Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 181)

Midwestern house in late afternoon in autumn; blooming flowers and bushes in front yard; blue sky and trees with yellow leaves in background
Lawn & Garden

15 Low-Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs You Never Need to Trim

If you aren’t cut out for all the labor involved in shearing or pruning evergreen shrubs, cut yourself a break by choosing types that don’t require it.

mother leaning out drivers side of window of red SUV looking at daughter in backseat window in desert landscape
DIY

12 Ways to Stay Cool When Your Car’s AC Gives Out

When your car's air conditioning dies, there's still hope for a comfortable ride. Here's how to keep the summer heat from ruining your commute when the AC is out of commission.

woman-wearing-a-face-mask-looks-out-over-the-neighborhood-with-wildfire-smoke-in-the-air
Interior

After Wildfire Smoke Subsides, Clean These 12 Things Around the House ASAP

Learn how to restore your home's cleanliness and protect your family's health with these post-wildfire cleaning tips.

person-handing-a-box-of-fresh-produce-to-a-senior-man-through-his-car-window
Lawn & Garden

Extra Garden Veggies? Find a Fresh Food Donation Site in Your Area

Whether you have a gardening surplus or simply want to help those struggling with food insecurity by sharing groceries, this list will help you find a local place to donate produce.

young-woman-plants-a-conifer-trere-in-front-of-a-brown-contemporary-house-at-sunset
Lawn & Garden

11 Pro Tips for Strategically Planting Trees on Your Property

Proper placement of trees depends on their needs and yours. Consider their water, sunlight, and spatial requirements, as well as your need for shade, curb appeal, or protection from the weather.

The Solo Stove Mesa XL set up and burning a fire on a tabletop
Reviews

Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit Review: A Perfect Tabletop Fire Pit for a Quick Fire

Don't have a large outdoor entertaining space? No problem! The Solo Stove Mesa XL is a compact tabletop fire pit that creates a pleasant cozy atmosphere and serves as a fun, fast way to roast yummy s'mores!

Brita 10-cup Tahoe Water Filter Pitcher Review
Reviews

I Paid a Little More for This Brita Water Filter Pitcher, and It Was Worth It

The Brita Elite water filter removes more contaminants and lasts longer than the competition.

The Fezibo standing desk in its lowered position holding a dual-monitor computer setup
Reviews

Why the Fezibo Standing Desk Is Now My Favorite Office Essential

Stand up for your health: Discover the pros and cons of this sit-to-stand work desk.

TRUArt Stage 1 Pyrography Pen Wood-Burning Tool Set with tips and letter stencils
Reviews

Why I Prefer the TruArt Stage 1 Pyrography Pen Over the Walnut Hollow Versa-Tool

The price is decent, but this machine is all about power, performance, and user comfort.

Flowtron BK40DK Electronic Insect Killer hanging from gray pergola
Reviews

Take Back Your Yard From Biting Insects With This Popular Bug Zapper

Help rid your yard of annoying bugs during nighttime gatherings with this classic lantern-style bug zapper that’s effective, efficient, and easy to set up.

Close up of installed Hisense Air Conditioner
Reviews

Hisense Air Conditioner Review: Stay Cool With High Tech and Low Temps

With a programmable app, smart-home compatibility, and a sleek design, this Hisense air conditioner might make sense for small rooms.

Rose care and rose deadheading in summer. A woman is deadheading, cutting off faded rose flowers for new blooms using sharp pruning shears.
Exterior

The Dos and Don’ts of Deadheading Flowers

Encourage beautiful blooms all summer long by brushing up on this simple pruning technique.

Garden Tools in a Brick Toolshed
DIY

12 Types of Shovels Every Homeowner Should Know

Learn how to identify different types of shovels to find the right tool for the job.

white-kitchen-with-stainless-steel-range-and-range-hood
Interior

Gas Stove or Not, This Is the Proper Way to Use Your Range Hood

Keep your kitchen healthy and fresh with these tips for operating and maintaining range hoods.

Person holding cockroach with blurred home in background
DIY

15 DIY Solutions for a Pest-Free Home

A bug-free home doesn't need to cost you a lot of money or time. We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite DIY solutions for ridding your home and garden of pests.

A plumber has taken a toilet apart and disconnected it from the drainpipe on the bathroom. The toilet was leaking at the bottom. The toilet flange connects the toilet to the pipe in the floor.. There is a plunger and pliers on the floor. Taken with Canon 5D Mark 3.
Interior

How to Replace a Toilet Flange

Water at the base of the commode is a real red flag. Fix the plumbing problem with the guidance and techniques here.

LL Flooring Review
Reviews

LL Flooring Boasts Hundreds of Flooring Choices—But Is It a Good Option for Homeowners?

When considering new flooring, homeowners will find numerous options to choose from. LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) has hundreds of flooring selections and offers DIY or professional installation, but does it stand out among its competition?

AC Condenser Replacement Cost
Interior

How Much Does AC Condenser Replacement Cost?

AC condensers play a crucial role in keeping indoor spaces cool during hot weather. If a replacement is needed, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $5,000, with the national average AC condenser replacement cost coming in at $2,100.

Aerial view of person gardening
Lawn & Garden

10 Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for You, According to Science

Gardening works wonders for the body and mind. Discover science-backed ways gardening can improve your health and well-being.

front yard with brightly colored wildflowers in the foreground and a blurry cottage with front porch in dark wood in the background
Lawn & Garden

What Is Meadowscaping and Can Your Neighbors Handle It?

Rewild your lawn into a pollinator paradise that even your homeowner association will love.