and minerals from your yard though. If you choose to hire a company to take it off your hands google &#8220;yard waste removal&#8221; and you will discover a nationwide company that will get rid of any junk from your yard including yard waste for a fee. They claim to recycle as much as they can so it is better than shoving it in trash bags and leaving it for the dump truck.</p>
<p>Fall fever, spring-cleaning and summer mowing can leave you with an overwhelming amount of yard waste but do not let yourself get overwhelmed. Choose from any of these options for disposal and enjoy your freshly manicured yard as the seasons change.</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Duckweed</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-duckweed/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-duckweed/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:32:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mike</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=1094</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Duckweed is a naturally occurring plant in water that doesn’t have a lot of movement or aeration. Ponds are very susceptible to this plant. It can overtake ponds very quickly. Duckweed will kill off other vegetation and fish in the body of water if allowed to spread. Ducks do like to eat duckweed, but if [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/duckweed.jpg" alt="duckweed" class="img-right" />Duckweed is a naturally occurring plant in water that doesn’t have a lot of movement or aeration. Ponds are very susceptible to this plant. It can overtake ponds very quickly. Duckweed will kill off other vegetation and fish in the body of water if allowed to spread. Ducks do like to eat duckweed, but if you do not want ducks in your pond or body of water you need another solution. Duckweed will keep producing, and any waterfowl that lands in your pond may have spores on their wings and will reintroduce a duckweed population in your clean pond.</p>
<h2>The Risk of Using Herbicides</h2>
<p>You can choose to use an herbicide to eliminate your duckweed problem. Unfortunately most herbicides will kill off the other vegetation you do want in your pond. Some herbicides can also be toxic to any animal life in the water. An herbicide like Reward is effective at killing off duckweed. It will need to be reapplied when new duckweed infestations occur. A regular broad leaf herbicide will not be effective on duckweed.</p>
<h2>Natural Methods to Get Rid of Duckweed</h2>
<p>You can choose to use a more natural method to get rid of duckweed. A grass carp, koi, or large goldfish, can help you get rid of duckweed. Do not feed the fish too much, so they are encouraged to eat the duckweed. Inviting a duck population or buying your own ducks can help you get rid of the duck weed. There are also a variety of insects that can help you control  duckweed growth, but most likely will be unable to rid the duckweed completely.</p>
<h2>Old-Fashioned Duckweed Removal</h2>
<p>Then of course the old fashioned way of manually removing each piece of duckweed you see. This will be a never-ending job most likely. You can use a net, or purchase a mechanical skimmer. This method is effective but will never be an end all in the duckweed fight. This will help you keep the overgrowth under control. Providing aeration to the body of water can also help your duckweed fight. Simply adding a garden hose to your pond and letting it overflow, all the duckweed will float out. You will probably need to do this often to keep the duckweed down.</p>
<p>These procedures are more for you to try to limit overgrowth, unfortunately duckweed is widespread and the elimination is nearly impossible. Some people find duckweed to be a nice decorative touch to the natural pond look. Duckweed can also be used as food for other animals.</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Tree Stumps</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-tree-stumps/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-tree-stumps/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:15:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mike</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=1088</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is no exact science to removing a tree stump. Of course you can use a chainsaw in a very careful manner to cut down the tree itself, but the removal of the stump is a little more complicated. You can use some possible tools around the house to finish your goals. Some of these [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is no exact science to <strong>removing a tree stump</strong>. Of course you can use a chainsaw in a very careful manner to cut down the tree itself, but the removal of the stump is a little more complicated. You can use some possible tools around the house to finish your goals. Some of these things need to be put in shacks because they are such heavy equipment. At least it would be considered heavy equipment for many people who don&#8217;t live in rural areas.<br />
[sniplet AdSense Skyscraper]<br />
You can actually use a backhoe to remove the tree stump. Now if you happen to live in a rural place such as Elkhorn, Nebraska you can get this type of equipment from a local USDA office or some sort of Farm Bureau office and end up ordering the backhoe that way. If you don&#8217;t have these kind of offices in your area you can order a backhoe out of your magazine. The backhoe can actually lift the stump out of the area and you can take it to the local dump for a fee as long as you isn&#8217;t too large.</p>
<p>The idea of renting a tree grinder is a great way to grind up the tree stump and make sure that the soil in the area is no longer infected by a rotten tree stump. The renting of a tree grinder can be awfully expensive however. You have to be careful and make sure you don&#8217;t pay too much for this rental. If you don&#8217;t actually know how to use the tree grinder you may have to hire someone to help you with it.</p>
<p>You can rock salt to bleach the stump and it will actually rot out of place within a year or two so it can be removed in a far easier way. If you are looking for a quick removal process you are not likely to be pleased with this process. The rock salt takes quite a while to take hold and I have heard contractors say that the price of rock salt has doubled due to inflation. You then can use a cultivator to remove the stump itself, you want to make sure you don&#8217;t way too long however so your soil does not become infected. Certain municipalities such as Garfield County, Colorado provide tutorial items on how to deal with stump removal issues. Conservation boards in the area want to make sure it is done correctly.</p>
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		<title>How to Get Rid of Zoysia Grass</title>
		<link>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-zoysia-grass/</link>
		<comments>http://www.howtogetridofit.com/how-to-get-rid-of-zoysia-grass/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:55:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mike</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.howtogetridofit.com/?p=1082</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many types of grasses to choose from for a lawn. What you choose is a matter of preference. One type pf grass that is common is Zoysia grass. This is a thick, green grass in warmer months and it turns a yellowish-brown in cooler months. Many do not like that the grass turns [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/zoysia-grass.jpg" alt="zoysia grass" class="img-right" />There are many types of grasses to choose from for a lawn. What you choose is a matter of preference. One type pf grass that is common is Zoysia grass. This is a thick, green grass in warmer months and it turns a yellowish-brown in cooler months. Many do not like that the grass turns yellow in the colder months so they want to get rid of it from their yard. Getting rid of Zoysia grass can be a tedious process but there are different options for doing so. The most effective is using Round-Up. The second is to loosen the soil. The third is to cover your lawn from the sun.</p>
<h2>Round-Up</h2>
<p>The most effective way in getting rid of Zoysia grass is by using Round-Up. This process takes a while and is very tedious, but it works. First you have spray Round-Up on the lawn making sure not to miss any areas. Then you have to leave the dead area alone and wait for the Zoysia begin to sprout again. You then reapply the Round-Up. Repeat this process until the Zoysia does not sprout again. Keep in mind that Round-Up will kill all of the foliage, so your yard may be unsightly for a while.</p>
<h2>Loosening the Soil</h2>
<p>The second option you have for removing Zoysia is to loosen the soil and remove all of the Zoysia sod. This is a faster method for removing Zoysia grass, but it takes quite a bit of work. Before you lay new sod, wait two weeks to see if any Zoysia happens to sprout. If it doesn&#8217;t within two weeks, go ahead and lay the new sod. If Zoysia does sprout, treat it with the Round-Up like in the first method.</p>
<h2>Cover Your Lawn</h2>
<p>Another method for removing Zoysia grass is by covering the lawn. This method sometimes works, but it isn&#8217;t a sure-fire way to remove the Zoysia Grass. You need to cover your entire lawn with a large, black, plastic tarp. Not only does the lack of sunlight kill the Zoysia grass, but the heat from the plastic tarp will help to kill the grass as well. The length of time for this to work varies and really just depends on the lawn.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that if your neighbor has Zoysia grass, it can creep back into your yard after you remove your Zoysia. If you go through all this trouble for removing the grass, make sure you put up some kind of barrier, if possible.</p>
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