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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 143)

Outdoor Living

How to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit

You’ve bought (or built) a backyard fire pit—it’s party time, right? It will be, once you get the fire going.

Exterior

14 Unenforceable HOA Rules—and How to Fight Them

HOAs do not have absolute authority in a community if the regulations they enact are against state or federal law. Learn which HOA rules may be unenforceable and worth disputing.

DIY

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?

If your washer isn't filling with water, the reason might be simpler than you think. From clogged hoses to faulty valves, learn how to diagnose and fix common issues yourself.

Garden Pests

5 Plants That Repel Ticks and Keep Them Away

Some of the best-smelling plants that you can use in your kitchen also help keep ticks away.

Lawn Care

Pulling Weeds Is Our Least Favorite Garden Chore—But There’s an Easier Way to Do It

Banish weeds the right way—and keep them from coming back—with these tips, tools, and techniques.

Pests

What to Do When You Find Ticks in the House

Whether you find ticks in the house or out back, we have a game plan to help you reduce your health risks and prevent an infestation on your property.

Reviews

I’ve Used This Ryobi Battery Mower for 2 Years and the Cut Quality is Still Perfect

Ryobi promises gas-powered cutting performance with all the advantages of electric in its 21-inch Whisper Series lawn mower. Does it deliver?

Reviews

This Battery-Operated Tool Makes Quick Work of Large Hedgerows and Shrubs

Depending on the operator and the yard, a battery-operated hedge trimmer may do the trick. We put various models to the test to find the top options.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

Transform Your Home’s Curb Appeal With This Power Tool

The right hedge trimmer can help maintain shrubbery, keeping the landscape looking sharp. After testing various models, here are our top picks.

Cleaning & Organizing

How to Remove Grout Haze

Does your new kitchen floor look cloudy just days after you've installed it? Learn a few easy ways to clean grout haze from your tile surfaces.

Roofing

The Home Investment That Puts Money Back in Your Pocket Year After Year

Learn how a metal roof can save energy and money while elevating the performance and aesthetics of your home.

Pest Control

What to Do About Squirrels in the Attic: DIY Solutions—and When to Call a Pro

If you’ve got uninvited visitors overhead, a little patience and a handful of smart strategies can prevent damage to your home and restore peace and quiet up above.

Deals

Save Big on Ego Power Tools During Lowe’s SpringFest

Here are my top 5 picks from Lowe’s SpringFest event. Save big on yard tools, patio upgrades, and spring-ready essentials.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

We Used Grow Bags to Grow Thriving Plants—These Were Our Favorites

Grow bags are not only convenient and transportable, but they also promote healthy plant growth. Cultivate flowers, vegetables, herbs, and more—even with limited space—with the help of one of our top picks.

Exterior

Things You Can (and Can’t) Put on Your Septic System’s Leach Field

Is it OK to install an aboveground pool on a leach field? What about a deck, or a garden? Learn what you should and shouldn't put over a septic drain field in order to keep your septic system in good working order.

Reviews

This Security Camera Requires Zero Maintenance and Keeps My Home Monitored Without Added Costs

This wireless camera offers sharp video quality, smart motion detection, and continuous monitoring without a complex installation or the need for constant recharging.

Reviews

Dethatching Leads To a Healthy and Properly Maintained Lawn—and These Blades Make It Cheap and Easy

Dethatching blades attach directly to your lawn mower, enabling quick removal of excess organic material that prevents your grass from absorbing essential nutrients.

Lawn Care & Gardening

We Asked a Lawn Care Pro the 3 Biggest DIY Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid

Who has time for trial-and-error lawn care? Learn the right way to do a few things many homeowners get wrong.

Reviews

After Researching Dozens of Popular Lawn Fungicides, We Found the Best

Are fungi giving your grass grief? These fungicides can help eradicate the problem.

Solar

Solved! Are Solar Panels Really Worth The Cost?

Installing solar panels can save homeowners money on utility bills and lower their carbon emissions—but are solar panels worth it? Here are some facts about solar panels that every homeowner should know.