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DIY Lawn Repair

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:20:39 GMT

Lawn Repair and Maintenance Tips

Step One:

Throughout the seasons, a number of things do a number on lawns — foot traffic, pets going about their business, rodents and insects and even ice-melting salt during the winter. You can easily repair thin or bare areas with an all-in-one product, like Scotts® EZ Seed® grass seed. Guaranteed to grow grass anywhere, EZ Seed® features a unique combination of Scotts® high-performance seed, continuous-release fertilizer and Scotts® super-absorbent growing material that expands as it absorbs water, helping keep seed from drying out.

Before applying EZ Seed®, always rake up the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass — your new seedlings will need contact with the soil and room to establish their roots. Now apply EZ Seed® and water in!

Step Two:

Regular feedings help your lawn to be its best and keep it strong in the face of future problems. For your best lawn feed about every 6-8 weeks.

To make the job easier and more efficient, use a broadcast spreader. This particular type of spreader covers the most area evenly and quickly. Pour the recommended amount of fertilizer into the spreader hopper.
Apply the fertilizer in the same way you would mow. Using a sidewalk, driveway or other non-grass surface as a guide and a starting point, begin pushing the spreader parallel to the surface and work your way across the lawn, turning at each end and directing the spreader alongside the row you just completed so that coverage almost overlaps. The fertilizer drops from the hopper and is dispersed as you move. Keep a slow, steady pace. Read your spreader’s manufacturer’s instructions for exact directions on how to use it. Many models allow you to set the amount that is dispersed. Be careful that you don’t over-fertilize by checking the fertilizer package to verify the recommended spreader setting.

Tender seedlings, as well as existing grass, need nutrients to help grow thick and full. For southern lawns, immediately after repairing bare spots with Scotts® EZ Seed®, feed your whole lawn with Scotts® Southern Turf Builder® with 2% Iron. Designed especially for Southern lawns affected by brutal heat and drought, Southern Turf Builder® delivers much-needed nutrients to stressed and hungry lawns.

Newly planted seeds need food to grow. If you used Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed you can apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass in two to four weeks after planting, while EZ Seed comes with lawn food already in the product. Once your grass is established, you can use Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Food every four to six weeks to make sure it has the nutrients it needs to stay thick and green.

Step 3:

Water the newly seeded or sodded areas frequently until seedlings develop and have a chance to fill in, usually one to four weeks. Then water less frequently. It’s best to water deeply once a week under normal weather conditions or a bit more often when it’s extremely dry. A good, thorough soaking rather than a quick watering ensures that the water gets down to the root system. This helps roots grow strong and deep for a thick, more drought-resistant lawn.

You can mow your new grass once it is between 2” to 3” tall. Good job!

For Scotts Lawn Care Products and grass seed visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to repair and renew your lawn and landscape with name brand products that perform when used correctly.

How to Maintain Your Hedges

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:29:17 GMT

How to maintain biodiverse hedges -Video by STIHL

Want a thriving, functional hedge? Consistent care is key: regular and correct pruning – don’t forget to trim the roots – and proper watering will keep your hedge in top shape. The STIHL ASA and GTA are the perfect tools to support you.

Given varying soil conditions, most hedges also benefit from regular fertilization to encourage robust, beautiful growth.

Aim to prune your hedge about twice a year, though some varieties may only require one summer trim. And remember: avoid heavy pruning during nesting season to protect local wildlife and support biodiversity.

Follow these tips and enjoy a healthy, vibrant hedge for years to come!

For quality STIHL trimmers and other outdoor power equipment visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore, your local authorized STIHL Dealer.

Video Transcript:

00:00 - Intro

00:13 - Cutting dead branches & bush removal

00:35 - Trimming the hegde evenly

00:42 - Collecting residual clippings for mulch

00:50 - Preparing soil for new shrubs

00:56 - Cutting outer shrub roots for a growth boost

01:01 - Planting & watering the new shurb

01:10 - Planting & watering the perennials

01:35 - Turning the clippings into mulch

01:44 - Distributing the mulch

01:50 - All done

Common Lawn Care Mistakes

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:03:41 GMT

Top 7 Common Lawn Care Mistakes

Creating a lush, healthy lawn requires more than just occasional mowing and watering. Many homeowners unknowingly commit errors that can lead to long-term damage to their grass. Understanding and avoiding these common lawn care mistakes is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and robust lawn. Here, we delve into the seven most prevalent missteps in lawn care, explaining why they're harmful and how to steer clear of them. We'll also provide insights into lesser-known statistics and facts that can help you nurture your lawn more effectively.

Cutting Grass Too Short: A Shortcut to Lawn Damage

One of the most frequent mistakes is mowing the lawn too short, often called "scalping." While it might seem efficient, cutting grass too short can weaken its root system, making it more susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. The general rule is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session. According to a Penn State Extension article, mowing at the proper height can encourage deeper root growth and better drought tolerance.

Planting Without Proper Planning: A Recipe for Failure

Many homeowners underestimate the importance of a well-thought-out planting strategy. Proper depth and spacing, along with understanding the specific needs of each plant, are crucial for healthy growth. Soil testing is an essential step that is often overlooked. It determines the pH balance and nutrient levels, guiding you on the best grass types for your lawn. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends soil testing every three to four years to maintain optimal growing conditions.

Overlooking Plant Maturity: Watering Wisely

Differentiating between the water needs of mature plants and young ones is vital. New plants generally require more water and may need different sun exposure than established ones. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal growth, while underwatering can stress the plants. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests watering only when the lawn shows signs of needing it, such as when footprints remain visible on the grass.

Misguided Watering and Fertilizing: Timing is Everything

Watering and fertilizing your lawn at the wrong time can be counterproductive. The ideal time for watering is early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Fertilization schedules vary by location and grass type, but generally, it's best to fertilize when the grass is actively growing. The University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program provides a guide on the best practices for watering and fertilizing lawns.

The Underestimated Power of Mulch

Mulch is a multifaceted tool in lawn care that many homeowners ignore. It can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil. A study by the University of Florida IFAS Extension indicates that mulching can reduce the need for fertilizers by up to 33%, highlighting its importance in sustainable lawn care.

Seed vs. Sod: Choosing the Right Method

The decision between seeding and sodding should be based on the specific needs of your lawn rather than the time it takes to establish. Sodding provides immediate ground cover and is excellent for preventing soil erosion, while seeding is more cost-effective for filling in bare patches. The University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources offers resources to help homeowners decide between seeding and sodding based on their lawn's condition.

The Dilemma of Powder Products and "Green" Alternatives

Powder lawn care products may seem economical, but they can easily be blown away before penetrating the soil. Organic or "green" products are more environmentally friendly but may require more frequent applications and longer to see results. The National Pesticide Information Center provides information on the effectiveness and environmental impact of various lawn care products.

By recognizing and avoiding these seven common lawn care mistakes, you can ensure your lawn remains healthy and vibrant. Remember, a little extra care and attention can go a long way in preventing long-term damage to your grass.

Reedsburg True Value Superstore features a garden department with a huge variety of lawn care products from grass seed to fertilizers and weed control, we have what you need to grow a lush, healthy lawn this season!

Article source: articlefactory.com (by Mary Ann Posuelo).

SPECIAL MOWER FINANCING

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:10:28 GMT

This is your chance to own a professional mower at an incredible price this season. Hurry, these deals won't last! (Scroll down for details)

FROM $104/MONTH at 0% FINANCING FOR 48 MONTHS (with approved credit), experience the Ariens and Gravely quality and get a flawless cut without breaking the bank!

��Ariens ONYX 52 - $104/month
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��Gravely Pro-Turn 260 - $297/month

This is your chance to own a professional mower at an incredible price this season. Hurry, these deals won't last!

SHOP NOW at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore!

��100 Viking Dr Reedsburg, WI 53959
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APRIL 2026 BARGAINS

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:21:49 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value April Bargains of the Month - Prices valid until 4/30/2026 - Shop early for best selection, while supplies last!!

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Spring Cleaning Tips to Prevent Pests

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:29:21 GMT

Spring Cleaning to Ensure Pest Free Environment

Spring is the season when homeowners begin to notice pests again because the warmer temperatures encourage greater activity," says Jim Fredericks, technical services director for NPMA. "The first step to minimizing potential pest problems is simply prevention.

Weekends throughout April will find homeowners undertaking the tradition of "spring cleaning." Windows will be opened, fresh sheets will replace wool blankets and patio furniture will return to its rightful place outdoors. Although the focus of spring cleaning is typically indoors, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners to also partake in spring cleaning activities outdoors so as to prevent pest infestations through the spring and summer months.

As we draw closer to spring, the season of renewal and fresh beginnings, a spring cleaning is a perfect way to kick things off. Not only will your home be sparkling from floor to ceiling, but you will also be helping yourself to avoid the nuisance of pests that try to get in this spring.

Storage spaces

Spend time organizing and cleaning your storage spaces. This includes the attic, garage and basement where we do not usually spend a lot of time. You may find signs of overwintering pests such as droppings from rodents or abandoned spider webs. These are signs that your home has not been properly pest proofed. But with a thorough cleaning and proper storing of your belongings, you will be on your way to pest free storage spaces.

If homeowners focus upon eliminating sources of food, water and harborage for pests within their home, they will be taking the first step in avoiding infestations and the subsequent health and property risks associated with pests and rodents."

As NPMA research shows that spring and summer are when pest problems are of most concern to homeowners, the following pest-proofing tips are offered to assist homeowners in preventing infestations:

Seal up cracks and small openings along the foundation of the house.

Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water.

Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house.

Keep kitchens clean by wiping counters and emptying the garbage frequently.

Keep all food containers sealed.

Avoid leaving pet's food dishes out for long periods of time.

Keep trash containers clean and sealed, both indoors and outdoors.

Screen windows and doors.

"Early spring provides a terrific opportunity for homeowners to thoroughly inspect their homes as part of spring cleaning practices" advises Fredericks. "If homeowners spot any sign of infestation, contact a licensed pest professional who can help to identify problems as well as prescribe the proper course of treatment."

The benefit of a pest free environment. No one wants to have to use all of their savings to get rid of pests and termites. They can present a danger to both people and their pets. So, why not pay a little bit of money to prevent pests from ever taking over your yard and home?

For all your spring cleaning and pest control supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to get the job done right!!!

Author: Theresa Galan (articlefactory.com)

Mow the Distance Sale Event

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:46:43 GMT

Gravely's Mow the Distance Sales Event is coming soon!

This one’s for the pros. Gravely's Mow the Distance Sales Event is back for 2026, offering significant savings of up to 20% off select commercial zero-turn lawn mowers and up to 15% off eligible baggers.

— and it’s your chance to lock in serious savings on Gravely commercial mowers that deliver professional results and season-long reliability.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Hardware Store to learn more and check out our lineup.

Stay tuned to our website and social media for the announcement of the sale dates!

NEW PRODUCT - GRAVELY

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:11:32 GMT

When you see a Gravely mower, you're seeing greatness at work.

When you see a Gravely mowing the grass, you're looking at over 100 years of ingenuity in action.

You're seeing a rugged, durable machine professional lawn service companies have relied on for generations. Or maybe you're seeing a homeowner who demands the best, cutting their own lawn like the pros.

When you see a Gravely, you're seeing greatness at work. Take your lawn mowing up a notch with a Gravely mower.

See the full line at Martens Reedsburg True Value, your local authorized dealer.

Tree Care with STIHL Chainsaws

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:03:10 GMT

STIHL Focus on tree care with battery power video highlights:

Professional tree care demands the highest standards regarding tools and ergonomics. In this video episode, discover how STIHL battery solutions simplify the daily work of arborists and tree care professionals – from the tree canopy to the ground.

Take a close look at STIHL's top-handle chainsaws MSA 220 T, MSA 190 T, and MSA 161 T and the benefits of avoiding constant restarting, highlighting the perfect ergonomics and comfort of the cordless saws, and why weight is so crucial when working at heights.

Plus, information on the professional battery pruner GTA 40, a great pro tool for precise cuts.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore, your local Authorized STIHL Dealer, for the latest in STIHL outdoor equipment and chainsaws.

Spring Garden Planning

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:36:17 GMT

Plan Before You Plant: A Strategic Approach to Gardening

Creating a garden that thrives and delights throughout the seasons requires more than just a spontaneous shopping spree for plants. As winter casts a blanket of snow over your potential garden space, envisioning the transformation of that 50 square foot patch of bare dirt into a vibrant oasis is the first step. However, to ensure that your garden is not only a feast for the eyes but also sustainable and manageable, careful planning is essential. A well-thought-out garden plan can save you time, money, and prevent the disappointment of a chaotic and struggling garden.

Assessing Your Garden Site

Before you start selecting plants, take a close look at your garden's location. Consider the following:

Visibility: Is your garden a public display or a private retreat?
Sunlight: Does the area receive full sun, partial shade, or full shade?
Soil Type: Is your soil sandy, loamy, or clay-heavy?

These factors will influence which plants will thrive in your garden. For instance, a sun-drenched area is perfect for sun-loving plants like lavender and salvia, while a shaded spot might be better suited for ferns and hostas.

Defining Your Garden's Purpose

Think about what you want your garden to achieve. Is it a culinary herb garden just steps away from your kitchen, or a secluded wildflower haven for local wildlife? The purpose of your garden will guide your plant selection and design. For example, a vegetable garden requires a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil, while a butterfly garden benefits from a mix of host plants and nectar-rich flowers.

Maintenance Considerations

Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to garden upkeep. If you have a busy schedule, opt for low-maintenance plants like daylilies and hostas. For those who enjoy gardening, consider high-maintenance options like vegetable patches or rose gardens, which require more attention but can be incredibly rewarding.
Plant Size, Proportion, and Bloom Time

When choosing plants, consider their mature size to ensure they fit well within your garden space and don't overwhelm it. Proportion is key to a harmonious design. Additionally, plan for a succession of blooms to enjoy color throughout the growing season. This can be achieved by combining shrubs, bulbs, perennials, and annuals that flower at different times.

The Benefits of Planning

Taking the time to plan your garden can lead to a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space. With careful consideration of your garden's conditions, purpose, and your own maintenance preferences, you can create a garden that brings joy and beauty for years to come.

For more detailed information on garden planning, the Royal Horticultural Society offers a wealth of resources. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture provides plant hardiness zone maps that are crucial for selecting the right plants for your climate.

Interesting stats and data about garden planning are not often discussed, but they can be quite revealing. For instance, a survey by the National Gardening Association found that gardeners who plan their gardens save an average of 20% on gardening costs compared to those who do not plan. Furthermore, planned gardens are 40% more likely to include native plants, which are essential for local ecosystems and require less maintenance (National Gardening Association, 2021).

By investing time in planning your garden now, you're setting the stage for a lush, thriving garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood come spring.

Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore carries a HUGE inventory of gardening tools and supplies, as well as flowers and plants in our Greenhouse (open in Season). Visit our Garden Department today for seed, fertilizer, potting soil and much more. For outdoor power equipment we are the area's STIHL dealer for chainsaws, trimmers, etc. Stop by to check out what's new in store for you!!

Article excerpt by Jean Fritz (articlefactory.com)

FEBRUARY 2026 BARGAINS

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:49:37 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value February Bargains of the Month - Prices valid until 2/28/2026 - Shop early for best selection, while supplies last!!

Your Home Improvement Project, Your Way

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:26:10 GMT

DIY Home Improvement Projects done right with supplies from Reedsburg True Value Superstore.

This is your project and your time.

That's why you went to True Value to get your tools and supplies from someone who knows exactly what you need.

Modern, refreshed, uniquely you.

You don't need permission. But if you end up needing a little guidance, that's always in stock, too. Just a couple benefits of being helped by the owner.

True Value. Your project your way!

How to Stay Warm When the Power is Out

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:01:35 GMT

How to Heat a Room Without Electricity

Being without a heat source during a power outage is frustrating enough, but it can be especially uncomfortable or dangerous for those living in cold climates. There are, however, alternative heat sources you can use to keep your house warm. In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to heat a house during a power outage with some ideas for alternative heat sources, including suggestions for non-electric heaters so you can purchase one as a precautionary measure in case the unexpected happens.

When the power in your home goes out, here are some tips for how to heat a space without electricity.

Be sure to act quickly to keep as much heat inside your room as possible. Shut any open windows and doors. Try to prevent heat escaping by closing your blinds and curtains. It’s also helpful to close off other rooms except the one where you’re staying to keep the heat centralized to one area.

Combustion heaters are great options that use propane instead of electricity. Or kerosene radiant heaters are alternatives that don’t use electricity or gas.

Lastly, you can use water as a heating solution by creating heated steam.

The Best Ways to Heat a House

Before we start, let’s look at the best ways to keep your home warm when the power is on. This will help you retain as much heat as you can if the electricity in your house goes out. Being prepared will help give you a little peace of mind.

Close Off Rooms that You Don’t Use

By closing off bedrooms and other rooms that aren’t being used, you can prevent heat from escaping through these unused areas. Cold air is better able to get inside when doors are left open, so closing the doors to unused rooms helps keep drafts out of the rest of your home.

Open Your Curtains During the Day

When sunlight enters your house through curtains or windows, it helps warm the room naturally. If you don’t already have them, consider installing blinds or curtains on your windows. If the power goes out after sunlight has been pouring in all day, closing the blinds or curtains (or both!) will act as a form of insulation, helping to keep the heat inside your home. Thermal curtains can help regulate the temperature and slow the escape of heat in the winter.

Use Fans to Circulate Warm Air Upward

If your home already has ceiling insulation, you may not need to install additional alternative heat sources for power outages. However, if you’re concerned about how well insulated your ceilings are, using a ceiling fan in reverse during cold days and nights could provide some benefit. This alternative heating source works because warm air rises to the top of a room before being pushed down the walls, and eventually to the floor. This recycling of warmer air helps to steadily heat up a room over time. Running this ceiling fan heating method throughout winter can help keep your home warmer, providing you with more heat without using much energy.

Install Storm Windows

Storm windows act as alternative heat sources by helping to reduce air from flowing in and out of existing windows. This, in turn, helps to retain the indoor heat, which can be especially helpful during a power outage. As a bonus perk, because of their energy efficiency, storm windows even have the potential to help reduce your heating and cooling costs throughout the rest of the year.

Preparing Your Home for Winter

If the power went out in the whole house right now, would you and your home be prepared for an extended period? Here are some ways to prepare your house for cold weather months.

Insulate Your Windows

This isn’t a common option people think of when considering alternative heat sources, but it can work well when done properly. Placing plastic wrap across windows can prevent cold air from entering by blocking any drafts. As long as you don’t tear holes in the plastic film or leave the windows open during colder months, this solution can be a great alternative heat source, power outage or not.

You can also install other forms of window insulation, like foam or caulk to seal cracks and keep warm air from escaping.

Keep Your Water Heater Well-Maintained

Keeping your water heater well-maintained can help act as an alternative heat source during a power outage, and most water heaters should be able to keep stored water hot for an extended length of time.

Because of their frequent use over time, all home appliances tend to become less efficient after several years of operation. The best way to make sure that your water heater is up to the task is by performing regular maintenance at least once a year. This generally involves draining off the sediment that has built up inside over time, and then flushing out any scale or rust build-up using vinegar or another alternative cleaning agent.

Insulate Your Pipes

Consider insulating your water pipes in the house. Doing so can help keep you from having to deal with frozen pipes when the temps drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Insulating your plumbing only takes a few minutes to complete with pipe insulation sleeves that you can get at any hardware store for very little cost. Installing these sleeves is also easy—just slip it around an exposed pipe and secure it with tape or a zip-tie. However, most pipe insulation sleeves fit so snuggly enough over pipes that you won’t need to secure it.

Even with insulated pipes, however, it’s still a good idea to leave your cabinets open to let the heat in and turn your faucets on periodically to allow a steady stream of water to run through. This will allow your water to keep moving, which helps to prevent it from freezing in your pipes.

Consider Purchasing a Gas Generator

Although this solution may be one of the more expensive alternative heating sources on this list, it may be worth considering if you live in an area where winter storms and prolonged power outages are common.

A gas generator can provide enough electricity to your home to power your furnace and other appliances that require electricity. This alternative heat source will also be more than capable of keeping your home warm until power is restored. If you decide to buy a gas generator, make sure to buy one with enough wattage output to ensure that all your electrical devices will receive adequate power. Of course, having a gas generator also means that you’ll need to make sure that you have gasoline on hand to run it.

Emergency Items to Have for a Power Outage

While it may be obvious, you should invest in several alternative heat sources like kerosene heater units and lighting sources like emergency candles, flashlights, and lanterns.

Finally, it’s a very good idea to have alternative food sources prepared in case power outages continue for more than a day or two. Be sure to stock up on canned or packaged food that can last an extended period without refrigeration.

As with alternative heating, food preparation requires some inventive cooking solutions aside from your stove and microwave. This includes being able to boil water without electricity if needed with alternative heat sources like camp stoves, wood burning stoves, or grills.

This may seem like an extreme situation, but sometimes, you never know how long you’ll be without power.

Alternative Heating Solutions During Power Outages

When the power in your home goes out, here are some suggestions for how to heat a house without electricity.

Act Fast

The second the power goes out, you should spring into action to keep as much heat inside your home as possible. For example, shut any open windows and doors. Try to prevent heat from escaping by closing your window blinds and curtains. And, of course, grab any emergency equipment that you may need after dark, such as flashlights and candles.

Get Your Fireplace Going

Firewood or some other solid fuel source is an effective means of keeping your house heated with minimal costs and work on your part. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, it will make heating your home that much easier and safer during an emergency like a power outage. Because they rely on natural convection, fireplaces can distribute evenly heated air, acting as a heater without electricity.

Try and Centralize Heat to a Single Room in the House

Close off other rooms except the one where you’re staying in to keep the heat centralized to one area of the house. This is similar to the earlier suggestion for keeping your house warm in general, but staying in one room can help keep the heat in one place.

Break out Your Non-Electric Heaters

Combustion heaters are a great option for heating your home without power. Combustion heaters are indoor heaters that don’t require electricity, utilizing propane instead of electricity.

If you need heat without electricity or gas, kerosene radiant heaters should have everything you need. Keep in mind that these no-electricity heaters need plenty of kerosene to keep working.

Remember that Water Heater We Talked About?

One final alternative heat source that may be overlooked is water itself. By heating up pots of water on an alternative heating solution like a propane stove, or even by letting a hot shower run in the bathroom, this will create heated steam that has a longer half-life than other alternative heating methods. If you’re able to capture and store the steam, then it will last even longer as a viable alternative energy source for keeping warm during power outages.

Final Thoughts

Be smart and stay warm in a power outage by making alternative heat sources as accessible as possible in case of an emergency. It’s best to be proactive in your preparation for a power outage in winter. Keep warm and safe by planning for emergencies.

Many of the supplies mentioned in this article can be found at Martens Reedsburg True Value. Visit our Super Store today for everything you need to stay warm and safe through the winter season!

Excerpt from article originally posted on: https://www.frontdoor.com/blog/how-to-guides/how-to-heat-a-room-without-electricity

Emergency Winter Car Kit

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:51:00 GMT

Emergency Car Kit List

Keep the items listed below in a bag in your trunk. Ideally, we’d suggest keeping these items in a clear, plastic container so it’s easy to see and locate everything. You can buy a pre-packaged kit or create your own.

Minimum Supplies

In an emergency, in addition to a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, the National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:

Blankets, mittens, socks, and hats
Ice scraper and snow brush
Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight)
Jumper cables
First-aid kit (band-aids, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical wrap)
Bottled water
Multi-tool (such as a Leatherman multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife)
Road flares or reflective warning triangles
Windshield cleaner

Extra Supplies for Frigid Weather

Add the items below to your emergency kit for those in wintry, snowy areas. (If it’s balmy all winter where you live, be thankful that you don’t need all of this stuff!)

A bag of sand to help with traction (or a bag of non-clumping cat litter)
Collapsible or folding snow shovel
Blanket
Tire chains and tow strap
Hand warmers
Winter boots for longer trips
Sleeping bag for longer trips

Other Essentials

Small fire extinguisher (5-lb., Class B and Class C type) in case of a car fire
Tire gauge to check the inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire
Jack and lug wrench to change a tire
Rags and hand cleaner (such as baby wipes)
Duct tape
Foam tire sealant for minor tire punctures
Rain poncho
Nonperishable high-energy foods: unsalted and canned nuts, granola bars, raisins and dried fruit, peanut butter, or hard candy.
Battery– or hand-crank–powered radio
Lighter and box of matches (in a waterproof container)
Scissors and string or cord
Spare change and cash
Compass
Paper maps

Most of the items needed to supply your emergency car kit can be found at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore at everyday Great Value pricing. Stop by today and get prepared for your next road trip!

In addition to the items listed above, keeping a cell phone on hand is highly advised. Ensure your phone is charged every time you get in the car, and keep a spare cell phone charger and a rechargeable battery pack in your emergency kit.

Article excerpt from: https://www.almanac.com/content/winter-car-emergency-kit

Ariens Mammoth Snow Blower

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:46:19 GMT

Video preview of the Ariens Mammoth snow blower

This go anywhere, clear anything snow blower by Ariens was designed and built unlike anything anyone has seen before. From its best-in-class engine to its beefy, four-wheel-driven tires, there is not a snow-covered path it cannot clear with ease.

Watch this short video and you'll quickly see how the Mammoth is wreaking vengeance on snow.

Martens Reedsburg True Value is an authorized dealer of Ariens snow blowers and features a large selection of snow removal equipment at everyday Great Value pricing. Visit our lawn and garden center to check out what's in store today!

JANUARY 2026 BARGAINS

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:09:24 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value January 2026 Bargains of the Month - Prices good until 1/31/2026

Prices good for Martens Reedsburg True Value Bargains of the Month through January 31, 2026 or while supplies last. Shop early for best selection!!

Save with a Water Heater Timer

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 20:20:33 GMT

Install A Water Heater Timer To Save Energy

Tank water heaters waste a lot of energy every month due to their design. But there is something that homeowners can do to minimize this wasted energy. By installing a timer you can save energy and money.

Most people are willing to do the little things to save energy and money, but all too often they just do not know what options are available to them. Well, if you are one of the millions of US homeowners that are using an electric storage tank water heater, one of these small things that can make a big impact is installing a timer to regulate when there is power to your water heater and save energy. With the high cost of energy these days, a little extra savings every month can add up to big savings on your budget.

The idea behind installing a timer stems from the inherent inefficiency in the design of a tank water heater. These models are great and do a fantastic job as evidenced by their continuing popularity to this very day. They are affordable and reliable, lasting for many years. But the design of these units leaves a bit to be desired in terms of energy efficiency. The way a conventional tank storage unit works is that water enters a large tank and gets heated by two elements. There is one element up top and one at the bottom of the tank.

The flaw in the design that renders these models less than optimal in performing their jobs is the fact that water that gets heated and does not get used will eventually cool down and require heating again. This inefficient cycle gets repeated over and over again until the water is finally used in your home. Each time that water gets heated and goes unused, you are wasting energy throwing away money.

That brings us to one practical solution to this problem. If homeowners will take the opportunity to install a timer, then you can prevent the cycle of heating and cooling and only heat water when it is really needed. If your water heater has an adequate first hour heating rating, you only need to give the unit a one hour head start on heating the water you will need in order to have a sufficient supply for your use.

This is a project that most people can do themselves without the assistance of a plumber but there are some situations where installing a water heater timer makes sense and some where it doesn't. If you have already installed a heat trap and insulated your pipes, you won't reap the same benefits as homeowners that do not have heat traps and insulation in place. Also, timers are not a good fit for gas-powered units.

Saving money can be simple once consumers know what their options are and then they take action on the ones that are a good fit for their homes. Installing a water heater timer is one of these simple tasks that people with electric water heaters can perform and save energy and money. You get the financial savings as well as the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are being a responsible user of the planet's natural resources.

For plumbing parts and supplies visit the Plumbing Department at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today!

Author: Jay Rakstraw (articlefactory.com)

Ice Fishing for Walleye

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:17:46 GMT

Ice fishing for Walleye Tips

When it comes to fishing for walleye, you don't need to wait for spring, summer, or fall. You can fish right through the cold, hard ice.

What Ice Anglers Do

If you are truly a serious ice angler, you should watch out for the early formation of ice. You should also be religious enough to watch it transform slowly into ice. Once it happens, you need to wait a little longer, perhaps a couple of weeks, before walleye will start to gather underneath. Normally, their bite will soon disappear and the oxygen level will disappear. Your best solution will be to look for where the fish move and get to them.

Factors that Affect Movements of Walleye

There are many factors that can affect the movements of walleye during the winter. For instance, they have the tendency to move into deeper water. This may be due to the dropping water temperature. They can fall into the preferred and the maximum temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is also shortened daytime coupled with snow cover and ice. This will tremendously destroy aquatic vegetation. It will cause the weeds to turn brown until they wilt and die. The elimination of weeds can mean the loss of their food source and protective cover.

Walleye also tend to move deeper when they are bothered by different types of fishing traffic. This includes the passage of snowmobiles, cars, and noisy trucks. Any ruckus happening on the top of the lake will force the walleye fish to dig deep.

How to Find Them

So you can truly succeed with walleye ice fishing, you should know when to hit the iced water. In fact, you may have to settle for a late trip during the winter. At this time, walleye fish will be preparing themselves as they are about to spawn during the spring.

The challenge, however, is ice fishing in the middle of dead winter. You will have to think of the water below as well as the movements of the fish during the day. What makes it worse is that even if there are predators, walleye fish may not be active at all.Your best solution is to be truly flexible in locating the walleye when you are ice fishing. You should permit yourself to move from one location to another. This is because the fish do move all throughout the day, and you should be able to follow their path.

Know Where They Will Likely Spawn

When late winter starts to set in, walleye will travel. They will be looking for specific locations where they can spawn. If you are aware of their migration routes, you can start digging the holes and wait for the walleye to come.If you know where they will likely spawn, it will be very easy for you to catch them. This is because once the water temperature starts to heat up and they began moving into the area, they are usually hungry and will be happy to take a bite of your bait.

When Is the Best Time to Fish?

The best time to ice fish for walleye is during late evening or early in the morning. The reason may not be mainly because of the walleye but because there could be so many anglers during the middle of the day. You need to ease out on the competition. You will also be extremely helpful if you can dig holes in different locations and in varying lengths. You shouldn't expect that you will be able to get them when you settle for similar levels.

Equipment to Use

Don't use a lighter line. This is because when you cut a hole, you may be creating jagged edges. This will make your line very susceptible to breakage. Heavier line will work best even if you're seeking average-sized walleye.Many anglers use the jigging technique to attract walleye. And because they will be extremely hungry around this time, they may be somewhat aggressive during their feeding frenzy. It's wise therefore to make use of a bait and a lure that possess flash or vibration.

For the latest in ice fishing gear visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Sports and Recreation Department. We have what you need for a successful ice fishing trip!

articlefactory.com (author: Regin Hehn)

Holiday Fireplace Safety

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:14:52 GMT

Essential Fireplace Safety Guidelines

Ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones is paramount when enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace. While a fireplace can provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere, it's crucial to follow certain safety measures to prevent potential hazards. In this article, we'll delve into essential fireplace safety tips that every homeowner should know to maintain a secure and enjoyable environment.

Yearly Inspection and Maintenance

One of the most critical steps in fireplace safety is ensuring regular maintenance and inspections. It's recommended that fireplaces be inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep at least once a year. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), failure to clean the chimney is a leading factor contributing to home heating fires. A professional can identify issues such as cracks in the mortar or bricks, damage to the flue lining, and obstructions that could pose a fire risk.

Fire Alarms and Extinguishers

Equipping your home with functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is non-negotiable. Test these alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Additionally, keep an ABC fire extinguisher on hand in the room with the fireplace. This type of extinguisher is suitable for various kinds of fires, including those that might occur in a fireplace setting.

Protective Barriers

To prevent sparks and embers from escaping, install a sturdy screen that fully covers the fireplace opening. For households with children, consider adding a safety gate to maintain a safe distance between the young ones and the fire. Never leave children unattended near an active fireplace.

Safe Distance from Combustibles

Be vigilant about the placement of combustible materials around the fireplace. Items such as paper, carpets, furniture, and even firewood should be kept at a safe distance to prevent accidental ignition. The NFPA suggests keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, including fireplaces.

Ash Handling and Disposal

Proper ash disposal is crucial for fire safety. Allow ashes to cool completely before removing them, which can take several hours. Store cooled ashes in a metal container with a lid, and keep the container outside, away from the house and any flammable materials. Before leaving the room or going to bed, double-check that the fire is completely extinguished and that all embers and ashes are cold.

By adhering to these safety tips, you can enjoy the comfort of your fireplace without compromising the safety of your home. Remember, vigilance and regular maintenance are key to preventing fireplace-related accidents.

For more information on fireplace safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association or the U.S. Fire Administration.

For fire or smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and fireplace tools or accessories visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today!

Articlefactory.com - author: Jacob Jellin

How to Start a two-stage Snow Blower

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:16:20 GMT

How to Start an Ariens® Snow Blower

Do you know how to start your Ariens® Sno-Thro®? If you have a non-EFI, or non-electronic fuel injected snow blower, you may need to choke and prime your snow blower engine before starting.

Watch how we start a two-stage snow blower engine using the choke and primer in the quick video featured above.

Martens Reedsburg True Value Hardware Store is an authorized Ariens Dealer. Visit our Lawn and Garden Department for the latest models of snow blower and snow throwers, at our everyday Great Value Pricing!

Practical Tips for a Joyful Season

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:51:27 GMT

How to Have an Abundant Holiday Season

The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of activities and expectations, leaving many feeling overwhelmed rather than joyful. This article explores how to redefine abundance during the holidays by focusing on what truly matters. By shifting our mindset from "more" to "enough," we can create a season filled with joy, calm, and meaningful connections. Discover practical tips and insights to help you enjoy a more fulfilling holiday experience.

The Big Holiday Question

Understanding the Pressure

As the holiday season approaches, a common question begins to circulate, especially among women: "Are you ready for the holidays?" This question, which I call "The Big Holiday Question," often triggers a sense of urgency and stress. Women frequently respond with a resounding "No," followed by a list of tasks they feel compelled to complete. This phenomenon is not new; it has been observed for years and continues to be a source of anxiety for many.

The Gender Divide

Interestingly, this question seems to be predominantly directed at women. Men rarely ask each other if they are ready for the holidays, nor do they seem to experience the same level of stress. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 44% of women report feeling increased stress during the holidays compared to 31% of men (source). This disparity highlights the societal expectations placed on women to manage holiday preparations.

The Myth of More

The Illusion of Abundance

The Big Holiday Question is driven by the notion that more is better. More shopping, more cooking, more decorating—these activities are often seen as essential to creating a perfect holiday. However, this mindset can lead to burnout and financial strain. According to the National Retail Federation, the average American spends over $1,000 on holiday-related expenses (source). Yet, more spending does not necessarily equate to more joy.

The Cost of Overdoing

Fanny Kemble once said, "Christmas is a season of such infinite labor, as well as expense in the shopping and present-making line, that almost every woman I know is good for nothing in purse and person for a month afterwards." This quote underscores the physical and financial toll that excessive holiday preparations can take. The pursuit of more often leads to a sense of lack rather than abundance.

Redefining Abundance

Asking the Right Question

Instead of succumbing to the pressure of The Big Holiday Question, consider asking yourself, "What is enough?" This simple yet powerful question can help you set realistic expectations and focus on what truly matters. For example, instead of baking ten types of cookies, you might decide that two types are enough. This shift in mindset can alleviate stress and make the holiday season more enjoyable.

Personal Experience

I made a conscious decision to enjoy the holiday season without succumbing to the frenzy around me. I love the festive decorations and the joy of giving gifts, but I set boundaries to maintain my peace. If I start feeling overwhelmed, I know I've crossed the line from "enough" to "too much." This approach has allowed me to enjoy the holidays more fully and meaningfully.

The True Meaning of Abundance

Living in the Moment

Abundance is not about having more; it's about having enough to live joyously and peacefully in the present moment. The greatest harm of The Big Holiday Question is that it shifts our focus from the present to a future filled with endless tasks. While planning and preparation are important, they should not come at the expense of enjoying the here and now.

Practical Tips for an Abundant Holiday

Set Priorities: Identify what truly matters to you and focus on those activities.
Simplify: Reduce the number of tasks on your to-do list. Quality over quantity.
Budget Wisely: Set a budget for holiday spending to avoid financial stress.
Delegate: Share responsibilities with family members to lighten your load.
Practice Gratitude: Take time to appreciate the simple joys of the season.

Conclusion

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not stress. By redefining what abundance means to you and focusing on "enough" rather than "more," you can create a more fulfilling and peaceful holiday experience. Remember, the true essence of the holidays lies in meaningful connections and moments of joy, not in the endless pursuit of perfection.

Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore wishes you a joyful, healthy and abundant Holiday Season!

Article excerpt from articlefactory.com (author: Kalinda Stevenson, Ph.D.)

Deer Hunting Tips

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:36:29 GMT

5 Deer Hunting Tips That Will Make You a Top Predator

Are you looking for ways to become a better bow hunter?

Improving your deer hunting skills doesn’t happen with wishful thinking. If you want to become a top predator, you need to put in the work. This doesn’t necessarily mean working harder or spending more time in the woods.

Sometimes, all you need to do is work smarter.

So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a complete newbie, keep reading. We’ve got the top 5 deer hunting tips that will turn any skill level into a top predator.

Tip #1: Cover Your Scent

Deer have a keen sense of smell.

They can detect your scent from about a mile away. Not to mention, deer can also detect you by the smell you leave behind in the air and on the ground.

In order to cover up your scent, you’ll want to invest in a scent eliminator. You should spray the scent eliminator in the air, on the bottom of your boots, and on your hunting gear.

Also, it’s a good idea to only use scent-free shower products right before your hunting trip to ensure you don’t leave a scent in the air.

Tip #2: Keep Quiet

Covering your scent is only half the battle, you also need to keep quiet.

A deer can detect your movements from a quarter-mile away on days without wind. If a deer hears a suspicious noise, it will usually take them two hours to return to the spot.

Therefore, make sure you’re stepping with great care. You may also want to consider investing in sound eliminating boot covers to reduce the noise.

Tip #3: Be Attractive

We’re talking about using deer attractants. Deer attractants are exactly what they sound like- they’re products that will entice the deer to come towards you.

Some common deer attractants are deer feeders and deer urine.

Many people even choose to make their own deer attractants at home using common items such as apple cider, peanut butter, molasses, or salt.

Tip #4: Use a Compound Bow

We realize many of you may meet this tip with skepticism.

But, compound bow parts can be a great asset and many deer hunters even swear by it.

Finding success with a bow isn’t easy, however. Make sure to follow these tips:

Make sure you hand select a bow that fits your size and strength
Most missed shots happen because of poor calculation, so know your distance!
Practice beforehand- don’t wait until hunting day to use your bow for the first time

Tip #5: Know When to Hunt

Anytime is not the best time to go deer hunting.

Typically, the best times to go are early in the morning or near dusk.

If you hunt in the morning, you’ll want to set up near the deer’s bedding area. And if you hunt at dusk, you’ll want to set up near their feeding area.

Deer Hunting Tips: Wrap Up

Follow these deer hunting tips and you’ll be a top predator in no time. Happy hunting!

Visit the Sporting Goods department at Martens Reedsburg True Value for all your hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor recreation supplies. We have everything you need for a successful deer hunting season. Be sure to check out what's new in the guns and ammunition area too!

Source: articlecity.com

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:49:11 GMT

Making a List and Checking It Twice: Winter Maintenance to Do This Year

Winter is here and along with the holidays, family time, and coziness many of us associate with the season, there’s something else lurking on our to-do list: winter maintenance. Winter maintenance keeps your home working the way it sure during the cold weather months, protects you and your family, and ensures you’re ready for the spring thaw. The following are some things to include on this year’s winter maintenance checklist.

1. Seal Leaks

First and foremost, make your way around your home and check out any places where there could be drafts that let your (expensive) warm air out and cold air in. Places to look closely include your doors and windows, as well as your basement. If you spot any areas of concern, caulk the gaps. If you have worn doorstops, replace them, and make sure that if you have pipes going through an exterior wall you weather strip and caulk their entry points. If you find a particularly severe problem, you may consider replacing that door or window because it can end up costing you more not to throughout the winter.

2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

This is an easy way to save on your heating costs this winter, but it’s something many people neglect to do. Turning your ceiling fans counterclockwise keeps warm air from rising and keeps it down below. The switch may be on the outside, and if you don’t see it there, take a peek inside the fan.

3. Check on Your Heating and Air System

You should, at a minimum change your filters when the weather gets cold, but you might want to have a professional HVAC contractor come to your house and take a look at your unit. Many companies offer yearly maintenance agreements. Having a professional come out for routine maintenance is a good thing to do as soon as possible because you don’t want to find out the hard way your system isn’t working on a cold day.

4. Take Care Of Your Outdoor Plumbing

If you still have any garden hoses that are connected to outdoor faucets, take them off and store them inside. If you have pipes that you know are prone to freezing, think about using heat tape if it gets very cold where you live.

5. Clean and Maintain Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you should first have it professionally cleaned before you start using it. If you don’t clean your fireplace regularly, there can be what’s called a creosote buildup in the flue. That can lead to a chimney fire.

6. Create a Storm Survival Kit

In case there is a winter storm where you live and you can’t leave your home for a few days, or you don’t have power, make sure you have a survival kit on hand. This should include extra doses of medicines anyone in your family needs, as well as bottled water, flashlights, a phone charger that works on battery power, and extra batteries.

7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Adequately functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are always important, but especially in the winter months. Check for not only functionality but keep extra batteries on hand. Remember to check them once a month.

8. Prevent Ice Dams and Damage

Finally, ice dams that occur on the roof of your house can cause damage. You can prevent this from happening before winter fully takes hold by removing all debris from your gutter, and upgrading your attic insulation and ventilation if necessary. You should remove snow from your roof as quickly as possible if it does occur. Before winter starts, trim back any trees or bushes that could potentially become hazardous if they get heavy with snow or ice, and if one does fall, remove it promptly.

There you have it—your guide to preparing for winter. Once you get these tasks done, you’ll have peace of mind as you enjoy the warmth of the season.

Remember Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore for all your winter preparedness supplies and items on your maintenance checklist. We have what you need to be ready, all at our everyday Great Value Prices!!

Originally Posted On: https://www.effectiveagents.com/making-a-list-and-checking-it-twice-winter-maintenance-to-do-this-year/

NOVEMBER BARGAINS

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:50:10 GMT

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE BARGAINS OF THE MONTH - Prices good through November or while supplies last - Shop early for best selection!!

MORE DETAILS OF NOVEMBER BARGAINS OF THE MONTH CAN BE FOUND ON OUR ONLINE STORE PAGE

FISHING SAFETY

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 20:28:25 GMT

Making the most of your time - Fishing Safety rules everyone should know

When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in mind. These rules can help prevent injury to yourself and others while shore and boat fishing. There are several different areas of fishing safety that you should be aware of.

These include the following:

Equipment Safety
Pier Fishing Safety
Offshore Fishing Safety
Shore Fishing Safety and Noodling
Ice Fishing Safety

Equipment Safety

Before you go fishing, you need to make certain that all of your equipment is in safe working order. This should be done before you even consider going out to any waterfront. You need to check several things while looking over your various pieces of equipment. First, you need to check your fishing rod and reel. Both of these pieces should be in top condition, with the rod having no cracks or breaks. If your rod separates, you need to make certain that it is very secure when it is built together. The reel itself should operate smoothly, with the line coiling without tangles. If the line is tangling quite a bit within the reel, you will need to unbind the line and replace it with new. If this behavior continues, you should consider a new reel. The type of line that you use should be a consideration as well. Dependent on the conditions you are going to be fishing in, you will want to use different line. With rocky bottoms, where your line is going to get caught easier, you will want to use a lower line rating. If you are fishing for larger fish, the test on the line should be increased to match what you are planning on catching. The final fishing safety check that you should make is on your tackle, sinkers and lures. If any of these are rusted, you should replace them with new ones, as rusted equipment can change a mild injury into tetanus or a worse illness.

Pier Fishing Safety

One type of fishing that many people enjoy is pier fishing. When you go fishing off of a pier, there are several fishing safety rules that you should keep in mind. First, you should only place your feet into the water if you know that there are not vicious fish, such as Muskie, in the water. Muskie, as well as other types of vicious fish, are renown for biting off the toes of unsuspecting fishers off of piers. For this reason, you should avoid doing this. In addition to this, you should never run on the piers, especially if you are carrying any sharp equipment. The most important thing to keep in mind when pier fishing is to use your common sense. Falling from the pier, especially taller ones, can be life threatening. Leaning over the pier edge, as well as being careless, can put yourself and others in danger.

Offshore Fishing Safety

When you go on a boat for a session of offshore fishing, you need to be extra careful. Out of all of the forms of fishing, this is the most dangerous. You need to be aware of the weather and potential weather changes at all times. In addition to this, you need to make certain that you are always wearing a life preserver. While these may be uncomfortable, or ugly to wear, they can make the difference between life and death. You should always make certain that you know you do not hit anyone with your hook when you are casting. This is the most dangerous aspect of offshore fishing, as you are most likely fishing in close quarters, which requires a higher level of skill when you are casting. Hooking yourself or a companion is a real likely hood in this style of fishing, unless you are extremely careful.

Shore Fishing and Noodling

Shore fishing is the style of fishing that most people participate. During fishing seasons, hundreds of people gather around oceans and rivers and ponds to take their hand at trying to catch the largest fish possible. Lures are constantly flying through the air, and lines get tangled more often than not. When you are shore fishing, you need to make certain you are aware of all of the people around you, and that they are aware of you. Taking children to crowded beaches for fishing can be extremely dangerous, as they can get hooked while running and playing. Injuries sustained in this manner can be severe. As long as you are careful, and you do not run or dart across the path of someone casting, shore fishing can be the safest of all types of fishing.There is one form of shore fishing, however, that is extremely dangerous. This is called "Noodling". Noodling, or another term for "Idiot", is the practice of wading out to waist or chest level and bending down to search holes, logs and other hiding holes for catfish. Then you wiggle your fingers. If there is a catfish - or another type of creature in residence - they will attack your bare hand. Then the fight begins, and the Noodler needs to bring the fish to shore. Many lose their lives yearly to this extreme sport, and it should be avoided, as it is not safe.

Ice Fishing Safety

When you are going ice fishing, there are a lot of safety rules that you need to follow at all times. Unlike the other forms of standard fishing, ice fishing presents a lot of health risks. First, you should never go ice fishing without a well built shack. The shacks provide you shelter while you are ice fishing. Without this shelter, you will be susceptible to hypothermia and other health related problems. The second thing you need to keep in mind at all times is the condition of the ice and the weather predictions. Falling through the ice while ice fishing, especially alone, is a death sentence. Being trapped on the open ice during a blizzard is also extremely dangerous, even with the shelter of an ice shack available. When you are stocking your ice shack, you need to make certain that you have enough wood for the wood stove, or heating device within the shack. This device should also be cared for and watched over at all times, so the ice beneath the shack remains stable or that the shack does not burn.If you keep these fishing safety tips and rules in mind, you should be able to have an enjoyable time fishing without high risk of injury to yourself or others, no matter which form of fishing you choose to participate in.

For Fishing Gear and Supplies be sure to visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Sports and Outdoor Recreation Department. We have a HUGE selection of rods, reels, tackle, and all the necessary gear for a SAFE fishing trip, at our everyday great value prices.

Article by Rebecca Blain (articlefactory.com)

Home Remodeling Guide

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:43:37 GMT

Transforming Your Living Space: A Guide to Home Renovation

Embarking on a home renovation journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. With a myriad of decisions to make, from design choices to budget considerations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with careful planning and expert guidance, you can navigate the complexities of home improvement and create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.

Understanding the Scope and Costs of Home Renovation

Budgeting for Your Dream Home Makeover

The financial aspect of home renovation often dictates the scope of the project. A majority of homeowners must prioritize their spending, balancing their desires with the reality of their budget. According to a 2019 Houzz & Home survey, the median spending on home renovations in the United States was $15,000, with higher spenders investing around $50,000 in their projects (Houzz). It's crucial to establish a clear budget early on to guide your renovation decisions.

The Role of Professional Contractors

For most, the expertise of a seasoned contractor is invaluable. These professionals can deliver results that align with your vision and budget constraints. Material costs typically consume the largest portion of the budget, so it's essential to discuss with your contractor whether they will handle the procurement of materials or if you prefer to take on that responsibility.

Community Considerations

Informing your neighbors about your renovation plans is a courteous step, particularly for exterior modifications that might impact them. This fosters good relations and can help prevent any potential disputes or issues.

Precision in Planning

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful renovation. Errors at this stage can lead to costly adjustments or material waste. It's a critical task that, if done incorrectly, can lead to significant setbacks.

Navigating the Renovation Process

Ordering Materials: A Delicate Balance

For those with limited experience, selecting the right materials can be challenging. Mistakes in ordering can be costly and time-consuming, emphasizing the importance of precision and expertise.

Contractor Collaboration and Subcontracting

Some homeowners have a clear vision and seek a contractor's input only for consultation. Contractors may handle all aspects of the work or subcontract certain tasks to specialists, particularly when warranties are involved. In some cases, contractors provide quotes for specific project segments, with the homeowner managing the rest.

Renovation for Enhancement and Value

Personalizing Your Space

Home remodeling is a popular strategy for enhancing living spaces and adding value to a property. It's often a more appealing option than dealing with the hassles of moving. However, home improvement trends can vary by region and even by city. It's important to research local trends, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future.

The Impact on Property Value

While renovations can significantly improve your living environment, there's no guarantee that the investment will be fully recouped upon sale. Nonetheless, a well-executed home improvement project can be a rewarding experience that not only creates a more enjoyable living space but also potentially increases your home's market value.

In conclusion, home renovation requires a blend of strategic planning, financial savvy, and design creativity. By understanding the nuances of the process and enlisting the right professionals, you can transform your home into a space that truly reflects your personal taste and lifestyle.

For all your DIY Home Remodeling supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to restore or remodel your home to perfection. Shop for home improvement supplies at everyday Great Value Prices and be sure to check out our NEW Paint Center!

Article by Jay Moncliff (articlesfactory.com)

Camping Guide for Beginners

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:09:27 GMT

Essential Camping Guide for Beginners

Embarking on a camping adventure offers a unique blend of excitement and challenge, especially for beginners. This guide aims to equip novice campers with the necessary knowledge and tips to ensure a memorable and smooth camping experience. From selecting the right location and time to packing essential gear and engaging in fun activities, this guide covers all the fundamental aspects of camping.

Choosing the Ideal Time and Location
Key Considerations:

Weather Conditions: Ensure the camping dates are during favorable weather to avoid harsh conditions that could spoil the trip.
Accessibility: Choose locations that are accessible by vehicle, especially for beginners who might need to make quick trips to nearby towns or emergency centers.
Activities: Look for campsites with a variety of activities, such as hiking trails, lakes for fishing, or open spaces for group games.
Proximity to Resources: Ensure the site is near enough to sources of water and supply stores.

According to a 2021 report by the Outdoor Industry Association, over 48.2 million Americans went camping in 2020, highlighting the importance of choosing the right campsite to accommodate the increasing interest in outdoor activities.

Packing the Right Equipment
Essential Camping Gear Checklist:

Shelter and Comfort: Tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and tarps.
Cooking and Nutrition: Portable stove, cooking utensils, food supplies, and a cooler.
Safety and Navigation: First aid kit, maps, compass, and a multi-tool.
Environmental Care: Biodegradable soap, trash bags, and recycling containers.

A study by The Camping and Caravanning Club shows that forgetting essential items is among the top frustrations for campers. Therefore, creating a comprehensive checklist and packing ahead of time can significantly enhance the camping experience.

Understanding Your Requirements
Packing Smart:

Essentials Only: Avoid over packing by sticking to items you are certain to use.
Weight Consideration: Remember that you will likely have to carry your gear from your car to the campsite, so keep it light.
Custom Needs: Tailor your packing list based on the length of your trip, the weather, and personal medical needs.

The American Hiking Society emphasizes the importance of packing light to reduce the impact on your body and increase your enjoyment of the trip.

Engaging in Fun and Responsible Activities
Activity Ideas:

Nature photography
Bird watching
Star gazing
Environmental conservation activities

Responsible Camping:

Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.
Fire Safety: Ensure any campfires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.
Wildlife Protection: Keep food stored securely and avoid feeding wild animals.

Engaging in responsible practices is crucial. According to Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, minimizing campfire impacts and respecting wildlife are among the top principles that help preserve the environment for future campers.

Conclusion

Camping is not just about surviving in the wild—it's about thriving in the natural world and creating lasting memories. By preparing adequately, choosing the right location, packing appropriately, and engaging in fun yet responsible activities, you can ensure your first camping trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Whether with family or friends, camping can offer a refreshing escape from the daily grind and an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

For all the essential camping gear and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have everything you need for a great outdoor camping adventure!

Article by Mary Williams, articlesfactory.com

Fall Maintenance and Cleaning Gutters

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:22:58 GMT

The Importance Of Clean Gutters

Autumn is a beautiful season that many of us look forward to. The changing colors of the leaves and cooler temps are nice but not everyone enjoys the yard cleanup. After the yard debris is cleaned up it's time to check your gutters and be sure the leaves and other debris from the summer season are removed to prevent future problems.

The Importance Of Clean Gutters

Draining water away from your home is incredibly important, as standing water can inflict great damage upon your property. Clean and correctly functioning gutters can save costly home repair fees over the long run.

The dangers of poor water flow around the home can be costly. Water damage can cause myriad problems for even the most well built structures. It is essential, especially in areas with lots of foliage, that drainage systems and gutters are kept free from obstructions and checked for damage on a regular basis. There are various options available to help make maintenance more convenient for homeowners and to stop debris from blocking these important devices.

In areas that experience heavy rainfall, drainage is even more critical. Standing water can ruin roofing and foundations more quickly than you might expect. Rainwater can begin seeping into homes and cause issues from rot to mold, impacting the health and safety of all occupants. Homes that are primarily constructed from wood and drywall can become unsafe quite quickly if problems are not addressed in time. Poor drainage around the foundation of a home can cause flooding and subsidence that can be incredibly expensive to fix and require months of work.

Proper drainage starts primarily with gutters, as these are the primary conduits for water to be moved away from the home during periods of rainfall. Well-designed systems will take water far away from the home to safely and efficiently drain into the ground or sewer system. These systems can become blocked quite quickly, and a blockage can become a large problem in no time at all. If you feel comfortable and confident enough, you can check much of your home drainage system yourself without the need for a professional contractor or plumber. For many, this is not a risk worth taking, however.

Proper home maintenance does not have to be a difficult task, and checking gutters for debris can be as simple as bringing out a ladder and making a quick inspection. As with any home maintenance tasks, you should observe proper safety precautions, especially when climbing a ladder and working at a height. You can clean gutters yourself without much difficulty and help avoid serious complications that arise from allowing blockage.

There are options available to avoid debris getting in gutters with equipment that shields drainage from leaves and other items that can cause blockages. These range from simple wire mesh covering troughs to more technically advanced equipment that allows for debris to be swept away from danger areas without needing to be manually cleaned away.

For the confident homeowner, these can be installed without too much difficulty yourself or without too much expense by professional workmen. Whatever option is chosen, reducing the worry of blocked drains justifies any maintenance-related expense over the long term. Beware of the dangers of standing water and poor drainage, and ensure that regular checks are made to ensure that your home does not become unsafe or damaged.

For ladders, rakes, hand tools, gloves, gutter guards and other home improvement products visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to get your seasonal home maintenance projects done right!

Article by Aliyah Arthur (articlesfactory.com)

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:09:19 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore October Bargains - Prices valid until 10/31/25

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH SALE IS GOOD THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2025 OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!! SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION

Chain Saw Sharpening Tutorial

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:41:38 GMT

How to Sharpen Saw Chain | STIHL Video Tutorial

Keeping your chain in good condition and sharpened properly is critical to the saw's performance, ease of use and reduces wear and tear on your chain saw. This video shows how to sharpen your STIHL saw chain.

For information on STIHL chain saw chains visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore or visit this link:

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/saw-chains/

Reedsburg True Value is your local authorized STIHL Dealer and stocks STIHL outdoor power equipment as well as STIHL accessories, safety gear and parts.

Guide to Rodent Control

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:35:31 GMT

How to Get Rid of Mice in Your House: A Simple Guide

Did you know that 21 million rodents invade U.S. homes each year? Rodents, such as rats and mice, are annoying pests to find in your home, but they can also spread diseases and chew through electrical wires in your home.

If you believe your home is infested with rodents, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible. But how do you do this and what is the most effective way to ensure they don’t come back? We’ve got you covered, keep reading to find out how to get rid of mice in your home.

How to Get Rid of Mice

Finding an expert who can safely remove pests from your home is a great option. Look for local pest control services in your area. However, if you want to try and get rid of mice by yourself, here’s what you need to do.

1. Secure Your Home

To prevent mice infestations, the first thing you need to do is secure your home and block off all possible entry points. Mice can squeeze into tiny holes and gaps in your home. If you can poke a pencil through a crack or hole, then the chances are that mice might be able to get through it too.

Seal any cracks and holes up, whether they are in the foundations of your home or in the walls. Choose a sealant that mice aren’t able to chew through, such as steel wool or caulking. Don’t use materials such as wood, rubber, or plastic, as mice can gnaw through these materials.

2. Set Up Mouse Traps

If you’re wondering how to catch a mouse, you need to buy and set up mouse traps in your home. Look out for signs of where the mice have been, for example, mice droppings and set the traps in those areas.

There’s a range of traps available and your best bet of catching the mice is by using a selection of them. Use the classic wooden snap traps in conjunction with bait traps, glue traps, and multiple-capture live traps. Some mice might be more attracted to a certain type of trap than others, so do try out all the different options.

Remember, the more traps you set up around the house, the higher the chance of catching all the mice.

3. Use Bait That Mice Like

Mice are curious creatures, but they’re more likely to approach a mousetrap if there’s food in it that they want. Use food that you know they’ve been eating in your home. Or opt for mouse favorites such as cheese, peanut butter, oatmeal, dried fruit, chocolate, or bacon.

Try tying the bait to the trap with dental floss or gluing it to the trap. Replace the food every two days, to ensure they’re attracted to the trap. If your food bait plan for getting rid of mice isn’t working, you could try using nesting material as bait, such as feathers or cotton wool.

4. Position Your Traps Carefully

The placement of your traps is just as important as the bait and the type of traps that you use. Place traps perpendicular to your walls with the trigger facing the baseboard. This will increase your chances of catching the mice because they’ll run into the trap as they run along the wall.

Mice don’t venture too far from their nests to find food. They usually only go about 20 feet away from their nest to find food, so be sure to place traps near their nests. As previously mentioned, to find out where their nests are, you should look for mice droppings, but you should also look out for things that look like they’ve been chewed.

To further increase the likelihood of catching your mice, change the location of your traps every two days.

5. Help Prevent Infestations By Cleaning

Mice can survive on very little amounts of food a day. Cleaning your home regularly won’t necessarily get rid of them but it will help to prevent them from thinking your home is a good place to be.

Remove crumbs by vacuuming and wiping down your countertops. You should also ensure that all food is stored in containers that mice can’t get into. For example, store pasta and flour in glass or airtight containers.

Don’t forget about your garbage, mice might be rummaging through it if it is just left out. Ensure your garbage is stored in a metal bin that they can’t chew through.

6. Get Help From Your Pets

Cats are great for helping with mice extermination as they love to hunt them. Dogs might also enjoy hunting mice, so if you have pets you might want to think about getting them to help you.

If you don’t have a cat or a dog, you could ask your friends or neighbors if you could borrow theirs to help you deal with your mice infestation. Alternatively, you could get a dog or a cat to help you deal with the problem. It should be noted that not all cats or dogs will be interested in hunting mice though.

If none of the above works and your home is still infested with mice, it might be time to call in the experts.

For everything you need to get rid of mice and rodents from your home (not including the cat) visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We also have the supplies you need for cleaning and sealing your home's entry points.

Source: articlecity.com

Tips for Moving with Pets

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:37:18 GMT

Moving With Pets? Discover 8 Tips for a Purrfect Relocation!

Moving to a new home can be a thrill-filled adventure, but it can also be a daunting experience for our beloved furry friends. Pets thrive on routine and familiarity, so a big change like moving to a new house can be overwhelming for them.

However, with some careful planning and consideration, you can help make the transition as smooth as possible. In this blog post, moving professionals share eight tips to ensure a calm relocation for your beloved companions.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

Before the moving day arrives, it’s essential to start preparing your pets for the transition well in advance. We recommend you map out your timeline accordingly.

You can get started by generating a list that includes tasks such as:

Scheduling vet appointments.
Researching pet-friendly accommodations if you’re moving long-distance.
Making sure you have escape-proof accommodations for smaller pets such as hamsters and birds.
Fulfilling any requirements such as documentation or vaccinations to cross borders.
Pre-packing food and snacks for the trip.
Talking to your vet about travel medications if your pet doesn’t do well with long care rides.

2. Update Your Pet’s Identification

Make sure that your pet’s identification, licensing tags, and microchip information contain your current address and contact details. Doing this is necessary in case your pet gets lost during the move or in the initial days at the new home. It’s also a good idea to have recent photos of your pet on hand in case you need to create lost pet posters.

While it’s not likely your pet will wander away from your new yard or out the front door, it’s wise to be cautious since animals are curious creatures and your new home will be initially unfamiliar. Your pet may find excitement in observing new scents and environments.

3. Keep Your Pets Away from the Chaos

On your moving day, the hustle and bustle of packing and moving can be overwhelming for pets. To keep them safe and stress-free, consider confining them to a quiet room or a designated area away from the action. Make sure they have access to food, water, and familiar items like their bed or toys to help them feel secure.

Here are a few other alternatives that could work based on your situation:

Have a neighbor, friend, or family member pet-sit before you’re ready to leave.
Drop off your pet at a daycare.
Hire a dog walker to take your pup out for a few hours during the loading process.

4. Maintain Their Routine

During the moving process, try to stick to your pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible. Maintaining their routine can provide a sense of stability and comfort amid the chaos of moving.

Even if your schedule is hectic, prioritize spending quality time with your pets to reassure them and ease their anxiety.

Consider the following tips to help your pet feel less overwhelmed:

Take frequent stops for bathroom and stretch breaks.
Keep them entertained with their favorite toy.
Give your pet attention whenever possible during the ride.

5. Pack a Pet Essentials Kit

Speaking of favorite toys, don’t forget to prepare a separate box with essential items for your pets.

Include the following items:

Food and water bowls
Medications
Toys
Bedding

Having these items easily accessible will ensure that your pets have everything they need to keep them entertained and relaxed during the transition period and in the first few days at the new home.

Plus, a calm pet will make the travel much smoother and more enjoyable for you.

6. Introduce Your Pets to Their New Home Gradually

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, introduce your pets to their new surroundings gradually. Start by confining them to a designated area or a single room and progressively allow them to explore other areas of the house at their own pace.

Consider the following to expedite the process:

Monitor their reactions and comfort levels.
Provide plenty of reassurance and positive reinforcement.
Allow them to retreat to a safe space if they become overwhelmed.
Slowly increase their exposure to new rooms and environments over time.
Be patient and understanding as they adjust to their new surroundings.

Taking this approach can help prevent your pets from feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment.

7. Set Up a Safe Space for Your Pets

Reserve a designated safe space for your pets in your new home where they can retreat to when they need a break from exploring or when they feel anxious.

A safe space could be a quiet room with their bed, toys, food, and water bowls. Once they feel fully confident in their private area, they will slowly muster up the courage to continue exploring and accepting the new place.

If you have a dog that is accustomed to lounging in a backyard doghouse, you may want to prioritize setting it up shortly after your arrival. The scent of their doghouse will help them feel safe and familiar.

As an added safety tip, ensure the space is secure and free from any potential hazards.

8. Be Patient and Understanding

Above all, be patient and understanding with your pets during the moving process. Moving to a new home is a big adjustment for everyone involved, and it may take time for your pets to feel entirely comfortable in their new surroundings.

If you’re a dog owner, take your four-legged pup for walks in the community or to the local dog park. Doing this will reassure them that despite your busy schedule, you haven’t forgotten about them. Shower them with love and attention, and soon enough, they’ll be happy and relaxed in their new home.

Did you know that Reedsburg True Value has one of the largest pet departments in the area? Visit our Superstore today and check out our huge selection of pet food, treats, toys, bedding, crates, carriers and pet accessories. We have what you need and what your pets love!!

Excerpt from article Originally Posted On: https://greenwheelsmovingma.com/moving-with-pets-discover-8-tips-for-a-purrfect-relocation/

SEPTEMBER 2025 BARGAINS

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:26:46 GMT

Reedsburg True Value September Bargains have arrived!! Sale ends 9/30/2025

September Bargains of the Month have arrived! Shop early for best selection, while supplies last. Sale ends 9/30/2025 .

LABOR DAY DEALS

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:46:50 GMT

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE LABOR DAY DEALS | Sale Valid 8/29 - 9/15/2025

SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!

Home Painting Techniques

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:42:10 GMT

Think Out of the Box: Unique Home Painting Techniques

A growing number of homeowners are taking a different path from the usual plain walls. They prefer the walls to be a conversation piece instead of buying a separate piece of art. Consider using textured painting products and faux-finishing techniques to give the walls of your home a distinct character.

Does your home look like it needs a drastic makeover? You do not need to spend several thousand dollars to rejuvenate your little paradise. With the help of a few paint cans, brushes and unique painting techniques, you will be able to refresh your home in no time. Let’s get ready to transform your home into a thing of beauty.

Plain no More: Add Texture to the Walls of your Home

Many homeowners choose the simple path and opt for neutral color for their walls. It is definitely a safe approach because the walls act as a backdrop for decorative pieces and expensive artwork. But, if you want the walls of your home to become a statement piece, a simple paint color won’t make the cut. Wallpaper can personalize your home. But, if you need something more, incorporate textured interior paint and make your home the talk of the town.

Using Pre-Textured Paint

Textured paints are not limited to popcorn ceilings or the unusual wall patterns from the 80’s era. Today, textured paints offer a wide variety of options to homeowners. You can opt for smooth-textured paints that give a subtle charm to the walls. Alternatively, gritty textures are also available to give a personality to your home.

If you are tired of the usual satin, eggshell and flat finishes, opt for textured paints and elevate the look of your home. You can buy them from local home improvement stores of your area. Usually, a gallon of branded textured paint is available for $30-$40. The price may change depending on your choice and availability of the paint color. Even spray paint cans are available in different color options and textures.

Adding Additives to Standard Paint

If you do not want to commit to a textured paint, you can opt for additives and add drama to the walls of your home. You can mix additives to the usual paint cans and create textures according to your liking. A 6 oz. paint additive mix is sufficient for a gallon of paint. You can use the additive for giving textures to a wide range of surfaces including wood, brick, drywall, plaster and concrete. It usually costs around $5 per packet.

If you are interested in additives, you will find several texture options such as sand, stone, popcorn, etc. to adorn the walls and ceilings of your home.

Faux-Finishing

Faux-finishing helps you add texture to the walls by using different objects other than the traditional paint brush. You need to apply a base coat and then use different decorative painting techniques to incorporate textures and layers.

Sponging is the most common finishing technique that is used to create layers on the wall. Many homeowners replace the sponge with a rag to change the end-result. Other common items used for adding texture include potter’s rib, corrugated cardboard, graining tools, etc. Many home improvement stores sell faux finishing applicators such as sponge rollers and brushes in different sizes and shapes. They are not expensive and can be obtained under $10.

Textured Painting: The Sky’s the Limit!

No matter which texture or faux-finish technique you to decide to incorporate in your home, it will be one-of-a-kind. Your home will not be like any other house on the block. It will be different and unique. So, if you are tired of the usual walls, choose textured painting. It is a fast process that enables you to hide imperfections on the walls. So, go ahead. Color you home the way you love!

For quality interior paint and home painting supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Paint Center today!

Article by Christine Delongte

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:28:48 GMT

Extend the Life of Your Lawn Mower: Essential Maintenance Tips

The Importance of Lawn Mower Maintenance

A well-kept lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, but achieving that lush, green carpet of grass requires more than just regular watering and fertilization. Proper mowing techniques, using a well-maintained lawn mower, are essential. In Berwick, lawn mowers endure significant wear, often more so than other gardening tools. To prevent an early demise of your lawn mower, it's crucial to invest time in its upkeep.

Choosing the Right Mower for Your Garden

The market offers a diverse range of lawn mowers, each with its own set of pros and cons. Your choice should align with your gardening needs and priorities. While larger mowers can cover more ground quickly, they may be harder to maneuver and require more maintenance. It's important to consider ease of use, design intuitiveness, and the potential cost of repairs when selecting a mower.

Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Lawn Mower

Keep It Clean

After each use, inspect your lawn mower for trapped debris, which can hinder performance and shorten its lifespan. Many mowers now come with a deck wash-out port, making it easier to clean out grass clippings and other residues.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Regular lubrication is recommended to prevent jamming and reduce wear and tear. A greasing gun can be a handy investment for reaching small parts under the hood.

Check and Replace Air Filters

Air filters can become clogged even after just one season. Clean or replace your mower's filter to ensure optimal health and performance.

Inspect the Machinery

Address any faults in your mower's parts promptly. Spark plugs often need replacement after a season to maintain fuel efficiency. Also, check belts for wear and tension, and replace them if necessary.

Sharpen the Blades

Dull blades can damage grass rather than cut it cleanly. While some may sharpen their own blades, it's often safer and more effective to have them professionally sharpened as part of a mower tune-up.

Change the Oil

Regularly drain old oil and refill with fresh oil to keep the engine running smoothly. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when performing maintenance.

Before undertaking any maintenance, it's essential to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

The Unspoken Benefits of Mower Maintenance

While the practical advantages of maintaining your lawn mower are clear, there are additional, less-discussed benefits. For instance, a well-maintained mower can reduce emissions, contributing to a healthier environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a new gas-powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution in one year as 11 new cars each being driven for one year. Regular maintenance can help mitigate this impact.

Furthermore, keeping your mower in top condition can save you money in the long run. The cost of frequent repairs or early replacement can far exceed the investment in routine maintenance. By extending the life of your mower, you're not only caring for your lawn but also practicing financial and environmental stewardship.

For more information on lawn care and maintenance, you can visit authoritative sources such as the EPA's guide on lawn equipment or Consumer Reports' lawn mower buying guide.

In conclusion, taking care of your lawn mower is a small but significant step towards a beautiful garden and sustainable living. With these tips and a little effort, your mower can serve you well for many seasons to come.

For new mowers, parts and supplies at great value prices visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore. Need help with your lawn mower maintenance or repair? Visit our Equipment Rental and Small Engine Service Center.

Article by Jag Cruise, www.articlefactory.com

Types of Fishing Reels

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:13:46 GMT

Types of Fishing Reels – What’s The Best Reel?

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ve probably used a fishing reel at some point. Its working principle might not be obvious, but there’s a distinct difference between how each type of fishing reel operates. Before going all out to get one, it might help to know how they operate, the type of activities they’re used for as well as the impact of the component of the reel.

In this article, we outline the various types of fishing reel available as well as useful tips on how to choose the right one.
Types of Fishing Reels and What They’re Used For

Spincast

The spincast reel is the most common option and represents an inexpensive option. It’s easy to use and requires no technical know-how which explains why it’s preferred by amateurs.

In terms of appearance, the spincast comes with a push-button that usually springs the machine into work whenever it’s touched. However, the most impressive area of this reel type is its accuracy as well as how easily it can be untangled.

That notwithstanding, it’s important not to mask the loopholes that come with using this type of reel. You won’t get enough feature, but you have little to complain about considering the amount they’re sold. One of the major disadvantages of the spincast is that they have a limited line capacity. In the sense that you can’t actually cover a lot of distance.

Secondly, there’s little comfort if you’re using a spincast to hold heavy game. It only holds small fishes making it a no-brainer for commercial fishermen. Generally, spincast is a more suitable option for beginners than professionals. When it comes to the bigger picture, you have to upgrade to a better reel for a bigger catch.

Spinning Reel

The spinning reel isn’t just the most popular reel-type but one that has shaped everybody’s view of fishing reels. You would be absolutely correct if you say it’s a jack of all trade considering its varsity.

But there’s more reason why it’s every fisherman’s favorite tool. First, they’re used for carrying both heavy and light lines, it allows you to cover a specific distance, and there are no limitations to how they can be used.

The most impressive thing about spinning reel is the way they’re cast. Most times, the reels are located underneath the fishing tool and have a ball attached. To use the tool, you have to flip the ball open to target the most suitable angle and shut it down after you find the right spot to cast your line.

There’s no type of fish size you can’t catch with a spinning reel. This includes small to medium-sized as well as large games like tuna and salmon. They’re more suitable for fishermen who like to go fishing in large water bodies but still maintains a simplicity that makes it appealing to even novice.

Despite all the cool features it possesses, the spinning reel is far from perfection. There’s still a slight limitation in the size of games you can catch. Super-large fishes are impossible to tame, and it’s never a good option for a line above 10-pounds. This also means you will have a few hitches using in heavy cover areas.

Overall, spinning reels are moderately priced and represent an upgrade over spin-cast.

Baitcasting Reel

Spinning reels and baitcasting share a similar style. They’re often used in the same scenario giving professional fishers a tough decision to make. However, while spinning reels have their spools located beneath the reel, Bait-casting has there’s in the middle. What this gives is better control and added accuracy.

Another advantage baitcasting has is that it gives more flexibility. Allowing anglers to change direction and retrieve effortlessly. However, baitcasting needs some practice to master all the techniques of using effectively. It’s impossible to jump right into using baitcasting without any prior knowledge of using reels. It isn’t designed for amateurs and certainly isn’t the cheapest option out there either.

Besides, baitcasting has an excellent option for casting over a long distance. The user often has control over how far or near the line goes, and you can quickly switch your direction to that of the game. They’re also great for those who love to fish in heavy cover areas and are the best reeling choice for medium-sized and large games.

You will also discover that it gives more control over hard fighting fishes thanks to the gear design. What you won’t like about this reel is its constant tangling and complicated design that makes it hard for just anyone to use.

Flying Reels

Flying reels like the name suggests are often used in moving water. That’s because they work with the current. Flying reels were originally designed for fishing in streams, but nowadays you will find them in use in several water bodies. This includes saltwater, freshwater as well as creeks.

There are different types of flying reel, each with a different retrieval ratio that initiates a varying degree of application. For instance, the single-action flying reel which has a retrieval ratio of 1: 1 is a bad option for those trying to fish in areas with large running fish while the multiplying flying reel will work in such areas. The only difference though is that the latter costs more.

Automatic flying reels seems like the complete package. It has an automatic retrieval system that allows multiple casting at a time, but they tend to limit the user’s efficiency.

The major advantage flying reel comes with is the ability to cast your line over several distances thanks to the weight of the fly. Also, the backlash is minimized, thereby reducing tangling and allows you to catch a game unawares.

There are also a few drawbacks to using flying reels. One of them is that you will need a large working space due to the width of the cast. You will also have to spend some time learning how to use the cast effectively whereas, in spin-cast, you can learn all about casting in a day.

Electric Fishing Reels

These are often used in deep water bodies and represents a time-savvy option. It has a retrieval ratio and allows you to effortlessly recast if you feel your potential zone has no game. Most often, electric reels are used for catching medium-sized fishes like tuna, grouper, and swordfish. The speed and power of the reel depend on the brand you go for.

However, one of the things you won’t like about this reel type is that they’re a bit pricey and might not come through in every scenario. Secondly, they often need a stand-alone power source to function, and you will have to invest in electrical devices not sensitive to moisture if you want to get the most out of this tool.
Inline Ice Reels

The inline ice reel shares a lot of similarities with the flying reel except that it doesn’t work in all scenarios. Just as the name suggests, inline ice is designed for fishers in ice zones and eliminates the restrictions that come with using flying reels.

Inline ice reels have fewer twists and are used for luring suspicious games that flee at the sound of a splash. Besides, this reel has a button that notifies you when a line is being taken out or hooked by a fish.

However, their retrieval rate is less impressive, and there’s a huge possibility of losing big catch due to the limitations of the gear system.

Surf Reel

Both baitcasting or spinning reels can be used for surf fishing. However, it’s better to go for a specialized tool to get the right angle when surfing. Surf reels have a nice retrieval ratio that makes it better suited for surf fishing. Most surf reels are designed to withstand water bodies with harsh weather conditions among which include saltwater, sun as well as sand.

The majority of good surfing reels are made of graphite as well as stainless steel for corrosion resistance. However, like baitcasting, they’re complicated to handle and chases baits away if the angler isn’t technical enough. The unique thing about this reel type is that it can handle the speed of most big games.

Final Thoughts

There are different types of fish reels but choosing the right one ensures you land the right game with little effort. When shopping for a fish reel, you should take the distance of the line, retrieval ratio, and the scenario into consideration. For instance, if you fish in water bodies with large hard fighting fish, going with a Spin-cast is as good as going with nothing.

Hence, the right type of fish reel is determined by putting your needs into consideration rather than what works for the other person. Also, you should know that you can only determine the right type of fish reel for you only after experimenting. No matter the one you go for, ensure the reel is comfortable and offers you maximum flexibility as well.

For the best value in quality fishing reels, rods and equipment visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Sporting Goods Department today!

Excerpt from article Originally Posted On: https://www.outdoorgearonly.com/types-of-fishing-reels/

Bargains of the Month

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:11:48 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Hardware August 2025 Bargains

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE HARDWARE AUGUST 2025 BARGAINS OF THE MONTH - SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!

Summer Air Conditioning Tips

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 23:30:10 GMT

5 Ways to Protect Your A/C This Summer

Keep your A/C working hard for you this summer with these top 5 tips!

It’s getting hotter outside, which means that it’s time to switch over your car’s setting from heat to cool! If you find that your vehicle’s A/C isn’t quite keeping up with the rising temps, it may be time to visit your mechanic for a check-up.

Want to make sure your A/C stays strong and healthy this Summer? Here are the top 5 tips for protecting your A/C.

1. Don’t Turn on the A/C until You’re Driving

One of the best tips for keeping your A/C strong and high-functioning is one of the most simple – yet potentially inconvenient! To protect your A/C, only switch it on after you have started driving. This tip can be tough to remember, especially on those hot days when you are ready to feel that cool, refreshing blast of air.

However, starting your A/C before driving can strain and potentially damage your air conditioning system.

Why? Your A/C is operated by the engine’s crankshaft rotating the internal compressor. This system works when the vehicle is in motion — so wait just a few moments until your car is headed down the road to hit the A/C button.

2. Key A/C Components to Check:

Refrigerant: Your A/C is powered by refrigerant — a chemical that the A/C unit uses to cool down air as it moves through the system. If your refrigerant is old or low, the air condenser won’t have the ability to cool the air, leading to low-functioning A/C.
Condenser: The main component of your A/C, the condenser, is required to help cool down your air as it moves through the air conditioning system. If your condenser is worn or damaged, the air you feel coming through the vents won’t be as cool as you desire.
Filter: A blocked or damaged filter can keep cool, refreshing air from moving through the A/C and into the vehicle. The less cool air can flow, the harder the A/C will have to work to keep up. Make sure to check and replace your air filter often.

3. Recirculation Is Your Friend

Your A/C unit will typically cool down your car through two methods — direct cooling and recirculation. With direct cooling, the A/C will pull air from outside the vehicle into the unit, cooling down the air and sending refreshing air into the cabin.

However, if you want to save on energy and reduce the stress on your A/C, switch over to recirculation.

With recirculated cooling, your vehicle will take air that has already been cooled inside the car and reuse it within the cabin. This can reduce the time it takes to cool down hot, humid air outside by only using pre-cooled air from inside the car.

4. Keep Your Ride in the Shade

You can reduce the amount of stress on your A/C by keeping your vehicle parked in a shaded area during the heat of the day.

Each time you turn on your vehicle, the A/C will work hard to cool down the car’s internal temperature. If you can keep the interior temperature low by parking in the shade, then it will take the A/C less time to cool things down — and help extend the life of your A/C system.

5. Routine Maintenance Is Crucial

If you want to ensure that your air conditioning keeps up this summer, never skip your dealer or manufacturer-recommended maintenance. If you aren’t sure what the routine maintenance schedule is for your vehicle, you can typically find a listing in your vehicle’s manual or through online resources.

During routine maintenance, a trained and skilled mechanic can take a look over your air conditioning system to identify and diagnose any potential issues. If you are having trouble with your A/C, a specialist will have the tools and resources to fix it the right way.

Routine maintenance will also help to diagnose any other potential issues that you may not have noticed. By visiting your local mechanic consistently, you can head off problems before they become expensive repairs!

Stay Fresh This Summer with a Strong A/C

Like any other part of your vehicle, your air conditioner is a complex and intricate piece of machinery. Understanding how the A/C system works and how to keep it working in top shape can help you enjoy high-quality, refreshing air no matter the weather!

As always, trust a trained and licensed mechanic or A/C technician to help you identify, diagnose, and fix any air conditioning problems that may arise with your car. Attempting to fix or handle your A/C without the proper knowledge or skill can lead to trouble quickly.

With these tips in mind, you will be ready to hit the road and take on whatever the season brings your way!

For automotive A/C filters, coolant and other car care supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Automotive Department for Great Value Pricing everyday!

Originally Posted On: AAMCO Blog | 5 Ways to Protect Your A/C This Summer

Troy-Bilt TrimmerPlus Preview

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:09:49 GMT

Troy-Bilt TrimmerPlus Video Overview

Troy-Bilt TrimmerPlus Attachment Details (Video transcript)

Trimmer plus attachments are designed to assist with various yard and garden tasks quickly and easily.

This video will show how you can turn one attachment capable string trimmer into a shed full of equipment to help make the job easy.

Gathering the right tools for your yard can take time and effort and may be expensive. That's why the full line of affordable trimmer plus attachments can help reduce the need for additional tools and make yard care less of a chore.

Trimmer plus attachments work with many attachment capable string trimmers. Attaching each specially designed tool is simple and easy with the Quick Connect coupler and you'll be ready to turn an average yard into an exceptional one.

It's always good to start from the outside and work your way in. The edger creates clean deep edges quickly. When you're not working from the outside in, you're working from the top down the pull saw helps you easily manage tall and hard to- reach vegetation. Move heavy wet leaves quickly and clear the patio and driveway of grass clippings, mulch and dirt with the high output blower attachment.

Every great lawn has great Hedges and the hedge trimmer attachment makes hedge management a breeze.
Use the cultivator to prepare flower beds and home gardens quickly.

Help beautify your yard by cutting down unwanted brush and weeds with the brush cutter attachment.

With the Straight Shaft attachment you can easily convert a curved shaft trimmer into a Straight Shaft allowing for additional reach and maneuverability in tight spaces.

No matter the task trimmer plus can help you handle it.

Troy-bilt outdoor equipment and accessories are available at Martens Reedsburg True Value. (Visit our Superstore for the latest in lawn and garden products, mowers, tools and equipment) All at our everyday Great Value prices!

Why Garden Organically?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:39:23 GMT

Gardening In The USA And Our Choice To Switch To Organic

A reason to garden, whether in the USA or elsewhere, is because you know that you are eating organic foods. This is because you can control whether or not you use chemicals to help grow your home-grown foods. We can, however, help our plants to yield sizeable, nutritious, and wholesome food in other ways by, for instance, adopting a garden watering system. Vegetable garden irrigation is the solution to retaining an organic approach when gardening.

Have you ever heard of the idea that organic foods are better for you? They are often touted for their lack of pesticides, but do they have more health benefits?

It’s hard to feel right about food when you know that much of what you eat is made with ingredients that are, not only unhealthy but are also potentially harmful to humans and the environment. A common, but often overlooked example, is pesticides. Many people worry about the effects pesticides will have on the environment, but what about humans? Some pesticides, like organophosphates, can be particularly bad for human health – they are known to cause neurological problems, including dizziness, seizures, tremors, and even death.

We all want our food to be healthy, but when it comes in a plastic package from a chain store in the middle of the city… well… it is often not. So, why wouldn’t you want to grow your vegetables or shop in an organic supermarket, where the food is grown naturally in a field, and not in a test tube?

Health Benefits

Organic foods are better for you. From the gardens or fields where they are grown to the time they are in our diet; they are in a constant state of change. This means that the food in, for example, a jar, has passed through a fair number of hands, in between which it has been exposed to various substances that could have caused disease.

There are a lot of reasons to switch from conventional foods to organic, but unfortunately, most of them aren’t exactly encouraging. Firstly, organic agriculture is more sustainable. In the long run, it can create a net gain for the environment. Secondly, it’s more ethical. There’s a long-standing debate about genetically modified foods and what they can mean for the environment and our health, but there’s no question that conventional farming is a major source of chemical pesticides and hormones in our food. This is not to say that organic food is always free of chemicals, but it’s much less likely to contain them.

Environment Benefits

Organic farming is one of the fastest-growing areas in the food industry today. The number of organic restaurants and grocery stores is growing, and with that growth comes a growing demand for organic products. Yet, most people are not aware that organic farming is environmentally friendly, and that it provides numerous benefits, while not compromising on taste.

Organic farming is one of the most sustainable ways of farming. The basic principles of organic food production have been around for centuries, intending to produce the most wholesome and nutritious food possible, by using the least number of chemical inputs and soil tillage. However, it is only recently that this ancient principle has been rejuvenated to introduce more sustainable techniques and practices to go along with it.

How to go Organic

With the recent rise of food allergies and health concerns, more people are making the switch to organic produce.

Organic foods are the future of food. There are many benefits of eating organic food, but there are also drawbacks. Most problems can be solved with proper care of the soil. However, the transition to organic is not easy. Numerous things can go wrong during the transition – from pests to cross-contamination, to unhygienic practices, to money, and to the overall impact on the environment – as with any organic transition, having organic food on hand can help greatly. It can help you avoid buying more than you need and help you understand the benefits of organic foods.

Eating organic food is usually perceived as a way to avoid pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals, and to eat in an environmentally friendly way. For most people, this is a good idea, and buying organically certified food is a simple and sometimes inexpensive way to help the earth. However, that doesn’t mean organic food is the only way to eat. Organic food is good for the earth, but it’s also good for your food budget.

Conclusion:

I hope you will try switching to organic food because it’s good for you, the planet, and the farmers who grow it. If you do not want to commit to fully organic, try to at least buy local and in-season produce. If you want to know more about how your food is grown, do not be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and learn about the food you put in your body. Plus, if you want to give growing your own organic food, then irrigation is the answer to making your garden ready to grow your food organically. It provides the kind of environment that plants, vegetables, and crops will appreciate.

For all your gardening supplies and tools visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Garden Center today. We have what you need to garden organically and we even have garden equipment to buy or rent if needed.

Originally Posted On: https://freeyork.org/food-n-drinks/gardening-in-the-usa-and-our-choice-to-switch-to-organic/

When Is it Time to Paint Your Home's Exterior?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 23:57:39 GMT

How to Know When Your Exterior House Paint Needs a Change

When you’ve bought a new home, there are a few things that you have to do right away like unpack, visit utility companies, and repaint the house exterior. While most contractors do paint houses before they are sold, it doesn’t usually hold up.

You’ll need to apply fresh paint before the thin coat starts to chip or fade. This won’t be the only paint job you’ll ever have to do either. Paint has to be replaced every few years or so.

To help you repaint your home before damage starts to show, here is a guide on how to tell you need to update your exterior house paint.

1. Flaking and Bubbling

There are many reasons why your exterior paint could start to flake and bubble. The most common reason is that you or the person who had the home before you failed to weatherproof the home. Moisture from the elements can cause mold which doesn’t do wonders for your paint.

Speaking of the weather, if there is little shade in your yard the heat from the sun can crack your paint job. Even the breeze from the ocean can cause damage to your paint if you live near the beach.

2. Fading Paint

Two big things can cause fading paint. The first is again, the sun. The hot beams can rain down on it and bleach it.

The other reason is condensation that ends up on the outside of your home. If you notice any water drips this is a huge sign of water damage. You’ll want to get it fixed before you apply a new coat of paint because if you don’t the new coat will suffer the same fate as the old.

3. Your Other Paint Color Has Started to Morph

Unless you spring for UV paint, your color will start to morph on down the line. You’ll mainly notice this with darker colors. UV rays will bleach it and the lighter version may be a whole different color than the original.

If you already have a light paint color you won’t notice this morphing as much. You can avoid this from happening by planting a few trees for shade, by using UV-resistant paint, or by avoiding painting in hot weather.

4. Boost Your Curb Appeal

If you live in an area populated with gorgeous, freshly painted homes, yours will stand out like sunflower in a sea of daisies if it doesn’t look the same. You may not care if your neighbors judge you but if you plan on selling your home any time soon, the new owner might.

Besides, a fresh coat of paint will up the value of your home. When you do end up selling it you may be able to get more for it than you would have if you kept faded, cracked paint on it.

5. Your House Is New

Going back to our example in the beginning, when contractors put a coat of paint on a home before it goes up for sale, it’s a thin one. It’s enough to prime the wood but not enough to stop it from swelling and shrinking.

We understand buying a new home is expensive so you may not be able to get to it right away. This thin coat will last about 5 years. If you let it go any longer than that before you repaint then damage will start to set in.

6. Chalking

One way to test if you need to repaint is to run your hand against your home siding. If when you pull your hand back you see a gross, chalky substance that means the paint is starting to break down.

This happens to even the best and most expensive paints and when it does you’ll need to repaint before the chalking starts to show on the surface.

7. Rot

Mold and mildew aren’t the only things that can occur from heavy amounts of moisture on your wood siding. If left unattended, you may have to deal with rot. The bad thing about rot is that it doesn’t always make itself obvious.

If you even suspect that you may be dealing with it, give your home siding a poke. If it feels a little squishy then you’ll need to replace the boards. The good thing is that you’ll only have to replace the infected ones.

The bad thing is that you’ll have to repaint the boards as soon as you put them on the house for aesthetics and to protect them from rotting like their predecessors.

8. Repaint Before Your Paint Starts to Chip and Peel

If you wait until your paint starts to chip then you’ll be creating a bunch of extra prep work for yourself. For example, if it chips you’ll have to scrape all the flakes away or else they will show up as ugly chunks in your new paint.

Since we know you don’t have the gift of precognition, the basic time frame on getting a new paint job is about seven years. Even if it doesn’t start showing damage until then, you’ll want to go ahead and paint before it does.

Know When It’s Time to Apply a Fresh Coat of Exterior House Paint

Knowing when to apply a new coat of exterior house paint can save you tons of money on repairs in the long run. It can also help you keep your curb appeal on point and fight against wood rot. Use these tips for telling when it’s time to repaint to keep your home fresh and up to date.

For the best value in quality paint visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Paint Center today. We have the exterior paint and home paint supplies you need to get the job done right!

Excerpt from article Originally Posted On: https://floridapaintingmiami.com/how-to-know-when-your-exterior-house-paint-needs-a-change/

Stars, Stripes and DIY Deals

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:08:05 GMT

Stars, Stripes and DIY Deals at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore - Valid 6/27/2025 - 7/14/2025

Stars, Stripes and DIY Deals at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore - Offers Valid 6/27/2025 - 7/14/2025 - SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! See MORE Product Details .

STIHL Pro Battery Blowers

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 23:30:46 GMT

STIHL Battery Blower Performance

This episode of Focus on highlights the outstanding performance of STIHL's professional battery blowers.

Using a direct comparison with a competitor’s device, the video (Below) demonstrates how STIHL blowers deliver constant power from start to finish, without any noticeable drop in performance.

Host Matt Beadle discusses this advantage with STIHL expert Paul Hicks and explains how consistent output and high battery efficiency ensure reliable results for demanding professional use.

Learn more about STIHL battery blowers at stihl.com or your local dealer, Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore.

Wood Decking Benefits

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:34:44 GMT

The Benefits of Wood Decking for Outdoor Spaces

Did you know that the wooden decking market is expected to reach $32.08 billion by 2029? This clearly shows the increasing demand for wood decking in outdoor spaces.

Wooden decks are a popular choice for outdoor spaces such as patios, gardens, and pool areas. These structures offer a variety of benefits. This makes them a preferred option for homeowners and commercial properties alike.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of wood decking for outdoor spaces. This will help you understand why they are a great investment for your property. Read on to learn more.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Wood decks add a natural and warm look to any outdoor space. They have a timeless appeal that can complement any architectural style.

The natural grains and textures of wood provide a beautiful backdrop. This allows you to decorate your deck with various outdoor furniture and accessories.

Additionally, wood decks come in a variety of colors and finishes. This allows you to choose the one that best suits your preferences and complements your outdoor space. You can check Ipe Woods USA to help you pick one for your needs.

Durable and Long-lasting

Wood decking is known for its durability and longevity, especially when properly maintained. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, some types of wood such as cedar and redwood have natural oils that make them naturally resistant to insects, rot, and decay. This makes them a reliable choice for outdoor spaces that are constantly exposed to the elements.

Adds Value to Your Property

Investing in wood decking can increase the value of your property. It is an attractive feature that potential buyers look for in a home.

Additionally, a well-maintained wood deck can help increase the overall curb appeal of your property. This makes it more appealing to potential buyers and can potentially lead to a higher selling price.

Cost-effective

Compared to other types of decking materials, wood is relatively affordable. It is readily available and can be easily installed. This makes it a cost-effective option for outdoor spaces.

Additionally, the maintenance and repair costs for wood decking are also lower compared to other materials. This makes it a budget-friendly option in the long run.

Easy to Customize

Using wood for decks gives you the freedom to customize your outdoor space according to your preferences. You can easily add or remove sections, change the layout, or add features like built-in planters or seating.

They can be easily stained or painted to match your desired color scheme. This allows you to create a unique and personalized outdoor space that reflects your style.

Eco-friendly

Wood is a renewable and biodegradable material, making it an environmentally friendly choice for outdoor decking. It also requires less energy to produce compared to other materials like concrete or composite decking.

Additionally, wood decks are recyclable and reusable at the end of their lifespan. This reduces the amount of waste in landfills. This makes them a sustainable option for your outdoor space.

Provides a Natural Insulation

Wood has natural insulation properties, making it an excellent choice for outdoor decking. It stays cool in hot weather and provides warmth during colder seasons.

This can help reduce energy costs by providing additional insulation to your home. It also makes the deck comfortable to walk on regardless of the weather conditions.

Easy to Maintain

Wood decking is relatively easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for outdoor spaces. Regular cleaning and occasional re-staining or sealing can help preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan.

Additionally, if any damage occurs, wood decks can be easily repaired by replacing individual boards instead of the entire structure. This helps save time and money in the long run.

Safety

Wood decking solutions provide a safe surface for outdoor activities. The natural grip of wood makes it slip-resistant, reducing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, compared to other materials like concrete, wood is softer and provides a cushioning effect in case of falls. This makes it a safer option for families with children or elderly individuals.

Provides Acoustic Benefits

Wood has natural sound-absorbing properties. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor spaces. This can help reduce noise pollution and provide a peaceful environment for relaxation.

Additionally, wood decks absorb vibrations from footsteps. This makes them quieter compared to other materials like concrete or tile. This makes them a desirable option for outdoor areas near bedrooms or living spaces.

Health Benefits

Spending time outdoors on a wooden deck can promote physical and mental well-being. Exposure to natural environments has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mood.

Wood decking encourages outdoor activities, which can improve overall health and fitness. It also provides a space for relaxation and unwinding. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Enhances Indoor-Outdoor Flow

A wooden deck effectively creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design encourages a more open and inviting feel. This allows family and guests to enjoy the beauty of nature while remaining connected to the home.

Additionally, it can also increase the usable space of a property by creating an outdoor living area. This makes it a great extension of your indoor living space.

Adds Functionality

Wood decks can serve multiple purposes in an outdoor space. They can be used for dining, entertaining, and even as a play area for children.

Additionally, they provide a stable and flat surface that can be used for grilling or placing outdoor furniture. With the right design and layout, you can maximize the functionality of your wood deck to suit your needs.
The Value Adds of Wood Decking

Wood decking offers numerous benefits for outdoor spaces. This makes it a valuable investment for any property. From its beauty and eco-friendliness, wood decks have proven their worth time and time again.

Consider these benefits when deciding on the right material for your outdoor deck project. Invest in a high-quality wood deck that will enhance the overall appeal and value of your property. It’s a decision you won’t regret.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore for deck stains, sealants, cleaners, hardware and tools you need to maintain your existing dect and maintain it's beauty and safety. We have what you need for all your DIY projects at our everyday Great Value Prices!

Originally Posted On: https://voxtrendz.com/the-benefits-of-wood-decking-for-outdoor-spaces/

Spring Lawn Care - Part 3

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:35:34 GMT

Best Grass Types for Northern Climates

What are the best cold-season grasses for your lawn?

The name must have given you a gist that these grasses grow sensationally even in the chilly weather. In fact not only do they thrive in the mild conditions of fall and spring but also perform exceptionally well in frigid winters and moderate summers.

A temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees F works best for them. Cold season grasses are particularly well suited for the top half of the United States (Cold season Zone). They are also frequently used in the transition zone that stretches across the middle of the country.

Some of the most popular varieties of cold season grasses are:

1. Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG): It has a medium-fine texture and striking deep, dark green blades. Although it cannot stand shade, KBG displays significant heat, drought, cold and foot traffic resistance. With all that, it’s no wonder that it has earned the moniker, “The king of Lawn Grasses”. KBG is an aggressively spreading grass that is used in lawns all across the north.

2. Perennial Ryegrass (PR): Because it establishes itself very quickly, PR is almost always made a part of seed mixes. A bunch-type, non-spreading variety, this grass has a medium-fine texture and bright green color with impressive mowing characteristics. Although it is averse to drought conditions, PR has a very high tolerance for foot traffic and medium cold tolerance.

3. Annual Ryegrass: This is a shallow root system, fast-growing grass with medium green blades. You won’t normally find it in seed mixes because it grows aggressively, killing the perennials in the process, only to die by winter. Although this grass can take moderate foot traffic, it is not very tolerant of heat, drought, shade or cold. I like to call this one the fussy grass.

4. Tall Fescue: Thanks to its deep root system, this almost fine-textured, dark green grass can easily thrive in moderate drought and heat conditions. In fact, it is one of the most popular cold season grasses for the Transition Zone. Although Tall Fescue does not take well to close mowing, it requires less fertilizer and water. So, it’s a common sight in low maintenance yards that get a significant amount of foot traffic.

5. Fine Fescue: This grass is frequently used in seed mixes owing to its rapid growth and exceptional shade tolerance. As the name suggests, the blades boast of fine texture and light to gray-green color. Fine fescues are available in 3 varieties.

6. Creeping red fescue: The most common of the three varieties, this is a deep-rooted and deep green grass. It has high drought and heat resistance and is more tolerant of cold and shade than other fescue varieties. However, it cannot withstand traffic too well and recovers very slowly once damaged.

7. Chewing fescue: A medium to light green, fine-textured grass, the chewing fescue displays remarkable resistance to shade, drought and cold. It also has moderate wearability, which means it can withstand foot traffic quite well. However, it is vulnerable to several fungal diseases.

8. Hard fescue: This is a slow-growing, fine-bladed grass that has moderate tolerance for foot traffic. However, it is impressively resistant to drought and shade. In fact, despite its shallow rooting, it takes exceptionally well even to infertile soil and is one of the only fescues that stays green even through summer.

How do you mix these cold season grasses?

Think of grass mixing as combining the best of all varieties in a way that the strong points of each species make up for the weak points of the others.

For example, a fescue lawn could use the speedy growth of about 15% Kentucky Bluegrass. The latter brings along shade tolerance and rapid growth behavior. The fescue, on its part, offers water and nutrients through its deep rooting system to the blue-green and enhances its ability to withstand drought conditions.

If this is too much botany for you, the easy way would be to simply buy a seed mix suitable for your region. But, if you want to try your hand at mixing the seeds, this is what the proportions should be like:

• For significant foot traffic lawns: 80% Kentucky bluegrass and 20% perennial ryegrass (a blend of 2-3 cultivars of both).

• Medium to high maintenance lawns: 20% perennial ryegrass and 80% fine fescue (a blend of 2-3 cultivars of both and at least one improved cultivar of fine fescue)

• Low maintenance lawns: 80% Kentucky bluegrass and 20% perennial ryegrass (a blend of 2-3 cultivars of ryegrass)

• Shaded lawns (well-drained): 20% perennial ryegrass and 80% shade-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass.

• Shaded lawns (wet): 20% perennial ryegrass/shade-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass and 70% rough bluegrass (Sabre).

In conclusion …

And there you have it folks, all the information you need to maintain that emerald green swathe of grass. The most important thing to remember when it comes to spring lawn maintenance is to go easy on both water and fertilizer while judiciously watching out for trouble.

You don’t need to toil for several hours to take care of your lawn in spring. However, you do need to be consistent in your efforts. Diligent sprint lawn care will help you to keep your yard covered in lush greenery all through the year.

For grass seed, fertilizers and herbicides, etc. visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. Our Garden Department has what you need to grow and maintain a healthy, green lawn and we also have a large selection of lawn mowers, Z-turns and riding mowers to accommodate any size property. Visit us today and check out what we have in store for you!

FOR MORE TIPS ON LAWN CARE VISIT LINKS BELOW:

SPRING LAWN CARE - PART ONE

SPRING LAWN CARE - PART TWO

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 15:53:34 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value Bargains of the Month - June Bargains valid until 6/30/2025 - Shop early for best selection, while supplies last...

Reedsburg True Value Bargains of the Month - June Bargains valid until 6/30/2025 - Shop early for best selection, while supplies last...

FISHING 101: RODS & REELS

Tue, 27 May 2025 16:05:28 GMT

Fishing 101: Choosing the Right Rod and Reel

Did you know there are about 29.2 million registered anglers in the US? With the number of anglers steadily growing annually, many are looking to get their hands on excellent fishing gear. You will need the right rod and reel for fishing as a beginner.

There are many types of fishing rods, and they all have unique features. Fish also prefer certain types of lures, meaning you need to know a lot about fishing 101 to succeed.

Want to learn more about finding suitable rods and reels for you? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Selecting the Correct Rod Length and Material

Choosing the right rod length largely depends on the species and techniques used. A longer rod is often better for casting long distances, while a shorter rod is better for short, controlled casts. Materials-wise, different rods are made from metals and composites such as bamboo, carbon fiber, and fiberglass.

The type of fishing rod used will depend on personal preference, budget, and what kind of fish is being targeted. Aluminum and graphite, for example, are great for saltwater and inshore, while fiberglass is better for trolling and light fishing tackle.

Picking the Right Reel Size and Type

When picking the right reel size and type, choosing something lightweight and easy to handle is ideal. A light spinning reel with a narrow body and relatively tight rotating head allows easy casting and smooth drag to control the fish.

Spincast reels are generally heavier and more awkward due to their larger bodies. Still, the enclosed design prevents line twists and can be easier for beginners.

Baitcasting reels designed for the heavier line have a more open design and give the angler more leverage to control larger fish. All three types of reels can be suitable for various types of fishing. Still, selecting a fishing reel and rod combination that matches the fish you’re trying to catch is essential.

How Features Impact Performance and Durability

Features like material, length, weight, and action affect performance and durability. Rods constructed of fiberglass or graphite are lightweight and flexible while still solid and durable. A rod with a medium or light action allows the angler to feel the fish and offers the greatest versatility.

Longer rods provide greater casting distance and are better suited for heavier lures and larger fish. Heavier rods and lures offer better accuracy and control.

Consider the size based on the type of fishing you will be doing and the number of fishing lines you need. The right reel with a gear ratio of at least 6:1 is ideal for casting, while a high gear ratio of 8:1 reels allows for quicker retrieves.

Ask a professional or visit www.fishcatches.com to learn how to balance your rod and reels according to your fishing style and needs.

Learn Fishing 101 Today to Make the Most of Your Fishing Experience

Fishing requires the right rod and reel suitable for the targeted fish. The wrong rod and reel combination can result in failed catches, broken lines, and poor performances. Choosing the right rod and reel for fishing is critical, as it will directly impact the success of a day on the water.

By learning the necessary fishing 101 tips, you can prepare better for your next fishing trip. Don’t hesitate to ask a professional if you are still uncertain and want to ensure you start your next fishing trip with the right equipment.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Sporting Goods Center for Rods, Reels, fishing supplies and more... We have everything you need for a great day of fishing. (All at Great Value Prices) If you need advice about the gear you may need our sales associates would be happy to help you. Stop in today, you'll be happy you did!

Best Grill for Beginners

Mon, 19 May 2025 20:03:20 GMT

What’s the Best, Easiest Grill For Beginners? We Compare

With a grill at your fingertips, the options are endless. From juicy hamburgers and steak to expertly cooked fish and sides like grilled corn, you can truly cook it all. But if you’re just getting started, it can be hard to know which grill to go with.

Here’s everything that you should consider when you’re choosing the best grill for beginners.

1. Debate Charcoal vs. Gas

When it comes to choosing a charcoal grill or a gas grill, there are enthusiasts on both sides of the aisle. And the good news is that there’s no wrong choice here!

Charcoal grills can reach higher temperatures and provide food with a tasty, smoky flavor. But if you’re wondering, “What’s the easiest grill to use?” then you might want to start with gas.

Gas grills have a quick start-up time and they involve less clean-up than charcoal. Easy to use gas grills can be the best grill for beginners, and they’re good when it comes to cooking a variety of types of food.

Don’t forget to identify the desired fuel source, propane gas (canister positioned inside or next to the grill) or natural gas (usually a gas line available from the residence). There is no right or wrong between propane and natural gas, rather mostly availability of the latter.

Here’s a Weber top seller for a propane gas grill up to 4 persons.

2. Think About Price

If you’re learning how to to use a grill, you don’t want to immediately buy the fanciest, most expensive model you can find. Instead, it can be good to start with the basics and build your confidence level before finding something with tricky-to-use add-ons.

Charcoal grills tend to be a more budget-friendly option than gas grills, so they can be a good starting point on your way to earning the title of grill master.

They’re also usually more portable than their gas counterparts, so you can easily maneuver them around your patio or backyard.

On the other hand, if you can afford a higher budget grill that would give you top flavor in the charcoal category, these trendy Ceramic/Kamado grills are a very good option for you.

3. Go for Indoor or Outdoor

Depending on your current living situation, you might opt for an electric indoor grill instead of one intended for your patio.

While outdoor grills are a lot of fun, indoor grills can be a great space-saving solution for anyone craving grilled fish but who doesn’t currently have an outdoor area. They can simply sit on your counter whenever you’re ready to use them.

You can’t use charcoal or gas grill outside due to community regulations? No problem! Outdoor electric grills are perfect for most apartment complexes.

Another interesting solution for those wanting to combine outdoor wilderness with wood-fired flavor on the truck bed, is this portable wood pellet grill.

4. Size It Up

How many people are you planning to cook for on your grill? If your house is a hub for family gatherings or if you’re constantly having friends over to try your latest recipes, you might consider splurging on a bigger model.

But if you’re mainly cooking for your family, a great grill for beginners is a smaller one that doesn’t hold as many patties, for instance. Cuisinart, for one, makes a small outdoor gas grill intended for about two people — a perfect starting point!

Find the Best Grill for Beginners

Getting into grilling is a fun way to hone a new hobby and cook delicious meals. But if you’re just starting out, it’s important to choose the best grill for beginners.

Don’t forget to consider everything from the price and size to whether you’re buying a gas, charcoal or electric grill.

Ready to start the journey? We have gathered the top selling grill options with a cool interface to help you pick the right one for you from a top retailer…

Enjoy!!!

For New Gas and Charcoal grills, charcoal and grilling accessories visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today! We have what you need to grill out with perfection, all at our great everyday value prices... Check out our large inventory today!

Originally Posted On: https://guidalor.com/blogs/pick-the-right-grill-for-you/whats-the-best-easiest-grill-for-beginners-we-compare

Memorial Day Deals

Mon, 12 May 2025 15:39:11 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Memorial Day Deals - Valid 5/9/2025 - 5/26/2025

MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE MEMORIAL DAY DEALS VALID MAY 9 - 26, 2025 SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION AND WHILE SUPPLIES LAST... CLICK FOR AD PRODUCT DETAILS

Bargains of the Month

Mon, 05 May 2025 23:05:37 GMT

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DIY Garage Man Cave

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:52:41 GMT

20 Man Cave Ideas for Your Garage

While your den or living room is nice for relaxation, there’s nothing better than having a space that’s completely your own. Enter, the man cave. But what if you don’t have a room in your house for such hallowed ground? Why not turn your garage into a man cave?

If you’ve been considering converting your garage, now is the time to let your imagination run wild. From a sports themed man cave to a hunting themed man cave, no two are alike. We’ve rounded up some of the most creative man cave design ideas to help you turn your garage into the ultimate escape.

1. The Two-Car Garage Man Cave

Consider dividing the garage into sections. Create a tool area in one corner for those moments when you want to tinker; furnish one area with a comfy couch, TV, and minifridge; put a pool table or air hockey table in another corner; and add your personal weight room in the remaining area. With this much space, the garage man cave ideas are almost endless!

2. The Memorabilia Man Cave

If you’re a die-hard fan of any local or national sports team, chances are you’ve got a decent collection of memorabilia. You might as well show it off. Turn your garage into a sports man cave that spotlights the team you’d drop everything for. Frame those prized jerseys, put up shelves for home-run balls, and paint with your team’s colors.

3. The Football Cave

Another sports man cave idea is the football cave—the ultimate spot to catch Monday night games and get comfy for a Sunday bowl. This cave is all about the television, so make sure you set it up for the best viewing experience. Want to take your football room ideas up a notch? Keep one wall blank and put in a ceiling mount projector to make every game the event of the season.

4. The Retro Cave

Get in touch with your retro side with this man cave inspired from another era. Snag some themed man cave seating in the shape of a classic car and hunt for old Route 66 signs at your local flea market. Even if you have a small garage, you can still start the party with a retro jukebox.

5. The Rock’n Roll Cave

Channel your inner rock star with this music-themed man cave, great for jam sessions and band practice. Musical ability not required. One music man cave design idea is to add rugs and soundproof panels to mute your guitar solos. The whole family will thank you.

6. The Lights, Camera, Action Cave

Calling all movie lovers! When awards season comes around, you will be set up perfectly with this movie-themed man cave. With luxury leather seating, a home theater-sized screen, and surround sound, this movie watching paradise is ready for its walk down the red carpet. Choose clean lines, canister lighting, and understated décor to elevate this humble garage man cave to a studio executive screening room. This design works double-duty as a sports man cave because it’s perfect for taking in your must-see ball games, too.

7. The Wine Cave

Do you love sipping aged Pinot Noir in the comfort of your own space? Sip in sweet silence in this garage man cave designed with wine in mind. Poured concrete walls shaped and painted to look like rock surround a cozy nook that gives new meaning to the term “man cave.” Uncork some choice selections from your wine collection, and wine and dine on your own terms.

8. The Car Cave

Whoever said garages have to be grease-stained sweatboxes? This car lovers’ retreat boasts ample space with leather couches, flat-panel TVs, and a pool table—as well as enough room for your vintage car, parked in a pristine climate-controlled environment. This is the perfect man cave idea if you have more garage space than you know what to do with.

9. The Collector’s Cave

No need to deny your inner geek. Let your nerd flag fly. This utopia acts as a display room with built-in shelving for all your favorite action figures. No, the shelves don’t have to be backlit, but if you want to get fancy, have at it! Some simple garage man cave ideas for your comic book heroes could include shelving to put them on display and garage storage for your vintage comic books.

10. The Golf Cave

Making your tee time has never been easier. Hit the links in the comfort of your own space with a sports man cave dedicated to golf. Need golf décor inspiration? Roll out your own putting turf or install an elevated putting green with holes to practice that ace shot. You might even set up a projector and connect with a golf simulator to bring the course indoors.

11. The Motorcycle Cave

Get your engines revved up in this room decked out with everything you need to take care of your motorcycles. This is a great, low-budget garage man cave design because all it needs is a shelving unit with room for your tools and helmets and enough space to park your two-wheeled toys.

12. The Sports Paradise Cave

Any respectable armchair quarterback and impromptu soccer commentator knows that watching just one game on any given weekend is like eating just one potato chip (i.e. impossible). With multiple screens, memorabilia lining the walls, and comfortable leather chairs for you and your friends, this elevated sports man cave is truly an MVP.

13. The Hunting Lodge Cave

A shot of whisky, a good hand at poker, and running the billiards table are all things that can be found in this Western-themed refuge. Use leather man cave seating to create a luxury lodge feel.

14. The Batman Bat Cave

This comic superhero-inspired cinema room takes your man cave to the next level with faux stalactite formations and a telltale logo screen cover. There’s plenty of room for friends and family in the plush theater seating of this batman garage man cave, which is perfect for settling in for a Batman movie marathon..

15. The Video Game Man Cave

Get into gamer mode in a garage game room complete with soundproof panels, a multi-screen setup, a gaming chair, and high-quality speakers. This is a great design idea for a small garage man cave—all you need is one corner of the garage.

16. The Game Room Cave

Turn the garage into a man cave dedicated to all your favorite games—from pool to foosball to tabletop games. This is the ultimate garage game room setup with a projector or TV showing the sports game while you and your buddies play to win.

17. The Liquor Cellar Cave

Dark wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling shelving filled with ornate glassware and ample bottles of premium liquor, and a ladder to reach the top-shelf spirits make the perfect entertaining space for the dapper gentleman. Strike up a game of backgammon or chess and clink glasses with your guests. This is the perfect garage man cave idea for enjoying the finer things in life.

18. The Pub Cave

Bring the pub to you by building your own bar in the garage. This idea even works for small garage man caves because you can fit a small bar into just about any space. Grab a neon sign or two, a minifridge or kegerator, and some pint glasses for the ultimate bar experience.

19. The Trophy Cave

When you need a place to put your hunting prizes, let these hunting man cave ideas inspire you. Some simple garage man cave ideas could be incorporating wood elements for a rustic feel and decorating with some of your hunting memorabilia. Consider framing your hunting permits and photos of all your outings.

20. The Music Listening Cave

If you are a record collector, this is a great opportunity to turn your garage into a music listening room complete with a record player or multiple turntables, stereo equipment, luxe headphones, and a comfy seating area. You could also add your favorite concert posters and memorabilia, music books, and some shelving for record storage (as long as your music listening cave is temperature controlled!).

For the tools, gadgets and supplies you'll need to create your garage "Man Cave" visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to get your DIY project done right!!

Excerpt from article Originally Posted On: https://www.frontdoor.com/blog/lifestyle/20-man-cave-ideas-for-your-garage

Spring Lawn Care - Part 2

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:52:16 GMT

Spring Lawn Care Guide - Part 2

When should you water your lawn in spring?

Actually, in early spring, you don’t need to water your lawn at all. In fact, if you live in the north, your lawn will not need watering in spring, unless you have re-seeded a patch. If that’s the case, only water the overseeded area and not the rest of the yard.

When it comes to watering the lawn, you need to remember three rules:

• Provide only the required amount of water.

• Only provide water when it is needed.

• It is better to water deeply and less often than to water lightly and frequently.

I recommend that you hold off the watering at the beginning of the season because this will force the grassroots to go deeper in search of moisture. Deeper roots will put your grass in a better position to survive drought conditions.

But, you certainly don’t want the grass to be parched. A tell-tale sign of this is a droopy lawn. If you walk on the grass and the blades do not spring right back up after you lift your foot, it is time to water them

A few tips for watering the lawn

• As long as the weather brings frequent rain showers and cold temperatures, you don’t have to water the lawn.

• Although spring droughts are rare in the northern part of the country, if you have a dry spring this year, do water the yard once a week.

• Cold season grasses will go dormant during extreme drought and will turn yellow but they will regain their verdant look once the rain and cooler temperatures return.

• Early morning is the best time to water the lawn. So, schedule your watering between 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.

• For deep coverage, wet the soil up to 6 to 8 inches. This equates to about 1-2 inches of water per week. You should get this level by keeping the sprinkler on in one position for an hour at the least.

• The first visible sign of dehydration can be seen in the form of wilting or a bluish tinge on the blades.

• To test soil moisture, try to make a ball with the soil extracted from the first six inches of the ground. If you get a moist, but not drippy, soil ball, the moisture level is just right

When should you start mowing the lawn, and how often should it be done?

The most common cold season grass varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue both need mowing one to two times every week. I would ask you to hold off the mowing till you have given the grass enough time to grow to a height to 4 to 5 inches.

Generally, you should keep the grass at a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. This gives it significant drought and heat resistance. Also, this height leads to deeper rooting, which will help you to save water and fertilizer.

A few more tips to remember when mowing cool-season grasses are:

• Mulch the grass clippings for natural and organic lawn fertilization.

• Sharpen mower blades regularly to prevent stressing the plants.

• Sharp blades also help against fungal growth.

• Don’t remove more than 1/3rd of the total blade length at one time.

• For longer blades, mow once on high setting and a second time a few days later at a low setting to prevent going over the 1/3rd limit.

• Scalped or short trimmed grass has a smaller root system and is more susceptible to heat and drought damage. So, don’t go overboard with your mowing.

How do you counter springtime lawn diseases?

Lawn diseases don’t just emerge overnight, although it may seem so. Actually, three conditions have to be met for the disease-causing pathogens to create trouble:

1. The critters have to exist in and around the soil and the environment.

2. The grass type should be susceptible to the type/types of critters that live in the soil.

3. The environmental conditions should be right for these critters to multiply.

Now, you don’t have control over the first condition. I mean it’s called dirt for a reason! Soil almost always has an abundance of these pathogens. So, you have little control over this condition and only marginal control over the second.

You could choose a type of grass that can withstand the attack from a particular type of pathogen. But this would involve getting to know those critters well and that is hard to do. However, you have almost complete control over the third factor.

So, that is how you can stop those pathogens from hurting your lawn. However, instead of giving you generic solutions, I am going to discuss the three most common lawn pathogen-linked diseases that afflict cold season grasses.

What is the best way to deal with leaf spots?

Helminthosporium or the leaf spot disease actually starts in winter but lays low till the right conditions appear in the cool and moisture-rich environment of spring.

• The symptoms: Starts as purple spots of about 1/4th inch. Eventually, the spots grow and the center turns tan. If conditions are conducive, the spots grow larger and towards the crown of the blades. Eventually, the grass turns yellow from the tip down and dies.

• The patients: Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass

• The treatment: Don’t over-fertilize the lawn and keep an eye out for the appearance of the spots in early spring. Only use slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (0.5 lbs or less/1000 sq.ft.) in spring.

Do not irrigate unless required and don’t water in the evening or at night. You want to keep water retention to the bare minimum. This is best accomplished by watering the yard in the morning before the dew has dried.

If your lawn has suffered from this disease before, starting in early spring, begin washing the heavy dew from the blades every day. Dewdrops contain natural sugars that are food for disease-causing critters.

Avoid the use of herbicides (except for spot spraying) when the disease is active. Use fungicides only if the disease progresses past the stage of purple spots.

How do you tackle red thread and pink patch diseases?

These occur together and as you may have guessed, they involve the growth of pink fungal filaments on the grass surface. Mild winters cause an uptick in the appearance of these diseases.

• The symptoms: Pink patches appear after the winter snow begins to melt. If you examine closely, you can see the thread-like, gelatinous fungus covering the grass blades.

• The patients: Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, fine fescue, and bentgrass.

• The treatment: The disease affects nitrogen-starved grass, so implement a disciplined fertility regimen. But, don’t over-fertilize. Moisture is crucial for the growth of the fungus, so don’t overwater the lawn. In fact, avoid irrigation in the evening to lower exposure to water.

How do you handle the notorious powdery mildew?

The disease thrives in cool and humid weather. So, your yard may suffer from it in spring as well as in fall. Although it does not progress as aggressively as some of the other fungal infections and it never gets to the roots, it will eventually kill the grass by blocking sunlight and starving it of nutrients.

• The symptoms: A dusting of white powder on the grass blades.

• The patients: Kentucky bluegrass is most susceptible followed by fescue.

• The treatment: The disease tends to take root in shaded areas. So, prune low hanging branches if possible. Avoid excessive watering and fertilization. You may have to use fungicides to control this fungus, but these can be expensive. An alternative is to remove the infected grass.

How do you tackle grubs?

There are two problems with these worm-like creatures, apart from their yucky looks. First, they feed on the roots of the grass and starve the plants. Second, they are an open invitation to other pests like moles and raccoons.

Treatment is both number and species-specific when it comes to grubs. So, if you have ten or more larvae per square foot, it is time to kill those suckers. Preventative herbicides against these critters work best in spring while curative measures yield best results if incorporated in fall lawn care.

For grass seed, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers and other lawn care products visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have everything you need to maintain a healthy, green lawn!

Look for Part 3 of this Spring Lawn Care article coming soon...

Part 2 is an excerpt of an article Originally Posted On: https://greenthumbplanet.com/spring-lawn-care-guide/

CLICK HERE FOR PART ONE

Spring Lawn Care- Part One

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:46:23 GMT

Check Out Part One of The Ultimate Spring Lawn Care Guide!

Whether it brings snow, drought or a downpour, winter will wreak havoc on your lawn, no matter what kind of grass or plants you have.

Yes, a well-maintained yard does fare better against the wrath of winter.

Yet, some amount of damage is to be expected. So, once spring arrives, you will have to get to work as quickly as possible. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that if you scrimp on spring lawn care, your yard will suffer visibly through the rest of the year.

But, fret not! With a bit of planning and some early preparation, you can limit the amount of back-breaking work needed for spring lawn management. And you will find all the information you need in this Ultimate Spring Lawn Care Guide.

From choosing the right cold season grass varieties to preparing the lawn for the profuse grass growth of spring and from keeping pests and other problems at bay to the proper use of pesticides and fertilizers, this article covers them all and more.

Continue reading if you want your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood.

A three-step approach is all that’s needed for a gorgeous lawn. You start with the right variety of grass. Then, you create a thriving environment for it with the right spring lawn care. Finally, you defend the grass against weeds, diseases and the other problems that the year brings along

How do you start your spring lawn care?

Clean up should be the first order of the season and you do that with a round of raking. Yes, I heard the collective chime of- “But we did that in fall”. Folks, that was to remove leaves from a season ago.

What about the filth of winter? Even if you rake deeply in fall, a layer of thatch will show up by spring. And, I can’t stress enough on how important it is to remove this layer of dead matter, which can literally choke the young grass.

Anything more than an inch of thatch is excessive and damaging. Also, spring raking helps to remove matted patches caused by snow mold. These sticky patches of clumped blades hinder the growth of new grass shoots.

Once you are past raking, I am sure you will consider the application of an herbicide next. That would be the most logical order to follow. However, you may need to include one more step, depending on the condition of the soil.

What is aeration, and does every lawn need it?

The best-kept secret of lush, green lawns, aeration is a law care step that’s often ignored by many homeowners. Aerating means moving and removing the soil with tools to eliminate compaction. And to answer the question above, yes, all lawns do need aeration.

However, the frequency of aeration will depend on the lawn and soil conditions. The need for aeration arises because, over time, heavy footfall and lawn maintenance initiatives literally push the soil down. The pressure removes the air pockets from the soil and makes the particles stick together, which dry to form hard clumps.

Grassroots cannot penetrate through compacted soil clumps. So, you will often see visible signs of decline in response to soil clumping. Moss is also a dead give way of soil compaction. And, it’s not just poorly maintained lawns that have this problem.

On average, a well-maintained yard will need one round of aeration per year or even every two years. As opposed to this, if your lawn has visible signs of distress, you need to get more aggressive with your aeration with two rounds a year.

Should soil aeration be included in spring lawn care?

Actually, no! The best time to aerate soil is in fall because right after aeration, you would want to fertilize. The thing to understand here is that aeration is primarily done to increase and improve the flow of nutrients and oxygen. So, it makes sense to fertilize immediately afterward.

Spring isn’t the best time for aerating or fertilizing. However, if you are dealing with ugly bald patches and have to reseed, aeration may be the need of the hour. To be sure, use this simple home test to check for compaction.

Push down a large screwdriver into the soil when the surface is dry. If it’s hard to push, you have a compaction problem because well-aerated soil, even when dry, is loose and allows the metal to easily pass through it.

A few things to remember if you need to aerate your lawn in spring!

• If you have a thatch buildup of more than 1.5 inches, aerate first then rake using a thatch rake.

• Core aerators that remove small soil plugs from the ground are best for cold season lawns.

• Mow the lawn low before using the core aerator.

• Make several passes in different directions with the aerator for the best results.

• Always aerate when the temperature is at its mildest.

• Overseed and fertilize after aeration, if required.

• To avoid damaging the irrigation system while aerating, mark the sprinkler heads before you begin.

• Test the moisture level of the soil before aeration. You need moderately moist soil for aeration. Use a trowel to remove some soil. If the soil sticks to the trowel it is too wet for aeration.

• Keep the soil plugs pulled out by the core aerator on the lawn.

• Once the plugs are dry, mow the lawn with a low cutting blade, making two passes in opposite directions.

• Water the lawn after mowing; this speeds up the integration of the dried plugs into the soil below.

Over-seeding the lawn: When should it be done and when is it absolutely required?

Typically, you would over-seed the lawn to increase lushness or to tackle bald spots. To improve the thickness of the turf, over-seeding is best done in the fall. The plunging temperatures stop weeds like crabgrass in their tracks and give the young grass enough time to thrive in a non-competitive environment.

However, if you want to cover bald patches that emerge at the end of winter, you will have no choice but to over-seed in spring. And, don’t be too hard on yourself if your lawn does sport these bare areas because everything from dog spots, heavy traffic, salt damage, excess shade, and soil compaction could be the reason for them.

Having said that, if you are wondering what this over-seeding business is all about, it is simply the application of grass seeds to the soil. Regardless of when you are over-seeding, always aerate and fertilize before to provide the young shoots with all the nutrition they need.

I recommend that you use a good seed mix that is appropriate for your lawn conditions and your region for over-seeding. Also, don’t forget to water the over-seeded patch every day because the seedlings have shallow roots.

Is spring a good time to fertilize the lawn?

I cannot give a simple answer to that question because it depends on the type of lawn you want. If you fertilize in spring, the growth will no doubt be luxuriant and deep green, but you will get it at the cost of root system development.

This means your lawn will be more susceptible to diseases and pests. Plus, when you fertilize the lawn in spring, you inadvertently also supply nutrients to weeds like crabgrass. I am sure you have already reckoned that this means your lawn will need a lot of maintenance.

In contrast, if you fertilize in fall, you will bypass both these issues and will have a comparatively low maintenance yard. That said, when fertilizing cold season yards, nitrogen should be the primary nutrient that you supply because most cold season grasses are gluttons for nitrogen.

What if you absolutely need to fertilize in spring?

I would strongly recommend that you wait till the end of the spring flush when the grass is out of the growth stage to apply fertilizer. This would be somewhere around the end of spring, in May.

Because hot weather is just around the corner, you don’t want to stress the grass too much. So, limit your use of the fertilizer to one-half of fall usage. Ideally, use nitrogen at 0.5- 1 lb/1000 sq. ft. at this time.

Half of this should be in soluble form while the other half should be in the slow-release form. This way you provide some amount of nitrogen for immediate uptake while the time-release fertilizer will continue to supply nutrition for almost 6 weeks after application.

A few things to remember when fertilizing your lawn

• Time-release fertilizers don’t act immediately but offer more sustained results.

• If using fast-release chemical fertilizers, carefully follow the quantity requirements because too much will burn the grass.

• Bone meal, fish meal and blood meal fertilizers are likely to be gobbled up by your pets, and they can be toxic.

• Never mix starter fertilizer with a weed control product because the later will stop the seeds from germinating.

• As far as possible, use organic fertilizers, which are easy on the plants and the environment.

• Don’t go overboard with your fertilizer application. It is best to not fertilize more than twice a year.

• Don’t allow fertilizers to enter the storm drains.

What about the different types of herbicides? When should they be used?

The use of herbicides depends on the type of problem your lawn has and its condition. Typically, herbicides can be classified into two categories:

• Pre-emergent: These kill the weeds before they raise their ugly heads. They work by preventing the germination of the seeds.

• Post-emergent: They burn the weeds even if they are thriving in your spring-summer lawn.

When you read about their mode of action, you are bound to wonder, why not use pre-emergent herbicides the minute spring hits? Well, as it happens, these herbicides are not just hazardous for weeds but also for grass.

This means if you have re-seeded your lawn in spring, you cannot use a pre-emergent herbicide. However, if you’ve over-seeded and fertilized in fall, you have given the seedlings enough time to grow. In this case, you can use a pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds before they turn into an issue.

If the weed problem, particularly with perennial weeds like crabgrass, is an every-year issue, you can combine fertilization with the application of a pre-emergent herbicide. Post-emergent herbicides can be applied once the weeds turn into an eyesore.

A few tips for keeping weeds away from your lawn

• Don’t use core aeration after the application of pre-emergent herbicides, as the coring will break through the anti-germination shield created by the herbicide.

• If you must re-seed in spring, use a pre-emergent herbicide that does not affect grass seeds (Tupersan is one such product).

• Deal with perennial weeds like dandelion and crabgrass in spring. So, you don’t give them the time to grow stronger.

• If using, post-emergent herbicide, use it in fall, particularly if you have a problem with broadleaf weeds like dandelion.

• For weed control without the use of herbicides, keep an eye out for the shoots and pull them out consistently.

• Even if you cannot pull the weeds out by their roots, do snap off the flowering stems to prevent seed propagation.

For all your lawn care products visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today. We have grass seed, fertilizers, herbicides, and a large selection of lawn mowers, riders and Z-turns. Get your lawn looking healthy and green this season with products from Reedsburg True Value Superstore!

Look for Part 2 of this Spring Lawn Care article coming soon...

Part 1 is an excerpt of an article Originally Posted On: https://greenthumbplanet.com/spring-lawn-care-guide/

MONTHLY BARGAINS

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:27:41 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value Bargains of the Month - April Bargains valid until 4/30/2025 - Shop early for best selection, while supplies last...

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR APRIL BARGAINS VISIT OUR TRUE VALUE AD PAGE.

Professional Painting Techniques

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:56:20 GMT

Professional Painting Techniques and Tools for Every Surface

Different surfaces require specific painting techniques and tools. Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving a flawless and long-lasting paint job.

Surface preparation also needs to be tailored to the type of surface being painted. Walls may need thorough cleaning and patching, while wood trim might require sanding and priming. Each surface demands specific steps for optimal paint adhesion and durability.

This blog features insights from the professionals at Avelar Painting Solutions LLC, highlighting the tools, techniques, and methods we employ to achieve clean, crisp lines on every surface.

Surface Preparation for Painting

Surface preparation involves cleaning surfaces like walls or ceilings to remove dirt, grease, and grime that would prevent the paint from adhering properly. Imperfections and contaminants are often oily or waxy, which can weaken the bond between the paint and the surface itself.

Here are a few elements of surface preparation, and why this step can’t be skipped:

Cleaning and Sanding

The cleaning process typically involves using a mild detergent and water, followed by rinsing and drying. Using sandpaper or a sanding block, you can remove imperfections and rough spots to create a smoother surface to paint on, starting with a coarser grit and finishing with a finer one.

Using Paint Primer for a Smooth Finish

Primer is a base coat applied before the main paint color. It acts like a double agent, benefiting both the surface and the paint. Primer fills in tiny holes to create a more even surface while strengthening the bond between the paint and the underlying surface.

Repairing Cracks and Holes

Painting over cracks and holes would, at best, only temporarily hide the damage. To repair them, use a putty knife to widen the crack slightly and create a wedge shape for better filler adhesion. Then, apply a joint compound or spackle with the putty knife, pressing it firmly into the crack or hole.

Choosing the Right Painting Tools and Type

Using the wrong paint type for your surface, like interior paint on exteriors, can lead to peeling and a shorter lifespan. Similarly, a cheap brush might shed bristles or leave streaks, requiring more coats and rework.

Here are a few key considerations when matching the right painting tools and type:

Brushes: High-quality brushes with bristles should be designed to handle the specific paint type—natural for oil-based and synthetic for latex/acrylics. Soft bristles are better for detail work.
Rollers: Use lint-free rollers with a nap (thickness of fabric) length appropriate for your surface texture. If you’re painting a ceiling, a thicker nap will minimize dripping.
Pans/trays: The best trays are sturdy, solvent-resistant, and have tight-fitting lids. The tray size should match the size of the roller and the amount of paint required.

Application Techniques: Paint Brush, Roller, and Spray

Paint brushes are ideal for cutting in around edges, corners, and trim, while rollers are used to quickly cover large, flat surfaces.

Here are a few painting techniques used with these specific tools:

Proper Brush Techniques

Brush techniques focus on how you handle the brush to achieve a smooth, even finish and avoid streaks or drips.

Here are some techniques and what each involves:

Cutting in: Use an angled brush to paint along edges, corners, and trim where a roller can’t reach. Smooth, even strokes are key.
Brushing out: Paint broad, flat surfaces with a brush by applying the paint in long, consistent brush strokes.
Feathering: Lightly brush over painted edges to blend them in and minimize visible brush marks.
Dry brushing: Use a mostly dry brush to create a textured, distressed paint effect.
Tipping: Clean up drips and splatters using the tip of the brush to gently dab and remove any paint that landed outside the intended area.
Stipping: Hold the brush almost perpendicular to the surface and dabbing the bristles lightly to create small, textured bumps in the paint.

Effective Roller Techniques

Paint rollers are ideal for applying paint quickly and evenly across larger surfaces. They come in various nap sizes, with thicker naps better suited for rougher textures like stucco.

Here are a few effective roller techniques:

W or M pattern: This involves rolling paint in a “W” or “M” shape to ensure even coverage across the surface and minimize roller marks.
Backrolling: Backrolling refers to the process of going over freshly rolled areas with a lightly dampened roller to smooth out any texture.
The T: Ideal for small or hard-to-reach areas, the “T” shape pattern involves rolling a vertical line along the edge or corner, then using horizontal strokes to fill in the remaining space.
The zigzag: This technique involves making diagonal strokes across the wall in a zigzag pattern. Overlap strokes and finish by rolling vertically to ensure even coverage.

Spraying Techniques for Larger Areas

Spraying is a fast and efficient way to apply paint or other coatings to large surfaces.

Here are some key methods:

Maintain consistent distance: Hold the spray gun 12 inches or so from the surface and keep it perpendicular to avoid unevenness.
Move your arm, not your wrist: Keep the spray gun pointed straight at the surface and move your arm to maintain a consistent spray pattern.
Trigger control: Start moving the spray gun before pulling the trigger and release the trigger after completing the stroke to avoid excess paint.

Using Painter’s Tape for Clean Edges

Painter’s tape has a low adhesive that peels off easily without damaging surfaces or leaving any sticky residue. This makes it perfect for protecting trim, baseboards, moldings, ceilings, and other areas you don’t want painted.

Here’s how this tool is used to achieve professional-looking results:

Ensure the area is free of dust and moisture for better adhesion.
Use a putty knife or your fingers to press the tape down securely.
Pull the tape off slowly while the paint is still slightly wet.
Use quality tape specifically designed for clean removal and sharp lines.

For quality interior or exterior home paint, painting supplies and tools visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Paint Department today. We have what you need to get your next DIY project done right!

Excerpt from article Originally Posted On: https://avelarpaintingsolutions.com/professional-painting-techniques-and-tools-for-every-surface/

Small Space Garden Planning

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:04:56 GMT

How to Plan Your First Square Foot Garden

If you want to grow veggies, flowers, or herbs in limited space, you should consider square foot gardening. It is an old concept with a timeless allure .

Namely, this horticulture technique was developed by Mel Bartholomew. Bartholomew introduced his innovative ideas in his book All New Square Foot Gardening in 1981. His goal was to adapt the commercial gardening technique to the backyard, and boy was he successful! Even after four decades, square foot gardens are as popular as ever, perhaps even more so.

The Value of SFG

As the population congregates in the big cities, there is less and less space for gardening. Nowadays, if you want a garden, you have to think small. The goal is to grow as many plants as possible in as little space as possible.

Besides, contemporary people have little time for tedious gardening chores such as watering and weeding. Square foot gardens are ultra-practical in that regard. They require minimal maintenance and save time, effort, and resources. You can easily convert them into 100% eco-friendly botanic environs, too.

Finally, plants grown in square foot gardens are healthier and harvested more easily. You can replant any empty square instantly and secure yourself a continuous supply of nutritious and delicious edibles. Crop rotation enables you to enjoy your garden no matter the season. You can have a garden salad every night of the year without too much effort (even in extreme winter weather) as long as you remember a simple rule: When the temperature gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time for a plastic cover!

With a little bit of know-how, freshly harvested greens from your square foot garden can be on par with those served in the most expensive and popular restaurants in the country. Are you interested? Let’s see how to start your first square foot garden.

Setting Up a Successful SFG

Planning a square foot garden is no brain science. It’s a fairly simple process. You only need a few guidelines to make everything pitch-perfect.

A square foot garden is not much different than any “ordinary” garden. Instead of planting in rows, you plant by area with the help of a gardening grid of one-foot squares, fill it with soil, and plant your greens in each empty square. Of course, you need some basic math knowledge to get the most out of your space.

Planning is crucial if you want a well-organized garden with enough space for each plant to reach its full potential. It would also be wise to use the Seeding Square for placing the seeds to avoid overcrowding your plants.

Start with a small garden (2×2 or 4×4). If you choose to make a raised bed, as most square-foot gardeners do, your first task is to make the frame. It would be ideal to use cypress, but if it exceeds your budget, you can use any rot-resistant wood safe for planting (even scrap wood). If you plan to grow root veggies, your bed needs to be at least 8 inches deep.

Once the bed is in place, you need to fill it with a high-quality soil that retains the water and nutrients. It is advisable to mix it with compost, manure, and peat moss. If you want to save some money, you can fill the bottom of your garden bed with some cut twigs and put the soil mixture on top.

It’s finally time for planting. You can choose your plants as you wish but consider their height to prevent tall plants from overshadowing others. It does not mean you should avoid plants that grow upwards. On the contrary, plant as many space-saving vining plants as your garden and the plant’s spacing needs allow for! When planted correctly, they work to your advantage. Therefore, place them on the north side of your bed to secure adequate sun dosage for smaller sun-loving plants. If your seedlings prefer shade, position the tall greenery in the middle of your garden bed to keep everyone happy.

Walla! Your square foot garden is completed! All you have to do now is keep it well-hydrated. Remember, the soil in raised beds drains water well. During summer, check daily to ensure your soil is moist at least 2” below the surface. Overwatering your plants can damage their roots. The good news is that you won’t have to weed your square foot garden nearly as often as you would a traditional one, especially if you plant your greens close to each other.

We wish you all the best in your SFG adventure and hope you’ll enjoy plenty of fresh and tasty produce. There is nothing more rewarding than growing your own food!

For all your gardening supplies visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today! We have what you need to get your garden growing healthy and abundant. From seeds and soil to fertilizer, gardening tools and natural plant products, we have a great selection at great value prices!!

Originally Posted On: https://wp.nyu.edu/mind/2022/03/30/how-to-plan-your-first-square-foot-garden/

Essential Spring Cleaning Tips

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:28:33 GMT

5 Essential Spring Cleaning Tips to Blow Out the Cobwebs

If you’re like most Americans, the first warm days of spring will prompt one popular household activity: spring cleaning. Research shows that over three-quarters of us participate in this annual tradition each year.

Of course, no matter the size of your home, it’s safe to say that cleaning everything inside of it can be pretty overwhelming. How can you clear away the clutter and create a healthier living space without losing your focus or motivation?

We’ve got you covered! Let’s take a look at our five favorite tips to clear away the cobwebs each spring.

1. Make a Plan of Attack

Before you launch into your spring cleaning checklist, take some time to organize your attack. Cleaning in a set order can help ensure that you don’t miss a single speck of dust!

There are two great spring cleaning tips that we love for this.

First, clean room by room, which gives you time for deep cleaning and makes it easier to clear clutter bit by bit. Next, clean from top to bottom—literally—to remove dust, debris, and clutter as you go. This means dusting everything above your head, cleaning things at eye level, and then moving on to floor and carpet cleaning.

2. Set Up an Area for Sorting

With any spring cleaning, it’s inevitable that you’ll find belongings you no longer want or need in your home. To that end, set up a sorting area to store these things for the duration of your cleaning. Create space for multiple categories as needed: trash, donation, out-of-home storage, belongings to sell, and belongings that should be returned to their owners.

3. Get the Family Involved

Cleaning should be a whole-house endeavor, no matter how old your children are! If you don’t already have a chore chart, consider creating one that you can fill with age-appropriate chores. With everyone pitching in, the work will go much faster.

4. Make Time for Seasonal Chores

Spring cleaning is a great moment for decluttering, but it’s also a good time to tackle the seasonal chores you may have been putting off. This includes safety items like changing the batteries in your smoke detector as well as annual tasks like a visual inspection of your roof. Don’t forget about outdoor chores to freshen up your backyard living area, like cleaning your patio furniture!

5. Don’t Do It All At Once

If done well, a deep cleaning of your home can take more than a single day. Instead of trying to pack every task on your list, make a plan that works with your household’s schedule. This might mean cleaning different rooms over a few weekends, for example, or it might mean cleaning in thirty-minute chunks every evening.

Get More Out of Your Spring Cleaning

We get it: regular cleaning can be a struggle, and spring cleaning can feel like a monumental task. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way! The tips above can help you stay on track during your decluttering and deep cleaning, allowing you to get more done fast.

For all the essential spring cleaning tools and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to clean and organize your home this spring. We can help you get the job done right!!

Originally Posted On: https://ecoglowcleaning.com/5-essential-spring-cleaning-tips-to-blow-out-the-cobwebs/

Car Maintenance Checklist

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:01:36 GMT

The Ultimate Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

What should you get done to your car during the spring? Check out our ultimate Spring car maintenance checklist for everything you need.

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s essential to do a spring car maintenance checkup. You need to do a few things to prepare your vehicle for the spring and summer months.

Check out our ultimate Spring car maintenance checklist to ensure your car is in top condition. We’ve got you covered, from checking the oil level to changing the air filter.

You don’t want to wait until your car breaks down in the middle of summer – be proactive and take care of it now! Please read through our spring car maintenance checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for the warmer weather.

Don’t wait – read our spring car maintenance checklist now and make sure your car is ready for summer!

Oil and Oil Filter Change

How can you tell if your vehicle’s oil is low? Look for the low-oil warning light on your dash. If this light comes on, your oil level is too low, and you need to add more.

You may also hear a whining noise from your engine if your oil level is low. If you notice any of these signs, add more oil as soon as possible.

If you’re unsure when your car needs an oil change, consult your car’s owner manual. It should have information on when the manufacturer recommends changing your oil.

Also, the last person who changed your oil may have placed an informative sticker on the inside corner of your windshield.

You can also check the condition of your oil by looking at it yourself (if your car has a dipstick). The oil should be a dark brown or black color, and it shouldn’t be too thick or too thin. If it’s significantly different from what the owner manual says or looks strange, it’s probably time for an oil change.

Car Battery Test

The best way to test your car’s battery is to use a voltmeter. Place the voltmeter’s positive lead on the battery’s positive terminal and the negative lead on the negative terminal. If the reading is 12.6 volts or higher, the battery is fine. If it’s 12.5 volts or lower, the battery may need to be replaced.

Another way to test your battery is by starting the car. If it takes longer than usual for the engine to start, or if the engine makes a clicking noise, the battery may need to be replaced.

You should also test your car’s battery every time you change the oil. This will help you keep track of the battery’s condition and avoid being stranded with a dead battery.

Check Tire Pressure and Wear

You can use a regular tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure. You can buy one at any hardware store. Remove the cap from the valve stem on your tire. Place the gauge over the stem, and release the air until you have a reading.

You can also check for wear by looking at the tread on your tires. If the tread is worn down to less than 1/8th of an inch, it’s time for new tires.

Check Wiper Blades and Wiper Fluid

To check your car’s wiper blades, lift each blade away from the windshield and look at the rubber. If it is cracked or torn, you will need to replace it.

Replacing a wiper blade is a relatively simple task. All you need is a screwdriver and a new blade.

Park your car in a safe location and pop the hood. Locate the wiper arm, which is the metal arm that the blade attaches to. Use the screwdriver to remove the bolt that holds the wiper blade in place.

Remove the old blade and insert the new blade. Ensure that it’s securely attached to the arm. Replace the bolt and tighten it with the screwdriver. Then close the hood and enjoy streak-free windshields!

To check your wiper fluid, open the hood of your car and locate the reservoir. The reservoir should be marked and have a fill line. If the fluid is below the fill line, add more liquid until it reaches the line.

All Lights and Bulbs

It’s good to check all your car’s lights and bulbs every month. Ensure that you check the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

The best way to check your car’s lights is to get close and look at them. Walk around your car and test each one. Are they all working? Are any of them burned out? If any of the lights are out, replace the bulb immediately. It’s not safe to drive with a broken light.

If you’re not comfortable checking the lights yourself, you can always take your car to a mechanic to have them check it for you. It’s a good idea to do this regularly, especially before taking long road trips.

Air Filter Changed

The air filter in your car helps keep the engine clean by trapping dirt and dust. If the air filter is clogged, it can’t do its job correctly and can cause damage to the engine.

Open the hood and locate the air filter box to check your car’s air filter. The air filter is usually a rectangular box located near the front of the engine. Once you have found the air filter box, remove the lid and look at the air filter. If the air filter is dirty and covered in dust, you need to replace it.

Checking your filter regular is an easy task that you can usually do yourself. But you can also take it to a mechanic to have them do it for you.

Your Spring Car Maintenance Checklist Is Done

Now that you’ve gone through our spring car maintenance checklist, your car should be in good shape for the warmer months ahead. Be sure to follow the tips we’ve provided and consult your owner’s manual for more information on how to care for your vehicle.

Check out the True Value Automotive Department for all the cleaners, fluids, oils, wiper blades, air filters, tire gauges, car accessories and other supplies you need to maintain your vehicles this spring!!

Originally Posted On: https://www.extracareautonh.com/post/the-ultimate-spring-car-maintenance-checklist

Spring Tree Maintenance

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:46:33 GMT

9 Spring Tree Maintenance Tips

Are you among the 77% of American households who will participate in spring cleaning this year? After you tend to the chores around your home, don’t forget to spend time doing outdoor spring cleaning tasks as well.

Since spring is when the earth comes back to life and plants start to bloom again, it’s the perfect time to take care of tree maintenance tasks you may have been putting off.

If you’re not sure about proper spring tree care, you’ve come to the right place for help!

Keep reading to learn about the most important tree maintenance tips to do in the spring to help your trees thrive all year long.

1. Inspect Trees for Winter Damage

During the chilly winter months, your trees are susceptible to damage from sleet and rain.

Start by taking a close look at your trees to see if you notice any signs of damage. Some of the most common signs are broken limbs strewn across your property and splintered bark.

If your trees have exposed roots, pay careful attention to them, as they’re more susceptible to serious winter damage.

2. Clean the Area Around the Trees

It’s natural for your yard to be neglected during the winter. Once you notice the first signs of spring, it’s a great time to go out and pick up any debris that’s fallen under your trees. Rake up fallen leaves and twigs, so that you’re giving your trees a nice, fresh start for the new season.

Best of all, you’ll not only be helping your trees, but you could help yourself as well. Research shows that spending time outdoors can be an effective way to boost your mood and improve your overall mental health.

3. Prune Your Trees

Once you’ve cleared out the space around the base of the tree, it’s time to focus on the tree itself. Prune away any damaged, broken, or dead branches that are still attached to the tree.

This will give the tree the space it needs for the new growth of healthy limbs. It can also help contribute to the overall health of your tree. And, regular pruning may deter pests from infesting the area.

4. Check for and Remove Pests

Speaking of pests, they’re attracted to trees during the winter, so it’s important to look out for potential infestations come spring. If you’re not the squeamish type, you can remove smaller pests like caterpillars from the area yourself. However, be sure to wear gloves and take safety precautions when doing so, as you might be allergic to the bugs without realizing it.

Alternatively, you can spray the area with a hose to drive out harmful pests naturally.

5. Promote Healthy Trees by Fertilizing Them

Fertilizing your trees in the spring is one of the best things you can do to keep them healthy. When trees grow in nature, they’re naturally fertilized each year, thanks to decaying materials around them.

However, the trees in your yard need extra help to stay healthy. By fertilizing your trees in the spring, you’ll help them to build immunity against pests and diseases, so they have the nutrients they need to thrive.

6. Lay Down New Mulch

When’s the last time you put out new mulch in your garden? While many people like mulch because it adds to the curb appeal of a yard, it actually plays an important part in tree growth too.

When you apply mulch underneath a tree, it helps prevent weeds and keeps in moisture from dew and rain. It can also benefit the soil, which, in turn, benefits your trees.

However, when you lay down mulch, take care not to put it too close to the tree trunk and don’t apply a high layer of it. When mulch is over the tree trunk, it can become too much of a good thing. Eventually, it can damage the tree’s roots and allow too much moisture to build up, which can cause deterioration.

7. Water Your Trees

Most of the time, you probably assume that your trees get enough water from rainfall. While this is mostly true, it’s important to water your trees in the spring, when the soil is soft and ready to absorb nutrients.

This will help your tree to bloom properly and encourage healthy new leaf growth as the weather continues to get warmer. If you don’t want to spend time watering the trees yourself, you can install a soaking irrigation system to deliver the water to the tree’s roots.

8. Plant New Trees

If you’ve been thinking about new adding more trees to your yard, there’s no better time to do it than in the spring. Before you start planting, be sure to do some research about which types of trees will thrive most in this area.

You should also get guidance about where to plant new trees, so they don’t overcrowd your existing trees.

9. Consult With an Expert

If you have any concerns about your trees, springtime is the perfect opportunity to talk with an expert arborist about any questions you may have. In doing so, you can prevent costly damage down the road.

For tree pruning tools and equipment, chainsaws, protective gear and more visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today. We've got the supplies you need to get the job done right! All at our Great Value prices!!

Originally Posted On: 9 Spring Tree Maintenance Tips (aaatrees.net)

Plan Your Outdoor Oasis

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:58:10 GMT

Planning Your Outdoor Space

Intentionally developing your outdoor space is an excellent way to improve the quality of your home and your life. But similar to renovating an interior area of your home, remaking your lawn and garden is not (always) without its challenges. Incomplete planning can end up exceeding your budget, or worse, leave you feeling unsatisfied with the end result.

What kind of outdoor space do you want? This may seem like a simple question, but with so many choices available in outdoor design, it’s worth really taking some time to envision what you hope your space becomes. Do you want an outdoor living room where you can relax with your friends and family? Or do you visualize an outdoor dining room and kitchen?

Perhaps you’re less concerned with having space to entertain and drawn more to the idea of having a robust garden, featuring a wide assortment of plant life? Any of these options (or a combination thereof) can be achieved, but having a sense of how you want the space to function will drive how your space gets laid out. What challenges are unique to your space? Your outdoor area probably has positive qualities as well as problems to solve.

Just like planning your kitchen or vacation, it is important to think through all of the considerations. Is your space limited in size, hence requires clever planning? Too much sun, shade, or wind? Do you have standing water after it rains? Are you in close proximity to your neighbors and therefore need to keep them in mind when you plan your design? It’s important to know what may be potential problems as you begin so, if needed, creative measures can be taken to solve them.

For example, you’re not likely to want to place furniture in an area where it bakes in the sun all day. Or if your space is particularly windy, you’ll want plants that are resistant to the damage it can cause. Being mindful of your unique circumstances will ensure a smoother process.

How much time and energy do you have for maintenance? Just as the inside of your home needs routine care and maintenance, so too will your outdoor space. Are you someone who enjoys spending time caring for plants every weekend, or do you need more of a “hands-off” garden? Does the idea of having to winterize an outdoor kitchen stress you out? Are you comfortable with the thought of employing a fine gardening team keep your property looking great so all you have to do is enjoy?

Having realistic expectations of your time and interest level can help guarantee that your yard and garden do not end up becoming an irritating presence in your life. How much money do you want to spend? Nobody likes to think about the expense that comes with home-improvement projects. In reality, though, projects cost money and most of us don’t know what to expect.

Online designers can help demystify the costs of many well-loved outdoor features like a patio, walkway, lawn, etc. You may be surprised to learn how much it cost to install the outdoor kitchen you had hoped for, or, on the contrary, you may be surprised to find furniture that is quite affordable. We find that thinking about developing and installing functional and beautiful outdoor space is much like the investment you would make inside the house. The costs can be similar.

Make sure you know what your priorities are, as well as what you can do without (for the time being, at least), and adjust your budget accordingly. Fortunately, when it comes to designing your outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to be flexible and creative such as incorporating landscape lighting design to enhance the ambiance.

For all your lawn, garden and outdoor patio projects be sure to visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore soon for the supplies you'll need to create your perfect backyard oasis!

Originally Posted On : https://christiedustman.com/planning-your-outdoor-space/

Cordless Portable Garden Pruner

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:08:49 GMT

STIHL GTA 26 – Battery-powered Garden Pruner

The STIHL GTA 26 battery-powered garden pruner delivers with power and precision to help you get your yard and landscaping ready for the spring and summer gardening season. STIHL products and outdoor power equipment available at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore (Authorized STIHL Dealer)

ABOUT STIHL INC.: STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America*, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among U.S. landscape professionals**, and the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL also offers a full line of battery powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the professional and consumer.

STIHL products are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast—not big-box stores. Located in Virginia Beach, Va., STIHL Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the global STIHL Group, exports to more than 80 countries around the world, and the majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America. ***STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL Dealer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit STIHLusa.com.

*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2021 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers. **“Number one selling” claim based on 2007-2021 syndicated Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper market. ***A majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America of U.S. and foreign materials.

Home Organization Guide

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:41:50 GMT

30 Day Home Organization Challenge

A cluttered home creates tension and anxiety. A home should be a relaxing space where you can unwind and relax from the demands of day-to-day life. But full schedules packed full of work, social engagements, and extracurricular activities, leaving little time to keep house.

30 Day Home Organization Challenge

Good organization is the framework for a tidy, well-kept, and low-maintenance household. When everything has a place it is easier to keep track of where everything goes. By spending just one hour or less per day on re-organizing your home, you can spend less time doing housework and more time focusing on the people and things that are important in life.

With that in mind use the coming month as a challenge to organize your house! This challenge will not only result in you having an organized house, but will impact your emotional well being as well if you truly follow it.
Here’s what you need to focus one each day for the next 30 days:

Day One: Create a System for Shoes, Coats, and Backpacks
Whether you have a mudroom, foyer, or a front door that opens directly into the living area you have probably noticed that shoes, coats, and backpacks tend to gather at the entrance that is most used. Hands down, my biggest challenge in herding everyone’s shoes as they enter the house and take them off.

Day Two: Dress Up Pantry Organization with Custom Labeled Containers
Personal die-cutting machines like models from Cricut and Silhouette have changed the game for making labels. Even if you do not own one of the machines, you may be able to get access to one at your local library or craft store. Buy a set of high quality clear, airtight storage containers in either BPA-free plastic or glass and cut labels from adhesive sign vinyl in any font or design that you like.

Day Three: Make Weeknight Meal Prep a Breeze
Purchase five to seven plastic bins that are large enough to hold the ingredients for each meal. Label each container with a day of the week. Plan out meals on Sundays and place the ingredients that you will need in the baskets for each day. When you come home during the week, grab the basket for that day and make your meal.

Day Four: Create a Document Organizer for the Glove Box
Insurance cards, vehicle registration, maintenance records, warranty information, and roadside assistance contacts are just some of the very important information that you should keep in the glove box. Instead of stuffing a bunch of papers in the glove compartment, purchase an envelope size expanding file and dedicate one divider to each category. This fits inside the glovebox and keeps important documents handy when you need them most.

Day Five: Ditch the Filing Cabinet and Go Paperless
How many paper statements do you receive in the mail each month? After opening them, what do you do with them? Is it really necessary to receive a paper copy? Go through your statements and sign up for paperless billing. It might give you peace of mind to keep a hard copy of insurance policies, but even these are available electronically. All digital files can be backed up to cloud storage to make sure that they are never lost.

For those files you absolutely must retain, use our COMPONO Hanging File Folder Organize available in Black or Cream on our website, our through Amazon. These keep all your important paperwork right where you can easily get to it PLUS they free up valuable space on your desk as they hang over your Office Door:

Day Six: Organize Kids Toys with Plastic Totes
Is the inside of your child’s toy box a seemingly bottomless pit of pieces and parts? Group toys by type and store in individual plastic bins with lids and labels. Put food toys in one bin and play dough in another. Only allow one box at a time to be out and make sure that all components are back in the box when it is put away. Organizing kid’s toys can be a quick way to cut the clutter and tidy up the home.

Day Seven: Purge the Medicine Cabinet
Sometimes organizing is just as simple as getting rid of all of the old, expired and unnecessary stuff. Remove every item from the cabinet. Then go through items one at a time and toss anything that is expired or no longer being used. Leaving what remains, group medications by likeness. Cough and cold, allergy, prescription, first aid, and digestive medications should all be easy to locate when needed and it makes the most sense to group them together.

Day Eight: Update Medical Records
Keeping important data up-to-date and organized where it can be found easily is as important as keeping your physical space organized. Despite the adoption of electronic record keeping by healthcare facilities, it is still surprisingly difficult to share information between your primary and a hospital or specialist, A personal copy of medical records for every person in your family is important when you change doctors or see a new doctor, have a personal emergency, or are involved in a natural disaster.

If you are starting from scratch, include:
current medications
chronic medical conditions and treatment history
past surgeries and procedures
Recent test results
List of immunizations
Notes on family history

Day Nine: Clean Up Your Inbox and Unsubscribe to Emails
Your digital world needs as much attention as your physical world. Email accounts can easily be overrun with junk emails and forgotten subscriptions. Take a few minutes to clean up your inbox by unsubscribing to email lists and blocking junk emails. …However, please subscribe to our Newsletter for more helpful tips!!

Day Ten: Create a Portable Wrapping Center for Gift-giving Occasions
Gather all of your supplies like rolls of wrapping paper, scotch tape, scissors, ribbon, and bows. Choose a container or system. Depending on what type of space you have available, there are some nice over-the-door systems that can be used on the inside of a closet door. Or, under bed storage boxes that slide out of sight when not being used.

Day Eleven: Dump Unfinished Projects

Whatever your hobby or craft, clean up your supplies and organize your space by letting go of those unfinished and long-forgotten projects that you have been storing. Purge supplies keeping only what you are currently using. If you are a crafter, limit supplies only to your craft of choice.

Day Twelve: Clean Up the Spice Rack

Whether you use a cabinet, rack, or drawer, kitchen spices can easily get out of control. Choose a place in your kitchen near the stove to store your spices. Buy new containers and labels to store your spices. Uniform jars look tidier than a hodgepodge of retail containers. Toss any old or unused spices and keep the ones that you actually use.

Day Thirteen: Clean out a Closet

Choose your biggest problem child. Maybe that is your coat closet that always ends up with a pile of shoes and a coat or two on the floor, or seasonal storage full of broken baubles and smashed wreaths. Whatever closet in your house is the epitome of the black hole, make a plan to get in under control and organize your closet.

Day Fourteen: Purge Cosmetics and Hygiene Products

If your morning beauty routine includes sorting through a stash of half-used and broken cosmetic pallets it is time to clean that up. Not only are cosmetics prone to harboring bacteria that can cause skin infections or make you sick, but these products have proper expiration dates and should be tossed when expired. Don’t wear makeup, check your bathroom cabinets for old or unused hygiene products like soaps and lotions.

Day Fifteen: Create or Update a Family Emergency Plan

A family emergency plan is always a good idea to have in place. Emergencies that may force evacuation or disrupt communications are unpredictable. A family emergency plan is the best way to make sure that all members of your family are reunited quickly and have the essentials needed to survive until more help arrives. Take time to intentionally make a plan, record important information like school telephone numbers and medical information, and stock up on supplies.

Day Sixteen: Organize the Catch-all or ‘Junk’ Drawer

Everyone has at least one of these in their home. The place where you stash spare batteries, rubber bands, a flashlight, a multi-tool, and countless other gadgets. The problem is this random collection of ‘junk’ is the very definition of clutter. It hides in a drawer, but it is still clutter. Give the junk drawer a little purpose with interior organizers that provide a compartment for each type of item. Empty the entire drawer and only replace items that are useful and do not have a more appropriate home.

Day Seventeen: Purge Kids Clothes

If you have kids, you know that they outgrow their clothes seemingly overnight. Take time to go through their closets and drawers and pull out any clothing items that they have outgrown. Group by size and season and sell in bulk lots on local garage sale pages to make a little cash.

Day Eighteen: Consolidate Family Photos and Order Prints

As cameras have become more accessible and digital photography has become the standard, we all have to be a little more intentional about printing our photos. Take a few minutes to backup photos with cloud storage. Pick a few of your favorites and print them.

Day Nineteen: Employ the Use of Clutter Catchers

Put a basket in the areas where clutter seems to gather like a bin in your child’s closet to toss clothing in as soon as you notice it is too small. Put another basket by the front door to place outgoing things in like mail for the post office. Put a basket at the bottom of the stairs to collect items that need to go upstairs.

Day Twenty: Fight Clutter on Top of the Refrigerator

I think this one is hard for some families because the top of the refrigerator is easy and out of the way. We institute a strict ‘nothing on top of the refrigerator’ policy. But, if that is not feasible, try buying a basket that fits on top of your refrigerator to collect the clutter and hide it from plain view.

Day Twenty-One: Clean up Under the Sink

Hands down, one of the best improvements I have made is to line the interior of my under sink cabinets with cuts of laminate flooring. It is more durable than contact paper and protects the cabinet from leaking cleaners which are often corrosive. My second favorite is a tension rod to hang spray bottles on.

Day Twenty-Two: Organize the Tool Bench

Whether your idea of handy is a fully-stocked garage workshop or a box of mix-matched tools and a Youtube video, a little organization can help you find the right tools at the right time. Get your garage (or shed) in order with these tips.

Day Twenty-Three: Stage a Bookshelf

Interior designers will tell you that bookshelves are not just for storing books. In fact, they shouldn’t look like a library shelf at all. The whole room will look better, and less cluttered if you learn to style a shelf with empty space and groups of three to five items.

Day Twenty-Four: Get Organized for Tax Time

No one likes to pay taxes, but you can make it a little easier on yourself by getting a few things in order before it is time to file. Clean up your home office and collect the information that you might need for filing taxes like medical bills, receipts for major purchases, and proof of income.

Day Twenty-Five: Organize Inside the Refrigerator

Make weekday lunches a breeze by bagging snacks and treats ahead of time and storing them in a plastic bin inside the refrigerator. If you are not sure how to make sense of your refrigerator, try putting leftovers on upper shelves and raw ingredients on lower shelves. All condiments in the door panels.

Day Twenty-Six: Create a Chore Chart for the Kids

Visualizing the chores and money earned for those chores is a great tool to motivate your kids. A chart that is easy to read by everyone will help you keep your kids accountable for completing their chores regularly and in a timely manner

Day Twenty-Seven: Organize Outfits for the Week

Stop fighting with your kids and simplify morning routines by creating a space to store their outfits for the week. A plastic multi-drawer unit with weekday labels is a perfect idea. Make a habit out of filling the drawers for the week on Sunday evening.

Day Twenty-Eight: Purge Media

Are you still hanging on to CDs, DVDs or, (gasp) VHS tapes? It is probably time to clean up old and outdated media and donate titles that are no longer being used.

Day Twenty-Nine: Create a Technology Charging Station

Tablets, cell phones, and other devices probably occupy most of your outlets overnight. Tidy the mess of cords and electronics with a charging station that has multiple slots to hold devices while they charge. All of the cords are kept tidy and in one place so no one has to fight over who gets to charge their devices first.

Day Thirty: Take Control of Your Cleaning Supplies

Do you really need a cabinet full of products and potions to have a clean house? Purge your stash of cleaning supplies and get rid of anything that is dangerous, not used, and potentially expired. Keep one good glass cleaner and one disinfectant. Use a couple of different colors of towels to color code cleaning areas. Put all products into one cleaning tote with a handle that can be carried from room to room. Store only the tote in your cleaning supplies cabinet.

For storage bins, shelving, cleaning supplies, tool boxes and other organizational products visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We'll help you get your projects done right!

Excerpt from article originally posted on: https://www.compono.life/blogs/home/30-day-home-organization-challenge

Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:03:57 GMT

Home Improvement Tips to Save on Your Electricity Bill

Electricity bills can be a source of financial strain for many homeowners. But did you know that simple home improvement can help reduce your electricity bill? These tips can help you save money on your energy consumption while making your home more comfortable.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

HVAC systems are responsible for a significant portion of your energy bill. Proper maintenance and upgrading to energy-efficient equipment can make a huge difference in your monthly bill.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a simple upgrade that can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills. It allows you to set the temperature in your home based on your schedule. For example, you can program the thermostat to reduce the temperature during the day when you are at work or asleep at night. You can also program it to increase the temperature when you are home and awake.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Dirty air filters can cause your HVAC system to work harder, which uses more energy and increases your energy bills. Replace your air filters regularly to keep your system running efficiently.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can cause your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills. Check your home for air leaks and seal them using weatherstripping or caulk.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment

If your HVAC system is old, installing a new energy-efficient HVAC model can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills. Energy Star-certified systems are designed to use less energy while still maintaining the same level of comfort.

Lighting

Lighting can account for a significant portion of your electricity bill. Making simple changes to your lighting can help you save money on your energy bills.

Switch to LED Lights

LED lights are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, which can help reduce your energy bills. They also last longer, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

Use Natural Light

Maximize the natural light in your home by opening curtains and blinds during the day. This can help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and save you money on your energy bills.

Install Motion Sensors

Installing motion sensors in rooms that are not frequently used, such as hallways and bathrooms, can help reduce your energy consumption. The lights will only turn on when someone enters the room and turn off automatically when they leave.

Appliances

Appliances account for a significant portion of your energy bill. Making simple changes to the way you use your appliances can help you save money on your energy bills.

Use the Dishwasher and Washing Machine Efficiently

Using your dishwasher and washing machine efficiently can help reduce your energy bills. Make sure you are only running full loads, use the appropriate water temperature, and air dry when possible.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Even when appliances are turned off, they can still consume energy if they are plugged in. Unplug appliances when they are not in use to save energy and money on your energy bills.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

If your appliances are old, upgrading to energy-efficient models can help reduce your energy bills. Energy Star-certified appliances are designed to use less energy while still providing the same level of performance.

Conclusion

Reducing your energy bills doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simple home improvements, such as upgrading to energy-efficient equipment and changing the way you use your appliances, can make a huge difference in your monthly bill. By implementing these tips, you can save money on your energy bills while making your home more comfortable.

For programmable thermostat, air filters, weatherstripping, caulk, LED lighting, motion sensors, and other energy saving home improvements, visit Reedsburg True Value today!

Originally Posted On: https://becoolachouston.com/home-improvement-tips-to-save-on-your-electricity-bill/

Gas Snow Blower Basics

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:51:05 GMT

How to Choose the Right Gas Snow Blower

When snow begins to accumulate, this is when you need to begin clearing your home's walkways and driveways.

Using a snow blower or snow thrower can help alleviate the health risk of manually shoveling wet, heavy snow. These durable machines are a real investment in your home's maintenance that you'll use year after year.

It's important to choose the size and features that most benefit you and your property.

Lightweight snow blowers are great for small jobs such as clearing decks, patios, sidewalks and smaller driveways. They require some pushing to clear snow up to 12" deep. They need very little maintenance and are compact enough to store easily when not in use.

Gas Single-Stage Snow Blowers

Perfect for clearing snow up to 8" from mid-sized paved areas, single-stage snow blowers are lightweight and easy to control, the front auger contacts the ground to propel, or move them forward, as it directs snow into the discharge chute.

• Sufficient for areas with fluffy, light to moderate snowfalls of 3 to 5 inches.

• Enough power to adequately throw snow away from a short or narrow driveway.

Gas Dual-Stage Snow Blowers

Dual-stage snow blowers are engineered to clear heavy, wet snow of 6 to 12" and over from large areas, such as long driveways. The impeller helps prevent wet snow from clogging, and the serrated auger cuts through hard-packed snow and ice.

Two-stage discharge throws snow faster and farther than single-stage models and is a good choice for most homeowners.

• 1st Stage: Auger breaks up snow and throws it to the back of the unit.

• 2nd Stage: A high-speed impeller behind the auger pulls the snow up and out of the chute.

Extra Features to Consider:

• Single-Hand Chute Operation: Allows easy on-the-go snow throwing direction and height adjustment.

• Speed Control: Multiple forward and reverse speeds help set a comfortable walking pace.

• Power Steering: Effortless trigger-control operation provides easy maneuverability in most snow conditions.

• Tire Chains: Add traction in slippery conditions.

• Light Kit: For night or early morning operation.

Visit Reedsburg True Value for the best value in snow blowers and snow removal equipment. We have what you need to get the job done right!

ICE FISHING TIPS

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 01:26:54 GMT

Pike Fishing in the Winter

Pike Fishing in the Winter

So you want to go freeze in the winter to catch some pike? Hell yeah!

Let’s just be clear, we never freeze when we go ice fishing thanks to a portable heater in a pop up ice fishing tent. On the nice days, we do not bother setting up a warm spot to go, but when it’s a little chilly for our liking or we decide to stay to go ice fishing we are warm..

Besides being warm, let’s talk about pike fishing. You might wonder why a person would actually want to catch a pike. For us, we really enjoy eating winter pike. Others find them fun to fish in summer and in the winter.
Why do pike act different in the winter?

In the winter, pike tend to be lazier then in the summertime. This means they are not as active. For instance, in the summer months pike like to chase a flashy spoon and they slam your bait. In the winter, under the ice, the pike prefer a dead bait, or a bait that is not hard to catch.

Where to catch pike under the ice?

In the lake silly! Sorry a little humor there. Seriously though, in the winter pike tend to travel to different areas of a lake depending on the time of winter it is. But most of the time, you can target winter pike in depths of 15 to 30 feet of water.

During mid winter pike tend to move deeper keeping their usual hide and attack method in place. This means they will be found around structure such as rocky bottoms and live weeds.

What is your favorite time to pike fish? Let’s read it below!

As the ice starts to melt out, winter pike can be found cruising closer to shore.

Pike Ice Fishing on a Tip Up

As the pike fishing in the winter comes to an end in our area, we still enjoy getting out on the lake. The months March and April seem to produce more pike ice fishing bites. Pike tend to spawn this time and go on a feeding frenzy just before spawn.

For the best value on ice fishing gear and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today!

Originally Posted On: https://thisandthatmind.com/pike-fishing-in-the-winter/

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:36:13 GMT

JANUARY 2025 BARGAINS OF THE MONTH - Prices valid 1/1 - 1/31-2025

January 2025 Bargains of the Month have arrived! Shop early for best selection, while supplies last...

How-to Share Some Holiday Joy

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:18:52 GMT

Embracing the Spirit of Giving Back: A Holiday Guide to Spreading Joy

The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness. It’s a time when the spirit of giving is palpable in the air, and many people seek meaningful ways to make a positive impact on others’ lives. As we embrace the festive cheer, let’s explore the various ways we can give back during the holidays and create lasting memories for ourselves and those around us.

1. Volunteering Opportunities: A Gift of Time

One of the most impactful ways to give back during the holidays is by volunteering your time to those in need. Local shelters, food banks, and community organizations often have an increased demand for assistance during this season. Whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen, participating in a toy drive, or offering your skills to a charitable cause, your time can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Consider organizing a volunteer day with friends, family, or coworkers. It’s not just about the act of giving but also about creating shared experiences and fostering a sense of community. The memories created through volunteering together can be cherished for a lifetime.

2. Adopt-a-Family Programs: Bringing Joy to Homes

Many communities and organizations run adopt-a-family programs during the holidays. These initiatives match individuals or groups with families who may be facing financial hardships, ensuring they have a festive and memorable holiday season. Participants typically provide gifts, food, and other essentials to the adopted family, bringing joy and relief during what might be a challenging time.

Get involved by reaching out to local charities, schools, or religious organizations that organize adopt-a-family programs. The act of carefully selecting gifts and necessities for a family in need can be a heartwarming experience for both the giver and the receiver.

3. Charitable Donations: Making an Impact Beyond Borders

In the spirit of giving, consider making charitable donations to organizations that align with your values and causes close to your heart. Whether it’s contributing to global initiatives, supporting local charities, or donating to a specific cause, every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.

To involve others in your giving journey, consider organizing a donation drive among friends, family, or coworkers. Create a collection point for items such as clothing, toys, or non-perishable food items and coordinate a drop-off at a local charity. By pooling resources, you can amplify the impact of your collective generosity.

4. Random Acts of Kindness: Spreading Joy Wherever You Go

Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of giving are the unexpected ones. Embrace the holiday spirit by engaging in random acts of kindness. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee in line behind you, leaving positive notes in public spaces, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need, these small gestures can have a ripple effect of positivity.

Challenge yourself to perform a certain number of random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season. Encourage friends and family to join in, and share your experiences on social media to inspire others to do the same. The beauty of these acts lies in their simplicity and the genuine joy they bring to both the giver and the receiver.

5. Hosting a Community Event: Celebrating Together

Bring your community together by organizing a festive event that not only spreads holiday cheer but also serves a charitable purpose. Host a holiday market where local artisans can showcase their crafts, with a portion of the proceeds going to a chosen charity. Alternatively, organize a charity run, walk, or cycling event to raise funds for a cause that matters to you.

Community events provide an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate the season, and contribute to a shared goal. The sense of camaraderie fostered during these events can have a lasting positive impact on the community.

6. DIY Gifts and Crafts: Adding a Personal Touch

Gift-giving is a cherished tradition during the holidays, and making your gifts adds a personal touch that is both thoughtful and meaningful. Consider creating handmade gifts or crafts that can be given to friends, family, or even strangers. From knitted scarves to personalized ornaments, the possibilities are endless.

Engage others in the joy of crafting by organizing a DIY gift-making workshop. This can be a fun and creative way to spend time with loved ones while simultaneously creating gifts that carry sentimental value.

7. Supporting Local Businesses: Boosting the Community

The holiday season is a critical time for local businesses, and supporting them can be a form of giving back to your community. Choose to shop locally for gifts, decorations, and festive treats. By doing so, you contribute to the vibrancy of your community, help sustain local businesses, and foster a sense of unity.

Consider organizing a “Shop Local” campaign in your community to encourage others to support local businesses. Share recommendations, create a local business directory, and highlight the unique offerings of your community. This collective effort can make a significant impact on the economic well-being of the neighborhood.

8. Environmental Stewardship: Giving Back to the Planet

In addition to giving back to people, consider giving back to the planet during the holiday season. Embrace eco-friendly practices by reducing waste, recycling, and minimizing your carbon footprint. Choose sustainable gift-wrapping options, opt for locally sourced products, and encourage others to adopt environmentally conscious habits.

Organize a community clean-up event or tree-planting activity to involve others in environmental stewardship. By combining the spirit of giving with a commitment to the planet, you contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

The True Spirit of Giving

As we navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let’s remember that the true spirit of giving lies in the joy we bring to others. Whether through volunteering, charitable donations, or acts of kindness, each gesture, no matter how small, contributes to a collective effort of spreading love and positivity.

This holiday season, consider amplifying your impact by supporting causes through your purchases. Explore the stylish and purpose-driven collection at One Love Apparel, where each purchase contributes to a rotating charity. Shop with a purpose, and together, let’s embody the true essence of the season—the joy of giving from the heart.

Discover more about One Love Apparel’s mission and shop consciously this holiday season. Your choice to give back through fashion is a step toward creating positive change in the world. Embrace the power you hold to make a difference in the lives of those around us. By giving back, we not only create a sense of community and togetherness but also embody the true essence of the season – the joy of giving, One Love at a time.

For DIY Gifts and Craft Supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today! For holiday donations we have many store departments to inspire your holiday gift giving ideas. From housewares, toys and small appliances to farm and garden supplies, we have something for everyone to enjoy! Check out our Monthly Bargains and current Sale Promotions...

Originally Posted On: https://oneloveapparel.com/blogs/news/embracing-the-spirit-of-giving-back-a-holiday-guide-to-spreading-joy

Energy Saving Solutions

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:48:39 GMT

Energy-Saving Solutions: How to Lower Your Heating Costs During Winter

Are you surprised by the fact that heating and cooling our homes accounts for 12% of our energy bills?

If you live somewhere that gets freezing during the winter, then you may feel like your heating costs are out of control. Instead of bundling up and suffering in a chilly house, you should try to figure out unique ways you can lower your bills.

The great news is that there are tons of proven techniques that can keep your home toasty on a budget. Keep reading this article so you can learn the smartest tricks to power your system without throwing away all of your money.

Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance

One of the most effective ways you can lower heating costs is to get some professional help. When you search for “Heating Repair Services Near Me,” you can get in touch with experts who can ensure that your HVAC unit is in top shape.

If they notice that there are any issues, they’ll be able to fix everything before it turns into an expensive problem.

Seal Up Your Home

You might be surprised by how many cracks and holes are in your home. If you don’t plug them up, then all of your warm air will escape and your heater will never catch a break.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Another brilliant thing that homeowners are doing to reduce their energy costs is installing smart thermostats. These devices allow you to power down your thermostat whenever you’re not home to avoid spending money on heating a vacant place.

Use Your Windows the Smart Way

Sunlight is a free heater, so don’t be afraid to open the curtains during the daytime to freshen up your living space. Once the sun goes down for the evening, you should close your curtains to insulate your home.

Let Your Inner Chef Out

Since we all have to eat every day, we might as well get the most out of our efforts in order to cut our heater costs. Whenever you have to use your oven, don’t forget to open the door after you’re finished so that hot air can circulate throughout your house.

Turn on Your Ceiling Fans

Turning your ceiling fans on may sound nuts since most people use them to keep their homes cool during the summer. A lesser-known fact about ceiling fans is that you can adjust them so that the blades turn clockwise to warm your home. This will push any warm arm that rises back down to the ground where you are.

Are You Excited to Get Your Heating Costs Under Control?

If you’re tired of working hard just to spend your money on outrageous utility costs, you’re not alone. Using these tips to lower your heating costs is guaranteed to make a huge impact on your electric bills.

For Smart Thermostats visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have programmable thermostats that will help you save on your energy costs.

Originally Posted On: https://bestadvicezone.com/energy-saving-solutions-how-to-lower-your-heating-costs-during-winter/

STIHL GTA 40 PRUNER

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:46:59 GMT

The handy GTA 40 battery pruner by STIHL

The GTA 40 battery pruner is perfect for demanding home tree care tasks. Thanks to its powerful dual-chamber battery technology, the GTA 40 is ideal for trimming small branches and shrubs without running out of energy.

The LED charge level indicator provides optimal visibility, the oil tank ensures chain lubrication, and the tool-free chain change ensures maximum user-friendliness. Plus, the non-slip operating handle ensures a secure grip on the GTA 40 while you focus on tree care.

Learn more about the GTA 40 and the AS-system at www.stihl.com or Martens Reedsburg True Value, your authorized local STIHL dealer. STIHL outdoor power equipment makes a great holiday gift for the DIY landowner or landscaper.

MERRY & BRIGHT SAVINGS

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:12:17 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Merry & Bright Savings Event - Prices valid 11/25/24 - 12/29/24 Shop early for best selection, and while supplies last!

Reedsburg True Value has everything you need for the perfect holiday, so stop in today and SAVE $$ with our Merry and Bright Savings Event going on now through December 29, 2024. Shop early for best selection, while supplies last!

Holiday Lighting Ideas

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:55:20 GMT

7 Dazzling Outdoor Holiday Lighting Ideas

Nothing says competition like the holidays. Remember when you were a kid and your family always tried to one-up what they had done the year before?

It’s contagious, isn’t it?

Now you’re an adult and you’re looking for the best outdoor holiday lighting ideas for your own home.

Look no further because we’ve got you covered with 7 awesome ideas to get you started.

1. Wrap It Up

Think about candy canes and how they swirl. You can create a similar effect with your outdoor holiday lighting.

Wrap your lights up and over and around your fencing, house columns, whatever you have available.

Too much house for you to do this alone?

There are professional services who can help you out or reach out to family, friends and/or neighbors.

2. Plants

Using the base of plants on your porch or trees in your yard is a great way to spice things up for the holidays.

Nothing is better than sitting on your porch swing in the middle of winter, sipping on warm cider and enjoying the outdoor holiday lighting.

3. Lanterns

This is a timeless classic. You can purchase these at any holiday store and line your driveway or walking paths with them.

If you want to next level your outdoor holiday lighting, go with a bright color like blue or purple.

If you don’t want to spend the cash, you can use snowballs as the base for your own temporary homemade lanterns.

4. Outdoor Furniture

Chances are good your outdoor furniture isn’t getting much use during the winter months. Give yourself a reason to change that.

Have any extra styrofoam laying around? You can make your own particle lights!

You can hang wreaths and lights on your porch swings or poolside furniture to give it some cozy overtones. This makes for great holiday parties.

5. Decorate Your Snowman

If your kids (or you) spent half the day making a snowman, let the whole neighborhood see him in the evening.

Nothing will brighten up the faces of the kids on the block more than seeing a bright and shining Frosty in your yard.

6. Use Useless Items

We all have wicker baskets laying around the house. We probably don’t even remember why they’re around or why we haven’t thrown them away.

Melting snow, and water in general, has a habit of ruining things we don’t want to be ruined. Anyone who has been the victim of a leaky pipe can tell you that.

So use worn out items and cheap purchases from your local drugstore to give this year’s decoration ideas an edge without breaking the bank.

7. DIY Outdoor Holiday Lighting

Maybe throwing up some lights and calling it a day just isn’t good enough for you anymore.

If this is the case, it’s time to go full DIY mode. You make some pretty cool things with cheap supplies.

When you’re decorating for the holidays, it’s up to you, your personal taste, and how much energy you’re willing to put into it.

We’ve given you some ideas that can spice up your home and yard and we think you’re ready to get the party started.

For all your holiday lighting and decorations visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We've got what you need to decorate your home and outdoor space right! New decor arriving daily so stop in soon while supplies last...

www.articlecity.com

Ariens® Snow Blower Assembly

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:59:36 GMT

Ariens Classic-series Snow Blower Assembly Video Instructions and Registration

This short video shows users how to unbox an Ariens Classic-series Sno-Thro and complete a few easy, final assembly steps to make it ready for winter. Within these Ariens product setup instructions, we also check the unit for quality, review some adjustments and show how to register your new Ariens product.

Visit Martens True Value Superstore for the latest in Snow Blowers and Snow Throwers today! We have accessories and parts as well as a Service Center to help you maintain your new or used equipment. Check us out today!!

Click here to register your new Ariens product: https://www.ariens.com/en-us/registration

For product support, contact your nearest Ariens dealer at https://www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator

Browse our parts and accessories store online at https://www.ariens.com/en-us/parts

November Deck the Halls SALE

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:30:12 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Deck the Halls SALE - Valid until 11/24/2024

SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! SHOP MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE OR ONLINE

Bow Hunting Tips

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:32:32 GMT

5 Deer Hunting Tips That Will Make You a Top Predator

Are you looking for ways to become a better bow hunter?

Improving your deer hunting skills doesn’t happen with wishful thinking. If you want to become a top predator, you need to put in the work. This doesn’t necessarily mean working harder or spending more time in the woods.

Sometimes, all you need to do is work smarter.

So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a complete newbie, keep reading. We’ve got the top 5 deer hunting tips that will turn any skill level into a top predator.

Tip #1: Cover Your Scent

Deer have a keen sense of smell.

They can detect your scent from about a mile away. Not to mention, deer can also detect you by the smell you leave behind in the air and on the ground.

In order to cover up your scent, you’ll want to invest in a scent eliminator. You should spray the scent eliminator in the air, on the bottom of your boots, and on your hunting gear.

Also, it’s a good idea to only use scent-free shower products right before your hunting trip to ensure you don’t leave a scent in the air.

Tip #2: Keep Quiet

Covering your scent is only half the battle, you also need to keep quiet.

A deer can detect your movements from a quarter-mile away on days without wind. If a deer hears a suspicious noise, it will usually take them two hours to return to the spot.

Therefore, make sure you’re stepping with great care. You may also want to consider investing in sound eliminating boot covers to reduce the noise.

Tip #3: Be Attractive

We’re talking about using deer attractants. Deer attractants are exactly what they sound like- they’re products that will entice the deer to come towards you.

Some common deer attractants are deer feeders and deer urine.

Many people even choose to make their own deer attractants at home using common items such as apple cider, peanut butter, molasses, or salt.

Tip #4: Use a Compound Bow

We realize many of you may meet this tip with skepticism.

But, compound bow parts can be a great asset and many deer hunters even swear by it.

Finding success with a bow isn’t easy, however. Make sure to follow these tips:

Make sure you hand select a bow that fits your size and strength
Most missed shots happen because of poor calculation, so know your distance!
Practice beforehand- don’t wait until hunting day to use your bow for the first time

Tip #5: Know When to Hunt

Anytime is not the best time to go deer hunting.

Typically, the best times to go are early in the morning or near dusk.

If you hunt in the morning, you’ll want to set up near the deer’s bedding area. And if you hunt at dusk, you’ll want to set up near their feeding area.

Deer Hunting Tips: Wrap Up

Follow these deer hunting tips and you’ll be a top predator in no time.

For Compound Bows and other deer hunting gear and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Sporting Goods department today! We have what you want and need for a successful deer hunting season 2024!!

How-to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:13:55 GMT

Home Improvement: The Top Curb Appeal Tips for a Beautiful Home Exterior

Have you ever driven past a house that had the perfect grass, along with the best looking front door?

Most of us have driven or walked by that perfect looking exterior. And we more than likely have also noticed the exact opposite in another home – the less than perfect look.

If you have been considering selling your home, curb appeal can make or break the sale. First impressions weigh heavily when it comes to real estate.

Have you been feeling like the front of your house needs a facelift? Because you look at your own home every day you might not realize that your curb appeal isn’t what it once was. Or you might think that it will cost you too much money to give your home exterior a fresh look.

We are here to tell you that you can make your home look nicer on the outside and boost its value without breaking the bank. Keep reading to learn the top tips to get your home exterior from drag to fab.

Clean Up

This might sound obvious but some people don’t realize that something as simple as cleaning up the entire front area of the home will make a noticeable difference. This won’t cost you anything and can improve the look of your home quickly.

Pick up the front yard, and the driveway. If you have any random items laying around, find a new place for them or donate. If you have any lawn furniture that you don’t use or look old, you can refurbish them.

Landscaping

You can add some bushes, flowers, or fresh greenery to boost your curb appeal. Using planters is an easy way to not spend so much money on a whole garden.

You can also hang some greens or flowers in the front area if you don’t have room for stand up planters. Adding some pops of color with the flowers you choose will make a difference and add to your exterior makeover.

You can accentuate key visual points like entryways and windows by using plants.

Work on the Lawn

How is your grass? If you have a large area of your exterior made up of grass you want to make sure it’s lush and green not — brown and dead. Make sure you are regularly mowing your lawn or hire someone to do it if you can’t keep up.

Rake off any leaves that are on your front lawn and pull out the weeds invading the area.

If the area you live in is prone to water droughts then you might want to look into alternatives such as artificial turf. The initial cost might be higher but once it’s installed the maintenance is not as high.

Pressure Wash

Pressure washing your driveway and siding will help get rid of any dirt and grime that has accumulated. There are many pressure washing benefits, such as getting rid of any insects or bugs that have made your siding their home and cleaning up any marks your car has left on your driveway.

Calling in the pros is the best cause of action because they have the heavy-duty equipment to get the job done right.

Replace Your Front Door

Believe it or not, your front door will make a difference. After all, it’s the first entrance into your home. You can make your door stand out instead of blend in with the rest of the home. This is a project you can do on your own and more than likely will cost you less than $100.

You can go bold and bright if you’re feeling adventurous. But make sure to hold a color swatch up to the door to envision it before starting to paint.

Lighting

You can use lights to highlight your home’s features.

You can also add some lights to your pathway. If you have a porch, add accent lighting.

Who likes a dark entrance? You can get creative here and hang some string lights or change the lights you already have to something new and more fun.

Install a New Mailbox

If you have a mailbox out front you can swap it out for a fresh new mailbox. You can also get creative and paint your current mailbox instead of spending money on a new one.

Don’t underestimate the power of the mailbox. This can easily be one of the first things someone notices, regardless of whether it’s in bad shape or stylish. Hopefully, the reason it’s being noticed is the latter.

House Numbers

Does your home have noticeable house numbers? This can be a simple upgrade that will make a difference. You can replace your current ones with something that can grab someone’s attention.

Or you can clean up the ones you have if they are in style but full of grime and dirt. This project is simple enough for anyone even if you’re not very handy.

Ready to Spruce Up Your Home Exterior?

Now that you know how you can step up your game when it comes to your home exterior, you can pick and choose from the above tip. Whether it’s pressure washing or replacing your front door, each will make a difference.

Visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg for all your home improvement supplies and DIY power tools. We have what you need to get the job done right!!

articlecity.com

Harvest the Savings SALE

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:30:57 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Harvest the Savings SALE Valid 9/30-10/27/24

Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore Harvest the Savings SALE going on now through October 27, 2024!! Shop early for best selection, while supplies last... OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO OUR STORE

LAWN MOWER SALE

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:19:20 GMT

Lawn Mower Inventory Reduction Sale - All In-stock Simplicity and Snapper Mowers - Shop early while supplies last!!

Deal of the Week!!

Snapper 360Z Zero turn. 52" cutting width, 25hp Briggs & Stratton engine.

Reg. $4999.99

Deal price $3199.99 .

Last one in stock!

Most Valuable Home Improvements

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:53:34 GMT

Which Home Improvements Add the Most Value?

Looking to improve your home? Fantastic. Why not make a more comfortable space and capitalize on your investment at once? This list has you covered.

So many things could be done to improve your home. Many times it’s hard to decide what to do and how to do it.

You might even be at your wit’s end trying to figure out how you can add value to your home. That’s ok. You’ve come to the right place.

We’re sharing just the home improvements you need.

Beyond the Cosmetics

Let me guess – you live in a home built prior to 1980?

Ok, well I had an 85% chance of getting that right. And really, that one statistic alone is quite telling. It means that most homes today probably have something that needs improvement beyond typical cosmetics.

Many homeowners, after they’ve gone through inspections, don’t think about the structural or internal issues their house might have. They tend to wait until they see the roof leaking or feel a cold draft through the floorboards until they do something about it.

But I’m telling you that the ROI on fixing these features is pretty high. Plus, you will save yourself a lot of money and headaches when you go to sell your house.

Insulate The Attic

One of the few ways you will get over one hundred percent ROI on your remodel and increase the worth of your home is insulation.

Why is this? It doesn’t matter if you live in a cold or hot climate, insulation is key to keeping your house at the right temperature.

Depending on the type of attic you have, you will want a different kind of insulation. When I was younger, we lived in a remodeled barn. The attic was a massive cavern space that needed more insulation than your typical roof.

We used loose-fill insulation and blasted it across the top of the ceiling.

But most homes will do just fine with fiberglass batting. And, this will probably be your best investment for time and money.

Hire Kitchen Renovation Contractors

This is where you will get over 80% return for investment in your house. The kitchen.

I know that I’ve realized that a lot of kitchens built before the 1980s are just too small for me.

I like to have my space to cook. And so will home buyers. Not only will renovating your kitchen add value to your home, it will make the house more marketable.

You want to remain neutral with this remodel. If you go too trendy, the style might be out by the time you sell your home.

I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t want to be too boring.”

But think about shag carpet. Pink shag carpet. Would you want pink shag carpet in your house now? But your grandmother might have thought it was trendy back in the seventies. Just trust me. You don’t want to have the “pink shag carpet” kitchen in a few years.

Conclusion: More Than Meets The Eye

You don’t always have to go for the most obvious renovation to being better value to your home. If you have the money, a great renovation to bring value and extra square footage to your home is an attic bedroom.

It’s time to get started. Bring up the value of your home today.

For the best values in home improvement supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to get the job done right!!

www.articlecity.com

Pressure Washing Tips

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:13:00 GMT

10 Exterior Surfaces You Didn’t Know You Could Pressure Wash

Pressure washing isn’t just for sidewalks and driveways anymore. With the right equipment and technique, you can clean a variety of exterior surfaces around your home or business that you might not have thought were suitable for pressure washing.

Understanding Pressure Washing: The Power of Precision Cleaning

Pressure washing is a highly effective method of cleaning various surfaces using high-pressure water jets. Pressure washing relies solely on water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants from surfaces. Unlike more intensive forms of power washing, pressure washing is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including delicate materials like wood and siding.

The effectiveness of pressure washing lies in its ability to deliver precise cleaning power, capable of reaching deep into porous surfaces and lifting away even the most stubborn stains.

With the right equipment and technique, pressure washing can transform dirty and weathered surfaces, restoring them to their original condition and enhancing their appearance and longevity.

Whether revitalizing a weathered wooden deck, removing graffiti from a brick wall, or cleaning algae from concrete sidewalks, pressure washing offers unparalleled cleaning power and versatility.

Yes, You Can Pressure Wash Your Wooden Decks and Fences

Wooden decks and fences are notorious for accumulating dirt, mold, and mildew over time, leading to a dull and weathered appearance.

Pressure washing is an excellent solution for reviving these surfaces, as it can effectively remove built-up grime and reveal the natural beauty of the wood underneath. However, using the proper pressure setting and technique is crucial to avoid damaging the wood fibers.

Pressure Washers Are Great for Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. While it may seem delicate, vinyl siding is resilient and can withstand pressure washing when done correctly.

Pressure washing is highly effective at removing dirt, algae, and other stains from vinyl siding, restoring its original luster without excessive scrubbing.

Professional cleaners would undertake various measures to ensure pressure washing work brings out the best in your vinyl siding. These include:

Assessing the condition of the siding
Choosing the right equipment
Applying the correct pressure
Maintaining the right distance from the siding
Using the right technique
Using detergent wisely
Rinsing thoroughly
Protecting surrounding vegetation

Pressure Washing Works for Brick Surfaces

Brick surfaces, such as walkways, patios, and exterior walls, can benefit greatly from pressure washing. Over time, brick can become discolored and stained due to dirt, algae, and environmental pollutants. Pressure washing can effectively remove these stains and restore the natural beauty of the brick, enhancing the curb appeal of your property.

Use Pressure Washing for Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are a popular choice for driveways, walkways, and outdoor living spaces due to their durability and versatility. However, they can become dirty and stained over time, detracting from the overall appearance of your property.

Pressure washing is an excellent way to clean concrete pavers, removing dirt, oil, and other stains to restore their original color and texture.

Metal Surfaces Also Benefit From Pressure Washing

From metal fences to outdoor grills, metal surfaces can benefit from pressure washing to remove dirt, rust, and other stains. Pressure washing can be used to clean metal surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals, helping to prolong their lifespan and maintain their appearance.

Outdoor Furniture Pressure Washing

Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements year-round, leading to a buildup of dirt, pollen, and other debris. Pressure washing can quickly and effectively clean outdoor furniture, removing surface stains and grime to prolong its lifespan and keep it looking like new.

Just be sure to use a gentle pressure setting and keep the nozzle at a safe distance to avoid damaging delicate materials such as:

Plastic/resin chairs
Wicker/rattan tables and chairs
Metal patio sets
Teak benches
Adirondack chairs
Polywood furniture (synthetic wood)
Concrete and stone tables
…and more

Clean Your Outdoor Play Equipment

From swing sets to playhouses, outdoor play equipment can become dirty and grimy over time. Pressure washing works as a way to clean outdoor play equipment, removing dirt, mold, and other contaminants to keep kids safe and healthy while they play.

Swimming Pool Surroundings Can Be Pressure Washed

The area around swimming pools can quickly become dirty and slippery due to constant exposure to water, sunscreen, and other pool chemicals. Pressure washing can help scrub swimming pool surroundings, including concrete or stone decks, pool tiles, and poolside furniture, to make them safe for use.

Pressure Washing Your Garage Doors

Garage doors are often overlooked when it comes to home maintenance, but they can accumulate dirt, pollen, and other debris over time. Clean garage doors by pressure washing them, removing surface stains and restoring their appearance without the need for harsh chemicals.

Roof Cleaning

While it may seem counterintuitive, pressure washing can be used to clean certain types of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and metal panels. However, using the proper pressure setting and technique is essential to avoid damaging the roof and causing leaks.

When done right, pressure washing can effectively remove moss, algae, and other stains from the roof, prolonging its lifespan and improving energy efficiency.

Improve Your Exteriors With Pressure Washing Services

Pressure washing services have the power to restore surfaces of all kinds to their former glory—just be sure to use the proper equipment and technique for each surface to achieve the best results without causing damage.

Visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg for pressure washers and pressure washing supplies. We have what you need to get the job done right!!

Originally Posted On: https://sandiegowindowwashing.com/2024/03/06/10-exterior-surfaces-you-didnt-know-you-could-pressure-wash/

FALL HOME REFRESH SALE

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:25:45 GMT

FALL HOME REFRESH SALE AT MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE - Valid 8/26/2024 - 9/29/2024

SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST - SHOP IN-STORE OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING

How-to Choose the Right Fishing Gear

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 20:38:06 GMT

Fishing 101: Choosing the Right Rod and Reel

Selecting the Correct Rod Length and Material

Choosing the right rod length largely depends on the species and techniques used. A longer rod is often better for casting long distances, while a shorter rod is better for short, controlled casts. Materials-wise, different rods are made from metals and composites such as bamboo, carbon fiber, and fiberglass.

The type of fishing rod used will depend on personal preference, budget, and what kind of fish is being targeted. Aluminum and graphite, for example, are great for saltwater and inshore, while fiberglass is better for trolling and light fishing tackle.

Picking the Right Reel Size and Type

When picking the right reel size and type, choosing something lightweight and easy to handle is ideal. A light spinning reel with a narrow body and relatively tight rotating head allows easy casting and smooth drag to control the fish.

Spincast reels are generally heavier and more awkward due to their larger bodies. Still, the enclosed design prevents line twists and can be easier for beginners.

Baitcasting reels designed for the heavier line have a more open design and give the angler more leverage to control larger fish. All three types of reels can be suitable for various types of fishing. Still, selecting a fishing reel and rod combination that matches the fish you’re trying to catch is essential.

How Features Impact Performance and Durability

Features like material, length, weight, and action affect performance and durability. Rods constructed of fiberglass or graphite are lightweight and flexible while still solid and durable. A rod with a medium or light action allows the angler to feel the fish and offers the greatest versatility.

Longer rods provide greater casting distance and are better suited for heavier lures and larger fish. Heavier rods and lures offer better accuracy and control.

Consider the size based on the type of fishing you will be doing and the number of fishing lines you need. The right reel with a gear ratio of at least 6:1 is ideal for casting, while a high gear ratio of 8:1 reels allows for quicker retrieves.

Ask a professional or visit www.fishcatches.com to learn how to balance your rod and reels according to your fishing style and needs.

Learn Fishing 101 Today to Make the Most of Your Fishing Experience

Fishing requires the right rod and reel suitable for the targeted fish. The wrong rod and reel combination can result in failed catches, broken lines, and poor performances. Choosing the right rod and reel for fishing is critical, as it will directly impact the success of a day on the water.

By learning the necessary fishing 101 tips, you can prepare better for your next fishing trip. Don’t hesitate to ask a professional if you are still uncertain and want to ensure you start your next fishing trip with the right equipment.

Want to learn more? Visit our website for a plethora of tips and insights, and never miss out!

For rods, reels, tackle, lures and all the fishing gear you could dream of visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Sporting Goods Department today!!

articlecity.com

TRUE VALUE PAINT PROJECT

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:10:42 GMT

How to be a Painting Hero

Watch short video below as Greg transforms his splotchy paint job into a masterpiece of silky smoothness with the expert help from True Value Hardware Store!

Learn how you can become a painting hero with the advice and tools from your local Reedsburg True Value Super Store.

Get inspired by Greg's journey and discover how True Value is Here for You with the right products, expertise, and convenience at your local store.

Martens Reedsburg True Value's Paint Store has everything you need to complete your next painting project like a true expert! Visit our store today and speak with an associate in the paint department who would be happy to help your questions and choice of paint and supplies.

Shop local and help support your local community!

MONTHLY BARGAINS

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:33:01 GMT

AUGUST 2024 BARGAINS OF THE MONTH - SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION

SEE DETAILS ON OUR MONTHLY BARGAINS - OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING - OR VISIT OUR STORE TODAY!!

FALL PREP SALE

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:16:42 GMT

Prep Your Home for Fall - Sale Valid 7/29/2024 - 8/25/2024

PREP YOUR HOME FOR FALL SALE ENDS 8/25/2024 - SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Gardening with Kids

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:24:35 GMT

6 Tips On Starting A Family Vegetable Garden With Your Kids

Many people are looking for ways to get their kids interested in gardening. One way is to start them out with a vegetable garden. Children have a natural curiosity about the world so they will most likely be interested in learning how to garden. Plus, it is a great way for them to get their hands dirty and prepare healthy foods for themselves! Actually, every family wants to have a vegetable garden in their backyard, but many are hesitant because they are not sure about how much time and effort it will take.

But, why a vegetable garden? Vegetable gardens are great because they don’t require much maintenance and if one of your plants doesn’t make it, you still have other vegetables around. For some ideas on how to start a veggie garden with your kids, check out these 6 tips!

6 Tips On Starting A Family Vegetable Garden For New Parents With Their Children

With these 6 simple tips, you will be able to start your family vegetable garden with your kids!
First, start with selecting the land for the family vegetable Garden:

Your backyard is a great place to grow vegetables. You can select the land where you’d like your family vegetable garden. To start with, find out if there are any soil samples in the area that you plan on gardening. If not, then purchase at least six bags of topsoil. There are many ways to make or buy your own soil amendment. Test for pH balance before planting anything, and amend with fertilizer if necessary.

Then Design and Divide The Garden Area Basis On The Vegetables You Want To Grow:

The easiest way to design and divide your garden area based on the vegetables you want to grow is by taking into account your available space, the sunlight in that area, and how much work it will be for you to maintain the plant life. Before you begin designing your garden, it is important to research which vegetables you want to grow there.

Consider the size of the space, as well as soil composition and climate, and design a layout accordingly. If you have a large plot of land, plant a wide variety of vegetables. If the space is smaller, consider planting crops that do not take up much room such as spinach or radishes, or choose herbs that can be grown in containers on a patio.

Ask your children about their favorite vegetables and try to grow them in your garden. Then, your children will take part in gardening and will always do it.

Setup garden beds for each type of vegetable separately to grow them well:

Setting up garden beds is a great way to grow vegetables in your backyard. There is a lot of debate on how to set up a garden bed. Some people say to sow all of the plants in one bed and others say that it is better to have one bed for each plant.

But, the experts always prefer to make a separate bed for the same type of plants to grow them well. This will ensure they get the proper nutrients and water, as well as sunlight. The most common reason vegetables fail is moisture and sunlight deprivation.

This setup also prevents you from planting a crop that can grow in two different types of soil, which is a potential disaster waiting to happen. You can divide the work and responsibility of each bed between your children and family members to maintain it properly.

Make a good watering system and teach your child about watering techniques:

It is important to keep your garden designs looking beautiful and appealing, but it is equally vital for you to ensure that the plants are getting the right amount of water.

Many parents are concerned about teaching their children about watering the garden. The best way is to use helpful tools, start young, and develop a routine. One of the easiest ways to add a garden watering system is by installing a Garden Grid™ watering system from Garden In Minutes®. They provide different watering systems depending on the size of your garden. Each system is all-season durable and comes preassembled.

Quality Pest Control System Is Also Necessary:

It’s no secret that the best gardens and landscapes happen when you have a quality pest control system in place. If left untreated, pests will wreak havoc on your garden and landscape by destroying plants and lawns as well as posing threats to your family and pets.

New this year is our partnership with your local animal control specialist, which ensures that any pests (and their accompanying pests) are eliminated before they can do damage. You can also create a natural system with plants like mint and citronella, which will discourage pests from coming near your plants.

Make Some Necessary Arrangements For Your Garden

Several tasks need to be completed to ensure a healthy garden in the springtime. If you have a small garden, this is a relatively easy task. One of the most important things you should consider when preparing and upgrading your garden for the season is fencing. Fences help keep out unwanted animals from eating your plants and flowers.

Next is to decorate your garden. Actually, keeping your garden decorated will make it look its best, and you will be proud of all your hard work! Moreover, your child will enjoy giving their time in the garden if it decorates well.

Final Verdict:

It is essential to teach our children the importance of gardening and the incredible things they can learn from growing their own vegetables. It is an excellent way for kids to get fresh air while being creative and enjoying outside time.

The time spent outdoors will promote the family member’s physical activity to teach responsibility, and it will serve as a great bonding experience for the entire family. So, why wait? Start planting vegetables in your backyard today!

Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore has the gardening tools and supplies you need to grow a great garden with your kids. From soil and fertilizers, to pots and pest control products, we have everything you need to start your project!

Originally Posted On: https://knowworldnow.com/6-tips-on-starting-a-family-vegetable-garden-with-your-kids/

How-to Create a Backyard Oasis

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:08:52 GMT

Tips for Creating the Perfect Backyard Oasis

When you’re working on your backyard oasis, you really can have it all. You don’t have to go to far off destinations to enjoy luxurious amenities.

You can look at the plentiful backyard oasis ideas and get inspiration for creating paradise at your very own home.

With the average American spending 93% of their time indoors or in a vehicle, you have to wonder why. Could it perhaps be because they lack a lush space to relax in the outdoors? Continue reading this article to learn 9 great tips on creating your backyard setups.

Must-Know Backyard Oasis Creation Tips

Creating a backyard getaway isn’t as difficult as you might think. And you’ll be well on your way with these following tips.

1. Segment Your Backyard

If you only have one segment to your yard and you have children, it’s likely that your oasis vibe will be interrupted. The best thing you can do is create an area that will allow the kids to play but won’t overlap with your relaxation space.

2. Clear Away Clutter

Clutter makes even a beautiful backyard look small and cramped. Clearing clutter will help you make the most of your space.

If you don’t have anywhere to put your things inside your home or in a storage unit, you can buy furniture with built-in storage. Think of an outdoor couch that allows you to put pool noodles underneath it without sticking out around the bottom.

3. Don’t Block the View

If your home has a beautiful view, make sure you design your yard in a way that it is easy to enjoy the view. You might set up your yard in a way that your chairs are facing away from the home if there are beautiful mountains to look at.

When you put a pool in your backyard, you can have your yard designed so you can look at the gorgeous view from your pool.

4. Water Features

Humans love being near the water. Even if you’re not near the water, you can bring the water to you with a gorgeous water feature.

Water features are not only calming but they bring beauty to the yard. There are many different styles you can choose from depending on the look that you want for your yard.

Being able to customize the shape and size of your water features is great but you always want to make sure to work with a quality company so the quality is never compromised.

5. Go All Out with the Patio

When you’re figuring out how you want your patio, one of the things you need to determine is whether you want the patio to be connected or free-standing.

If you have a great view far from the house, you might decide you want to create a free-standing patio. On the other hand, if you love the look of your home and you have a small backyard, you might opt to have a patio that is connected to the house.

6. Outdoor Kitchen

All of us love a good meal but oftentimes, we don’t feel like going in and out of the house fixing a meal. You can remedy this challenge by putting in an outdoor kitchen.

You can choose the right setup for you depending on how you like to cook. Always make sure outdoor kitchens are built out of non-combustible materials so they don’t catch fire.

7. Shade

When you’re figuring out how you want to design your backyard, make sure that you plan out plenty of shade. If you have a gorgeous backyard but nowhere to get out of the sun, you’re going to feel miserable.

You might put umbrellas around the pool in various areas so during different times of the day, you’ll have shade in the different areas. You can also put up awnings in different areas.

If you choose to put trees around the yard to get shade, make sure you don’t put trees that will shed leaves around the pool. Figure out the type of trees you want and see how they will do in your location.

8. Landscaping

When you’re planning out how you want your yard to look, you need to carefully design the landscaping. If you don’t know how you want to set up your yard or how to best use the space, you may hire someone to take care of the design part of the process.

You may want to make your yard look like a favorite vacation spot but before you can put the plants in your backyard, you need to make sure they will thrive in your location. Not all plants will do well in the local elements.

Make sure to check your budget as some plants can be rather pricey and you want to make sure to have enough money to finish your project.

9. Don’t Forget Privacy

If you have neighbors that are nearby, you might not want them peeking into your yard at all times.

Figure out how you can design your landscaping in a way that you have little nooks where people won’t be able to see you. You might create a meditation area or just a place to sit and read your favorite books without anyone being able to watch.

You may also want to think about a privacy fence designed to fit in with your yard.

Visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg for all your patio and backyard oasis projects. We have what you need to get the job done right!

Originally posted on https://outdoorkitchenstx.com/9-tips-for-creating-the-perfect-backyard-oasis/

How to Go Camping in Style

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:11:58 GMT

5 Tips for Glamping in Style

Who doesn’t dream of laying on a lounge chair, relaxing, and listening to the sounds of nature?

More and more, people are finding ways to make camps more glamorous so they can get all the comforts of home while still enjoying nature.

Glamping is an amazing mix of the luxurious comforts of being at home and the natural beauty and sights of the outdoors, making it a must-do for all. Are you thinking about glamping?

Here are a few tips for glamping in style that can make it even better. Keep reading!

1. Bring Cozy Bedding

One of the glamping tips is to bring cozy bedding. Invest in a sleeping pad, a warm, fluffy sleeping bag, and air mattress to stay comfortable throughout the night.

Layering will help keep you warm as the temperature drops. Pillows and cushions are also important for a good night’s rest, so bring along some additional pillows or a throw blanket to snuggle up with.

2. Add Touches of Home

It is important to bring familiar items from home to make your stay more enjoyable. This includes items such as your favorite book or even a favorite blanket. You can also bring a few pieces of décor that speak to your personality.

Creativity is key to ensuring your camp site reflects your individual style and interests. Utilizing personal touches is a great way to enhance the glamping experience and make it feel even more luxurious.
3. Light Up Your Space

String lights are a great way to add romance and ambiance to the overall glamping atmosphere. They provide ample and evenly distributed light and can be wrapped around posts, trees, poles, and even around your tent.

If you’re feeling extra creative, you could even find or make your own globe lamps that you can hang and display anywhere you please. So if you’re looking to glamp in style, be sure to light up your space!

4. Make Gourmet Meals

When glamping, make gourmet meals for a truly luxurious experience. Bring real cutlery and plates to enjoy your meals in style. Invest in quality ingredients like gourmet cheeses and spices for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Prepare your meal with seasonings and seasonings before you leave to ensure every meal is packed with flavor. Go for a good quality camping stove and cooler to store the ingredients.

5. Bring Entertainment With You

Bring games and puzzles to keep the kids entertained. Set up a designated area for playing cards and board games so that everyone can socialize in the evening.

Pack a portable speaker so you can easily listen to your favorite music or watch movies at night. It’s also essential to know where to look for the best amenities, and you can also view flushable porta potty rentals for a great start.

Note that if you plan on planning for an extended period of time, be sure to bring extra batteries and chargers. Bringing your own entertainment will allow you to create lasting memories and have a truly unique glamping experience.
Making The Most of Your Glamping in Style Experience

Glamping in style is a luxurious way to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a rustic experience or a five star vacation, with the right know-how, it can be an unforgettable experience.

Follow these simple tips to ensure that your glamping trip is an enjoyable one. So what are you waiting for? Grab your camping gear and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

For all the best camping gear you could need or want visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to go camping in style!!

Source: www.articlecity.com

4th of July Pet Safety Tips

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:38:19 GMT

Pet Safety Tips for Your July 4th Celebration

The Fourth of July marks an annual celebration for most that involves barbecuing, spending time outside, celebrating, and watching an exciting display of fireworks. You may be arranging to host the gathering at your home for visiting friends or family. here are some helpful tips to consider for your pets...

1. FIDO SAFETY You may want to bring your fido with you to an small gathering, but if you think they might be frighten or upset by loud noises I’d consider leaving them at home. The anxiety from that situation can cause stress and even lead to possibly running away to hide.

2.People food is an NO NO

One of the most relevant issues for dogs on every holiday is eating human or people food. Some people food won’t hurt our dog, but some can be deadly. Alcoholic drinks are commonly associated with Fourth of July celebrations. Be sure not to leave drinks where a dog can reach them, your pet could become intoxicated and weak. He could also become severely depressed or slip into a coma. In severe cases, respiratory distress could lead to death.

3. Keep lighter fluid and matches away from pets.

Just like alcohol is potentially dangerous for your pet, so are chlorates, the chemical substances found in some matches and lighter fluid. If ingested, these products can cause your dog issues with breathing, damage to blood cells, and even kidney disease. Make sure these items are in a secure location that your dog cannot access during 4th of July celebrations.

4. Be Sure Your Pup Is Staying Comfortable

It can be quite difficult for humans to stay cool and deal with the heat and humidity, much less our pets who have a permanent fur coat. It is easy for us to shed layers in an attempt to stay cool, but our furry friends are not as lucky. By keeping them in a cool climate as much as possible on 4th Of July, this is a simple step that aids the process of keeping our pups comfortable as possible. When removing one of these factors such as heat, pets now only have one uncomfortable issue to deal with, the loud noises and the bright flashes from fireworks.

5. Make sure they have proper identification – While it’s safe for your dog to wear a collar every day, even if he/she is microchipped, it’s especially important during this holiday weekend! If your pup does run away, identification tags are the fastest way to get him/her back safely. Plus, a little patriotic wear will make for a great photo op with your pup!

6. Only use products on your pet that are safe for animal use.

As it may seem like using sunscreen or bug repellent on your pet to protect it from the sun’s rays or even from an onslaught of bugs. However, even if products are safe for you to use, they may not be safe for your pet. Using sunscreen on your pet could cause such poisonous effects as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, and DEET may even cause neurological issues.

7. Check your dog thoroughly for any injuries when you return home.

Some pets may become so upset by the noise that they chew their skin raw. Other dogs may hurt themselves if they try to escape. Make sure to keep your dog secured in a room that is free of dangers, such as dangling power cords, furniture that is easily tipped over, etc.

8. Turn on the TV, radio or music

Try to drown out the fireworks noise. Turn on the television or radio. It will make the loud booms stand out less to your pet versus if the room was quiet.https://www.dogtv.com/

9.Don’t Change Your Pet Diet

Make sure while you’re out enjoying 4th of July with friends that you keep an close eye on your pet as there will be a lot of temptations around for your pet to possible ingest while you’re looking away for an second.

Be safe while having fun this weekend during the 4th of July and always make sure your pet safety is your main concern during the festivities.

Reedsburg True Value wishes everyone and their pets a safe and Happy 4th of July holiday. We will be OPEN on Thursday, July 4th from 7am - 5pm for your convenience and any last minute items you need for your celebrations!!

Originally Posted On: https://palmettoscoopers.com/top-safety-tips-for-celebrating-the-4th-of-july-with-your-dogs/

Stars, Stripes & DIY Deals

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 22:54:01 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Stars, Stripes & DIY Deals - Valid 6/24/2024 - 7/28/2024

SHOP MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE DURING OUR STARS, STRIPES & DIY DEALS EVENT TO SAVE EVEN MORE ON OUR EVERDAY GREAT VALUE PRICES!! VALID 6/24/2024 - 7/28/2024

Handy Guide for Choosing the Right Lawn Mower

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:25:14 GMT

What to Consider Before Buying a Lawn Mower

Ultimately, the size and shape of your lawn will be the driving factor in which type of lawn mower you should buy. Standard walk-behind mowers are best for lawns under half an acre. For lawns between half and 1 full acre, you may be happier with a self-propelled mower. If your yard is over 1 acre, consider getting a riding mower. It’s also important to consider your yard terrain and grass thickness. Hillier lawns and heavier grass generally require higher-performance mowers.

Types of Lawn Mowers and the Differences Between Them

Push/Walk-Behind Mowers

Also called push mowers, walk-behind models are the go-to choice for the majority of people with smaller properties. Not only are they typically less expensive than most riding mowers, but they’re also more compact and easier to maintain. Walk-behind mowers are mainly divided between reel mowers and rotary mowers. These terms describe the motion of the mowers’ blades.

Walk-Behind Reel Mowers

A reel mower moves like a car’s tire. While some powered models exist, many reel mowers are completely manual, so they don’t use gas or electricity. This makes them nearly silent, which means you can mow your lawn at any time of day without bothering anyone.

Moreover, manual reel mowers are super easy to maintain; you just need to periodically sharpen the blades. However, in order to be practical for prolonged use, reel mowers are often very lightweight. Consequently, they’re usually not suitable for longer grass and weeds. Although reel mowers aren’t very heavy, you’ll still get tired after some time behind one. Thus, manual reel mowers are more suitable on a quarter-acre yard or anything smaller. Only use one on a half-acre property if you don’t mind getting a workout.

Walk-Behind Rotary Movers

The blades of a rotary mower spin similarly to those of a ceiling fan. In contrast to reel mowers, all rotary mowers use gas or electricity. These mowers either use an electric starter or a pull-start. Electric starters are easy to use but tend to be a bit more expensive. Pull-starts are more reliable and affordable than electric starters, but they sometimes require a lot more physical effort. While you may have no problem using a pull-start, it may be very difficult for someone else in your household.

Common Features of Walk-Behind Mowers

When purchasing any kind of walk-behind mower, you should look for folding handles, washout ports, uniform wheels, and upright storage. Mowers with folding handles are easier to store and transport. A washout port allows users to conveniently clean the mower’s underside by connecting a hose to the top of the mower. Uniform wheels are easier to maneuver and provide a more even cut. Upright storage allows you to safely store your mower vertically without worrying about leaking fluids. Thus, they’re very good for households with limited space.

Self-Propelled Mowers

While it looks similar to a standard walk-behind mower, a self-propelled mower is easier to move. The engine or battery in a self-propelled mower will provide power to the wheels so that they can automatically pull the mower forward. Self-propelled mowers are very easy to maneuver but are usually more expensive than push mowers. A walk-behind mower will only move forward when the operator pushes it forward, which can take of physical effort. However they’re better on uneven terrain, and you can move them more slowly around corners and in tricky spots.

Riding Mowers

Riding mowers work well on large properties with relatively even terrain. These mowers come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s a good idea to consider the size of your lawn before making a purchase. Wider mowers are better for larger lawns with open spaces. Narrow riding mowers are good for smaller properties with some twists and turns. While many riding mowers include a mount for a catcher bag, such add-ons can be expensive. On top of that, a catcher bag may need to be emptied multiple times when mowing a larger property.

Battery Lawn Mowers

Instead of gas, battery mowers run on electricity. A battery mower’s battery functions more like a power tool’s battery than a battery in a car. Because of this, they’re extremely easy to remove, replace, and charge. Most battery mowers will run for 30 to 45 minutes before needing to be recharged. Naturally, heavier mowers and self-propelled mowers use more power and require more frequent charging. Battery mowers don’t produce emissions, and they’re very easy to start. They’re also a lot quieter than gas-powered mowers. Since the best battery mowers only run for up to 60 minutes, these mowers are more practical on properties smaller than a third of an acre. Some manufacturers provide interchangeable batteries, so if your mower’s battery dies, you can quickly switch it out with the battery of another electric tool from the same company.

Gas Lawn Mowers

Larger gas mowers typically use gasoline, and smaller gas mowers often use a mixture of gasoline and oil. Although gas mowers can be noisy, they run for much longer than most battery mowers. On top of that, gas mowers are usually more powerful than battery mowers and cost much less. Gas mowers are generally best for lawns with hilly terrain and thicker grass.

Lawn Tractors

Lawn tractors are the most common type of riding mower. They run on gas and feature a front-mounted engine. These mowers’ decks usually range between 42 and 54 inches, and they’re suitable for any property up to four acres. A larger property might put unnecessary wear and tear on a lawn tractor. Lawn tractors tend to be somewhat noisy and produce a lot of exhaust. Moreover, they have a wider turning radius than other kinds of riding mowers.

Zero-Turn Mowers

If you need maneuverability, then zero-turn mowers are your best option. As the name suggests, these mowers can turn on a dime. They typically reach higher speeds than other mowers. Since most zero-turn mowers boast a large engine and a deck width between 42 and 50 inches, they can quickly and easily cut through thick grass. Zero-turn mowers work best on large properties but aren’t fit for sharp slopes. Because riders use levers to operate zero-turn mowers, they can be a little tricky to ride at first. However, once you get used to the levers, these mowers are exceptionally easy to handle.

Rear-Engine Riders

Rear-engine riders usually have a blade width of 30 inches, so they’re good on yards up to an acre in size. However, they take a very long time on larger lawns. Rear-engine mowers tend to be a bit less expensive than other mowers. Since they’re relatively small, they’re also pretty easy to store. However, they usually don’t boast many extra features. Due to their size and construction, rear-engine riders don’t fill catcher bags as well as push mowers and other types of riders.

Rejuvenate Your Landscape With a Good Lawn Mower

The right lawn mower can help you save time and money while keeping your property in pristine shape. Conversely, the wrong mower can turn trimming your lawn into an extremely tedious experience. That’s why it’s important to consider your needs carefully before making a purchase.

Visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg and talk to one of our garden center staff members who would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our selection of mowers and their features .

Excerpt from www.truevalue.com

DIY Backyard Projects

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:48:15 GMT

10 Backyard DIY Projects You Could Start Today

Science shows us that creative projects and outlets help us manage our stress. Finding the time to create something unique and useful in your backyard is the perfect stress-relieving DIY project for you to tackle today!

We have put together a fantastic list of the top 10 best DIY projects for your backyard. From zen gardens to entertainment stations these projects are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Let’s take a look!

1. Edible Gardens

You can turn your backyard into your private grocery store with the addition of an edible garden. Start small by adding a raised garden bed in an area of your backyard that receives ample sunlight.

When choosing what to grow you will want to have a variety of herbs and vegetables, however, if you are new to gardening start with easy to grow crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, etc. as these will be easier to manage.

Plan your garden out before starting to help you decide how many crops you will be planting and what varieties. Be sure to invest in good soil so your plants grow strong and big, and don’t forget to purchase some good gardening gloves as well!

2. Outdoor Bar

An outdoor bar is a fun way to create an entertainment station for your friends and family. For this DIY project, you can either buy a bar stand that is already put together or you can give building a custom bar a try. This service area will be the perfect spot to host parties and backyard BBQs.

Consider things like seating and ice and beverage storage when creating the space. Adding the appropriate outdoor lighting will help the area feel more inviting for you and your guests.

3. Gazebo

A Gazebo is a beautiful structure that will add beauty as well as functionality to your backyard. You can use your Gazebo to host outdoor dinners or turn it in do an outdoor studio. If your yard gets a lot of sun a Gazebo is the perfect structure to get relief from the heat.

Another option to the traditional Gazebo is an open-air Gazebo. This style of shade structure allows for some sun and rain to come through making it a good option for those who wish to keep plants growing inside of the structure.

4. Zen Garden

Creating a zen garden in your backyard is a beautiful way to create a meditative and relaxing space. The components of a zen garden are meant to inspire tranquility and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Before you get started on your garden you will need the following items:

white gravel
Metal rake
Wooden zen rake
Variety of rocks in all shapes and sizes
Landscaping plants
Gloves
Shovel
String and string level

These items are essential to building your zen paradise. Once your garden is built you can use it to find relaxation and meditate. The act of raking the garden is meant to bring peace or zen to your state of mind which makes this DIY project beautiful and helpful!

5. Backyard Fountain

A backyard fountain is a great way to upgrade the aesthetic of your space. The sound of the flowing water is relaxing and will attract birds to your yard for great wildlife viewing. Before you start, consider the size and shape of the fountain.

Depending on the size of your yard it might be a good option to do an above ground DIY option for your fountain by creating a fountain that flows into a galvanized tub or a DIY fountain box. These above-ground options are simple and inexpensive to create and easy to maintain.

6. Privacy Fence

A privacy fence can make your backyard feel like a secluded oasis if done correctly. When planning a privacy fence consider things like material, color, and size. There are a variety of options to choose from when installing your fence that are already pre-stained and ready to install.

If you are feeling extra creative you could try making your fence by buying the raw materials and then customizing the color and shape to your liking. No matter which route you choose the adding privacy will be a great luxury.

7. Update Lighting

The right lighting in your backyard can turn it into a paradise retreat. Consider using a variety of light sources in your backyard to layer the lighting.

For example, along the pathways in your yard use ground stake lights to illuminate the path. In areas where you entertain consider hanging string lighting above the area to create depth and add soft lighting. Outdoor candles are another great source of mood lighting that can also be beneficial for managing those summer pests like mosquitos.

8. Landscaping

Updating the landscaping in your backyard is an essential DIY project for anyone looking to give their yard a facelift. You can start by clearing out any built-up brush or leaves that have accumulated in the yard. Then diligently weed all flower and garden beds.

Once you have weeded and cleaned up the space then you can decide on planting ornamental plants like rose bushes or vibrant lavender. Consider edging your flower beds and framing them with stone or wooden frames for a polished look.

9. Patio

If your yard doesn’t have a patio already then consider installing one. A patio can be used as a relaxing outdoor area, outdoor dining room, area for potted plants, etc. the options are endless!

Consider the material you would like to use for the base such as concrete or wooden decking. Once your patio is finished you can begin to decorate with outdoor furniture and ornate plants to create an aesthetic in the area. To add shade to the area a retractable canopy is another simple DIY project that can turn your patio into an outdoor sanctuary.

10. Sheds

Gone are the days of the old paint-chipped sheds that were eyesores to our backyards! If your shed is looking a little worse for wear it is time to give it a makeover.

To start sand the shed down to remove any rough edges or flaking paint. Then access any areas that need repair such as broken boards, holes in the roof, broken doors, etc. Next, you will need to choose a color of paint or stain for your shed and get painting!

Simple Backyard DIY projects

These simple DIY projects are affordable and easy to do! You can change the whole vibe of your yard with any one of these unique projects today.

For all your DIY Backyard project supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to get the job done right!!

JUNE OUTDOOR OASIS SALE

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:46:46 GMT

Create Your Outdoor Oasis SALE - Valid 5/27/2024 - 6/9/2024

Create your outdoor oasis SALE - Valid 5/27/2024 - 6/9/2024 - SHOP EARLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE

Square Foot Gardening Basics

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:50:51 GMT

Urban Gardening: Growing an Edible Garden in Your Own Backyard

Are you thinking of growing an edible garden, but aren’t sure how to do it? We tried the square foot gardening on our raised plant bed a few months ago, when we wanted to add more plants to our edible garden. It wasn’t complicated at all! In fact, we plan to do the same for the rest of our plant beds so we have a steady supply of fresh ingredients when we need them.

Today, we’re going to share our gardening project with you and, hopefully, help get you started as well.

The Benefits of Square Foot Gardening

For anyone who loves making meals at home, having access to a thriving and reliable herb and vegetable garden is a dream come true. You don’t need a large space to do this. In fact, even a 2ft x 4ft area is good enough to start with. This gardening method lets you maximize every square foot space available in your garden and allows you to have more plants than you actually thought you could.

The method is pretty straightforward and is very easy to follow. Square foot gardening is effective because it gives the seeds enough room to grow and allows them to get sufficient nutrition from the soil. As a result, your plants grow continuously and you get a reliable supply of ingredients straight from your garden. If you are struggling with unhealthy and withering plants, this gardening method will surely solve your problems.

Getting Started

We use a portable 3×6 raised bed for our edible gardening. This allows you to relocate the plants to a safer spot during the height of summer or winter. But the square foot gardening method works just fine for direct soil gardening. To start planting using this method, follow the simple instructions below.

Measure your total planting area. This will give you an idea of how much space is available to you and help you decide how many plants you can actually have before you start buying seeds.

Divide your planting area into equal portions of 1 square foot. You can use strings or pegs to mark the divisions.

Follow the instructions for seed spacing. This is indicated on the back of the seed packet. This is a very important step, as this is crucial to the health and wellness of your garden as a whole.

Based on the seed spacing requirement, divide the square foot space into equal parts.

For example: Up to 4 Arugula seeds can be planted per square foot.

Divide the square space into 4 equal parts.

Plant 1 seed in each quadrant.

Follow watering instructions. If you are planting on a raised bed, you can use the grid watering system that is specially made for this planting method.

Make the Most Out of Your Garden Space

Here’s a guide to some basic herbs and vegetables that are commonly used in the kitchen:

Herb and Veg Type

Seeds Per Square Foot:

Arugula 4
Basil 2-4
Celery 4
Chives 4
Kale 1
Leaks 9
Lettuce Leaf 6
Lettuce Head 2
Mint 1-4
Parsley 4
Rosemary 1
Spinach 9
Tomatoes 1
Thyme 4
Zucchini 1

The list above contains only 14 herb and vegetable types. If you have a 14 sq ft space, you can have this many types of plants in your garden and raise up to 56 plants. You can have more if you have a larger space available. This planting technique allows you to make the most out of a small space without sacrificing the health of your plants.

Leaving the Old Planting Ways Behind

Before we tried square foot gardening, we simply planted where there was a vacant patch of soil in our plant bed. But as the plants grew, they either became too crowded or were spaced too far apart.

There were times we needed to dig up some herbs to relocate or re-pot them. In the process, we learned that some plants like to be left alone. Uprooting or replanting these plants stresses them out and causes them to wither. Some even fail to recover from the shock. It wasn’t until we tried the square foot technique that we started seeing better results and having healthier plants.

When you start planting using this method, you’ll grow enough plants and have a reliable source of ingredients for your garden-to-table cooking. You’ll have the ability to recreate restaurant meals right in your very own kitchen. Now, you can serve fresh and healthy meals at home, made with fine-dining ingredients straight from your very own edible garden. No doubt you’ll be whipping up more delicious meals when you’ve got your favorite herbs and vegetables right in your garden, ready for the picking.

For all your backyard gardening supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore. We have everything you need to grow a beautiful and bountiful vegetable garden this summer!

Originally Posted On: https://www.tastefulspace.com/blog/2021/05/20/urban-gardening-growing-an-edible-garden-in-your-own-backyard/

END OF MAY SALES EVENT

Tue, 21 May 2024 00:08:23 GMT

End of May Sales Event - Prices Valid through Sunday, May 26th

End of May Sales Event ends soon! Shop early while supplies last... Prices valid thru May 26, 2024. For product details or to SHOP ONLINE with Free Shipping to Martens Reedsburg True Value Click Link.

Low Cost Home Improvement

Wed, 15 May 2024 23:04:43 GMT

5 Low Cost Home Improvement Projects to Increase The Value of Your Home

Has your house been sitting on the market for too long? here are the top 5 low-cost home improvement projects that will improve your home. Forget about the pool, jacuzzi or floating toilets. Don’t do a full kitchen remodel or add chandeliers into a tiny hallway. Follow the steps in this post, and make smart, affordable upgrades to your home.

1. Never Judge a Home by The Front Door

There is a famous phrase “never judge a book by its cover,” but this is what they make book covers for. When your prospect first walks into your home, the door is where they make their first impression.

If your door is damaged, outdated or hard to look at, then that first impression is wasted. It’s the lowest cost home improvement you could make, with the highest potential return. Now imagine a prospect walks through your brand new steel or fiberglass and wood door. The first step they take gives them a positive feeling of luxury.

At the very least, you can give your door a fresh coat of paint and make sure it looks as nice as you want your prospects to feel. We’ve found that steel doors are a very modern and popular choice that will increase the value of your home. If you go for a fiberglass or wood option, you’ll still make your home look much better from the start.

Tip: A new garage door is also high up on the list of low-cost home improvement projects that increase the value of your home. Consider repainting or replacing the garage door as well, to create that perfect first impression and sell your home faster.

2. The kitchen is the heart of the home

The kitchen is often the busiest place in the home. In modern homes, it’s become a centerpiece with a central island and open plan living. There are many low-cost ways you can improve your kitchen without doing a full remodel. Just a few updates will increase your home’s value.

Instead of pulling out cabinets and refitting new ones, consider updating just the handles and front panels of your cabinets. After all, this is what the eye sees. You should also add cabinet space to the ceiling if you have gaps above your cabinets. This little detail adds a lot more value to your home, and it’s an easy project to do.

The next thing you can do is replace your countertops. Choose a luxury style like granite or quartz, and your prospects’ attention is magnetized to this feature as it is a huge market trend.

You also need to make sure your kitchen and countertops are well lit. You can make this simple update by adding below countertop LED lights that are cheap but look of high quality.

Add a few appliances to make the kitchen look furnished, and you’ll increase the value of your entire home. If the heart of the home is strong, the rest of it will be too.

3. A Modern Deck Looks & Feels Like Value

An outside decking area has become a reason homes are increasing in value. By adding or improving your deck, you’ll boost the value of your home. A deck allows more space outside for entertaining and living. This extra space adds more value and increases the value of your sale.

A good idea is to put your house on the market during the spring and summer of the year when housing markets generally heat up with the weather. When your prospect comes to the home on a warm summer day and steps out onto a power washed decking with seating areas and cushions, they’ll imagine living in that space.

If you already have a deck, this project is even easier. Replace any uneven, broken or wobbling slats because this can hurt your chances of making a sale. Power wash everything and reorganize the area so it looks like a timeless beauty. Add some greenery and modern furniture and make sure the cushions are out when your prospects arrive.

This home improvement project has proven to increase the value of your home and It will bring the buyers to have a better vision of what your home is worth in the local market.

4. Bathrooms Busy, Not Anymore

If you only have one bathroom in your home, then adding a second bathroom either as an en-suite or under-utilized space, will drastically increase the value of your home. An extra bathroom can recoup over 100% of the cost of whatever you spend to make it.

Consider closets or under-the-stairs areas. For a small half-bath, you will need 18 square feet on average for a basic bathroom, and up to 30 square feet for a bathroom with a shower.

An extra bathroom increases the value of your home because it’s a basic human problem to need to go to the bathroom. The freedom to always have a bathroom free when usually you would be waiting is a luxury that is worth real value. This is not really a low-cost home improvement project, however, the increase in value to your home will more than pay for the cost.

5. The Windows To The Soul are Energy Efficient

It’s a known fact that when you see a house with old single-pane windows, you think low value. You might also think run-down, old, or even haunted. Not only does adding energy-efficient windows save you on your energy bill, but it also improves the look, quality and security of your home and immediately boosts its value.

In some locations, you can even earn a green energy tax credit for upgrading your windows. As long as they are energy-star rated. The cost of upgrading your windows or installing new ones will more than be made up for by the value added to your home.

For the supplies you need for all your summer home improvement projects visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to get the job done right...

Originally Posted On: https://myremaxprestige.com/5-low-cost-home-improvement-projects-to-increase-the-value-of-your-home/

Prep for Summer Sale

Wed, 01 May 2024 17:16:15 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Prep for Summer Sale- Valid 4/29 - 5/12/2024

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Prep for Summer Sale- Valid 4/29/2024 - 5/12/2024 SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION AND WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!! OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO MARTENS TRUE VALUE HARDWARE STORE.

MONTHLY BARGAINS

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:29:41 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Bargains of the Month - Valid May 2024

SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!! CLICK LINK FOR SALE ITEM DETAILS

Inflatable Bounce Party Planning

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:18:51 GMT

Birthday Bounce Party FUN!

If you are trying to plan a birthday or special occasion party for kids there are many different things you should plan and arrange for in advance. You must arrange for the two big things: food and entertainment.

Entertainment is the more difficult thing to plan for a party when you are hosting a bunch of kids. How do you keep them occupied through the day without them getting totally bored and driving you crazy? The best way to do this is with an inflatable bounce house and slide!

Inflatables are great to rent for any younger kids party. They are great to rent because the kids will play in them all day long if allowed to do so. But, it is always recommended that all children be supervised by an adult while having fun with the bounce house or slide.

As an added benefit for parents, they will likely grow tired from bouncing so much on the inflatables that they will fall asleep early in the evening.

There are many varieties of inflatables to choose for for rent. There are bounce houses, slides, combinations of both, obstacle courses, and even inflatable games that you can rent for your next party!

No matter which inflatable bounce house or slide you choose, you can't go wrong. The kids will enjoy them all. Just choose one with your kid in mind and that is gender and age-appropriate. Your kids and their friends will thank you for their fun inflatable bounce and slide entertainment. You will also be relieved to know you have taken care of the most important element of your kid's birthday party and helped create a memorable event.

Bounce House Slide Inflatables are available at the Rental Service department at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore.

Party Tent rentals are also available as well as tables, chairs and accessory items. Stop by or call 608-524-8999 to reserve yours today! (Call for current inflatable rental pricing and reservation schedule)

APRIL HOME & GARDEN SALE

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:41:02 GMT

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE HARDWARE APRIL HOME & GARDEN SALE - Valid 4/15/2024 - 4/28/2024

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE HARDWARE APRIL HOME & GARDEN SALE - Valid 4/15/2024 - 4/28/2024 - Shop early for best selection, while supplies last! SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO OUR STORE

Trimming and Pruning Guide

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:52:48 GMT

Trimming and Pruning: Best time to trim hedges, trees and bushes

Annual Tree and Shrub Pruning Helps Your Garden Thrive

Trimming hedges, bushes and trees in your garden yields several benefits. Not only does trimming keep your landscape looking its best throughout the year, but it also promotes healthy plants. Before you get to work with your pruning shears, though, find out when is the best time to trim various plants for quick healing, more abundant fruiting and more vigorous growth.

When Is the Best Time to Prune Trees?

As a rule of thumb, you should prune trees in late winter through early spring. Depending on the climate where you live, this could be anytime between January and April. In many cases, late winter to early spring spans February and March.

At this time of year, your deciduous trees are bare. Broken branches and dead growth are easier to see and trim away. Shaping bare trees is also easier without leaves to get in the way.

Also, late winter is a good time to trim trees because it precedes a period of rapid growth. The spring growth spurt helps trees heal faster at the pruning sites. It closes the wounds so that insects can’t burrow in and damage the entire tree.

It’s important to have the right tree trimming tools when the time comes to prune. The best pruning tools for trees have long handles that let you reach the upper tree canopy. Be sure your tree pruners are freshly sharpened, and your work will be quicker and easier.

A few types of trees, including birches, maples, junipers and walnuts, recover better if you trim them in the late spring/early summer. They bloom early in the spring from the previous year’s growth, so the time to prune these varieties is after they are finished blooming.

The effect of tree trimming before and after pruning is often dramatic. When you take advantage of the best time to trim, you stimulate a wave of new growth.

What Happens if You Trim Too Early?

You may be tempted to get to work with the garden shears as soon as your trees shed their leaves. Keep in mind, though, that fall is the time when trees are gathering their resources for the winter. Pruning too early in the fall can result in weakened or even dead trees when spring arrives.

Also, if you prune too early in winter, your trees will not begin healing over the pruning sites for several months, leaving them more vulnerable to freezing temperatures, disease and early insect invasion in spring.

Should You Ever Top a Tree?

Arborists do not recommend topping your trees if you want to keep them. Topping involves cutting back vertical branches to stubs. It is the most damaging type of pruning. If you have a tree that has grown too large for your yard, blocking the sunlight, prune the lower branches only. If it is still too large, consider removing the tree instead.

When Should You Trim Hedges?

You should trim your hedges at the same time of year you trim most of your trees — late winter to early spring. If your hedge has gotten out of hand, power hedge shears may be the best way to begin. Follow up by hand with freshly sharpened hedge trimming shears to clip away all the stray leaves or branches.

You can prune those hedge varieties that grow quickly, such as spirea, viburnum and privet, twice per year to keep them looking full and shapely. By trimming hedges like these after any blossoms turn brown and again in late winter, you help them get sunlight right through to their core. The foliage on untrimmed hedges may become too dense for sunlight to penetrate, resulting in brown, dying branches deep within.

If you shear your hedges from the ground up, you can get a nice-looking inverted V-shape that ensures the lower branches get as much light as the upper ones. This is important because the plants naturally grow wider at the top, blocking lower foliage.

Evergreen hedges, such as junipers, typically require pruning less often than deciduous hedges. If needed, you can prune them with shears or garden scissors to keep their desired shape and eliminate brown areas. If you trim the tops, it’s a good idea to protect them from snow damage with plastic chain-link fencing or burlap and twine.

What Is the Best Way to Trim Bushes?

Garden trimming keeps bushes in their place, leaving room for annuals and perennials to flourish. Usually, you should prune your bushes when you trim your trees in late winter or early spring. If your bushes flower, you can trim safely once the blossoms fall.

Many bushes are resilient enough to withstand pruning any time. If they are overgrown, have brown spots or are getting too dense, get out your gardening shears for a quick fix. If you plan to do any significant bush trimming, be sure to wait until the dormant period.

The 1/3 Method for Shrub First Aid

For bushes and shrubs that are spindly, overgrown and show signs of neglect, you can use the 1/3 method to stimulate new, healthy growth. It works best on established plants rather than new transplants.

For pruning shears, hedge clippers, garden scissors, hedge trimmers, and other gardening tools visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have the hand and power tools you need to get the job done right!

Excerpt from article: https://www.truevalue.com/diy-projects/patio-and-garden/trimming-and-pruning-best-time-to-trim-hedges-trees-and-bushes/

MONTHLY BARGAINS

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:49:03 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Bargains of the Month - Valid April 2024

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Fishing 101: The Rod & Reel

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:48:29 GMT

Fishing 101: Choosing the Right Rod and Reel

For fishing rods, reels and other gear visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you want for a great day of freshwater fishing.

Tips for Selecting the Right STIHL Chain Saw

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 21:33:26 GMT

How to Select the Right STIHL Chain Saw | STIHL USA

If you're considering purchasing a new STIHL chain saw, but you aren't sure which one is right for the tasks you have, this STIHL How-To video can help. (Scroll down to view)

Consider the following when making your choice:

1. How experienced are you with a chain saw?
2. What do you plan to cut?
3. How big is the wood you plan to cut?

More information on STIHL battery and gas-powered chain saws

For STIHL Chain saws and other outdoor power equipment or accessories visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore, your local authorized STIHL Dealer.

NEW INFLATABLE RENTALS

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 18:01:41 GMT

NEW Inflatable Bounce House Rentals Available at Reedsburg True Value!

To reserve an inflatable bounce house for your next party or special occasion call or stop by the Reedsburg True Value Rental Center today. Be sure to reserve yours early since these popular inflatables rent quickly and availability is limited.

To learn more about the Inflatable Rentals available at Reedsburg True Value call 608-524-8999 or visit our store today!

SPRING PROJECT CHECKLIST

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:28:41 GMT

Spring Projects - Tool Checklist

1. Fertilizer Spreader

A broadcast spreader makes it easy to evenly distribute seed, weed killer and fertilizer across large yards. Even distribution helps to prevent streaking, patching and uneven application to your lawn. If you have small yard get a handheld spreader. Handheld spreaders are perfect for lawns 2,500 square feet or less.

Tip: Use a spreader to distribute grass seed in the spring and ice melt/salt or sand in the winter. It is important to thoroughly clean all parts of the spreader after each use.

2. Aerator

Aerate your lawn to help maximize water absorption, increase the effectiveness of fertilizer and reduce puddling in your lawn. The best time to aerate your lawn is determined by the climate where you live and the type of grass you have.

Tip: A handheld aerator is an inexpensive option for small lawns or areas where a larger aerator can’t reach.

3. Hand Weeder

A hand weeder helps to make removing weeds from your lawn and garden easier. A stand-up or long-handle weeder doesn’t require you to get down on your hands and knees. A traditional hand weeder is ideal for more control and infrequent gardening.

Tip: Hand weeders are an eco-friendly alternative to using chemicals on your lawn and garden.

4. Lawn Mower

The right lawn mower can make cutting your grass easier and more efficient. You can choose a push or self-propelled gas mower, corded or cordless electric mower, riding mower or a reel mower.

Tip: To choose the right mower for your lawn consider the size of your yard and the type of terrain you have. Also, consider whether you’d like quieter mower or an eco-friendly option.

5. Lawn Shears

Lawn shears or grass clippers are perfect for cutting grass or trimming the edges of your lawn where your mower or string trimmers can’t reach.

Tip: Lawn shears are also ideal for trimming new growth around plants, bushes and trees for a nice, manicured look.

6. Leaf Rake

Choose the right rake and you’ll make completing your gardening and landscaping tasks much easier. The two most common types of rakes are the leaf rake and a bow rake. A leaf rake is ideal for raking fall leaves and lawn debris. A bow rake is perfect for leveling soil.

Tip: Shrub rakes are similar to small leaf rakes, which makes them ideal for removing light debris from in and around shrubs and bushes.

7. Shovel or Spade

The difference between a shovel and spade lies in the tasks they were designed to do. A shovel has a rounded blade and a pointed tip. It is ideal for digging and breaking up soil. A spade is better for cutting through and moving soil, grass and clumps of dirt.

Tip: Sharpen the tip of your shovel or spade annually or after heavy use.

8. Hose

The three main types of hoses are garden hose, soaker hose and sprinkler hose. A garden hose is an all-purpose hose great for watering flowers and/or washing your car. A soaker hose is the ideal hose for watering delicate plants and flowers. A sprinkler hose is a water-saving option for watering your lawn, garden or flower beds.

Tip: When choosing a hose take into consideration usage for water flow and capacity, the size of your yard and the climate where you live.

9. Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows and garden carts are essential tools for gardening and landscaping. Wheelbarrows have a sloping side tray and usually have one front wheel. Wheelbarrows are easy to control since you push and walk behind them. Garden or lawn carts usually have straight sides and flat bottoms and have two to four wheels. Wheelbarrows are designed to be pushed, while garden carts are designed to be pulled.

Tip: Plastic and Polyethylene wheelbarrow trays are lighter and are perfect for light-duty work. Steel wheelbarrow trays are heavier and are better suited for heavy-duty work.

SPRING PROJECT TOOLS AVAILABLE AT REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE

Spring Home Makeover

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:50:20 GMT

Freshen Up Your Interiors: Ideas For A Stunning Spring Makeover

If the arrival of spring has got you thinking about freshening up your interiors and overseeing a mini makeover, you’ve come to the right place! As temperatures start to rise and the sun sets later, why not take these ideas on board to create a stunning spring home?

Spring colorways and painting

Painting walls and adapting colorways are great ways to revamp interiors and celebrate new seasons without spending a fortune. As the mercury rises and days become longer and brighter, why not lighten up your walls and introduce some spring shades? You can choose to add color to your walls or to lift neutral shades with flashes of color using accessories and wall art. Light tones are ideally suited to small spaces.

Popular spring shades include pastel tones, sorbet colors and crisp neutrals. You can also add patterns and prints, with florals and botanical designs an excellent choice. If you are choosing paint colors, try testers before you decide which tone to go for, and think about the size of the room and its primary purpose. For areas that are used to relax, for example, bedrooms, opt for soothing shades that will help you unwind. Light gray, duck egg blue and white work brilliantly for serene sanctuaries. If you do have plain walls, you can introduce colored accents using soft furnishings like cushions, blankets, rugs and throws and decorative accessories, for example, candleholders, vases and plant pots, lampshades and photo frames.

If you’re painting your walls yourself, it’s well worth taking the time to prepare the surface in advance to ensure a smooth finish. Wipe the walls, sand them down, and make sure you have enough paint before you start. Lay down dust sheets to protect flooring and furniture and wear old clothes. Let the first coat of paint dry fully before applying another layer. If you’re covering a dark shade with a lighter paint color, you may need several coats.

Cool kitchen design ideas

If you fancy sprucing up your kitchen without taking on a major remodel, there are various options available. As well as painting the walls and switching your accessories to carry new themes, trends or colors, you could also replace the flooring, update the furniture, look at different quartz countertop colors or paint your units. Swapping a dark wood floor for light wood or vinyl and painting the walls in a light, neutral shade will create the illusion of more space, while choosing a different countertop will give your kitchen a nice edge. As spring gets into full swing, it’s also wise to jump on the decluttering, tidying and cleaning bandwagon. Decluttering can turn a cramped, dark kitchen into an open, bright, inviting space. If you don’t have much room in the kitchen, use innovative storage solutions like pull-out drawers and wall-mounted shelves and racks to free up floor and counter space.

A change of season always brings new trends. If you’re looking for inspiration for a kitchen revamp this spring, why not consider monochrome, painted cabinets or two-tone colors? These are some of the hottest kitchen trends for spring 2020.

Maximizing natural light

When you think of spring, it’s natural to conjure up images of bright blue skies, sunshine and hazy evenings. While many of us love to embrace coziness in the winter, spring is a chance to bring light into our homes and add a crisp, fresh feel. Decluttering is an excellent way to maximize space, and you can also make rooms seem bigger and brighter by adjusting the layout to make the most of views out of windows and doors, hanging mirrors on the wall and choosing light colors for the walls. Angle your furniture, for example, sofas and chairs, towards windows and French doors and open the curtains wide as soon as you get up in the morning. Avoid blocking natural light with furniture and consider adding an extra window or installing a skylight or a roof lantern if you have a room that is very dark.

Adding greenery

One of the best ways to embrace spring vibes and breathe new life into your home is adding greenery. Houseplants are easy to care for, and they offer aesthetic benefits, as well as advantages for your health and wellbeing. Potted plants, vases of foliage and succulents look beautiful, and plants are also proven to reduce stress, increase productivity and promote calm. Depending on how much space you have available, and the kind of look you’re going for, you can choose from tiny plants to adorn kitchen shelves to huge indoor plants that will provide a fantastic focal point in your living room, hallway or study. You can also add hanging baskets, planters and trees, such as olive and bay trees, to revamp porches and patios.

Accessories and finishing touches

Accessories are a fabulous way to add color and introduce new trends to your home. Spring is often associated with pastels and bright colors, so why not use accessories in yellow, pink, green, orange or turquoise to lift white walls and create a more vibrant aesthetic? Splashes of color are ideal for cool, modern kitchens, retro dining rooms and chic, minimalist living spaces. Match the color with the tones you’ve chosen for your walls and soft furnishings. Yellow works perfectly with gray, black and white, for example. If you’re looking to transform a room on a budget, it’s worth shopping around for items like lamps, vases, pictures and mirrors. If you see a product you like in a glossy magazine, for example, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to source a very similar item for a much lower price by shopping online or visiting discount stores.

Do you fancy sprucing up your interiors for spring? If you’re short on inspiration, or you have a tight budget, hopefully, this guide has given you food for thought. From simple touches like adding splashes of color using accessories and plants to painting walls and switching kitchen counter tops, there are endless ways to freshen up your decor.

For interior home paint and project supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to get the job done right!! !

Originally Posted On: https://www.momdoesreviews.com/2020/03/18/freshen-up-your-interiors-ideas-for-a-stunning-spring-makeover/

DIY Tomato Greenhouse

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 01:08:01 GMT

How to build a greenhouse for tomatoes | with STIHL outdoor power equipment available at Reedsburg True Value Hardware.

A greenhouse for tomatoes is the best way to keep your hands in the soil no matter the season. This greenhouse on wheels can be moved around to the perfect little nook depending on the weather.

Watch this short video to learn how to build it in just a few simple steps. .

Follow the steps in this video to build a greenhouse for your tomatoes'

00:00 How to build a greenhouse for tomatoes

00:11 Tools & Materials

00:14 Step 1: Sawing and preparing wood

01:15 Step 2: Assembling the roof
01:39 Step 3: Assembling the plant box

02:24 Step 4: Adding drainage

02:51 Step 5: Attach the rain cover

03:22 Step 6: End result

For all your project supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! Reedsburg True Value is the area's authorized STIHL Dealer.

What you will need

- Wooden beams

- Wooden boards

- Plexiglas pane

- Pond liner

- Screws

- Vinyl hose

- Stapler

- Pulley

- Wood oil
- Scissors

- Cordless grinder

- Cordless screwdriver with matching bits for the screws

- Cordless drill (optional)

- Workbench

- Rectangular ruler

- Pencil

- Measuring tape
- Brush

- Rag

- Silicone

- Ladder

Find out more about the STIHL GTA 26 here

Find out more about the STIHL AS 2 here

Find out more about the STIHL AK 30 here

Find out more about the STIHL AL 1 here

Spring Roof and Gutter Cleaning

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:43:15 GMT

10 Simple Roof and Gutter Cleaning Tips for Spring

After a long and brutal winter, budding trees and flowers and warmer breezes are welcome by most people as warmer days approach. Spring is a time to clean up and freshen up both the interior and exterior of your home. The outside of your home has taken a beating during the past few winter months in particular. You’ll want to make sure its in optimal shape as the warmer months approach, and Spring is the perfect time to start roof and gutter cleaning.

This will not only make your home look nice, but it’s part of necessary home care and maintenance that will help your home and its elements function well and last a long time without having to be replaced.

Your gutters and roof, specifically, should receive special attention from you this spring.

Roof and Gutter Cleaning

While they may not be the easiest or most convenient places on your home to clean, roof and gutter cleaning is essential.

Making sure they are clean and ready for spring and summer weather are one great way to provide protection in the investment that is your home.

Consider a few of the following tips when embarking upon any large or small roof and guttercleaning project.

Cleaning Your Gutters

Roof and gutter cleaning has many benefits.

To begin, gutters are an essential part of your home because they drain excess water during times of rain or melting snow, keeping your home safe from water damage and directing excess water to the proper places.

Unfortunately, they’re also really good at catching debris.

Avoiding regular roof and gutter cleaning will result in potential water damage to your home, and at the very least, having to replace your gutters sooner rather than later.

Many areas receive a great deal of rain and storms during the spring, so this is a great time to prepare your home and gutters for wet weather.

You can either wait until it rains to see if your gutters are clogged, or run a garden hose to run water through the gutters. Look to see where water is leaking through or where its overflowing so you know where to repair leaks and remove debris.

Use gloved hands to remove debris like pine cones, twigs, and leaves.

You may want to consider adding covers to your gutters, making clean up job much easier in the future and keeping unwanted items out.

You can use a caulking gun on dry surfaces to repair any leaks.

Sagging gutters won’t function properly, even if you clean them out. So, make sure the fasteners keeping them attached to the home are tightened, and if not, tighten or replace them.

Clean, well-functioning gutters will ensure your home is ready for any wet weather that will come your way, and you’ll be taking an important step to avoid water damage.

Roof Cleaning Tips

Winter can also be particularly hard on your rooftop, especially if you’ve had a lot of snow and ice.

Thorough roof and gutter cleaning and an inspection of your roof by a professional will ensure its holding up and looking nice for spring and summer.

This care will not only help it last longer, but will keep it in top shape.

As stated previously, gutter care is an essential part of roof maintenance and cleaning care, but there are other roof cleaning considerations as well:

Roof Cleaning:

Clear any debris like leaves, pine cones, and pine needles off your roof. These can cause a build up of moisture which can lead to damage to shingles, mold, or structural damage. An easy and safe way to do this is with a leaf blower.

Moss and mold can also damage your rooftop and shingles, and are caused by too much moisture on the roof. Removing debris as stated in the previous bullet point will help avoid this problem, but a power washer to your roof will help remove existing mold and mildew. If your roof is steep you may want to consult with a professional first.

Removing branches that create too much shade and not enough sunlight, and attaching zinc or copper strands across the length of your roof will help to ensure that mold and mildew won’t find a comfortable place to grow on your roof.

For shingles or structural problems, consult with a professional to inspect your roof thoroughly if you suspect you have any problems such as these that you need to address. If you do, you’ll want to fix the problem–replacing shingles, reinforcing weak spots, etc.–as soon as possible.

Stray tree branches can also be a problem. Snow and ice can do strange things to tree branches near your home, and after a long winter you may need to consider trimming some back if the branches look loose or are at risk of falling, rubbing, or pulling shingles off the roof.

For spring cleaning and project supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have what you need to get the job done right, at great value prices everyday!

Excerpted from: https://piedmontroofing.com/simple-roof-and-gutter-cleaning-tips/

FEBRUARY BARGAINS

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:12:30 GMT

February Bargains of the Month - MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE, REEDSBURG, WI 53959 - Valid 2/1/2024 - 2/29/2024

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Wild Bird Feeding Tips

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:27:30 GMT

Tips for Feeding Wild Birds in Wintertime

Why Feed Birds in Winter?

Winter can be hard on birds. Snow, ice and frozen ground make it hard for birds to find berries, seeds and other food and can lead to their starvation. Bird feeders can become their only source of food during long, cold, icy snaps. Providing them with rich, high-fat foods in your feeders can help them make it through until spring. That’s not to mention the entertainment and enjoyment for the whole family, to see colorful birds just outside your windows during a dreary winter. It helps to know which birds will stay through the colder weather. Depending on your particular region, many common winter birds are downy woodpeckers, tufted titmice, American goldfinches, black-capped chickadees, robins, European starlings, house finches and sparrows, and cardinals.

Create a Bird Destination

Creating a bird-friendly habitat in your yard all year-round is essential for bird watching. It is especially important during winter. It can also be a little tricky, since birds are attracted to natural, dense growth, a lot of which has probably died off for the cold months. Evergreens can provide yearlong shelter from the elements and predators. Consider planting more evergreens in your yard, whether shrubbery or individual trees, in a location near where you will also place bird houses, feeders and a birdbath. Or create your habitat close to existing evergreens. Shelter from wind is important. Placed near structures like your house or garage, feeders and birdhouses are protected from strong winter winds and can give great vantage points from an inside window.

There are a few ways to protect feeders from squirrels and other animals, such as raccoons. Baffles or cages are available that keep larger animals from getting into a feeder, allowing access to birds only. Feeders and houses installed on poles can be protected by rubbing oil on the pole to make it slippery so that squirrels have trouble climbing them.

Supply clean water by supplying a classic pedestal birdbath or fountain all year round. In winter, fresh water is arguably more important than in the warmer seasons. Consider purchasing an immersion heater for your birdbath to keep the water from freezing. Regularly check the water to make sure that it stays fresh.
Feed Birds Their Favorites

What you put in your feeders is important. Particular bird species prefer specific types of food. Grains (seeds) and suet (seeds and fruits imbedded in fat) are popular with a wide variety of bird species. Seeds include sunflower seeds, corn, and millet. Black sunflower seeds and millet, in particular, are very popular among many common types of birds, such as cardinals, finches, blue jays and goldfinches. Blue jays, sparrows and starlings enjoy corn. Suet is a nutritious, high-energy “cake” that attracts woodpeckers and other birds. Installing a few bird feeders, each stocked with different types of food, is the best way to attract the greatest variety of bird types.

Note that feeding birds won’t prevent those who migrate from leaving your area. This is instinctual and has nothing to do with whether or not there is food available. For those birds that do stay throughout the winter, remember that once you start feeding them, you must continue to do so or they will leave to find food elsewhere. Often, they will not come back.

For all your wild bird feeding supplies visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We stock bird seed, bird feeders, suet, bird baths, bird bath heaters, bird houses and much more!

Source: www.truevalue.com

DIY Projects that Save You Money

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:24:09 GMT

Home Remodeling Jobs You Should DIY to Save You Money

Are you looking for ways to save money on your home remodeling project? Whether you’re looking to keep things cheap because of your budget or are planning to refinance your mortgage for bigger projects, there are methods to refresh your home in small ways that don’t require a professional’s help (or service charges). Here are a few places to consider handling the remodeling on your own.

Painting the walls and ceilings

Painting the walls and ceilings yourself is a great way to save money on home remodeling. Not only will you be able to save on labor costs, but you’ll also be able to control the look and feel of your space.

If you want to save even more money or are only painting small projects like cabinets, consider looking at the shelves near the paint mixers at your local hardware store. These shelves typically have returned or rejected pre-mixed paints that are sold at a discount. You may need to compromise on the color, but every now and then, you might just find the exact shade you want at a steep discount.

Replacing old, cracked tiles

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a few old, cracked tiles in your home that need to be replaced. While it might seem like a daunting task, switching out old tiles isn’t as difficult a job as you think. The trick is to find replacement tiles that match your current flooring.

If your tiles are pretty old and replacements are hard to find, consider looking at architectural salvage stores in your area. These shops take old fixtures from remodeled homes and are excellent resources for finding vintage or hard-to-find light fixtures, door hardware, and floor tiles.

Installing new flooring

When it comes to flooring, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to DIY your installation. First, make sure the flooring you choose is compatible with the flooring throughout your home. Next, be sure to measure your flooring with a ruler and check the dimensions against the product description. Finally, read the installation instructions carefully before starting your project.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to update your flooring, consider installing new flooring in a similar style to the existing flooring. This way, you can seamlessly integrate the new floor into your home without having to spend hours matching tiles and doing tedious labor. Plus, if you choose a design that’s trending right now, you can guarantee that your floor will look great in no time.

Installing new lighting fixtures

You can find a variety of lighting fixtures at home improvement stores and online retailers, but you may be able to find better deals if you buy them directly from the manufacturer. You can also save money by installing light fixtures in multiple rooms of your home rather than purchasing them all at once. This will reduce the amount of time and money you spend on the project.

Replacing old door handles and locks

Replacing old door handles and locks can save you money on home remodeling projects. Doors can often be replaced with new, more secure handles and locks that are less likely to be broken or stolen. You may also want to consider replacing door hinges and weatherstripping if they are worn or damaged.

The bottom line

Home remodeling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to complete your project yourself and save some money in the process!

For all your DIY home remodeling project needs visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore. We have you want to get the job done right!

Original Source: press@credello.com

2024 True Value Service

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:02:10 GMT

At True Value, we are more than just a hardware store.

For 75 years, in all the cities, counties, townships, and villages in between the True Value signs have always let people know where they can go for Home-Town values and service.

Knowing our customers names and always being there for what they need, that's what we do, that's who we are.

In 2023 we celebrated 75 years of Hometown values and service and now we're ready for 75 more.

We can't wait to celebrate and continue serving our local community.

We are your local Hometown True Value Hardware store.

SPECTACULAR NEW YEAR SAVINGS

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:00:10 GMT

January 2024 Savings Spectacular - Prices Valid January 1 - 28, 2024

For best selection shop early during our Spectacular January Savings Event. Valid Jan 1 - 28, 2024.

For more product details or to SHOP ONLINE with Free Shipping to the Reedsburg True Value Superstore CLICK HERE .

WISCONSIN ICE FISHING

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 21:31:30 GMT

Wisconsin Pike Ice Fishing Tips

Video Transcript:

Hey guys, Jesse here. Going to be heading out to do a little ice fishing tomorrow. Just kind of a local lake. It's actually a lot of trophy fish in there, so hopefully we can connect with one of those.

We've caught them up to 45" in this lake. Definitely a lot of potential there.

We pretty much do all catch and release, so I'll show you the rig here that we use to catch them.

Basically where we're going to go tomorrow is this area up here. It's this one pretty big flat and you can see right through here is that channel that comes up, that little finger you can see. Right now the water's a little shallow but this main area up here is 2-3 feet and this one section here is 4-5 feet.

So that's a tip if you're going along a big flat like that and you notice even a foot difference in depth, that foot deeper where the ridge runs is going to concentrate those fish. You're going to connect with a lot more fish there than out in the open flat area.

The map says there's a rock pile there but I've been out there enough to know it's not much of anything. There are a few smaller rocks but it's not going to hold a ton of fish although we will be fishing in this stretch right here. Probably getting on the edge of the rocks and coming down the channel.

I wanted to show you what depth we're fishing and what features I'm looking for. Keep in mind that when you see areas where the depth changes a foot or so, that's what fish will use as a travel route and they will concentrate along the channel's ridge.

Now I'll show you the rig that I use and we'll go from there and hopefully we can trade some fish on the ice.

Here's a look at the rig real quick. i think this is a one dot muskcat catfish hook with the old DareDevil spinner and some red & white beads on a piece of 30lb. seven strand wire. I also make some with a 80lb. flora carbon and some with 20 lb flora carbon depending on the conditions and how finicky the fish are. But, most of the time this wire is thin enough that I don't have any problems.

I can keep up fishing with guys that are using straight 20lb flora all the time. I can't see a noticable difference on the bites with Pike anyhow. I don't think they're that picky on it. And, I have it under a Beaver Dam tip up. That's what I'm going to be using tomorrow so, we'll see if it works.

First fish of the season. Looks like a decent one. Sweet, nice Northern Pike.

Watch close to see how to unhook a fish with a hook in the throat.

30 incher, yeh.. alright, time to release the fish back to the water. There we go!

Our first little ice fishing trip of the year went not too bad. It was kind of slow but we managed to pull two fish out and one more flag but other than that was a good time. Good to get out on the ice and get a couple lines wet.

So, yeh, we're going to keep at this and try to make it out at least once a week ice fishing on Wisconsin lakes.

Visit the Sporting Goods Department at Reedsburg True Value Superstore for all your ice fishing gear and tackle! We have the supplies you need for a successful day of fishing any time of year.

Video credit: Jesse Marden

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 18:48:01 GMT

How-to Insulate to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Adding pipe insulation around accessible water pipes is economical and saves you money.

Step 1: Check Your Pipes

To locate water pipes in your home that may need to be insulated, look for water pipes that pass through unheated spaces. These include crawlspaces, garages, attics and the pipe leading directly from your hot water heater.

Step 2: Take Measurements

Before you insulate, measure the outside circumference and length of each section of pipe. Be sure to check the hot water lines as well. Hot water lines freeze slower than cold water lines, but they are more likely to burst. Add up the lengths for each size of pipe and add about 10 percent to that amount to account for waste or error.

Step 3: Get Insulation

Once you know what size and how much insulation you need, you can purchase various types of pipe insulation kits at your local True Value hardware store. Be sure adhesive tape or contact cement is included for sealing. The most widely available pipe insulation is tubular foam that is slit lengthwise to slip over existing pipes. However, tubes without slits (designed for installation over new piping) can easily be slit with a sharp utility knife.

Step 4: Insulate and Seal

Open the pipe insulation along the slit, press it onto the pipe and seal it with an adhesive tape or contact cement to prevent summertime condensation.

Step 5: Make Adjustments If Needed

When you're covering areas where pipes meet, it may be necessary to make adjustments by cutting the insulation to fit. For best results, use a miter box saw and either a serrated knife or a hacksaw. Use a single-edged razor blade for detail cutting. After making the appropriate cuts and confirming a good fit, use adhesive tape to seal the joint.

Step 6: Insulate Valves and Seal

After insulating the straight sections of the pipe, you will need to protect the valves. Preformed valve covers are the easiest and most effective method. Simply fit the two halves over the valves and seal the edges with adhesive tape. For hard-to-cover valves, you can use strips of foam or fiberglass that are designed to wrap around pipes or fittings.

To provide maximum protection for pipes that are highly vulnerable to freezing, add electrical pipe-heating cable to foam insulation. Prior to adding foam insulation, simply attach the cable to the length of the pipe, or wrap around the pipe and connect to the power supply.

For all your plumbing and pipe insulation projects visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today. We've got what you need to get the job done right!!

Helpful Tips

For greater prevention against frozen pipes, do not set your thermostat below 60 degrees.

Leave under-sink cabinet doors open at night or on very cold, windy days.

Keep a heat lamp in a relatively confined space, but exercise caution.

Disconnect outside hoses and lawn sprinklers during the winter months.

Add outdoor faucet protectors to prevent faucets from freezing.

How-to Be More Energy Efficient

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:41:29 GMT

How to Conserve Power: 10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency is a top priority among many Americans. In fact, 81 percent value reducing pollution from power plants and 76 percent value an increase in renewable energy options.

If you’re part of this group, you don’t have to wait for power plants to catch up before you can feel like you’re making a difference. There are lots of steps you can take on your own to learn how to conserve energy, make your home greener, and benefit the planet.

Reasons to Conserve Energy

There are lots of reasons to make energy conservation a priority. The following are some of the greatest benefits to keep in mind:

Save money on energy bills
Protect local plant and wildlife
Improve your family’s health (especially your respiratory health)
Increase independence

Conserving energy also allows you to play an important role in preserving finite resources. This ensures that future generations will have access to the same resources we have now.

How to Conserve Energy at Home

Okay, you’re all aboard the energy conservation train. Where do you begin when making your home more eco-friendly, though? Start with these energy conservation techniques:

1. Let the Sun Heat Your House

Even if you’re not ready to go solar, there are still ways you can use the sun’s energy to your advantage. For example, during the winter, you can open the blinds and let the sun’s rays heat your house.

This is a simple way to lower your heating bill, and it exposes you to more natural light during the day. This is great for your mood, especially if you struggle with depression when winter rolls around.

2. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a must-have for anyone who wants to make energy conservation easy. With a programmable thermostat, you can ensure that your heat and air conditioning are only turned on when you want them to be. You get to decide the temperature that triggers these systems to turn on in your house.

There are also lots of smart thermostat devices that you can control from your smartphone. This allows you to adjust the temperature of your house even when you’re not home.

3. Layer Up

During the winter, instead of cranking up the heat, why not pull out some extra blankets or put on a sweater instead? Layering up allows you to use less energy without spending months shivering and waiting for spring to arrive.

4. Use a Humidifier

The drier the air is in your house, the colder it will feel. When you boost humidity, it feels warmer, and you’re able to turn down the heater and save on energy. Set up a humidifier (or a few humidifiers) throughout your house to increase the moisture and make the winter season a little more tolerable.

5. Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are great energy-saving tools to use during the summer and the winter. That’s right, they can work to your advantage all year-round. They’re great saving heat energy examples to keep in mind.

During the summer, set your fans so they spin counterclockwise. This helps to push warm air up and away from you without you having to turn on the air conditioner.

During the winter, set them so they spin clockwise. This helps to circulate warm air throughout your home and allows you to lower the setting on your thermostat.

6. Check Your Ductwork

If you have leaky ductwork, your heating and cooling systems aren’t going to work in the most efficient way possible. If this is the case, you’re going to use more energy to maintain the temperature of your house, and your energy bills are going to skyrocket.

To avoid dealing with this situation, get your ductwork checked on a regular basis. If the technician notes any issues, get them addressed as soon as possible.

7. Seal Windows and Doorways

In addition to sealing up any leaks in your ductwork, it’s important to seal up leaks in your windows and doorways, too. If these don’t close all the way, air from outside is going to sneak in (and warm or cool air from inside will sneak out).

This is not an energy-efficient way for your house to operate. Take time to seal up all these cracks as soon as possible so you’re not paying to heat or air-condition anything other than your home.

8. Change Your Lightbulbs

A simple swap that can lead to big changes in your energy consumption is replacing your current lightbulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and they last a lot longer than other bulbs. This saves you from having to replace them as often, and you avoid throwing used bulbs into landfills on a regular basis.

9. Replace Your Showerhead

If you’re worried about how much water your family uses on a day-to-day basis in addition to the conservation of energy, consider replacing your existing showerhead with a low-flow model. These showerheads can take some getting used to. Once you adjust, though, you’ll be glad you made the switch, as they can help you save a ton of water.

10. Replace Your Glass

If your house has old windows or glass front doors, consider upgrading the glass to a more energy-efficient style. Window replacements or glass door replacements can be a big upfront investment. They save you a lot of money later on, though, especially if you switch to a more energy-efficient style.

This change will help to prevent energy leaks. It will also keep your electricity and heating bills as low as possible all throughout the year.

Start Conserving Energy Today

As you can see, there are lots of steps you can take when figuring out how to conserve energy in your home. Remember, too, that you don’t have to change everything in one day. Start with one or two of the items listed above and, over time, continue making gradual changes.

For all you DIY home project supplies visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg. We have what you need to get the job done right!

www.articlecity.com

STIHL DURO CHAINSAW

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:14:45 GMT

STIHL DURO CHAINSAW: For your toughest conditions and, 100% Swiss-made.

Ever wondered why STIHL Duro is that powerful? Get a glimpse behind the scenes to learn more about the chain that's ideal for demanding applications such as cutting dirty wood. (Scroll down to watch short video of its operation)

The special carbide plating makes the saw chains extremely robust and wear-resistant. In this video, we put the long-lasting performance and durability of the Duro chain to the test: cutting through a log filled with cement.

The Duro saw chains stay sharp up to ten times longer than conventional saw chains without resharpening and are therefore the optimal choice for professionals in gardening and landscaping as well as for enthusiastic hobby users. So if you enjoy sawing more than resharpening, then you must try STIHL Duro chains!

For STIHL Chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment and accessories visit Martens True Value, your local STIHL Dealer, in Reedsburg today!

75th Anniversary Holiday Sale

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:19:41 GMT

Reedsurg True Value Superstore 75th Anniversary Holiday Sale - Prices Valid 11/27/2023 - 12/22/2023 or While Supplies Last! - MONTHLY BARGAINS TOO!!

BE SURE TO SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION - OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO MARTENS TRUE VALUE

Ways to Repurpose Pumpkins

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:25:52 GMT

What to Do With Leftover Pumpkins

Halloween is now over; Thanksgiving is almost to an end and fall is “leafing” us soon. The weather is turning cold, and a lot of people question what to do with their leftover pumpkins? You buy pumpkins year after year and toss them in the trash to go to waste when there are plenty of great uses for them. Here are a few ways to repurpose those pumpkins and to get your money’s worth out of them!

Compost Your Pumpkins or Grow your own Patch!

To compost your pumpkins all you really need to do is smash your pumpkin into the ground or compost pile, cover it with leaves, and let nature do its job. Make sure your pumpkin is free of candles, glitter and such things that can be harmful to wildlife. Another thing you may want to do is clear your pumpkin of all seeds. If you do happen to leave your seeds you may see some pumpkins sprouting next year and that may save you some more money and you can create your own little pumpkin patch. If you do decide to go ahead and create your own pumpkin patch, be sure to use our Cat’s Claws . You may find that while using our fasteners it will help to keep critters out of your pumpkin patch and that way you will be able to have your own pumpkins year after year. So now that you have put your pumpkin into the ground or compost pile you now have a great fertilizer for your plants or garden!

Make a Meal out of your Pumpkins

Have you ever had dinner in a pumpkin? There are multiple recipes out there for soups, pies, bread and so much more. You can also make use of your pumpkins with their seeds. You can read more about what to do with the pumpkin seeds below.

5 Ways to Cook and Eat Pumpkin Seeds (southernliving.com)

Feed the Birds and Wildlife

Both the pumpkin flesh and seeds are good for animals. If you are going to give your pumpkins to birds or other wildlife, please be sure that your pumpkins do not have any toxic paint on them. Just sit your pumpkin outside and squirrels will be sure to come by and take a bite. Birds would also love to have the seeds out of the pumpkins. All you will need to do is leave the seeds out to dry and either mix them in with a little bird seed or put them outside by themselves and the birds will be sure to thank you.

Give Your Pumpkins to Livestock

Do you own livestock or live around anyone who does? Most livestock can eat pumpkins and it is good for them. If you don’t own any farm animals yourself, I am sure a local farmer would be glad to take them off your hands to give their animals a tasty treat. Read more about the safety of pumpkins for your livestock here.

Is it safe for livestock to consume pumpkins after fall festivities are over? – Texas Farm Bureau

Decorate with your Pumpkins for the Holidays

Did you know that there are many ways to decorate for Christmas with pumpkins?

Take your pumpkins, paint them white and create a snowman. Have fun with the kids with paint and then add a scarf or toboggan over the stem and now you have yourself a winter decoration.

Another way you can create a snowman out of your pumpkins would be to stack three pumpkins on top of each other, paint them white, add your buttons for eyes and mouth and then for the top pumpkin, paint the stem orange and turn it to where the stem looks like a nose. So many different ideas for decorating for Christmas with pumpkins.

Donate your Old Pumpkins

Did you know there are many places that would accept your leftover pumpkins? You can always do a quick google on where to donate pumpkins near you, but most places such as zoo’s, animal shelters, or even local farms. Zookeepers will give some animals pumpkins to play with or to eat. Some sanctuaries will also take pumpkins. This will be a great way for you to get those pumpkins out of your and give some animals a treat. This is also great for the environment...

Originally Posted On: https://fencingstaples.com/what-to-do-with-leftover-pumpkins/

How to Build a Rugged Stool

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:54:21 GMT

How to build a Rugged STIHL stool

Can’t get enough of DIY STIHL projects? In this video we are going to be teaching you how you can use a tree trunk to easily build this TIMBERSPORTS®-inspired stool.

Material needed:

- Wooden trunk 30-40 cm in diameter
- Felt studs
- Seat cushion
- Handsappie
- Meter stick
- Forest chalk

STIHL chainsaws and other outdoor power tools are available at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore, your local STIHL Dealer. For all your project supplies visit our in-store STIHL department today!

Benefits of Hunting

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:04:09 GMT

7 Reasons to Go Hunting This Season

Are you considering venturing into the wilderness?

Outdoor activities are becoming more and more common nowadays. More and more people are venturing out into the wilderness for anything from photography to simple relaxation.

And, most importantly, hunting is becoming a trend for many, many people. Yet, for all its popularity, many people are still unaware of all the benefits it holds. So, here are some of the best reasons to go hunting this season .

Read on for all the information and we’ll talk about some of them below.

1. The Camaraderie

Hunting is a social activity that allows people to bond with one another. It is a way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors. When you are out in the woods with your friends, trying to track down that elusive deer or turkey, there is a bond formed.

It is not the excitement of the hunt itself. It is the shared experience of being in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It also provides an opportunity to teach children about wildlife and the importance of hunting conservation.

Whatever the reason, hunting is not about killing animals. Hence, it is an important part of many people’s lives to reconnect with others. It is also a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

2. For Food

Hunting has always been a way of life for many cultures and one of the hunting benefits is by gathering food that is necessary for survival. In some places, it is the only way to get food. In other places, people may choose to hunt for food because it is a tradition or because they enjoy it.

The reason for hunting is to put food on the table and as a way to provide for yourself, your family, and your community. When you hunt, you are not only providing food for yourself, but you are also providing food for the animals that you eat. When it is skillfully done and with respect, it can provide a sustainable and healthy source of food.

3. The Connection to Nature

When people go hunting, they can appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. It can be a way to connect with our history, our ancestors, and the wildlife. They also find a deeper understanding and respect for all living things

Hunting is a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. They are also able to connect with the animals they are hunting in a way that is not possible when they are observing them. This connection to nature is something that is deeply satisfying and helps to improve the mental and physical health of the individual.
4. For the Memories and Experience

Whether it is your first time out in the woods or your hundredth, there is always something new to learn and enjoy. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the fresh air, and the sound of the forest are unforgettable experiences. Even if it is your first time tracking deer, you can have the opportunity to share stories, laughs, and memories that will last a lifetime.

5. For Physical Activity

If you are looking for a way to get some exercise and get active, you should consider hunting. You will have to walk and hike to get to your hunting spot, and then you will be standing or sitting for long periods waiting for your prey. All this walking and standing is great for your legs, back, and core.

And, if you are successful, you will have to carry your prey out of the woods, which is great for your arms and legs. Also, it requires a lot of physical activity, from gathering supplies and equipment to hiking to your hunting spot. Even if you are not successful in getting a kill, you will still get a great workout from all the walking and climbing.

6. For Thrill and Fun

Hunting is a great way to get outside and enjoy the thrill of the chase. When stalking and gathering an animal, one feels a sense of power and control that is exhilarating. It is an opportunity to test one’s skills and abilities. Regardless of the reason, hunting can be a fun and rewarding experience.

The challenge of the hunt is also thrilling and for many people, it is a great way to way to spend their free time. Because for others, they enjoy the satisfaction of taking down their prey with a well-placed shot using their hunting rifle. Click here for more info on how to get one of these for the season.

7. For Wildlife Management

Hunting is the most effective method of controlling the wildlife populations of these animals. By controlling the number of deer, hunters can help prevent overgrazing and later damage to habitats. Besides controlling numbers, hunting can also help improve the health of herds by removing sick or weak animals.

With this, we can help maintain the balance of the ecosystem and prevent overpopulation. It can help thin out the population of a species so they are not as susceptible to disease. By removing sick or weak animals from the gene pool, hunting can help ensure that the population remains strong and healthy.

In some cases, hunting can also help to raise money for conservation efforts. It also provides recreational opportunities for humans and helps to support local economies. Hunting also helps to maintain habitats and to keep ecosystems in balance and is an essential part of conservation that is vital for the future of our wildlife.

Why Go Hunting This Season

If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying the challenge of tracking and taking down games, then hunting is perfect for you. By reading this guide, hunting can be a great way to enjoy and even bring home a bag of trophies.

This is the sign if you’re looking for a reason to go hunting this season. Grab your gear and head for the woods!

For hunting supplies, guns and ammo visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today!

www.articlecity.com

Holiday Prep Sale

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:03:16 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore - Prep for the Holidays SALE - Valid 10/30/2023 - 11/26/2023

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE PREP FOR THE HOLIDAYS SALE GOING ON NOW! SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST... CHECK OUT OUR NOVEMBER BARGAINS TOO!

Save $$ With these DIY Projects

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:48:28 GMT

Home Remodeling Jobs You Should DIY to Save You Money

Painting the walls and ceilings

The bottom line

Home remodeling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to complete your project yourself and save some money in the process!

For everything you need to complete your DIY project successfully visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today!

www.articlecity.com

How to Install a Closet Organizer

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 23:41:28 GMT

True Value How To Video: Installing a Closet Organizer

Get storage done right by installing a closet organizer for under $150.

For closet organizers, bins, storage units, shoe racks, cubes, shelving, hooks, hangers and hardware visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today! We have what you need to get your project done right at great value prices!

DIY Winter Emergency Car Kit

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:57:27 GMT

What Do I Need for My Car in Winter?

If you get stuck or stranded, these are some important things to have in your vehicle.

Candle Heater

One of the best winter accessories is a candle heater. If you get stuck in a rural area, you'll want to conserve gas. Alternatively, you can use an empty metal coffee can. Have a few multi-wick candles or larger candles on hand. Be sure to buy high-quality candles with longer burn times. Simply light the candle, and keep it inside the metal tin for heat if you need it. Have matches and a lighter handy as well.

Emergency Warning Devices

This is important since blowing snow and fog reduces visibility. Emergency warning devices like flares or triangles help alert others that you're on the side of the road. If you get stranded a cone is also helpful. Its bright orange color help protect you.

Portable Shovel

If you get stuck, you can use a shovel to dig a path. However, if you need to park for a while until a blizzard passes, you can also use it afterward.

First Aid Kit

This is one of the most important items in your kit. If you get hurt shoveling, jumping a battery, or doing something else, a first aid kit helps. Severe infections can potentially happen to people with even the smallest untreated cut.

Phone Charger

For any road trip, a reliable charger is important. If you're traveling in rural areas, you may want to bring a power bank as well.

Warmth Aids

Warmth aids are some of the best winter car accessories. Bring enough mittens, hats, socks, and blankets for everyone in the vehicle.

Flashlight and Batteries

Choose a high-quality flashlight that can tolerate the cold. Also, be sure to pack plenty of extra batteries.

Ice Scraper and Snow Brush

You can sometimes find handy combination tools that include both of these important car accessories. Be sure to clean off ice and snow before you drive. Also, if you must park to wait out a snowstorm, these accessories are great to have afterward.

Food and Sanitation Items

Pack plenty of non-perishable foods that are high in protein and nutrients. Jerky, dried fruit, energy bars, nuts and protein bars are some suggestions. Have enough water for each person to have enough to drink for a few days. Also, be sure to have some hand sanitizer, toilet paper, tissues, and wet wipes in your kit.

Jumper Cables

A snow kit for a car should include jumper cables. If another car stops to help you and doesn't have them, you'll be prepared. You can help others who are stranded as well. There are also portable battery starters. However, if you get one, you'll need to keep it charged.

Portable Air Compressor

This is one of the best car accessories if you have low tire pressure. A portable air compressor plugs into a 12V car outlet and can fill your tires. When temperatures outside fall quickly, it's common for tire pressure to drop. For every 10-degree drop, your tires can lose up to a couple of pounds of pressure.

Flat Tire Fix

There are products you can find in hardware stores to temporarily fix flat tires. These are usually in cans. If you have a flat tire instead of low pressure, this can be a lifesaver. Keep a few cans on hand.

Safety Absorbent

As one of the top winter car essentials, safety absorbent is a substance that helps you gain traction. If you get stuck and need to get back on the road, it's especially valuable. Simply scatter it in a path in front of your tires. Cat litter also works for this.

Basic Tool Kit

Tools are important items to keep in your car for winter. Pliers, screwdrivers, a hammer, duct tape, and a tire pressure gauge are just a few. They can be useful in many situations.

For all the supplies you need for your winter emergency car kit visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today! We stock car care accessories, flashlights, batteries, tools, flat tire fix, jumper cables, ice scrapers, shovels and more...

FALL CLEANUP SALE

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:24:10 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Fall Cleanup Sale - Valid 10/2/2023 - 10/29/2023

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE FALL CLEANUP SALE GOING ON NOW! Valid 10/2/2023 - 10/29/2023

DIY Plumbing Tool Kit

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:33:09 GMT

What is a Plumbing Tool Kit?

A DIY plumbing tool kit is a set of tools and equipment you'll need for most minor plumbing issues. You'll learn more about the specific tools included. Keep in mind that you may still need to buy parts as needed. For instance, if you discover you need a new toilet flapper, you'll need to buy one. Your tool kit will enable you to install many parts yourself, though.

Why Would You Need a Plumbing Repair Kit?

You may be wondering why you should keep the tools on hand and not buy them as needed. The main reason is that plumbing problems seem to occur at the worst times. They can happen on weekends, during snowstorms, or in the middle of the night. Also, you won't have to worry about rushing to the store, only to discover that what you need is out of stock.

These are just a few of many potential problems you'll need plumbing tools for:

Minor toilet issues
Dripping faucet
Toilet clogs
Leaky pipes
Sink not draining
Low water pressure

Plumbing Tools List

A complete plumber's tool kit includes all the most important tools. Your plumbing tools should be ready and easy to grab whenever you need them. The following points cover some essential tools and why they're important to include in plumbing repair kits.

Hacksaw

This saw is a versatile tool. As its name implies, it can hack its way through many things. You can use it to cut through screws, metal pipes, plastic pipes, and bolts. Keep it tense when you need to make tougher cuts. When you buy a hacksaw, it's wise to purchase a few extra blades since the original ones will eventually wear out.

Tube and Plastic Pipe Cutters

These are another valuable addition to your tool kit. They are great if you need to cut through plastic. If you're not anticipating using them very often, you may be fine with just a hacksaw. When you need to cut copper pipe, be sure to buy both standard and close-quarter tubing cutters.

Propane Torch

If you're comfortable sweating copper pipe and fittings, you'll need this tool. Some types of torches require manual lighting, which can be a hassle in some situations. If you appreciate convenience, spending a little extra for a self-igniting head is worth it. Be sure to have a fire-resistant cloth ready to cover any nearby surfaces whenever you use the torch.

Plastic-Toothed Drain Snake

You can find this simple device for a low price. It's flexible and has jagged teeth along its sides. If you have a clogged bathtub or sink, that's a great tool to start with. It pulls up shallower hair and soap scum clumps easily.

Hand Auger

This circular tool lets you drive a cable far into a drain. It's useful for breaking up and clearing out deep clogs. There are several types and styles of hand augers. You can choose the size and style that suits your preference. A basic auger or drain snake works for most small sinks or basins. For deep clogs, look for augers that can reach longer distances.

Closet Auger

This manual hand tool helps clear toilet clogs and is essential for every toilet drain kit. It has a long and tough steel cable that can break apart difficult clogs.

Plungers

In addition to an auger or drain snake, plungers are essential for any plumbing tool kit. You'll need two different types for two potential problem sources. A flange or toilet plunger is essential for your toilet plumbing kit. A cupped plunger is for sink drains.

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Every plumber's toolbox has tongue-and-groove pliers. They are great for twisting, holding, pulling, and grabbing something. When you buy these pliers, it helps to buy two important sizes. Choose 10-inch pliers and 12-inch pliers for your DIY plumbing tool kit.

Metal File

Whenever you cut through metal, you'll need to sand it. A metal file will help smooth rough edges and remove burrs. For better results, buy a half-round file and a rat-tail file to tackle common projects.

For the tools you need to assemble your DIY Plumbing Equipment Tool Kit visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have the tools and plumbing supplies you need to get the job done right!

Fall Landscape Maintenance

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:51:27 GMT

4 Tips for Maintaining a Fall Landscape

As much as we hate to say this: summer is almost over. It’s time to exchange our outdoor parties and activities for the coziness of the indoors. While you might think this means the end of your pristine landscape, we’re here to tell you that you shouldn’t think this way. A good landscape needs proper care all year long, even in the fall.

If you want to have the best gardens, lawn, and hardscapes for next year when spring rolls around, it pays to work on them early. To make sure you always get the most out of your landscape, there are certain measures you can take to prepare for next season now.

Fall can be a time for indoor rest and relaxation. But before you get started with that, there’s some work you should put in.

Here are our top landscaping tips for the autumn season:

Pull Weeds

Many people wonder why their lawns and gardens become infested with weeds in the spring and summer – the answer might be how you treat your exterior in the fall. Weeds can lie dormant through the winter months and jump out as soon as it gets warmer in the spring. To avoid these weeds from impacting the beauty of your landscape, removing them in the fall can really help.

There are wrong ways to weed, however. You don’t want to leave any trace of the plant in the ground, including the roots. That means when you take a weed out, you have to ensure you’re pulling the whole thing out of the ground – this is easiest when the ground is wet and malleable because you’ll experience less resistance from the soil while pulling. If you’re unable to get the weed out by the root, using a hoe to cleanly cut the weeds is another good option.

Rake Leaves

Throughout the fall season, as leaves fall from the trees, you want to stay on top of raking them up. As leaves accumulate on the ground, they can stifle your grass, preventing your lawn from getting the vital sunlight it needs to be strong in the spring. You should always be proactive with leaf removal. Don’t wait until the springtime to clear the lawn and gardens of leaves, and don’t wait for all the leaves to fall either.

It’s better to do less intense and more frequent raking jobs since this makes the workload easier and will prevent your grass from being crushed and dying under a heavy bed of leaves. Leaves that remain over the winter will cause dead patches of grass, possibly develop the fungal disease, and look ugly throughout the season. Prevent reseeding and fertilization in the spring by staying on top of your leaves in the fall!

Prioritize Lawn Care

While we’re on the topic of keeping your lawn leaf-free, you should also care for your lawn in other ways in the fall. Fall is the best time to repair your lawn after a long summer of dryness and heat. You can use the cooler temperatures to make a difference in its vitality before the winter freeze.

Fall is the best time of year to fertilize your lawn. Although the cooler temperatures mean that the top growth of your grass will slow to a stop, the roots keep growing – and they need nutrients for this. By feeding your lawn in the fall, you can stimulate better root growth, giving you a stronger lawn for next year.

Similarly, if there are any dead patches on your lawn, fall is the time to seed them. You can pair seeding with aeration to make sure the new growth gets deep into your lawn, giving you a strong foundation for a great lawn next year. The best time to seed is in the early fall because the lower temperatures are matched with heavy dew fall, keeping the seeds well irrigated for growth. This lets the grass grow strong to last through the winter.

Look After Your Gardens

The most beautiful part of any landscape is the garden. To make sure your plants are ready for a successful spring next year, you always want to follow several steps in the fall first. Many plants are great for planting in the fall because of the wetness and the cool temperatures. Plant spring-flowering bulbs in September, and always trim back your perennials in the fall to help them have a healthy winter.

Any leaf and weed removal that you do on your lawn should also be performed in your gardens to give you plants room to breathe and grow. This also applies to any dead plants or diseased foliage – remove these from your garden to prevent rotten plants and infections from impacting the health of your garden.

If you have potted plants, these should be brought back inside before the first frost to ensure they survive the winter. You can also trim these back to allow for improved growth next year.

Excerpt originally Posted On: https://pacific-lawn.com/2022/08/15/4-tips-for-maintaining-a-fall-landscape/

How to Choose a Backup Generator

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 21:08:42 GMT

How to Choose the Best Standby Generator for Backup Power

Did you know that in 2003 a power outage affected over 50 million people on the east coast of the USA? It took hours to get the power back on and is known as one of the biggest blackouts in US history.

Ok, so not all power outages may be as extensive as this. However, if you live in an area where power outages are common you will know how disruptive they are.

If you are looking to overcome this problem, you are likely looking for the best standby generator for your budget.

How can you decide which is the best model for you? What technologies are available? Why not read our article to get some pointers.

1. What Fuel Will You Use?

Choosing a fuel type is an important first step in identifying what type of generator you need. Standby generators usually run on natural gas or liquid propane. Some standby generators run on diesel, however, these are generally larger installations that require a different budget.

If you choose propane or natural gas as your fuel type, you will need to allow space for a tank to hold enough fuel.

If you would like to cut down on fuel bills and benefit from a greener renewable source of energy for your generator, you may wish to consider PoweredPortableSolar.com.

2. How Much Power Will You Need?

The next step is to determine how much fuel you will use. This is dependant on the number of devices you will connect to the generator and their load.

AC Units, refrigerators, and other equipment with large loads will require you to purchase a larger generator. However, if you live in an area with particularly hot summers and suffer an extended outage in July, you may be glad that you paid the extra money.

In the same way, if you live in a cold climate, having enough power to heat your apartment may be a matter of protecting your health.

By calculating your budget and your basic needs you will be able to determine the size of the generator you should get.

3. When Will it Switch On?

There are basically two methods of initiating your generator, manual and automatic.

Manual

When you have a power outage you will need to physically go to your generator. You will possibly need to prime it by manually pumping a small amount of fuel through the system. After this, you will press a button to start the engine. When power returns, you will manually turn it off.

Automatic

in this case, as soon as the power outage is detected an automatic transfer switch will trip causing the generator to start. It will switch off automatically when the power returns.

Your choice will be impacted by your budget and your needs. If you are living in the apartment for only part of the year (ie while hunting or fishing) a manual switch may well be enough.

The Best Standby Generator for Your Money and Much More

If you have had enough of unexpected power outages, then researching the best standby generator is a smart move. There are many models to choose from and the right generator will keep you connected, cooking, and the lights on during a power outage.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today or SHOP ONLINE with FREE Shipping to our Superstore!

www.articlecity.com

SEPTEMBER BARGAINS

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 21:36:11 GMT

SEPTEMBER BARGAINS OF THE MONTH - SALE ENDS 9/30/2023

SALE FOR SEPTEMBER BARGAINS ENDS 9/30/2023 - SHOP EARLY IN-STORE FOR BEST SELECTION OR ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE

LABOR DAY SALE

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:52:19 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value Labor Day Sale - Valid 8/28/2023 - 10/1/2023

Martens Reedsburg True Value Labor Day Sale - Valid 8/28/2023 - 10/1/2023 - Shop early for best selection and while supplies last!

Fall Gardening Beauty

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 19:18:29 GMT

Attract an Abundance of Hummingbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden

Ahhhh, it's almost Fall yet the hummingbirds and butterflies are still in abundance. If you've ever wondered how you too can attract these beautiful creatures then you've come to the right place.

If you're like me then every year you buy plants and flowers and every year you replace them. It wasn't until about 5 years ago when we moved into our new home that we decided to go native. Native plants meant less water and less maintenance but it also meant more hummingbirds and more butterflies. There's such a wide variety of everyday outdoor flowers you can purchase that are easy on your wallet and easy on your thumb.

When thinking of your garden, think about what you're looking to achieve. Is it color? Do you want evergreens? How about drought tolerant plants? Whatever you're looking for, it's out there and don't be afraid to ask your local nursery expert.

My family and I wanted hummingbirds and butterflies. We chose native drought tolerant plants for our Southern region. I planted Salvia, Turks Cap, Red Yucca and Wildflowers. All of these proved to be a WINNER! The Salvia comes back about March/April and the Turks Cap around May/June. Since we wanted hummingbirds, I initially started with one or two feeders. I DO NOT purchase store boxed nectar, I make my own; 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. NO DYE! As soon as the hummers started coming around I would remove a feeder. As the years passed I no longer needed more than one to start the year off. This year they never even used the one I had out for them. My salvia was plenty enough food for them and once the Turks Cap came in the hummers multiplied. They LOVE the nectar from this flower!

The garden is so easy to maintain. When planting, remember to plant far apart. The Turks Cap is an extremely large and fast growing plant. Once established for the season it will take over about a 5' space. Mine are so established that I'll actually be taking out a few yuccas this November. The wonderful thing about this garden is that we thoroughly enjoy it from March to the end of September, maybe even October. November is about the time I cut down the Turks Cap. I never cut back the Salvia unless it needs it.

Are you ready for your own Native Butterfly Garden? Don't forget to look at the plants on clearance. Many nurseries run specials on summer plants and you can get quite a bargain if you shop now. I hope you enjoy your garden as much as we do!

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore for all your landscaping & gardening tools and supplies!!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kim_Murray/2464623

Does Your Home Have Curb Appeal?

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:38:49 GMT

Home Improvement: The Top Curb Appeal Tips for a Beautiful Home Exterior

Have you ever driven past a house that had the perfect grass, along with the best looking front door?

Most of us have driven or walked by that perfect looking exterior. And we more than likely have also noticed the exact opposite in another home – the less than perfect look.

If you have been considering selling your home, curb appeal can make or break the sale. First impressions weigh heavily when it comes to real estate.

Have you been feeling like the front of your house needs a facelift? Because you look at your own home every day you might not realize that your curb appeal isn’t what it once was. Or you might think that it will cost you too much money to give your home exterior a fresh look.

We are here to tell you that you can make your home look nicer on the outside and boost its value without breaking the bank. Keep reading to learn the top tips to get your home exterior from drag to fab.

Clean Up

This might sound obvious but some people don’t realize that something as simple as cleaning up the entire front area of the home will make a noticeable difference. This won’t cost you anything and can improve the look of your home quickly.

Pick up the front yard, and the driveway. If you have any random items laying around, find a new place for them or donate. If you have any lawn furniture that you don’t use or look old, you can refurbish them.

Landscaping

You can add some bushes, flowers, or fresh greenery to boost your curb appeal. Using planters is an easy way to not spend so much money on a whole garden.

You can also hang some greens or flowers in the front area if you don’t have room for stand up planters. Adding some pops of color with the flowers you choose will make a difference and add to your exterior makeover.

You can accentuate key visual points like entryways and windows by using plants.

Work on the Lawn

How is your grass? If you have a large area of your exterior made up of grass you want to make sure it’s lush and green not — brown and dead. Make sure you are regularly mowing your lawn or hire someone to do it if you can’t keep up.

Rake off any leaves that are on your front lawn and pull out the weeds invading the area.

If the area you live in is prone to water droughts then you might want to look into alternatives such as artificial turf. The initial cost might be higher but once it’s installed the maintenance is not as high.

Pressure Wash

Pressure washing your driveway and siding will help get rid of any dirt and grime that has accumulated. There are many pressure washing benefits, such as getting rid of any insects or bugs that have made your siding their home and cleaning up any marks your car has left on your driveway.

Calling in the pros is the best cause of action because they have the heavy-duty equipment to get the job done right.

Replace Your Front Door

Believe it or not, your front door will make a difference. After all, it’s the first entrance into your home. You can make your door stand out instead of blend in with the rest of the home. This is a project you can do on your own and more than likely will cost you less than $100.

You can go bold and bright if you’re feeling adventurous. But make sure to hold a color swatch up to the door to envision it before starting to paint.

Lighting

You can use lights to highlight your home’s features.

You can also add some lights to your pathway. If you have a porch, add accent lighting.

Who likes a dark entrance? You can get creative here and hang some string lights or change the lights you already have to something new and more fun.

Install a New Mailbox

If you have a mailbox out front you can swap it out for a fresh new mailbox. You can also get creative and paint your current mailbox instead of spending money on a new one.

Don’t underestimate the power of the mailbox. This can easily be one of the first things someone notices, regardless of whether it’s in bad shape or stylish. Hopefully, the reason it’s being noticed is the latter.

House Numbers

Does your home have noticeable house numbers? This can be a simple upgrade that will make a difference. You can replace your current ones with something that can grab someone’s attention.

Or you can clean up the ones you have if they are in style but full of grime and dirt. This project is simple enough for anyone even if you’re not very handy.

Ready to Spruce Up Your Home Exterior?

Now that you know how you can step up your game when it comes to your home exterior, you can pick and choose from the above tip. Whether it’s pressure washing or replacing your front door, each will make a difference.

For everything Home Improvement visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg! We have what you need to get the job done right, and at great value prices, everyday!!

Article by ArticleCity.com

How-to Add Value to Your Home

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 20:01:27 GMT

5 Home Improvement Projects That Add Value to Your Property

Are you thinking about renovating your home? Increase the value of your property or give your living space a fresh new look. Whatever your reasons may be, home renovation projects can be exciting and rewarding.

But with so many home renovation ideas, it can take time to get started. We’ve put together this article highlighting five home improvement projects. These will add value to your property and are sure to impress.

Get ready to be inspired and make your dream home a reality.

1. Kitchen Remodeling

A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular projects for home improvements. If you plan on hiring professionals, choose a kitchen remodeling service with good experience.

Those with good experience can give you a well-designed and modern kitchen that can increase the value of your home. Consider having them add new appliances, cabinets, countertops, and flooring to give your kitchen a fresh and updated look.

2. Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms are another area of the home that can get a lot of benefits after a renovation. Simple upgrades like replacing the vanity, toilet, and bathtub with modern fixtures can give your bathroom a new look. Adding new lighting and tiling can also make a big difference.

3. Outdoor Living Space

Creating an outdoor living space is a wonderful way to add value to your home. A well-designed outdoor area can be used for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. You can consider adding a deck, patio, or pergola to create an outdoor living area that meets your needs.

4. Energy-Efficient Upgrade s

Making your home more energy-efficient can help you save money! It will affect your utility bills and helps increase the value of your property. You can consider adding insulation or upgrading your HVAC system.

You can even consider installing energy-efficient windows and doors. These additions can also help to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

5. Home Offi ce

The pandemic has made remote work a necessity for many people. That is why having a dedicated home office has become more important than ever. You can consider using spare rooms and using them to create a space for a home office.

Or, you can even think about adding a built-in desk and shelves to an existing room. There are many ingenious ways to create space for a home office. Having one in your home can be a great selling point for your property, especially if it’s well-designed and functional.
Ideas for Home Improvement Projects

Home improvement projects can be great investments that add value to your property, from kitchen and bathroom upgrades to creating an outdoor living space. Many home renovation ideas can improve your home’s value and functionality.

A home makeover project can be a worthwhile investment. So, go on and get your home a cleaner and fresher look today with these improvements!

For all your home improvement project needs visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today! We have what you need to get the job done right!! ... and at Great Value prices

Article author: Dale Harris

75th Anniversary SALE

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:14:13 GMT

Reedsburg True Value is Celebrating 75 Years of Providing Hometown Values and Service to Our Community - Sales Event Valid 7/31/2023 - 8/27/2023

SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE OR SHOP IN-STORE TODAY!! (Shop early for best selection and while supplies last)

Garage Door Paint Project

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:37:46 GMT

How to Paint Your Garage Door

Step 1: Clean and Tape

Preparing the door is the first step that needs to be taken when painting a garage door. Spray the entire surface of the door with a house washing cleaner and thoroughly clean off any dirt with a cloth. Rinse the door with water from a garden hose. When it's dry, use painter's tape to mask any handles, trim, and windows. Put a drop cloth or tarp below the door to protect your driveway and garage floor from any dripping paint or primer.

Step 2: Strip Old Paint

Before painting a garage door you should remove any existing loose paint with a wire brush and get rid of any rust with a paint scraper. You can use a chemical stripper and a sanding sponge to remove all of the old paint or use a palm or circular sander. This can be tedious work, but it's necessary to prep your garage door if you want your new paint job to look its best and last for years.

Step 3: Prime

Part of the garage door painting process is determining what material your door is made of. The majority of garage doors are now made out of metal, but if you have an older home you could still have a wooden door. Many latex exterior primers work well on any type of surface; just make sure the primer you choose is the right one for your door. Apply the primer using a wide paintbrush, paint roller, or paint sprayer. If applying with a paint sprayer, use a large piece of cardboard as a shield to protect surrounding areas. Allow the primer to dry for at least 12-24 hours.

Step 4: Paint

When painting garage doors you can use a wide paintbrush, roller, or sprayer to apply a latex exterior paint like True Value EasyCare Ultra Premium Exterior Paint. If using a paint sprayer, practice spraying on a large piece of cardboard. Make adjustments to the sprayer if needed. You don't want the paint to run once it's on the garage door. Once you've made adjustments, start spraying the door. You should paint both the inside and outside of the garage door. Let the paint dry and then apply another coat.

Step 5: Clean Up

Now that your door has been painted, it's time to clean up. Thoroughly rinse your paintbrushes, roller covers, and sprayer equipment in water until the water runs clear. Dry and store brushes in plastic bags or hang them on nails or hooks. Pick up drop cloths and remove painter's tape at a 45-degree angle to avoid removing any fresh paint.

For high quality exterior home paint visit Martens True Value Paint Center in Reedsburg today! We have the paint supplies you need to get the job done right!!

Summer Gardening Tips

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 18:12:57 GMT

Top Garden Tips for Summer

Here are some tips to keeping your garden lush over summer:

Remove Any Dead Plants:

Not only are they unpleasant to look at, they can also end up being a home for pests that can spread to your other healthy plants. They can be moved to your compost pile or disposed of permanently.

Get Rid of Weeds:

As your plants grow, they should provide enough shade to hinder the growth of weeds, but they still need to be removed if you see them so they don't prevent more weeds later down the track.

Pick Your Vegetable Plants Clean:

Fruiting plants such as tomato vines can be picked clean as the fruit begins to ripen. This will prevent the plant from producing over-matured fruit and ensures the longevity of the plant.

Water Your Plants in the Morning:

It's best to water your plants before the sun rises so the heat of the burning sun doesn't evaporate all the water before the plants have the chance to absorb it. You can also water your plants in the late afternoon but you may have to fend off those pesky mosquitoes.

Remove Dead Flower Heads:

Picking these off will allow the plant to focus more energy into being able to flower again. And new flowers will mean a more beautiful garden!

Get on Top of Pest Management:

It pays to watch for signs of pests and disease while your weeding or watering your garden to keep on top of any issues as early detection is key. Welcome the good bugs and insects such as worms and bees into your backyard, but keep the nasties out.

Fertilize Your Garden:

Your plants may need a top up of nutrients especially in the extreme heat of summer. Fertilizing your plants will give them a much-needed nutrient boost, especially if they were planted more than a month ago.

For gardening, weed and pest control supplies visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have the products you need for healthy plants and a great looking garden.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9852766

Tips to Clean Your Gas or Charcoal Grill

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 21:27:06 GMT

How to Clean Your Charcoal or Gas Grill

How to Clean a Charcoal Grill

Cleaning a charcoal grill is easy because there are no complex components.

Step 1: Scrub and Clean Grates

Scrape food particles and debris from the grates using a stiff wire brush or grill brush. If you have aluminum grates, wash them with a rag, dish detergent and water.

Are your grates stainless steel? Use a grill grate cleaner to help make your grates look like new. Place the grates in a large trash bag and spray grill grate cleaner inside. Let the grates sit in the bag overnight. Cover an area of the ground with a drop cloth or newspaper, remove the grates from the bag and place them on top. Scrub again with the wire brush or a scouring pad.

Step 2: Clean the Grill Inside and Out

Remove coals and ash from the inside by dumping them into a trash bag. If your grill is equipped with an ash catcher, you can use it, but you may still need to remove some ash by hand. Wipe the inside and outside with a rag. Wash the grill using dish detergent and hot water. After cleaning by hand, hose down the grill and grates and let them dry.

Step 3: Fire It Up

Replace the grates, add charcoal and light it. Cover and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes to burn off anything left over from the cleaning.

Now you’re all set to enjoy a season of outdoor grilling.

If it's time to replace your old charcoal grill with a new one visit Reedsburg True Value today. We stock quality charcoal and gas grills as well as grilling accessories, hardwood chips, charcoal, lighter fluid, BBQ utensils and much more!

How to Clean Your Gas Grill

Step 1: Give Your Grill a Checkup

If your BBQ grill has been sitting idle for months, it's a good idea to take a look at its components to make sure everything is in working order. Examine hoses for any cracks or damage. If a hose seems compromised in any way, replace it.

Inspect burners and their gas tubes and make sure they aren't worn out, rusty or blocked by debris or spider webs. If gas tubes have worn spots, replace them. If they are blocked, use a pipe cleaner, toothpick or paper clip to clear them. Check knobs and other controls to make sure they're undamaged and working properly. Tighten any loose screws or bolts. If your propane tank is empty, refill it at an authorized propane supplier.

Step 2: Clean It

Remove any internal parts that can be disconnected from the grill and soak them for a few minutes in a bucket of hot water and mild dishwashing liquid. (Make sure water won't affect functionality.) Scrub the parts with a rag, sponge or soft scrubbing pad.

Remove porcelain-coated or metal grates and scrub vigorously with a wire brush to remove burnt-on food. Cleaning chemicals for both the inside and outside of your grill can help remove tough stains and grease build-up, but aren't necessary if you scrub the grates well. Note: Some gas grills have aluminum parts that can be damaged by abrasive cleaning products, like oven cleaners, or tools such as wire brushes or scouring pads. Make sure that the grease tray is clean and replace foil drip pans to help prevent flare ups.

Step 3: Test I t

Once all the parts have been cleaned, dried and reassembled, ensure all hoses and components are reconnected correctly and fire up the grill. Close the lid and let the grill burn for 10 minutes to burn off any cleaning-chemical residue. After you've determined everything is working correctly, you're done. It's time to cook!

For all the supplies you need for a great summer grilling season visit Martens True Value Superstore today!

4th OF JULY SALE

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:53:55 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore 4th of July Sale | Valid 6/26/2023 - 7/30/2023

Visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore for GREAT VALUE SALE prices during our 4th of July Sale! Shop early for best selection and while supplies last... OR SHOP ONLINE with FREE Shipping to our store today.

Wood Deck Maintenance

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:20:02 GMT

Pointers in Proper Maintenance of Outdoor Decks

Regular upkeep of your deck is necessary. This is exposed to harsh weather and can easily deteriorate. Make sure to wash the decking thoroughly before making any repairs. Use a pressure washer if possible to get rid of dirt and fibers. The pressure stream should be moving or else it is possible to scratch the wood surface. Allow the platform to dry for at least 12 hours.

Fix any loose nails using the hammer. It is advisable to make use of a screw longer than the nail in replacing the board. Cracked wood is an eyesore. Replace or patch up the board so your deck will always have a pleasant appearance. If the plank is ripped right down the center, mark the broken wood near the border of the support rafter beyond the split. Never mark the spot directly on top of the beam. Otherwise, this can dent your saw.

The replacement board may be higher and larger than the existing board. However, this will eventually get smaller as it loses dampness. In case the board still looks higher than surrounding boards after several weeks, use a belt sander to level and make it smoother. All the nail or screw heads should be buried in the wood before you start the sanding process.

The deck is vulnerable to sunlight and wetness. Thus, it is important to seal and stain. Using pressure-treated timber may not be enough. Look for a transparent wood preservative with ultra-violet protector to preserve the wood without causing discoloration. This will also bring a touch of freshness to the surface while shielding it from natural elements. Opt for an exterior stain before adding any color.

These exterior stains are available in solid and semi- clear finishes. Semi-transparent is ideal for outdoor decks but you can choose solid colors to accent railings. This usually ends up looking like a painted polish. You can buy these stains in oil or latex although both varieties ensure lighter tone and resistance to molds.

Always wear eye shades and gloves for protection. Apply preservatives or stains using a roller brush. The chemical should stay on the wood deck for a minimum of 20 minutes so it will penetrate the lumber. Brush the surface so your deck will have a more consistent finish and eliminate patches or puddles. Apply another coat for additional coverage and protection. Let it dry for two days before applying sealant.

Visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore for all your wood deck maintenance supplies. From pressure washers and deck cleaners to wood stain and sealers, Martens True Value has what you need to get the job done right!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8973431

Guide to Pressure Washing Equipment

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:31:25 GMT

How to Choose a Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer is a versatile tool to have in your arsenal for several reasons. For starters, it can be used to efficiently, easily and quickly clean a wide range of home and commercial spaces, and several other locations such as sidewalks, patios and residential home interiors and exteriors.

In fact, many realtors highly recommended pressure washing a respective property before putting it up for sale in an effort to boost its appeal and listing price. Investing in the best pressure washer can also make conventional cleaning tasks a joy such as cleaning vehicle, which typically requires a lot of time, energy and elbow grease.

Plus, a pressure washing tool can be used by just about anyone, even those suffering from back ailments, given that it lets you maintain a strong, upright posture. Adding to this, setting up a pressure washing tool is literally a no-brainer, where you simply attach a water hose to the tool to the washer, either add fuel or plug it in, and start blasting the dirt and grime away.

Buying Guide
When choosing the best pressure washer for cars and for other tasks, you will come across two common types - gas and electric powered washers, and here's what sets the two apart.

Types of Pressure Washers
Gas powered pressure washers just as the name would suggest are fitted with engines, and either feature a manual pull start or push-button electric starter. They generally generate the highest water pressure, somewhere in the range of two thousand to three thousand PSI (pounds per square inch) water pressure.

Another great benefit to using gas powered washing tools is that there are no pesky cords to plug in, making it easy to tackle larger cleaning jobs. Electric pressure washers contrarily are less powerful and don't offer the same mobility as their gas counterparts, but on a brighter note weigh less, cost less and are ideal for light duty jobs.

Things to Consider
Given that pressure washers can be had in an assortment of different types and pressure levels, it is wise to first determine the tasks you will use it for to get the right one for your needs. The pressure output also referred to as power of a washer is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or GPM (gallons per minute).

And just as you might've guessed, more units equal to more cleaning power, making it easy to get rid of even stubborn stains and in less time. On the downside however, pressure washing tools with a higher PSI and GPM often cost more than lower rated models, but are generally worth the extra few dollars owing to their superior performance.

To ease your buying decision, if you're going to be tackling small jobs around your home, then a light-duty machine with 1300 to 1900 PSI at 2 GPM is an ideal choice. Some of the tasks you can take on with this range of lightweight and compact toolss include cleaning, grills, patio furniture, vehicles, small decks and patios.

If you're looking for a washer for both home and shop use, then you're going to have to step it up a couple notches with a medium-duty gas powered pressure washing machine. Medium-duty pressure machines generate between 2000 and 2800 PSI at 2 to 3 GPM, and are equipped with premium components that collectively provide increased power to clean things such as fences, exterior siding, driveways and walkways.

For a pressure washing tool for everyday commercial use, you should consider a model that offers 2800 PSI and higher at 3 to 4 GPM. These are suitable for dauting cleaning jobs such as paint stripping, graffiti removal, washing a two-story home and large scale cleaning jobs.

If you aren't over the fence about what tasks you will be using the pressure washer for whether light or medium, then check out models that allow you to adjust the pressure and water flow as and when needed. Other types of washer tools worth mentioning are cold water pressure washers (great for cleaning cars, removing loose paint, dirt buildup, etc.) and hot water pressure washers (great for industrial and farm use.)

Things to Consider
Whether you choose the best gas or the best electric pressure washer, the underlying functionality remains the same. When water enters the machine at low pressure, the integrated electric motor or gar engine pumps the water out through a hose and then a connected spray nozzle.

Speaking of which, the best small pressure washers and even big models come with either a set of interchangeable nozzles or an all-in-one variable spray wand. While the latter allows you to adjust the water pressure with a twist or two, nozzle sizes vary and include 0 degrees (most powerful), 15 degrees (for heavy duty cleaning), 25 degrees (general cleaning tasks) and 65 degrees (low pressure nozzle).

Most, if not all of the best pressure washers come with an assortment of accessories, so you can use the machine for your specific needs right out of the box rather than buying each accessory separately. Pressure washer accessories include power gun and lance, hose and hose reel, nozzles, and some even come with detergent.

Pressure washers for the most part are heavy machines, hence may be challenging to lift and carry places. This makes it important to buy the best price pressure washer that is fitted with a robust set of wheels for easy maneuverability.

Safety
Fact is that more than 6000 people end up in the emergency room each year with injuries related to pressure water use. The high pressure from pressure washers can actually tear through your skin, sometimes leaving you with irreparable damage.

Regardless of what machine or tool you use, first most important thing to learn is to use it the right way and without causing any injury to yourself and others around you. Apart from reading pressure washer safety tips, it is highly recommended that you read the manufacturer's user guide on how to properly operate the machine.

Pressure Washer FAQ's

Question 1 - Waterflow or pressure? Which is more important?

Both are equally important, and in fact work in sync with each other! For example, if you're looking to clean stubborn dirt and stains, you will need both a high surge in pressure and high water flow to quickly wash the dirt away.

Question 2 - Should I buy a pressure washer?

Just because your neighbor owns a pressure washer, doesn't mean that it will offer the same usability for your needs. However, if you're going to be cleaning your RV, car, caravan or washing your patio, then you shouldn't think twice about buying the best pressure washer for home use.

Question 3 - What detergent to use?

This completely depends on what your cleaning, as some tasks will require strong detergents while lighter tasks can be done with conventional household detergents. On that note, it is worth mentioning that most of the best commercial pressure water manufacturers do offer advice in the included user guide on what detergent works best with their appliances.

For new pressure washers, cleaning products and supplies visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today or SHOP ONLINE with Free shipping to our store. For power washer rentals visit the Service Center at rear of store where one of our staff would be happy to assist you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10157013

Pruning and Trimming Tips

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:50:07 GMT

Difference Between Pruning and Trimming Of the Garden

One of the important tasks of garden maintenance is pruning and trimming of trees. While many of us use these terms interchangeably, there are a few differences that define these actions. Although both involve cutting away foliage and branches of trees and shrubs, the reasons for doing so can be different. Read on to understand the difference between pruning and trimming.

What is pruning?

The term pruning is mostly used in relation to cutting off branches, twigs, buds and sometimes even roots of trees. Dead branches or diseased portions of a plant are pruned to protect the plant and prevent the disease from spreading. Quite often, the utility companies prune the branches growing in the direction of electrical wires. You may have to prune large branches that are overhanging the swimming pool or growing over the roof to prevent them from damaging life and property.

Pruning is done with the help of shears - these are of two types, namely, hand shears and lopping shears. Hand shears are small sized shears that can be used with one hand to cut small branches, twigs and foliage. Lopping shears or loppers have a set of foot-long handles to ease the cutting of higher and thicker branches. Thick tree trunks are pruned with the help of electric tree saws.

What is trimming?

Trimming of trees is generally done to shape the plants to a certain design. Often, gardeners talk about 'trimming' the hedges where they mean clipping the hedge to a certain shape like box-shape or a mound. This process improves the beauty of the plant and promotes a healthy growth. A well-trimmed hedge adds to your yard's appeal.

Plants and shrubbery is trimmed with the help of hedge trimmers. Electric hedge trimmers do an excellent job of shaping your hedges to perfection. A variety of these tools are available with different features. If you're into the lawn care business or maintaining your own garden, these are essential tools to invest in.

Topiary or the art of trimming trees and shrubs for aesthetic purposes is a science in itself. If you're looking to improve the appearance of your garden, get an expert to do the job. Not only will your garden look beautiful, it would also increase the value of your property.

For the folks who are overwhelmed with these aspects of gardening, it is a good idea to get help with pruning and trimming of the garden trees. The service becomes essential if you have a huge overgrown tree that needs cutting back or your garden is ravaged by a storm.

Visit Reedsburg True Value Super Store for all your yard trimming and pruning needs. We carry hedge trimmers, pruning shears, grass trimmers, lopping shears and smaller sized pruners for all types of bushes and plants. Chain saws are also in stock for your larger tree trimming projects. Stop by today and discover what we have in store for you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9729810

Summer Grilling Sale

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:31:35 GMT

SUMMER GRILLING SALE AT REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE - Valid 5/29/2023 - 6/11/2023

SHOP THE SUMMER GRILLING SALE EARLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO STORE

Weed Control Tips

Tue, 23 May 2023 19:44:36 GMT

Get Rid of Weeds with These Tips from Reedsburg True Value

If left unchecked, weeds can deprive flowers and plants in your garden of needed water, light, and soil nutrients. But I can show you a few ways to keep them under control.

Here's what you'll need. Gardening gloves, eye protection, a shovel or weeding tool, a power tiller if necessary, and an herbicide that fits your needs. One way is to pull weeds by hand making sure to remove the entire root system. You can also use a shovel or weeding tool or power tiller if the soil is compacted. Digging, chopping and turning the soil can be effective if you are trying to eliminate weeds that typically grow from seed, and have a single clump root system.

Annual weeds like chick weed and crab grass are produced by seed only and live for a single season. The seeds of perennial weeds like clover and dandelion can lie dormant for as long as seven years. Perennial weeds should be dug up completely roots and all. Cutting them with a tiller will only produce more.

Pre-emergent herbicides work great on annual weeds. Use in early spring and they will protect your lawn all summer. You can also applied in late fall to get a head start on the next season. A post emergent herbicide will work on weeds that have already begun to grow, but won't prevent new ones.

If you spray herbicide with a garden hose attachment wait for a calm day to prevent the chemical from harming adjoining flower patches. Many post emergent herbicides are highly toxic. Purchase only as much as you need and wear protective clothing and garden gloves.

Always read the labels of herbicides before purchase. Some are selective and kill only certain types of weeds best suited to general garden use. Some selected brands kill any plant they touch weeds or not. These are good for concrete and driveways where there are no other plants near by.

That's it! Need more expert advice? Stop by Martens Reedsburg True Value Hardware store and ask one of our Garden Department Specialists for guidance if necessary.

Reedsburg True Value Superstore has the gardening products you need to get the job done right!

Lawn Mower Care

Wed, 17 May 2023 18:32:10 GMT

Cleaning And Maintenance Tips For Your Lawn Mower

Below are some of the key lawn mower cleaning, care, and maintenance tips you should follow:

Regularly check and change your mower's oil. Experts say that you should check the condition and level of your equipment's oil every eight hours of use. Fresh oil will have a golden or amber color and it will darken as it ages. At least once per season or after every 50 hours of use, change the oil. Also, always use oil that is recommended by the manufacturer for that model.

Add a fuel stabilizing product to fresh fuel. Adding the right amount of fuel stabilizer will keep fuel fresher longer. However, make sure you follow the equipment's manual for instructions on leaving fuel in the engine during storage since this usually varies depending on the brand or manufacturer.

Always clean the air filter properly in place. The air filter of a lawn mower prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the carburetor and engine. It should be cleaned or changed every 25 hours of engine operation or at least once per mowing season. Also, you need to replace the pleated, paper air filters regularly as well. You can clean the foam air filters with hot water and a small amount of detergent and leave it to air dry before being saturated with new engine oil and reinstalled.

Get rid of oil stain using a degreaser. Spray a good brand of degreaser on oil stains. Leave the degreaser on the stain for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth and rinse everything off with a hose.

Regularly check the mower's tire pressure. If your lawn mower has pneumatic tires, use a tire pressure gauge to make sure they have consistent tire pressure. In general, tires with varying pressures will result in uneven or poor cutting of grass blades.

Check the blade regularly and replace it as needed. Lastly, be on the lookout for bends, dents, and other damage to the blade. A sharp blade is crucial to a proper cut. Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut them cleanly. Experts say that a blade should be sharpened every season and replaced every one to three years depending on the equipment's frequency of use. It is also important to replace the blade immediately if any damage is found to prevent any risk of injury.

For lawn mower blades, oil, degreaser, fuel stabilizer and cleaning products visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today! Our Superstore features a large selection of new mowers, z-turns and riders as well. For lawn mower repairs or maintenance visit our Equipment Service Center at the rear of the store.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9574897

Why is a Paint Sprayer Essential?

Tue, 09 May 2023 23:30:57 GMT

For Good Maintenance and DIY a Good Paint Sprayer Is Essential

If you are the DIY type of person that gets pleasure out of doing things around the house, you will most likely have your own collection of tools and accessories somewhere in a garden shed or underneath your house or patio.

You may also possess a Wagner paint sprayer which is often seen as a great addition to your tools and accessories by the gardener or proud homeowner. Also, instead of hiring someone to do some of the painting tasks at your home or outbuildings such as a garden shed or tool shed - or patio area - you may wish to do the job yourself and save some money in the process.

Even those who have never tried their hand at DIY before may find that the process requires not much more than a steady hand, a device that sprays paint or varnish, for instance, onto a surface and a will to do your own DIY job.

The Wagner paint sprayer is a well-known product for those who feel comfortable with doing their own maintenance and home paint jobs. Clients who have used the products say they will never go back to other products and manufacturers since this is the one they prefer for quality and ease of use.

There are no paint brushes and related accessories involved. Instead, you have a compact product that is easy to operate and has various benefits for the lover of DIY. You work much quicker than you would with traditional methods such as brushes since the sprayers offer great power when used. In addition, those who use the Wagner paint sprayer say that they undoubtedly have more control over what they do and chances of ever over-spraying are minimal as opposed to some non-sprayer options.

Add to that quick clean up and minimal maintenance to the sprayer and you have a winner, many feel. They also say that these pieces of equipment are great for use everywhere, whether it is outside the house or for interior tasks. They are normally offered in various series, all of which are well known and enjoy their own following.

The Flexio Series is well known, as is the HEA (High Efficiency Airless). So are the Airless Series, the Control Series and the Paintready and Craft Series, to name some. The Wagner paint sprayer makes it easy for all DIY enthusiasts to make a choice. As a leading name in the industry that supplies products and accessories to homeowners and professionals alike, the name is often mentioned when the world's leading brands are discussed.

It is also easy for individuals to decide which series they prefer - and then have a choice within the series. Some of these sprayers are smaller than others and fit for those who only carry out smaller jobs. Those who often spend time fixing things in and around the home may find that they prefer a bigger sprayer. It depends on personal preference, needs and choice when you get a Wagner paint sprayer.

Depending on the sprayer you will be able to paint a number of paints and varnishes onto surfaces such as walls and wood panels. Some will spray water based paints and stains; others oil based. Some may be good for fences while others are the preferred sprayers when you want to paint furniture or decks.

Others, still, are good for spraying any number of decorative paints onto surfaces. Your needs will dictate which sprayer works best for you.

The Wagner paint sprayer is available from many sources. They are sold by home maintenance outlets, specialist shops and reliable websites on the internet.

Whether you are an experienced DIY enthusiast or someone trying it out for the first time, you will certainly be impressed by this system of spraying paint and stains onto surfaces - instead of using brushes and rollers.

Reedsburg True Value Superstore stocks a variety of paint sprayers and accessories or you can SHOP ONLINE for a quality paint sprayer with FREE shipping to our store .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9779676

May Grill & Chill Sale

Mon, 01 May 2023 22:13:11 GMT

MAY GRILL AND CHILL SALE - Valid 5/1/2023 - 5/14/2023 - Only at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore - 100 Viking Drive, Reedsburg WI 53959

SHOP OUR MAY GRILL AND CHILL SALE ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE!

DIY Driveway Seal

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:03:57 GMT

DIY Driveway Seal

How to Seal Your Driveway

Not only is repairing your driveway easy to do, it will last longer and look better. Here's what you'll need: water-based acrylic filler/sealer, a chisel, a caulking gun, asphalt sealant, a brush applicator with squeegee, crack filler, foam backer rods if necessary, cold patch blacktop, kneepads, gloves and safety goggles.

Start by chiseling along the cracks. Do this at an angle so they're wider underneath than they are on the surface. Then clean the driveway with a garden hose, a bit of laundry detergent, and a scrub brush, removing all weeds, grass, and other debris. Make sure it's completely dry before continuing with your repairs.

Fill cracks with the acrylic filler and a caulking gun. For wider cracks, fill with foam backer rods before applying. Smooth away excess with a putty knife. For larger potholes, you'll need to shovel packaged cold-patch blacktop into the well-cleaned hole, until it is slightly overfilled.

Then place a piece of scrap plywood over the patch and drive your car back and forth across it to further compact it. Let patches cure for at least one day. Mist the driveway with water, then spread the sealant with the squeegee, several square feet at a time. Allow the first coat to dry between 4 to 12 hours before applying the second. Keep off the driveway until it is completely dry — at least 24 to 36 hours.

Need more expert advice? Stop by Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore and ask one of our hardware experts for help. With the right tools and supplies, your DIY project will get done right!

April Lawn and Garden Sale

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:13:09 GMT

APRIL LAWN AND GARDEN SALE - MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE, REEDSBURG, WI 53959- Sale Prices Valid 4/17/2023 - 4/30/2023 (or while supplies last)

Spring Lawn Care

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 18:27:09 GMT

How to Fertilize Your Lawn

A lovely lush lawn doesn't just happen on its own those hungry spring grasses need waking up give them the nutrition they need with a good feeding.

To do the job right you need fertilizer and a sturdy broadcast spreader . How much fertilizer you need depends on the size of your lawn. A good rule of thumb is one-pound covers 100 square feet of grass.

How often you fertilize depends on three variables climate, grass type and which fertilizer you use. Each type of grass has its own growing season and therefore a different fertilization schedule.

Before you begin it's best to know whether you have cool season grass or warm-season grass. There are many different types of fertilizer available liquid, granular and organic are quite popular. If used properly with the spreader granular fertilizer provides concentrated coverage for beautiful results. These three numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen phosphorus and potassium in the mix. A safe choice for most grasses in spring is one with a 20/20 10 mixture.

It's important that you use a quality broadcast spreader. Set the gauge on the spreader according to the label on your fertilizer bag. To distribute walk in a moderate pace which is about three miles per hour. Start by distributing around the perimeter of your lawn then cover in diagonal rows being careful to retrace one line of wheel tracks. With the right care and feeding your spring lawn will emerge beautifully in no time. Shop our lawn and garden care products online or in-store.

Need more expert advice stop by Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to grow a lush, green lawn.

Garage Organization Ideas

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 19:51:15 GMT

8 Brilliant Garage Organization Hacks and Ideas

Garage organization is one of the trickiest aspects of home ownership. The garage contains a wide variety of things, and few of them are related in function or shape. Also, many of the items housed in the garage are large, bulky, or difficult to store. Despite all of this, there are a few key ideas and tools that can help any homeowner make sense out of the chaos that is the garage. The following ideas can help you as you begin organizing your garage.

1. Make 'em Obvious

Identify those things which you use frequently. If you use something on a daily basis, don't keep it hidden. Keep it easily accessible and available for use. Take trash bags, for instance - you are not going to want to hide trash bags in an unreachable place. Instead, try hanging small curtain rods or other forms of rods somewhere within arm's reach of the door, and make a "bag dispenser" that is convenient, easily reachable, and organized - put away, yet still available for use. Another thing to keep obvious is the trash receptacles. When organizing, ensure that your trash and recycling containers are easily accessed from the door, and have a clear path to the outside.

2. Smart Sorting

Before building, buying, or boxing anything, it is important that you sit down and sort out all of the items you are trying to organize. Decide which items can be logically grouped. Items which you often use together or which share a similar purpose should be grouped. Once they are organized, make sure to label them. It will be very hard to find what you're looking for if you don't write it clearly on the outside of the storage container.

3. Shelving

Shelving is a great way to utilize wasted space, and a key player in establishing garage storage. Rather than placing arbitrary shelves throughout the garage, you can use a shelving system to organize your storage containers. For seasonal items and things you do not need to access on a regular basis, ceiling-based storage is a great way to go. An excellent system for this is the overhead storage rack. It is best to use clear containers for this type of storage, as it makes it easier for users to find things when necessary. If you need to access your storage on a more regular basis, a wall unit such as the steel storage rack works well.

4. Arm Storage Hook

Bicycles and other large sports equipment are some of the most difficult things to store in out of the way places. Wall storage is a great way to put them out of the way, but keep them accessible during the seasons when you are more likely to use them. Bikes, kayaks, sleds, and such can all be stored using wall mounts for easy access. Multi-purpose arm storage hooks can be used for all of these purposes. Arm storage hook is a great option for this.

5. Corner Tool Rack

Many yard tools, such as rakes and shovels, are oddly shaped and difficult to store. There are simple ways to get them out of the way. If your garage has obvious studs on the walls, you can simply create a cordoned off area where tall tools can be easily stored together, yet remain accessible. To do this, simply attach some small cross beams, or even strong cord, perpendicular to the studs, which will create a "basket" of sorts in which to store them. This type of storage can also be utilized for camping chairs, tents, etc - anything which rolls up, and fits within the space of the containment system you've created. If this isn't your style, or your garage doesn't have naked studs, you can also find a corner tool rack, which will serve the same purpose.

6. Peg Board

A Peg Boards is a great multi-use tool that can be employed in a garage to organize just about anything depending on the attachments you use with it. Peg boards are reasonable, and can be found at virtually any hardware store. Hooks can be added to organize bound extension cords, cups or baskets can be utilized for small hardware, large pegs can be added to hang larger tools or garden implements - the list is endless. Peg boards are an incredibly versatile element of garage organization.

7. Tape Dispenser

If you own a wide variety of tapes, it can be helpful to create a wall-mounted tape dispenser. This not only ensures that your tapes stay useful, but that they are easily accessible. This can be accomplished by hanging a wall-mounted paper towel rod, or a small wall-mounted box. Either way, the tapes will be handy and less likely to be covered in lint.

8. Consistency

This one is important. However you choose to organize, make sure that you continue with the system once you have it in place. When something new is added to the garage, make sure that you place it in the appropriate place. Don't just throw it on a random shelf - place it in the correct storage container, on the correct hook, etc. "Everything has a place, everything in it's place," as they say.

Garage organization can be a daunting task for any homeowner. By putting a few of these garage organization ideas into motion, you can make your garage not only clean and logical, but attractive and convenient. The benefit to you as a homeowner makes these simple changes worth the effort.

For storage containers, tool racks, shelving, cleaning supplies and other organizing systems visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to get the job done right!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9979534

STIHL Chainsaw Tips

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 23:53:48 GMT

Starting Procedures for STIHL Chain Saws | STIHL Tips

Watch this video to learn how to properly start STIHL chainsaws and avoid the risk of damaging the product.

STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America*, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among U.S. landscape professionals**, and the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL also offers a full line of battery powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the professional and consumer. STIHL products are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast—not big-box stores.

Reedsburg True Value Superstore is an authorized STIHL Dealer. Stop in today to check out our large selection of chainsaws and other STIHL outdoor power equipment and gear.

Add Curb Appeal for Your Home

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 16:17:11 GMT

Easy Home Improvement Ideas to Add Curb Appeal

Are you looking for some easy home improvement ideas to add curb appeal when selling your home? There are many things you can do. These things can be done by you, not a professional, so they won't cost a lot of money. Let's look at what some of these ideas are.

Spruce up the yard is the first thing you can do. If it is the spring or summer get the lawn in better shape by cutting it and fertilizing it if possible. Feeding it necessary nutrients will green it up quite nicely. Also plant some colorful flowers if needed. Trim up bushes and add some fresh mulch. This will give your whole yard a facelift.

Now you can pressure wash your house or have it done by a professional if you have siding. Get all the pollen and dirt off of it. This can make a house almost look brand new at times.

After pressure washing your house you need to paint the trim and any other parts that need it. Painting brightens the whole outside of the house. If you have a single-level home you can probably handle the job yourself. However, if you have more than one level you may want a professional painter to come paint for you. You'll be amazed at the difference a fresh coat of paint can do for a home.

Wash down your driveway too. Have any cracks repaired or do it yourself better yet. If the driveway is too big of an eyesore though, you may consider replacing it. This could be a major expense, but is easy to get done.

If your roof is noticeably in bad shape, look into getting it re-shingled. This is a big expense, but can help make a good impression for a potential homebuyer. Remember if you can see it needs to be fixed from the street it spoils the curb appeal for the house.

Replace the old mailbox with a brand new one. This is such an easy and inexpensive thing to do. Plant some fresh flowers around it if the season is right for it. Make sure the windows are all in good shape including the screens. If any windows or screens are cracked or broken replace them. This is a must and quite easy to do.

Remember that any of these things that you do, improve not only the curb appeal of your home, but could also increase its value. So go out and examine your home as if you were looking to buy it today. What would you want changed before you would buy it? You will not be sorry you made these and other improvements to your home.

For home improvement supplies, paint and tools visit Martens True Value Superstore today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4601430

Spring Cleaning & Organization

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 23:37:20 GMT

Organizing Closets - Spring Cleaning Time!

During winter months, most people's homes tend to get a little messier than they do during the summer months. The reason for this is everybody feels like winter time is a time to be hidden in a cave. Then the sun starts to shine, the temperatures start to rise, and people suddenly get a burst of energy. This is a time known as spring cleaning time. The reason for this is people's moods change with the weather, whether we realize it or not. The most popular time for people to thoroughly give their homes a cleaning is during the spring months, hence the name spring cleaning. This makes it a great time of year to get your closets organized and get rid of the clutter that has been stacking up all winter long.

The first thing you want to do what organizing a closet is to make sure that you empty out all of the things that have not been touched in the last 3 to 6 months. Sometimes this is not possible because the items are sentimental and mean something to us therefore need a place in the closet. There are many containers and storage boxes that you can use to place items such as these. It is important though, that you keep the items organized in the closet if you muscled onto them. If you do not plan to bring these items out of the closet within the next 3 to 6 months, then these items belong in the back of the closet or shelf. These are the type of items that you want to keep reachable, but do not need to be gotten out often. I that a thing to consider when plated out the closet, is to keep the things that will not be done out often towards the back, and commonly used items towards the front.

This will keep disaster from happening, and having to dig through your closet every time you want to find something. The best thing to do when trying to organize a closet is to pull everything out, and organizationally put it back in. A great tip to remember is that everything needs its own space. It should not have a temporary home, for instance, do not place things on top of the tub's and say that you will purchase a box to store it in. Make sure that it has a home where he can be tucked away, unseen, but easily reachable. When placing things back into the closet it is a great idea to keep things in an organized fashion. This means using the same type of hangers for your clothing, and possibly even organizing clothing by color.

The basic tip and rule of thumb to remember here is to get rid of things you do not need, want, or have a place for. 3 to 6 months is a good rule to keep for things that have not been used within that time frame. This of course does not go for sentimental or personal keep items, but does go for everything else. You should not hold onto clothing that you hope to fit into again someday, or that you do not think will fit within the next 3 to 6 months. This will only cause clutter to compile in the closets.

For storage containers, shelving and products that help organize our lives visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need to clean and organize your home this spring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4021848

DIY Kitchen Update

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:52:46 GMT

Easily Update and Refresh Your Kitchen Today!

Planning to sell your home? In-laws coming to visit? Watch this short video to check out these 3 quick DIY updates – EasyCare® paint, hardware and lighting – to refresh your kitchen.

Everything you need for easy DIY is at Martens Reedsburg True Value hardware store or www.truevalue.com .

How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Nothing transforms like a fresh coat of paint no matter if its furniture, walls, fixtures or in our case kitchen cabinets. Painting eliminates years of wear and tear well bringing out the best in its most delicate features. And while relatively inexpensive and simple you just can't put a price on the life a new paint job can breathe into any room and that's the value of a fresh coat.

There are many ways to paint cabinets you can focus just on the trim, use multiple textures, alternate colors and so on. Also think about what complements your kitchen look at the counter tops, appliances, flooring, and the amount of light and decide what works best.

Today we are using a light grey one if not the most important parts of ensuring a quality paint job done right is preparation. Doing the proper prep work will save you loads of time on the back end. You'll need several rags, a screwdriver, drill, hammer, a drop cloth, eye protection, 100 grit sandpaper, primer, easy-care ultra premium paint in your choice of color and paintbrushes.

First you want to remove all cabinets and drawers then you'll need to thoroughly clean the cabinets with warm water make sure all the grease grime and dirt is removed from every surface. Next get out your sandpaper and start sanding you wanna make sure all surfaces are smooth so lightly sand any glossy surfaces.

When you're done sanding give the cabinets a quick wipe down and apply primer to the cabinets the same way you would paint making sure to cover the entire surface and all grooves. When the primers dry, begin by applying a thin coat of paint your cabinets. This allows for a better and more even distribution of paint and will pay off in the end. Now leave drawers, cabinets and doors open for several days or until paint is completely dry, that's it.

Need paint supplies, kitchen hardware or expert advice stop by Martens Reedsburg true value hardware store today.

Behind every project is a True Value. True Value Start Right. Start Here.

True Value is Celebrating 75 Years!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:07:33 GMT

True Value Hardware Stores across the nation celebrate their 75th anniversary

At True Value, we are more than just a hardware store. We have been part of your local community for 75 years, and we will be here for 75 more .

Reedsburg True Value IS, "Your Hometown Hardware Store with More"
More Selection. More Service. More Values.
Successfully Serving South-central Wisconsin Since 1968!

SNOWBLOWER SALE & TIPS

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 20:58:14 GMT

Getting the Most Out of Your Snowblower

For many of us, keeping our property safe, clean, and in tip-top condition throughout the winter means keeping it properly cleared of snow. As you already know, this can be back-breaking, time-consuming work... and it needs to be done over and over again as the season progresses. This can lead many people to dread the coming of winter instead of looking forward to enjoying the beauty of a new snowfall.

For those reasons and more, many people have chosen to invest in a snowblower to help make keeping their sidewalks, driveways, and gardens clear of accumulated snow a much easier, simpler process. However, like any other machinery, there are ways to make sure you're getting as much out of the experience of owning it as you possibly can. Are you getting everything you should out of your blower?

Are you using the right blower in the first place?

Many people make rush decisions when it comes to buying a snowblower, thinking that one is just as good as another. However, they couldn't be more wrong. If it seems like clearing your property with your snowblower is as frustrating and tiring as shoveling it would be, then the chances are excellent that you need to consider upgrading to a more powerful model.

If you have a large property to maintain or you're sometimes finding yourself facing feet of snow to deal with after a recent snowfall, you should have a more powerful dual-stage blower at your disposal instead of a smaller single-stage model. A single-stage blower is made to handle less snow and smaller overall areas. Trying to clear an extra long driveway of snow with a blower not up to the task will be every bit as difficult as shoveling would be. Consider investing in a bigger, better blower. Your back will thank you for it!

Are you taking the time to properly maintain your blower?

You wouldn't even consider not properly maintaining your car or your indoor household appliances. Why neglect your snowblower? Every fall before winter arrives you should make getting your snowblower ready for the coming season part of your pre-winter routine. Look over all the belts, bolts, and moving parts to make sure nothing is loose, rusty, or broken and tend to anything that is. Check the rubber paddles and rubber parts on the auger to make sure seals are tight and up to par. If they're not, replace those as well. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and in working order as well.

You should also tend to the blower's engine properly. Make sure you replace the sparkplug and oil regularly. Lube up the drive and chassis as well to make sure all systems are "go" for your first snowfall. You should also make sure that you're stocked up on gas. There's nothing more irritating than having to deal with these things at the last minute when your driveway is full of snow you need to take care of ASAP.

Getting the most out of your snowblower really just starts with doing your homework, making sure you have the right equipment in the first place, and keeping it in working order so that you get years of good quality use out of it. Do that and it won't be long before you're looking through your window at the falling snow and thinking of nothing but how beautiful it is instead of anticipating tomorrow's backache.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value for up to $300 Off Select Models of Snowblowers/snow throwers! (Including Simplicity, Ariens and Toro) Sale pricing good through March 21, 2023 and while supplies last...

For maintenance and repair of your snowblower visit the Reedsburg True Value Service Center today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3131552

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:48:52 GMT

Spring Maintenance Checklist

The Complete Springtime Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the time for cleaning, but it's also a fine time to do some basic maintenance around the home. Investing in annual maintenance will help you avoid problems and keep your home safe in the coming months. Add these items to your maintenance list, and make sure you take care of them every spring.

1. Air Filter

Your air filter should be changed monthly to maximize the efficiency level of your HVAC system and keep your house clean. Capturing particles of dirt, dust and allergens, keeping the air filter clean ensures that your system has ample airflow.

2. Inspect the Deck

The wood on your deck can start to rot over the long winter. Look for water stains where the deck meets the house, and replace any rotted timbers before they compromise the integrity of the structure. Inspect for moss and mold, and remove these harmful substances with a power washer.

3. Fire Extinguishers

Keep the extinguishers where they are easily reached without blocking doors, windows or furnishings. Every year, check the pressure gauge to ensure the extinguisher is at the proper pressure level. Make sure there is no damage to the extinguisher, and shake the extinguisher to keep the dry chemicals properly mixed and avoid settling.

4. Treat the Air Conditioner

Shut down power to your air conditioner and remove the lid from the unit. Use a shop vacuum to remove leaves, dirt and debris from inside the system, the coils and the fins on the shell. You can also rinse the interior of the unit with a water hose to keep it clean and improve efficiency.

5. Replace Weather Stripping

The best time to seal your windows and doors is in the spring when the weather is nice. You can leave the doors and windows open while you install the weather stripping. With the window closed, use a lit incense stick to see where drafts are. As you pinpoint drafty points, you can add more weather stripping or install fresh strips.

6. Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters will overflow, and the water can find its way behind siding and even into your basement. Protect your home and your roof by cleaning the gutters every spring. This is also a good time to make sure they are tightly attached to the roof and make other repairs to the drainage system.

7. Examine Garden Hoses

Check garden hoses for freeze damage. Inspect for cracks, tears and stiff areas that are too inflexible. Stretch the hose out into the yard, let the water fill it and look for active leaks. If the hose has any leaks, replace it in the spring so you won't have to rush out and buy one when the dry summer weather arrives.

8. Test Smoke Alarms

Push the test button for a few seconds to ensure that the siren will turn on. Next, test the response of the system to make sure the alarm will respond to smoke. Use a small spray can of smoke detector test aerosol and spray it into the unit to make sure the alarm will engage. It will take five to ten seconds to respond, so you may have to be patient. Shut the unit down afterwards by vacuuming out the residue with a shop vacuum.

9. Fix Cracked Pavement

Those tiny cracks that form in the concrete over the winter may not bother you, but they invite further damage. Weeds and grass can grow in the space and eventually damage the structure. Patch those little cracks to extend the life of your concrete.

10. Trim Trees

Broken limbs are weak and will come down in a storm. It's better to remove them before they can drain the tree and endanger your property. It's also wise to call a professional tree trimmer and have very full trees thinned out to avoid them being torn down in spring storms.

11. Roof Inspection

This is also the best time to inspect the roof for leaks. Look for damaged shingles that are ripped, torn or broken. Look around chimneys, headwalls, skylights and other openings to make sure the flashing around them is still intact.

Invest in spring maintenance to protect your home and avoid problems later in the year. It only takes a few minutes to perform this basic maintenance, and it will help you keep your home in good working order. It will also preserve the life of your appliances and protect your property from damage.

Visit Reedsburg True Value Hardware for all your home maintenance supplies and DIY tools. Martens True Value has what you need to get the job done right and at great value pricing, everyday..

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7527474

Spring Garden Planning

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:56:13 GMT

Spring Gardening Tips For Eager Gardeners

I don't know about you, but when the weather starts to get warmer I want to get right out in the garden and start working. Of course, it's usually way too early in the season when I get that urge and the ground is too cold still to do any type of planting. That being said, here are a few spring gardening tips for eager gardeners that can help to satisfy your gardening inclinations.

Take Stock

The first thing you want to do is take stock of your garden as well as your garden set up. In the garden, you can take this time to remove leaves, branches and other things that have accumulated and rake up some of the soil so that your garden is ready for spring planting.

In the tool shed, make sure that you have all the tools that you need and the tools are in good repair. This might be a good time to make a list of new tools that you need to buy and even take a trip to the home gardening center.

Make Plans

Early spring is the time to plan out this year's garden and there is nothing more fun than going to the home gardening store and seeing what goodies are available to help you in your gardening efforts this year. You can check out all the new tools as well as the new plants and fertilizers that can help you in the garden. Take your time and make notes of the interesting things you see and you will be able to plan out both a budget and a gardening plan that makes sense for you this year.

You can also take this time to actually draw out the plantings that you want in your garden. This might include removing plants and planting new ones and it's good to have this drawn out on the map so you can get an idea of how many plants you're going to need to make your dream garden come true.

Start Seeds

If you are really in the mood for some early spring gardening, then you'll definitely want to start sprouting some of your seeds. You want to do these indoors if the weather is very harsh. Growing from seed is very rewarding and you want to make sure you start them early enough so that they will be well-established by the time it's ready for them to go out into the garden.

Check Your Soil

Now is the time to get a soil sample and you can use your own soil tester to find out if your soil is lacking any nutrients. Some local gardening centers will test the soil for you if you just bring down a small sample. This way you can find out what types of nutrients you are lacking and buy the appropriate fertilizers and amendments to bring your soil up to the perfect quality so that you can grow lush vibrant plants this growing season.

Visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg for all your spring gardening supplies and tools. We carry everything you need for a great garden from seeds and soil to fertilizers, rakes, shovels and hand tools, plus so much more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6962933

Home Improvement Sale

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:48:51 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Home Improvement Sale

Valid 1/30/2023 - 2/26/2023

Get ready for Spring home improvement projects with tools and supplies from Martens True Value, at Great Value Sale prices

SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE!

DIY Vertical Tool Storage

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:44:03 GMT

STIHL manual: build a vertical storage rack

Goodbye chaos, hello order. With a vertical tool holder, you can store your long-handled tools and utensils by simply hanging them up and you no longer have to bend over for them. Follow the step-by-step video instructions and build your own vertical tool holder.

Find out more about the STIHL cordless garden pruner GTA 26

Material needed :
- Spruce board 22 mm thick; 650mm x 220mm
- 2 x wooden slats 30 x 30 mm x 650 mm as a mounting aid for the wall
- Clamps to fix the wooden board to the workbench
- Pieces of wood to place underneath
- 8 x Spax screws 4 x 45 mm to screw the unit holder to the strips
- 4 x dowels 10 x 50 mm together with matching screws

Required tools:
- flat drill 35 mm
- powerful cordless screwdriver
- delta sander with 120 grit
- flat drill 35 mm
- STIHL GTA 26
- PPE: safety goggles, gloves, hearing protection, respirator

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore for STIHL tools and equipment. (Authorized STIHL Dealer)

Must Have Ice Fishing Gear

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:31:19 GMT

Basic Gear and Tips You Need for a Fun Day of Ice Fishing

If you're the type of person that loves outdoor activities so much that you don't want to stay inside, even in winter, than you should look into ice fishing. Ice fishing is the only way to extend your fishing season beyond the time of year when the lakes freeze over. Fishermen all over Canada and the northern part of the Unites States only have to stop fishing for the few short weeks between the time when the first thin layers of ice develop on the surface of the water to when the ice layer is thick enough to support significant weight-loads. Once the ice is thick enough these devoted fishermen can drive their cars out to the middle of their favorite lake, drill a hole in the ice, and continue their favorite outdoor pastime. Winter fishing is not for people who are easily discouraged by cold temperatures, but it can be a fun activity for those who don't mind the cold, so if you think you can muster it, all you will need is a minimal amount of equipment to get started.

The most important pieces of equipment you will need before you start your hard water fishing expedition are an auger and ice skimmer. An auger is a very large drill for boring holes in the ice. You can buy a hand auger, which you have to turn manually, for ice that is only about a foot thick, but if you need to drill through more than three feet of solid ice, you are highly recommended to buy a power auger, which works automatically and can usually penetrate over forty inches of ice in under fifteen seconds. The ice skimmer looks a little like a small colander with a long handle. It is used to scoop out the ice and snow that collect in your ice hole as you drill.

Obviously, if you want to catch any fish when you go out on the ice, you are going to need an ice fishing rod. Most ice fishing rods are very lightweight, and they are usually less than thirty inches long. Presumably because they are smaller and require fewer materials to manufacture than their soft water counterparts, ice fishing rods are relatively cheap. Because cold water makes fish sluggish, many fish are slower and weaker during the ice fishing season, so hits are often light and difficult to feel. Your ice fishing rod should be very sensitive so that you can detect these small nibbles.

Most people prefer to stay out of the frigid winter winds when they go winter fishing, and in order to do this they bring an ice shelter, otherwise known as a shanty. Ice shelters are like large tents, except they have a rigid support structure so they can stand up to the strong winds that accumulate across wide expanses of ice. They come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the conditions they were designed for, but they all have an open bottom, so that their inhabitants can drill a hole and fish through it without exposing themselves to the freezing temperatures outside. It is because of the limited space inside of ice shanties that ice fishing rods are usually made so short.

Be sure to visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg for all your ice fishing gear. Our Sporting Goods department is stocked with everything you need for a successful fishing trip!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3171773

Toro Power Max Snowblowers

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:13:33 GMT

Toro Power Max Two-Stage Snow Blower | Blow Snow, Not Shear Pins

The Toro Power Max two-stage snow blower is made for winter’s worst, snowiest, and iciest conditions . With hardened gears and a commercial grade gear box, it will get the job done without broken shear pins, because it doesn’t need shear pins. If the auger hits hard material, the engine will purposely stall to prevent damage. Simply start the machine back up and you’re back in business.

Power Max keeps you moving with job completing power even at winter’s worst.

TORO snow blowers are available at Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore. Drop by today to check out our newest makes and models of snow blowers and snow throwers, all at great value pricing

New Year's Sale

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 21:07:27 GMT

NEW YEAR'S SALE - Valid 1/2/2023 - 1/29/2023 - Bargains of the Month

Shop early for best selection and while supplies last! For more product information and to shop online with FREE shipping to the Reedsburg True Value Superstore visit : https://www.truevalue.com/localad .

How to Choose Between a One or Two-Stage Snowblower

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 00:33:18 GMT

What Is the Difference Between a One Stage and Two-Stage Snowblower?

Anyone looking to buy a snowblower will pretty much soon realize that the choice tends to come down between what are referred to as one stage or two stage snow blowers. There are a few manufacturers who also make what are known as three stage snow blowers, and these will be looked in into and referred to at the end of the article.

There are also some manufacturers who make small or compact tractors which can be turned into snowblowers with a number of snow blade attachments, but the majority of snowblowers referred to are stand alone machines.

The way any snow blower works is in essence fairly simple. They draw in or suck in snow at the front of the machine, and then discharge it through what is known as a chute, through the top of the machine in a direction away from the ground with the snow is being cleared from.

This process is at the heart of a distinction between a one stage and two-stage snowblower. A one stage snowblower, will simply draw the snow in as described above, and discharge it. A two-stage snowblower will have an additional element, which is normally thought of as something like an impeller, which is used to break up hard chunks of snow or ice once they have been drawn into the machine, and before it is discharged as more malleable pieces of snow.

There was mention earlier of a three stage snowblower. These were very common a few years ago, and there are still a few manufactured, and plenty of older models available. The main element of a three stage snowblower is that it contains an additional auger, situated above the main one, which assists in the breakup of hard chunks of snow or ice, before it is dispersed through the discharge chute.

This distinction goes to the heart of what a snowblower does, and it's really important when deciding what type of snow blower to buy, as it needs to be understood what type of snow it is going to be used for, and what type of ground it is going to be used on.

Both types of snowblower can be used for any type of land or yard or smallholding, depending upon the distinction just mentioned regarding the type of snow and the type of ground.

Single stage snow blowers are normally used on land where the snow is fairly thin and flaky, often described as up to 8 or 9 inches thick, and where the ground underneath it is fairly soft.

Two-stage snowblowers are much more commonly used where the snow is much thicker, normally much harder and possibly very icy in certain places. They are also used where the ground underneath is likely to be harder, possibly gravel or tarmac.

The other consideration with any single stage or two-stage snow blower is whether to use normal tires, or to use a snow blower that has some type of track, similar to that on a tank, which can provide much greater stability. This is really an issue about what type of land the snowblower is going to be used on, and what will give the best type of traction both for the snowblower and the operator using it.

For quality new snowblowers and snowthrowers visit Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg today! You'll love their everyday True Value pricing and great service!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10192546

Happy Holiday Wishes

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:42:18 GMT

The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness. The gifts of good health and prosperity. May all these be yours this Holiday Season and in the New Year. ~ The Martens True Value Family

Reedsburg True Value Superstore will be OPEN Christmas Eve from 8am - 5pm & CLOSED Christmas Day.

Socket Sets and How-to Choose One

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:46:35 GMT

What to Look for When Buying Socket Sets

A high-quality assortment of ratchets, sockets and accessories is essential for many different jobs, from the complex to the light maintenance work. They come in several different sizes with wrench heads to match the individual sized bolts. Here a a few of the most important things to consider when buying socket sets:

Socket sizes

The different socket sizes are likely to include SAE, metric and Whitworth. The SAE (standard-sized socket) has its measurements in inches, which is practical for those mechanics working on older vehicle models. The metric tools are necessary for working on the latest domestic and import vehicles with the sizes in millimeters.

A garage should be stocked to match the type of vehicles serviced. However, a combination of SAE and metric is the most practical option to make sure a tool is available for the most wide-ranging jobs.

The third type is the Whitworth sockets which are only likely to feature on the British vehicles like a classic Jaguar or MG.

Drive size

The SAE and metric sockets are available in a range of sizes, including ½-inch, 3/8-inch and ¼-inch. The range of sizes is intended to work with the different ratchets and may even require an extension unit to work. For those that are limited to buying a single drive size, it is best to go with the 3/8-inch drive because this has the ability to work with the most sockets.

The ¼-inch drive sockets are the preferred choice for reaching bolts or nuts in tight spaces, while the large, ½-inch drive socket is practical for the largest fasteners and have the ability to accept more torque. This type of socket may need a breaker bar or ratchet to fully tighten or loosen.

Points

The shape of the sockets can range from a 12-pointed star to a six-pointed hexagon. The six-point socket is the more reliable option because its walls are more able to sit flush to the sides of the nuts. They are more practical for applications that need serious torque or rely on large hardware. But, the 12-point socket is the most convenient to use because it is a lot easier to get in position and line up, and a useful option for lighter work.

Alloy steel

The strength and durability of the sockets can vary significantly. One of the most durable choices is alloy steel which is heat forged with several other materials. It is essential to have a reliable material that has the ability to provide long-term service and stands up to the most difficult jobs.

For socket sets, wrenches and other DIY tools visit Martens True Value Superstore today! We have the hardware and tools you need to get the job done right and great gift ideas for the handyman in your life!! Stop by today and check out the deals we have in store for you.. .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9753654

HOLIDAY SALE

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 22:50:46 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Holiday Sale - Valid 12/5/2022 - 12/24/2022

Reedsburg True Value Holiday Sale - Valid 12/5/2022 - 12/24/2022 - SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION!

STOP IN OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE

STIHL Chainsaw Video Tips

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 22:50:03 GMT

Starting Procedures for STIHL Chain Saws | STIHL Video Tips

Learn how to properly start STIHL chainsaws and avoid the risk of damaging the product.

STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America, the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment among U.S. landscape professionals, and the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL also offers a full line of battery powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the professional and consumer. STIHL products are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast—not big-box stores.

Find STIHL chain saws and outdoor equipment at Martens True Value Superstore in Reedsburg.

BLACK FRIDAY HOLIDAY SALE

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:33:17 GMT

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE BLACK FRIDAY HOLIDAY SALE - VALID 11/14 - 11/27

SHOP OUR SALE ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO STORE - SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Helpful Tips for Drilling Holes

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:49:52 GMT

Wooden Drill Bits: Tips and Tools for Drilling Holes in Wood

Drilling holes in wood is more difficult then it looks and it can bring your do-it-yourself projects to a halt if you don't have the right tools or know-how to use them. The Wooden Drill Bits let you drill large holes or nice, strong screw joints with ease but you need to know how to properly use them. Using these drill bits with a drill require little skill and practice.

Twist drill bits for woods are used to drill pilot holes in wood before inserting nails or wood screws, to drill a hole for a bolt, and pinning boards together with wooden dowels are some examples of the importance of using a drill in doing woodworking or home repair projects.

Tip: Get a standard Wooden Drill Bits set. There are many twist drill bits that specifically designed for making holes in wood. This will help you through most projects. Know the size of your drill before buying a drill bit. You can buy individual bits or they come in sets of 50 Pc Drill Bits Set, 99 PCS Titanium Coated Twist Drill Bits or even higher pc set.

Tip: Use wooden drill bits with a centering tip. You can use a twist drill bit for normal holes with small to medium diameter. An auger bit is ideal for making deep holes with a diameter of 8-10 mm or more. The Forstner drill bit is recommended for drilling shallow holes of up to 30 mm diameter. The Hole Saw works great when drilling through-holes with 30 mm diameter or more.

Tip: Drilling pilot holes slightly smaller in diameter than the nail you plan to use can keep boards from cracking or splitting.

Tip: Creating a pilot hole slightly larger in diameter than the wood screw you want to use through the top board will make driving it in easier and avoid cracking the top board.

Tip: Always use wood screws . They have a high-incline thread and a pronounced tip.

Tip: You will see the best result by drilling along the grain of the wood. Set the right speed. If the speed is too low, the resulting hole will be jumbled. If the speed is too high, there is a risk of the workpiece overheating and burn marks occurring. Place wooden drill bits cleanly against the workpiece.

Tip: To join two pieces of wood with screws, always pre-drill a hole that is 0.5 to 1 mm larger than the screw diameter in the piece where you want to insert the screws first. In contrast, you should always pre-drill a hole that is 1 mm smaller in the piece you are screwing into. This ensures that the thread will grip well.

Safety Tips for Drilling

1 - Create a list of steps you need to take to complete your woodworking project. It's good to write them down on a paper if you frequently drill wood holes.

2 - Always have required tools and materials you need nearby where you will drill.

3 - Keep you project area organized and free of clutter.

4 - Wear safety goggles, closed-toe-shoes, and snugly-fitting clothing to prevent your sleeves from getting caught up in your work.

5 - Do not work on a project if you are tired, frustrated, or have been consuming alcohol.

6 - Keep kids away from the working area to avoid any accidents.

Wooden drilling requires a tool to make holes and are available in the market with different names. They are often called, "Drill Bits", "Twist Drill Bits", "Bits" or Wooden Drill Bits. These bits are used and a with a machine to "force" the bit into or through the wood.

Brace & Bit Drill

This tool is used by carpenters and craftspeople to drill holes by hand.

Hand-Operated Drill

The above-mentioned brace and bit drill is seldom used and has already been replaced by Hand-Operated Drill. This tool is fairly low-cost and easy to use in tight working places.

Battery-Powered Cordless Drill Driver

These battery-powered machines are used to drive in wood screws and for wood drilling to create holes.

Drill Press

The drill press sits on a workbench and larger models can sit on the floor. A steel column connects the base to the top of the press where the motor powering the chuck which holds the bit is located. There is a geared mechanism that the operator can use to lower or raise the bit with a lever. You can drill holes exactly straight or at preset angles. By using a fence and stop block, you can repeatedly drill a hole in exactly the same location.

For power tools, drills and drill bits visit the Reedsburg True Value Superstore today. We have the power equipment, hardware and supplies you need to get every DIY project done right!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9982285

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 23:25:28 GMT

November Bargains of the Month: Valid 11/1/2022 - 11/30/2022

Shop early for best selection and while supplies last!! MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE, 100 VIKING DR, REEDSBURG, WI 53959.

Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:48:34 GMT

7-Steps to Prep Your Kitchen Cabinets to Receive a Professional Paint Finish

There's a long process to painting your kitchen cabinets. If you don't properly prep your cabinets, you will be sure that your paint finish won't last very long. Proper preparation also gives you a good foundation to achieve the beautiful professional look that you want for your improved cabinets. There are 7 steps to preparing your kitchen cabinets to receive the best long-lasting finish.

The first step in the 7-step process is to remove all the hardware. You want to remove your cabinet doors to make it easier to paint your kitchen cabinets. Most homeowners plan on reusing their hardware so it's very important to remove your hardware in order to protect your hardware from the following steps in the 7-step process. After you remove your hardware, you want to make sure you put your hinges, knobs, handles and screws in a safe place so when the painting project is finalized, you can easily install your hardware.

The next step is to mask your cabinets. The worst thing that you can do, is damage your walls and counter tops while trying to paint your cabinets. When masking, you want to cover everything, with paper or plastic, and use blue painters' tape for easy removal and release of tape, from your walls, floor and counter tops. Most people skip masking the floor, but proper masking will give you sharp and clean lines on your floors. Painting close to the floor is a difficult task to begin with, so make sure you tape off the floor and cover the floor to keep from having to clean up paint splatters later.

After everything is masked and covered up, the next step is degreasing your cabinets. If you have new cabinets that haven't endure the cooking environment, then skip this step. Most paints claim to block stains, but oil stains are something different and any oil left behind will cause your painting job to fail, plus the oil stains will come through the paint. You don't want to put in 4 days of painting just to realize that you will need to repaint your cabinets to remove the oil stains. You can use any degreaser, just be sure to clean all the degreaser from the cabinets once you are done.

Next is the hardest part of the prepping process and that's sanding your cabinets. You first must make sure the cabinets are dry from the degreasing process. Once you are sure the cabinets are dry, then you are going to need to sand your cabinets. It's best to use 220 grit sanding paper or blocks. Anything coarser than 220 will cause deep scratches that will show through your paint finish, so make sure you don't use a rougher grit than 220. When sanding, you want to make sure your cabinets don't have a shine or gloss. If your cabinets were stained and sealed, the sealer is the clear coat, and the sealer is what protects your cabinets, and that includes protection from paint. So, you need to sand the glossy protection from your cabinets.

Once you are done sanding cabinets, you need to remove all the dust that is left afterwards. Failure to remove all the dust from sanding can cause two problems. One problem is paint failure. Dust will prevent your primer from sticking to the cabinets properly. Dust creates a layer between your cabinets and primer, which means your primer won't come directly in contact with your cabinets and will be problematic at some point in the future. The other problem dust will create is giving you a gritty finish. Once primer dries on dust, the primer will take on the characteristics of the dust, which is a gritty texture. Plus, the gritty texture will make it hard to clean your cabinets later. It's easier to clean smooth cabinets than gritty texture cabinets. Oil and dirt will be embedded in the pits that the sanding dust will create. You need to use microfiber rags to remove the dust after you are vacuuming the dust away.

Caulking and wood filling your imperfections in your cabinets will go a long way in making your cabinets paint job look professional. You won't to wait to caulk after the degreaser and sanding is completed to keep from damaging your cabinet and wood filler. If you need to wood fill anything on your cabinets, make that's done before you caulk because after you fill your holes or grain with wood filler then you will need to sand the wood filler smooth. Then you would repeat the dust removal process listed above. Even with your caulking, you want to use a very small hole to caulk your kitchen cabinets. Make sure you smooth the caulk properly removing any excess caulk and residue, because any caulk that isn't smooth will show through you in your paint.

The last step to the 7-step process is to prime your cabinets. Before you prime, you need to make sure your caulking is completely dry. If your caulk isn't thoroughly dry, then primer will caulk a slower dry, and will cause a failure later. If you don't let your caulk dry then the caulk will shrink, crack or shrink and crack after you are done painting your cabinets.

For cleaning, prepping, priming and painting supplies to renovate your old kitchen cabinets visit Reedsburg True Value Hardware Superstore today! We have what you need to get your DIY projects done right!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10235297

Fall Mower Maintenance

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 23:54:23 GMT

Fall Lawn Mower Maintenance

If there's one message we keep preaching it's that using the right equipment for the job increases the quality of lawn care your yard receives, but what keeps that equipment running at peak efficiency?

As solid as our product lines are there is always a certain amount of maintenance and management needed to keep the lawn mower, and related machines, in fine order and there's no better time than in the off-season.

Here's a few tips to keep that equipment running smoothly and to keep those lawns turning heads.

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

1.) Disconnect/Replace the Spark Plug: We don't want the machine to start accidentally in the middle of repairs so remove the spark plug. This is a great opportunity to check the spark plug for wear and tear. Replace if needed.

2.) Empty the Gas Tank: Fuel left in the engine block can go stale or even invite oxidation. Drain all the excess fuel from the engine and put it in gas can. Feel free to run the engine briefly after performing lawn mower maintenance to burn any gas left in the lines, after replacing the spark plug of course.

3.) Remove and Clean the Blades: Most machines, whether they are zero turn mowers or leaf blowers, have blades. They get dirty throughout the year and they could use a cleaning. Remove the blades and strip excess build ups of materials. This also allows better access, on some machines, for changing the oil and cleaning the undercarriages.

4.) Clean the Undercarriage: We've all seen the under side of a lawn tractor after cutting the grass. There's always a build up of organic material and that can turn into a substantial deposit after an entire season. Over time that material will harden so getting it out sooner is much easier than waiting until you have no other choice but a hammer. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

5.) Drain/Replace the Oil: We all know the importance of having clean oil running through our cars and lawn equipment is no different. Draining and replacing the oil once per season can add years to the life of your lawn equipment.

6.) Inspect/Change the Air Filter: Lawn machines deal with debris, that's what they are built for, so it stands to reason that they are constantly bombarded with all sizes and manner of particles. This makes air filtration extremely important. Nothing can kill an engine faster than poorly filtered air. Inspect your air filter regularly and change it if needed.

Even after applying these tips to your lawn equipment may need further lawn mower maintenance. If you require replacement parts or help with your mower maintenance visit Reedsburg True Value's In-store Service Center. We can help you keep your yard equipment in tip-top shape .

Keep those mowers running and we'll see you on the grass in spring.

* Please take every safety precaution when working on motorized equipment. Use these tips at your own risk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6531765

How to Choose the Best Paint?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:28:06 GMT

How to Choose the Best Paint Color for Any Situation

Choosing the best paint colors for your home is enough to make anyone crazy! It's just a simple question.

What color should I paint my living room?

But then it turns into:
How do I use different colors in different rooms and still make it all look good together? How do I know I'll like it when I've finished? How long will I like it?

Sheesh!!! There are so many questions and even more options to choose from!

All of this can be intimidating so most people just give up and choose a version of white. It is a neutral, but usually it feels a little less than personable, right?

Well, I have a few suggestions that should help.

We want color! We need color!! Rooms look more inviting because color somehow seems more alive. Zillow posted an article last week that mentioned how homes even sell better when they are painted certain colors. There are lots of choices so we know we can find one that we like, but let's plan it out.

First, gather choices.

There are several sites that will 'help' you pick a color. They show you how many different choices they have and some of them can even show you what it will look like in your room. This really is super helpful, IF you want to figure out how their program works. You can grab a handful of possibilities at a local hardware store, or you can look through magazines or online and save the colors that you like best. These are just to have something to start with. I'll show you how to narrow it down, don't worry.

Second, consider the mood you want in th e room. Relaxing? Energizing and uplifting? Socializing?

Then, take a second and consider what you will look like when you are in the room.
I know, this is just a little bit unconventional. But really, do you ever notice that when you take a selfie, you look better with color in your background? Like the blue sky, or flowers, or a maybe a cool red car.

How many of us run around the house, or even outside in the yard to take a quick selfie where the background color of a tree or the sky makes us look better than the boring white bathroom wall? That's because we want to feel and look our best, even in our home. When we feel we are at our best we are happier and recharge from the world much more quickly.

Fourth, figure out which colors complement you personally.

Some people look great in shades of blue, and others look best in shades of orange. It only takes a couple of minutes to find out which color looks best on you.

Some Steps to Help Choose the Best Colors

Step 1 - Figure out which skin tone and hair color you have and then get suggestions of colors that will look best with your particular skin tone. Yes, like cosmetically. These tips will give us a nice variety of colors that we can use as a palette to choose from.

Having this first palette is a great start because it really narrows down the choices.

Step 2 - Now that we know which colors make us look our best, we need to consider the purpose of the room we are painting. This is similar, but slightly different from the mood of the room.

Which room is it, and how do we want to feel when we are in it?

It would be wise to also consider the colors that are already in the furniture upholstery and artwork. We can match those to the nearest shade in our new palette.

Coordinating colors always look 'put together', like we know exactly what we are doing.

Once you know the main colors that make you look best, and match with upholstery or curtains that you like, Adobe has a cool Color Wheel tool. You can take your colors to the wheel and plug them in one at a time and it will show you which colors will complement or coordinate with the one you have chosen.

On my website I have explained in a little more detail about color theory and how it subtly affects our moods. When you have your color choices narrowed down to 3 or 4, you can take them to one of those websites that let you load photos of your room and then test the color out in pictures.

This will make it much more easy to decide which color to use.

For interior and exterior home paint, painting supplies and tools visit Reedsburg True Value's Paint Department today! We have the quality products you want at the great value prices you'll love! Stop by today to our expanded paint center!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9875458

FALL PROJECTS SALE

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:31:02 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Fall Projects Sale - Valid 9/26/2022 - 10/9/2022

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Fall Projects Sale - Valid 9/26 - 10/9/2022
Shop early for best selection or SHOP ONLINE with Free Shipping to Our Store

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:45:18 GMT

A Green Fall Maintenance Checklist For Your Home

Just like spring cleaning, you really should get your home ready for the winter . Here are a couple of projects that you will want to get accomplished although the weather is still nice out (or if you happen to be in the North, before the snow falls). These projects will save energy, button up your home and prevent costly problems later on. Also included are a couple of projects that everybody thinks they should do, but you may not have too!

1. Caulk . Caulk is your friend. This could be the least high-priced way to plug leaks. It also prevents damage to wood and masonry where water has already been let in. Outside, you must get rid of the loose and/or wet materials and let the area dry out. Then use an exterior grade caulk to fix any outdoor issues.

2. Roof Drainage. You have to make sure that your gutters get a thorough cleaning in the fall. It is very important to not forget about cleaning out the S-shaped fitting under your gutter. That tends to get missed. Nonetheless, it can cause complications later on if it's clogged.

3. Moisture Control. You ought to maintain a 30 to 50 percent relative humidity inside your home with a portable central system. If you aren't, there are usually two culprits causing this: stagnant water and/or mineral deposits. First, turn off your system and check the sponge pad. If it has calcium deposits, it is time to make a change. If the filter is clogged with deposits, scrub it using a 1-to-4 remedy of vinegar and water. To remove stagnant bacteria breeding water, use a 50-50 solution of bleach and water.

4. Air quality. Most of our properties are built tightly to save energy. Nevertheless, our homes might be so closed up that you can smell last night's dinner for days! Changing air filters will help with odors, dust, mold spores, and pet dander.

5. Drain your water lines . In the North, you are guaranteed it will get cold enough to bust a copper pipe or even shatter plastic. In the South, you never know what weird weather will hit. How frequently do we hear about how towns shut down due to the fact they got an inch of snow? With most lawn sprinkler systems, you'll be able to just shut off the supply and open the drain valve located in a pit at the low point of the system. You may also blow out the system with compressed air. At all outside faucets, disconnect and drain your garden hoses and then close the inside cut-off valve. Then open the exterior valve to drain the last bit of water.

6. Clean out your closets . In the spring and in the fall is the perfect time to go through and recycle what you are no longer wearing. You can also put away those tank tops and shorts and pull out your bamboo socks, wool sweaters, and pashbu scarves.

Like spring, fall is really a time of change: change the light bulbs in your house to LEDs, change the batteries in your smoke detector, change up your wardrobe. It is also a time to close every thing up. These couple of tips will help you get a good start on your fall cleaning and winterizing!

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today for all your fall maintenance supplies. We have what you need to get the job done right!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5032895.

Bargains of the Month

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 22:57:00 GMT

Reedsburg True Value September Bargains of the Month - Valid until 9/30/2022

For more product details visit www.truevalue.com and Shop at Reedsburg True Value or Online with Free Shipping to the Martens True Value Superstore.

LABOR DAY SALE 2022

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 20:03:59 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Labor Day Sale! Valid 8/29/2022 - 9/11/2022 or while supplies last... (Shop early for best selection)

Bargains of the Month available while supplies last during the month of September, 2022.

Home Maintenance Checklist

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:25:50 GMT

Basic Maintenance for Your Home

Did you know that there is more to your home's exterior than just siding and paint? Sure, you may recognize that, but it should also be noted that your roof is also a part of the exterior of your home. After all, without the roof, your home's interior would not be protected! (shocking, isn't it?)

So, it is quite important to see that you take care of your home's exterior. This doesn't have to be a part of the basic To Do list that you check off weekly, but it should definitely be a part of that quarterly list! By doing so, you have a better chance of identifying home exterior concerns and being able to stay a step ahead of them - before they become full on problems that are costly to repair (or need to replace!).

If you are new to home ownership, then determining what type of checking on the home exterior needs to be done can be stressful. So, to help out, here are the place you need to be paying special attention to:

Gutters - The gutters of your home control the amount of rainwater reaches your home's exterior and protect your roofing as well as your home's siding. Be sure they are attached correctly and are not sagging anywhere. It is also important to clean them periodically so that there is no build up of debris.

Paint - Take time to note if you need to touch up an area or call in a professional painting crew. The status of the paint job/siding will be one of the first thing people notice.

Siding - If you have vinyl siding, or one of its sister products, then you will want to clean it off periodically using a pressure sprayer.

Windows - Be sure these are not just clean, but open and close as they are designed to do.

Patio or deck - Be sure that the boards are sound, and that any debris is swept off of them. Not only does this look better, but you can prevent any damage caused by critters/pests. Be especially vigilant against areas around windows and doors - were wood rot can occur. If you notice damage near these locations, be sure to get someone to check it out and determine the action to be taken.

Roofing/Shingles - Walk around your home and note any areas where shingles may have pulled away or are loose/missing. If you see any, repair them before they fall away and leave your home exposed to the elements of nature.

Dealing with home exterior issues doesn't have to be stressful. Do some basic maintenance and then be sure to connect with the right companies within your community to help with those aspects that you don't feel qualified to do yourself.

For all the supplies you need to maintain the exterior of your home visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9965255

Labor Day Preparations

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:38:31 GMT

FAQs About the Proper Use and Handling of the U.S. Flag

What's the Difference Between Half-staff and Half-mast?
Although the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, half-staff generally refers to flags that are flown on land while half-mast refers to flags displayed on the masts of ships and other watercraft.

Can a Flag Be Left on Display in the Rain?
If a flag is made of resilient, weather-resistant material, it's perfectly acceptable to fly it in rainy or stormy weather.

Should Flags That Touch the Ground Be Destroyed?
Flags should be prevented from touching the ground or becoming soiled, but accidents do happen. If a flag can be cleaned or is otherwise unaffected, it can still be flown or displayed after making contact with the ground.

How Do I Frame a Flag for Display?
For long-term display, a flag is ideally placed under glass in a flat frame or folded and stored in a specially designed case or shadowbox.

To find everything that you need to get your home or business ready for Labor Day and other late summer activities, visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today.

Whether you need a new mower, grass seed, or fertilizer for the care of your lawn or a new grill for your holiday BBQ, Martens True Value in Reedsburg has everything you need for end of summer lawn and garden maintenance!

STIHL Chainsaw MS 162 Video Preview

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:31:10 GMT

Preview the STIHL gas powered chainsaw MS 162

The STIHL MS 162 petrol-driven chainsaw is a multi-faceted machine that can be used both for private grounds maintenance and in gardening and landscaping. Whether for making firewood or pruning fruit trees, the MS 162 is suitable for a wide range of use.

The optimally coordinated overall system of the STIHL MS 162 includes the powerful STIHL 2-MIX engine. It ensures good cutting performance with low consumption. Thanks to the standard 3/8 "P saw chain with its narrow saw kerf, you can reliably achieve precise cuts. At the same time, your chainsaw runs smoothly and quietly: the STIHL anti-vibration system reduces the transmission of vibrations to the handle so that your muscles and joints are relieved.

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPERSTORE IS AN AUTHORIZED STIHL DEALER

Visit the STIHL WEBSITE for more outdoor power equipment details.

To learn more about the STIHL MS 162 Chainsaw watch this short video preview:

AUGUST COUPON SALE

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:57:48 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Superstore Coupon Sale - Valid 8/1/2022 - 8/14/2022

FOR MORE DETAILS ON SALE ITEMS OR TO SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO OUR STORE CLICK THIS LINK

SHOP EARLY WHILE OUR SUPPLIES LAST!! REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE COUPON SALE Valid 8/1/2022 - 8/14/2022

DIY Safety Basics

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:58:57 GMT

Safety First for Home Improvement: The Basics

Home Improvement is a very common thing which anyone of us usually does, or tries to do at least once. We all know that from time to time, or when we decide to start with DIY jobs we are dealing with a lot of different home improvements. And of course anyone can do it, but we need some knowledge.

DIY injuries are very common and we have to be sure to do everything in the right way if we don't want to end up in this bad statistic about DIY injuries.

The most important thing when we are doing something around the house is:

-To know what we are doing, and how to do it! It is not recommended doing any improvement by ourselves, without knowing that we are even doing the right thing. We should always ask for advice from the more experienced person or simply Google the answer. There are answers on almost every question on the internet and tips for how to do it.

- Safety is very important. When we are following the safety rules we are keeping us and everybody around us safe. Wearing the safety gear, using appropriate equipment, even appropriate clothes are very important when we are doing home improvement.

I suggest, before even starting any tasks to collect at least some basic info about doing it right.

I have decided a few years ago to fix the broken door on my wardrobe. I didn't try to check how to do it because it looked like a piece of cake job. I ended up with an injury. I didn't know that I have to start drilling slower to see if the screw is going to the right place. I broke the screw and it hurt my finger. It wasn't so bad though, but it didn't have to happen. So, don't be like me.

There is no easy job, and every job requires following the safety rules . If we follow them, we know for sure that what we do is right and, of course, that we are safe.

Appropriate equipment is very important. We must have the right tool for the job. Getting the wrong tool is not only going to make us slow, but it also might get us hurt.

Also, once we buy a tool we have to make sure to take care of our tool. If we want to have a good tool and in the good shape, we have to take care of it and use it with care. If the tool is electrical and with cord, we must be sure that we have switched it off from the power at the moment we don't need it anymore. If your house is full of curious children, like mine, forgetting to do this can be very dangerous.

Wearing the safety gloves, glasses and even safety clothes is very important. Always, but always follow this rules.
When doing something for the first time do it slowly, patience is very important. We are not professionals remember, and patient and slow repairs will keep us safe.

The electricity must be off when we are doing some electrical repairs.

When we are repairing the roof, the safety helmet is must have safety equipment . What we will use for roof repair is the ladder, for sure and maybe scaffolding: check them day before you want to use them.

I can spend all day mentioning all home-improvements which we will face with. But this is not so important; the message which I want to send is no matter what we are doing around the house, even if it is a small repair, we must take care of our safety first. Safe work is successful work!

For the supplies you need to complete your next home improvement project safely visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need at great value prices, everyday!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9987985

Dewalt Cordless Power Tools

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 23:30:26 GMT

DEWALT 20V MAX* System: 250+ Products & Growing

Dewalt Power Tools are available at Reedsburg True Value Superstore. Stop in today to discover what we have in store for you to get the job done right!

Whether indoors or outdoors, the DEWALT 20V MAX* system powers the tools you need to get the job done right.

With 250+ products that keep you productive on the jobsite, 20V MAX* is a cordless power tool system you can build on.

Performance matters, so choose from a wide-range of battery options designed to maximize power, runtime, and space.

Visit the Dewalt website to learn more:

https://www.dewalt.com/systems/cordless-platforms/20v

Live Bait Fishing Tips

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 16:21:57 GMT

Live Bait Fishing - 3 Live Bait Fishing Tips

I've personally been live bait fishing for freshwater fish for more than 20 years, and in that time have learned a few things that anyone who fishes with live bait should know. In this article, I will outline 3 live bait fishing tips that will help anyone who fishes with live bait experience much more success.

These tips are 3 of the more important tips when it comes to live bait fishing. Are they the only tips? Of course not, but if someone wanted to know 3 tips that would help them catch more fish, these 3 would be them. Any or all of them will certainly help you catch more fish on your next fishing excursion.

Before I get down to the tips themselves keep in mind that live bait needs to be alive. You always want to keep your bait, whether it's worms, minnows, insects, or anything as lively as possible. When it come to live bait fishing your bait need to be alive.

Use Light Line - This tip is true for all types of fishing, but its especially true when it comes to live bait fishing. When the fish looks at the bait, you don't want them to see your line. The lighter your line, the less visible your line will be to the fish. This tip is especially true when fishing in clear water situations. The use of light line isn't as important in stained or muddy water, but it still has an impact. The bottom line is that you want to use line that's as light as possible when live bait fishing.

Use Small Sharp Hooks - Many people who use live bait for fishing use hooks that are much too large for the fish they are targeting. Once again, when fish look at the bait we don't want them to see the hooks (if possible). Of course a portion of the hook will be visible, but the smaller the hooks are the better off you will be. One of the best tactics as far as hooks are concerned when live bait fishing is the use of gang hooks. These hooks enable live bait to be presented in a totally natural and effective manner. Not only do your hooks need to be small, they should also be sharp. This means either changing them frequently (after ever couple of fish) or sharpening them with a hooks sharpener. Sharp hooks mean more hook ups, its as simple as that.

Clean Your Hands - Here's our goal; to have our bait smell like it should, free of any unnatural odors. Our hands carry all kinds of unnatural odors that will "turn fish off", so to speak. Making sure that your hands are free of unnatural odors is a must when live bait fishing. This can be accomplished by using odor neutralizing soap, or by simply rubbing your hands in weeds or gravel before baiting up. Clean your hands and you will get more bites. This tip is especially true with larger, more experienced fish

When it comes to fishing with live bait, these 3 tips will definitely help you catch more fish. I would suggest that you add one or all of them to your fishing repertoire. You'll be glad you did.

For the best quality fishing gear and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today! We have what you need for success on your next fishing trip !

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Trevor_Kugler/38856h

SUMMER LAWN CARE TIPS

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:04:33 GMT

Lawn Care Tips For A Healthy Summer Lawn

Summer can be one of the toughest times of the year for lawns, especially when we live in one of the warmer climates. While Summer is a time of thriving for many lawns, likewise it is also a time for less well looked after turf to suffer many different problems that can lead to stress and poor health. With a few simple lawn care practices we should be able to greatly improve all lawns as they navigate their way through the warmest months of the year.

Best Practice Lawn Watering

Watering is of course the most important aspect of turf health in Summer. Correct lawn watering practices will enable a lawn to send down roots much deeper into the soil profile, past the evaporation level of the very top of the soil, which as a result will make our turf more heat and drought tolerant.

We can slowly train our turf to create a deep root system by only ever watering the lawn once it's showing signs of leaf wilt, and then giving the lawn a deep drink of water at that time. This is an easy method to grow a deep root system for all turf.

Fertilize Lawns In The Spring

A home lawn which is healthy before Summer arrives is a far better solution to achieve a healthy Summer lawn, than if we were to wait until Summer arrives and then trying to create a healthy lawn. The same is true of Winter lawn care.

Fertilization of turf should be done prior to the onset of the two harshest seasons, Summer and Winter. So we want to be sure we have fertilized with a high quality fertilizer prior to the onset of Summer so that the lawn is in its peak health as the heat arrives.

The Importance Of Correct Summer Lawn Mowing

Loss of moisture in soils is responsible for the majority of turf problems in the Summer. As already discussed, we can greatly improve this situation by watering correctly to promote deep root growth, but we can also help the soil further by reducing the amount of water lost through evaporation in the Summer sun.

While a strong healthy lawn growing in full sunlight can be cut short, for most lawns which are less than perfect, their greatest health benefit in Summer can come about by increasing the lawn mowing height. This increase in the length of the lawn leaf then shades and insulates the soil against further moisture loss, resulting in less heat stress for the lawn.

This same principle of insulating the soil against moisture loss can be further added upon by mulch mowing the lawn. Whereby the lawn cuttings are recycled back into the lawn, rather than being collected and thrown away. Recycling lawn clippings not only insulates the lawn soil against moisture loss, but they are an incredible source of nutrients to feed back to the lawn instead of relying on the expense and hassle of having to use so many lawn fertilizers.

Lawn Weed And Pest Control

Some treatments for lawn pests and weeds can be harsh on the lawn, especially those that are applied by the homeowner and not by a turf professional.

Avoid treating for weeds or pests using chemical pesticides on the hottest days of Summer, instead wait for milder days to do any such spraying, or better yet, try to treat for pests and weeds in Spring, before Summer arrives.

For the best in lawn care products, fertilizer and pesticides visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9426379

4th of July Sale

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:48:44 GMT

Reedsburg True Value 4th of July SALE - Prices valid 6/27 - 7/10/2022 (Shop early while supplies last)

CLICK HERE for more product details or to SHOP ONLINE with Free Shipping to Martens Reedsburg True Value.

Avoid Mosquitoes Naturally

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:53:18 GMT

Top 3 Ways To Be Invisible to Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a nuisance! How can you be invisible to mosquitoes so they no longer bite you? Nobody wants the itchy, swollen bumps caused by skeeters so how can you be sure that mosquitoes can't see you?

There are several things to do to make yourself invisible to mosquitoes. First of all, if possible, avoid going outside when mosquitoes are prevalent. Early morning and around dusk are the favorite times for these blood suckers to go hunting for food. If you are not outside during those times, you will definitely be invisible to mosquitoes! But that isn't always an option to avoid outside.

Another tactic to be invisible to mosquitoes is to make sure you wear light colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark objects as they see darker blobs as potential prey. If you wear light colored clothing, you are not as visible and they can't see you. Wearing dark clothes is like a neon sign saying I'm here to be eaten! Who knew what you wore could make such a difference!

The easiest option is to mask your human scent with something natural. A mosquito is driven by the smell of your exhaled breath. Yep, that is right, a mosquito loves to smell your breath. Creatures with breath like yours are the perfect meal for a mosquito. A mosquito will not be able to smell your breath due to the natural scent which will make you invisible to mosquitoes.

How do you choose the right scent? Any natural smells from Nature would work but it depends on how far you are willing to go. Wearing Predator Pee (there is such a thing!) will make you invisible to mosquitoes but also make you lose all your friends! Native Americans used to rub evergreen tree branches on their skin to mask their scent.

On the other end of the spectrum, think about pleasant natural aromas - like your Grandmother's Cedar Chest! Cedar is the perfect option to make these blood suckers avoid you. If you spray yourself with a safe, natural product made with cedar as the active ingredient, you will become invisible to mosquitoes.

Recap on how to be invisible to mosquitoes:
• 1). Avoid being outside when they are most active.
• 2). Wear light colored clothing so as not to attract mosquitoes.
• 3). Apply a natural pest control product made with Cedar as the active ingredient.

Now you can be invisible to mosquitoes!

Visit Martens True Value in Reedsburg for mosquitoe repellents and other pest control products. We have what you need for a fun, bug-free summer!

Louise Hodges is the owner of Greenbug, Inc. She makes alternatives to synthetic chemicals with pest control products using Nature's cedar as the active ingredient.

Greenbug products control pests you don't want such as Mosquitoes, Ants, Roaches, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ticks, Mites, etc. but cause no harm to humans, animals, the environment or beneficial creatures.

Louise created the Greenbug System that delivers Greenbug through your irrigation system to create pest-free areas wherever water is directed.

For more information, go to http://www.greenbugallnatural.com or http://www.greenbugsystem.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10468963

Easy Ways to Renew Your Patio

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 15:04:16 GMT

5 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Spruce Up Your Patio

When guests visit your house, the first thing they notice is the patio, or the porch, the open and welcoming nature of a patio to the guests, is a good indication of how the owner of the house receives or welcomes his guests. The following ways are easy and inexpensive to spruce up your Patio.

Decide on the Color Scheme

Before you start a patio project, ensure to decide on your best and inspirational color scheme that will suit the project. You can select a color based on the item you already own, or you can purchase a color scheme based on your choice for the patio. It is more rewarding to select your color ahead of time before creating a plan for the patio. If you are unsure of what color scheme to pick, you can draw your inspiration from items like planters, rugs, patio furniture, or you can ask a friend to choose for you.

Define the Seating area

When designing a new look for your Patio, an area of concern you should consider is the seating area. The seating area has to be well planned, and you must ensure you introduce some unique and exciting things visitor or guest can sit and relax on. They don't have to be costly and extravagant things. Things like benches, stools; old kitchen chairs crates, barrels, rocking chair, and Porch swing. Include some tables whether it is a coffee table, Patio table, or a repurposed stool. A table where your guests can seat and enjoy a drink or coffee is a welcome gesture.

Consider Flooring

Flooring is another great way to spruce up your patio. It helps keep the floor of the patio neat and clean. It makes a big difference if you decide to add an outdoor rug to give it an additional color and texture to keep it from looking too plain. You can also choose to use outdoor carpeting on the concrete floors to add color and texture to the floor of the patio.

Add Some Plant Life

Once you are done with the seating, color scheme, and flooring, start adding plants and other natural essentials. Nature and Plant life make a patio inviting and welcoming. Use Your Planters to add plants to a patio. You can purchase planters to match the color scheme of the patio if you do not already have planters of matching colors that you can repurpose. Then, select plants that can add something extraordinary and exceptional to the overall appearance of the patio.

Adding waterworks and other special touches

Adding even a simple fountain to your patio can add more beauty to your patio. It makes the whole environment serene, peaceful; it can be relaxing when listening to the sound of the running water. Some items like Throw Pillows, Candles, Garden décor and Door wreath can be ideal for decorating your patio.

Repurposing items are the easiest way to spruce up your patio. Some people may be lucky to own everything they need for their patio, but others have to purchase most of the items they require. Many stores sell patio and outdoor items where you can buy your items.

For outdoor patio decor, lighting and flowering plants visit Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg. We have what you need to renew your deck or patio area for the summer season. Stop by today to see what we have in store for you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9751572

SUMMER LIVING SALE

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:41:50 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Summer Living Sale - Sale prices valid until 6-12-2022 Shop early for best selection and while supplies last!

Martens Reedsburg True Value Hardware Summer Living Sale. Sale prices valid until 6-12-2022. Shop early for best selection and while supplies last!

Gas Grill Maintenance

Tue, 24 May 2022 23:39:13 GMT

How to Clean Your Gas Grill

Step 1: Give Your Grill a Checkup

If your BBQ grill has been sitting idle for months, it's a good idea to take a close look at its components to make sure everything is in proper working order. Examine hoses for any cracks or damage. If a hose seems compromised in any way, replace it.

Inspect burners and their gas tubes and make sure they aren't worn out, rusty or blocked by debris or spider webs. If gas tubes have worn spots, replace them. If they are blocked, use a pipe cleaner, toothpick or paper clip to clear them. Check knobs and other controls to make sure they're undamaged and working properly. Tighten any loose screws or bolts. If your propane tank is empty, refill it at an authorized propane supplier.

Step 2: Clean It

Remove any internal parts that can be disconnected from the grill and soak them for a few minutes in a bucket of hot water and mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid. (Make sure water won't affect functionality.) Scrub the parts with a rag, sponge or soft scrubbing pad.

Remove porcelain-coated or metal grates and scrub vigorously with a wire brush to remove burnt-on food and debris. You can also run them through the dishwasher after you've scrubbed them. Cleaning chemicals for both the inside and outside of your grill can help remove tough stains and grease build-up, but aren't necessary if you scrub the grates well. Note: Many gas grills have aluminum parts that can be damaged by abrasive cleaning products, like oven cleaners, or tools such as wire brushes or scouring pads. Make sure that the grease tray is clean and replace foil drip pans to help prevent flare ups.

Step 3: Test It

Once all the parts have been cleaned, dried and reassembled, ensure all hoses and components are reconnected correctly and fire up the grill. Close the lid and let the grill burn for 10 to 15 minutes to burn off any cleaning-chemical residue. After you've determined everything is working correctly, you're done. It's time to cook!

Safety Alert !
To avoid serious injury, be sure the propane tank is disconnected from the grill before doing maintenance. Read your BBQ grill's instruction manual for particular safety issues.

For New gas grills, charcoal grills, propane tanks, cleaning products, wire brushs, BBQ tools, charcoal, wood chips and other grilling supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today!

Guide for Choosing the Right Paint Colors

Tue, 17 May 2022 20:56:17 GMT

Expert Advice: Choosing Paint Colors for Interior Walls

There's something magic about painting your home . First, it's incredibly inexpensive. You can almost completely transform the way guests feel when they step through your front door for a less-than-$100 investment in paint and needed materials.

And, second, paint is powerful. When you choose the right color, it makes everything in your home sing. But that's the hard part. Choosing paint colors for interior walls is difficult, and you often feel like you're flying blind standing in front of a slew of swatches at the hardware store.

To help you make the best decision for your home, here's a guide to choosing paint colors for interior walls in different rooms .

Oh, one final note: Different homes open into different rooms. Keep that in mind as you're choosing paint colors for interior walls. Whatever room your visitors first step into, you want it to be bold and beautiful without going over the top. That room is typically the living room, so that's where we'll start - but pay the most attention to the first-impression room in your home.

Living Room
What matters when choosing a paint color for your living room? Start with these three things:

Natural Light
Furniture Color
Spacing

If your room is full of natural light, you can get away with earthier tones that add a dark complement to the rays of sun pouring through the windows during the day. If you have next to no natural light, go for something lighter.

Also, use your living room paint to balance with your furniture. You want your living room to include a primary color and two accent colors. For example, you may have a large, bold area rug that creates the primary color. Then, use your furniture and walls as accents. Or, you may have a beautiful painting over your mantel that creates a nice accent. Then you can use furniture as another accent and wall paint as your primary color. No matter how you divvy things up, balance is key.

Also, consider spacing. A lighter paint color can make a small, tight living room feel larger. You definitely don't want a cramped living room with little natural light to also feature dark, earthy paint colors.

Kitchen
You have lots of opportunities to provide pops of color in your kitchen: wall hangings, curtains, dish towels, granite, even a fun mixer. That's why I typically prefer a nice, neutral gray for my kitchen. (I've always been in love with Dorian Gray, but that's just me.) Find the right gray, and you'll have a nice palette on which to add fun pops of color.

Not into neutral? OK, that's totally understandable. Bolder options for the kitchen might include yellow, green or blue. Green is pretty versatile when pairing brighter accent colors, and yellow is like bringing the sun into your home. Blue is good if your kitchen is full of neutral dish towels, granite, curtains, etc.

Looking to go really bold in the kitchen? Pass on the paint and take part in the comeback of wallpaper. I'm not quite there yet, but...

Bedroom
If you're anything like me, you don't do a whole lot in the bedroom other than read a book, get ready for work and rest. (OK, there's the other thing, too, but let's stay on topic.) With that in mind, make your bedroom the perfect place for rest by using soothing and relaxing paint colors.

What colors are soothing and relaxing? Try lavender, a soft green or an icy blue. I know that many homeowners just can't help but put a bolder stamp on their walls. If you are tempted to go with a stronger bedroom color, do it in a guest room or a child's room. These are perfect space to be a little more adventurous.

Bathroom
Bathrooms typically have little to no natural light. If anything, you might have a frosted window, but most bathrooms have no windows at all.

With that in mind, go to the hardware store and stock up on lighter colors from the blue-gray family - this is the best range for bathroom colors. Take the swatches home and set them on the floor to see how they work with the lighting and your tile, hardwood or vinyl flooring.

I've used this method in the past, and one swatch has always jumped out at me. Wishing you the same success! But, again, along with the kitchen, the bathroom is another place where you can get away with testing some fun wallpaper - especially a half bath.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Paint Colors for Interior Walls
I say this a lot, but: The rules are meant to be broken. Throw everything I've written here out the window if it leads you to paint colors you simply don't like. Always stay true to your personal taste, and you can't go wrong.

For the latest trending paint colors in exterior and interior paint for your home visit Martens True Value Hardware Super Store in Reedsburg. We stock everything you need for your next home painting projec t!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9798765

Tips for Lawn Mower Care

Wed, 11 May 2022 00:39:18 GMT

Cleaning And Maintenance Tips For Your Lawn Mower

The ability of your turf to have healthy and good-looking grass depends greatly on your lawn mower. Your turf will suffer greatly if you are using a poor piece of equipment when mowing. You will have a hard time as well getting the result you want for your lawn with a poorly performing equipment. To avoid such problems, it is important to properly and regularly maintain and clean your lawn mower.

Below are some of the key lawn mower cleaning, care, and maintenance tips you should follow :

Regularly check and change your mower's oil. Experts say that you should check the condition and level of your equipment's oil every eight hours of use. Fresh oil will have a golden or amber color and it will darken as it ages. At least once per season or after every 50 hours of use, change the oil. Also, always use oil that is recommended by the manufacturer for that model.

Add a fuel stabilizing product to fresh fuel. Adding the right amount of fuel stabilizer will keep fuel fresher longer. However, make sure you follow the equipment's manual for instructions on leaving fuel in the engine during storage since this usually varies depending on the brand or manufacturer.

Always clean the air filter properly in place. The air filter of a lawn mower prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the carburetor and engine. It should be cleaned or changed every 25 hours of engine operation or at least once per mowing season. Also, you need to replace the pleated, paper air filters regularly as well. You can clean the foam air filters with hot water and a small amount of detergent and leave it to air dry before being saturated with new engine oil and reinstalled.

Get rid of oil stain using a degreaser. Spray a good brand of degreaser on oil stains. Leave the degreaser on the stain for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth and rinse everything off with a hose.

Regularly check the mower's tire pressure . If your lawn mower has pneumatic tires, use a tire pressure gauge to make sure they have consistent tire pressure. In general, tires with varying pressures will result in uneven or poor cutting of grass blades.

Check the blade regularly and replace it as needed . Lastly, be on the lookout for bends, dents, and other damage to the blade. A sharp blade is crucial to a proper cut. Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut them cleanly. Experts say that a blade should be sharpened every season and replaced every one to three years depending on the equipment's frequency of use. It is also important to replace the blade immediately if any damage is found to prevent any risk of injury.

For lawn mower parts, oil, fuel stabilizer, degreaser, blades and other supplies visit Martens True Value Hardware Store in Reedsburg today!

Our Service Center can also help you with parts, maintenance and repair of your mowers and other lawn and garden equipment . Stop by or call customer service for an appointment at: (608) 524-8999

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9574897

BIG OUTDOOR SALE

Tue, 03 May 2022 18:11:00 GMT

Reedsburg True Value BIG Outdoor Sale- Valid 5/2 - 5/15/2022 or while supplies last! We have everything you need to create a GREAT outdoors this summer!!

SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO: MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE, REEDSBURG, WI 53959.

Organic Gardening Tips

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:23:23 GMT

Organic Gardening Tips - 5 Tips to Successful Organic Gardens

An organic garden is usually not the result of an accident. People that have a successful garden have created one based upon their consistent upkeep, planning, and a desire to make their garden grow. Regardless of the therapeutic value the gardening has, relaxation has little to do with the steps that it takes to ensure the success of your gardening endeavor. Here are a few organic gardening tips on how to make sure that your organic garden goals are reached by looking at planning, soil preparation, fertilizers, irrigation, and insect and disease control.

Tip #1 - a plan is always needed . Not something that is thought of and reconsidered over time intermittently, but a specified plan of action that leads to a specified end result. When you decide to grow your garden, and you choose to do it in an organic matter, you will need to take a few things into consideration such as location, the environment that the plants will grow it, the time that it will take in order for you to properly take care of your garden, how much effort will be involved and are there any resources that you may or may not be able to acquire in order to reach your final goals.

Once you have a clear written outline of what it is you need to do and what you need to acquire to reach your garden goals, it is time to start the plan into action. Action is everything once the goals are defined. If you set your goals but neglect factors such as good seed, compost, or even a source of good water for your plants, you will fail in your attempt because any compromise will lead to an overall failure.

Tip #2 - prepare your soil. Soil preparation is the foundation of the growth of any and all plants that you have. From the soil, the plants will be able to get their nutrients. Soil that is hard or dense will be almost impossible to aerate and therefore the plants will not get enough oxygen through the root system in order to thrive and flourish. Likewise, if there is no way for the water to evenly percolate to the plants roots in your garden, some plants will make it while others will die without consistent moisture, and some will be oversaturated and get root rot.

Another organic gardening tip is that you must also consider the consistency of the soil in regard to the amount of compost and nutrients that will be accessible to the seeds that will grow into the plants in the garden that you desire. By adding natural compost or other fertilizers to enhance the nutrients within the soil such as nitrogen or potassium, you will need to prepare this ahead of time, specifically as you are preparing the soil and getting ready to plant your seeds.

Tip #3 - Add compost. With reference to fertilizer, if you are doing this in an organic matter, some of the best fertilizer that you can get can either come from your compost pile or from a worm bin that you have created through your vermicomposting efforts. This needs to be prepared several weeks in advance so that it is ready to use when you are ready to plant. Compost that has not had time to properly finish will be detrimental to your soil and therefore proper preparation is always mandatory before getting ready to add these nutrients to the soil that will bear the fruit of your labor.

Tip #4 - Consistently water your garden. The consideration of water is also paramount in your success. You must have a way for your organic garden to get enough water on a regular basis so that it can grow unimpeded by the periods of droughts that are self induced by someone to did not plan ahead of time and create an optimal situation for the gardens irrigation needs. This includes having enough access to water, easy access through an irrigation system or hose system, and potentially a sprinkler system on a timer which can ensure that the garden is receiving water on a regular basis.

Tip #5 - Beware of insects . One final organic gardening tip that you should consider is that when your plants begin to grow, insects will appear. Weeds will also appear as well as potential diseases that can kill off your crop. This will take some wisdom on your part knowing the types of plants you are growing and finding natural alternatives to pesticides that may inhibit or deter the natural growth processes of your plants. If you are an organic gardener, you will not want to use these anyway and therefore finding beneficial insects that attack bad insects or natural scents or plants that will deter weed growth or disease is paramount in ensuring the healthy growth of your garden.

When considering all of these things together in a big picture, you realize that gardening cannot possibly be the result of an accident. There must be proper preparation and access to all of the tools necessary in order to make a garden successful and to make your efforts worthwhile. Take some time and use these five organic gardening tips to your benefit and make your garden one of the best you have ever had.

For organic gardening supplies and tools visit Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg today! We have everything you need to grow a healthy and productive garden this summer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1059418

How-to Prune Topiary Plants.

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:11:10 GMT

How to trim shrubs and plants as topiary.

How to cut plants in shape (topiary) | Featuring STIHL gardening tools

Topiary is a supreme discipline of gardening. Green plants such as boxwood, yew, privet or thuja are excellent for cutting shapes that are guaranteed to become eye-catchers in the garden. It is best to choose fast-growing varieties to achieve beautiful, full-bodied results. A simple spherical shape is easily done thanks to our tips and a stencil but very pleasing nontheless. In the video we'll show you how to achieve it.

Find out more about the STIHL garden shears HSA 26 here:
https://www.stihl.com/STIHL-power-too

Materials for topiary:

- Sturdy wire or cardboard depending on the method

Topiary tools:

- HSA 26
- Sheep shears/Boxwood scissors
- Side cutters or scissors depending on method
- Safety goggles and gloves

Reedsburg True Value is an authorized STIHL dealer.

Shop at Martens Reedsburg True Value Super Store for STIHL outdoor power equipment and the tools you may need to complete this topiary project.

LAWN AND GARDEN SALE

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:22:33 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Super Store Lawn & Garden Sale - Valid 4/11 - 4/24-2022

Visit Martens True Value Hardware Store in Reedsburg for all you lawn and garden supplies! OR SHOP ONLINE TODAY!!

Wood Deck Maintenance

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 23:20:56 GMT

Recommendations for Routine Wood Deck Maintenance

Wooden patios and deck are a wonderful addition to any home or property that can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. But if you do not maintain your wood deck properly, it will begin to deteriorate quicker, leading to things like warped boards, wood rot, and moss infestations. Not only can these damages render a deck unattractive, it can make it unsafe to use too. Continue reading to learn how to properly maintenance and repair a wooded deck so that you may enjoy your wooden deck or patio all year long and for many more years to come!

Common Problems With Wooden Deck s

It is important to regularly inspect your deck for problems so that you may solve them before they get out of control, become a hazard, or wind up being very costly to repair. A small problem can evolve into a major one over a short amount of time, which is why you must stay vigilant when it comes to routine deck maintenance and repair. Here are a few common issues to look for:

Loose Nails - Replace damaged or corroded nails on floorboards, posts, sills, joists, railing, stairs, and more. Hammer down any protruding nails until they are even (or below) the wood surface. You may also replace protruding or loose nails with deck screws.

Warped Floorboards - Cracked, warped, splintered, or protruding floorboards are hazards. Replace them as needed.

Dry Rot - This type of fungal growth digests wood, rotting it from all over. Signs include soft or moist floorboards, musty odors, discoloration, or shrunken floorboards. Replace immediately upon discovery.

Mold and Mildew - Additional types of fungal growth, like mold and mildew, are hazardous for wood decks and patios. Also, mushroom growth, moss growth, green or black algae, lichen, and more make for dangerous patio conditions.

Debris - Leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings, and more are examples of debris that needs cleared regularly from decks and patios. Accumulation can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, and more.

Wood Deck and Patio Car e

All of the above problems, and more, should be addressed right away in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable deck or patio this summer. Nails should be hammered in or replaced with deck screws, organic growths should be sprayed with an eliminating solution, rotted or damaged floorboards should be replaced or patched, and debris should be swept away on a daily basis. All of this should prevent costly and hazardous wood deck problems.

In order to preserve your wooden deck or patio, it is important to implement certain strategies and chores that will safeguard it all year long. For example, dry rot can be prevented by painting a layer or two of wood preservative underneath the bottom of the wood deck.

Also, applying a quality sealcoat and deck protectant is vital for safeguarding against natural wear and tear. It is helpful to know that replacing boards with dry rot right away will evade the potential for it to spread to other boards. And last, continue to retreat your wood deck with fungal protection to keep it mold and mildew free all year.

Consult a professional general contractor for advice, information, and assistance with deck maintenance and renovation. They retain the experience, knowledge, and tools to get you and your patio ready for an early spring!

For wood deck sealants, cleaners, stains and other project supplies visit Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9882364

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 23:48:24 GMT

How to Achieve a Smooth Cabinet Painted Finish

When trying to a beautiful finished cabinet painting project, there's some things that the do it yourself homeowner needs to take into consideration and properly sanding your cabinets and doors is a must to get right in the beginning. Cabinet painting is a very detailed system. Homeowners that want to take on these types of projects, will need to take the information in this article to be prepared for what it takes to turn out beautifully finished cabinets .

Painting your kitchen cabinets isn't like painting walls or doors in your home. You must follow a system. The first part of that system is to remove any hardware. Next is to properly clean your cabinets then fill any holes or grains that will show up in your finish product. The worst thing that can happen is doing everything right, and not filling holes or grain then you must start all over again.

This article is about achieving a smooth finish, and that starts with sanding your cabinets. Depending on the cabinets you have whether oak or redwood, you need to pick out the correct sandpaper grit. The two different grits that homeowners need to have handy are 150 grit and 220 grit sandpaper.

Going with a more coarse grit than 150, will start to dig into your wood and those scratches will appear when you paint your cabinets and the scratches are really bad, then you will need to fill them and start the process over again. Never go below 150 grit sandpaper. Some people will suggest 120 grit sandpaper, but that is incorrect and should never be considered for your cabinet painting project.

You will start out sanding first with 150 grit sandpaper, because that's what's going to penetrate the sealer or other paint that are on your cabinets to give your primer something to bond too. When painting your cabinets, you don't need to take your sanding down to the wood. Sanding down to the wood is only needed if you are staining your cabinets with a new color or for a fresh look.

Most people think that you need to sand your cabinets down to the wood to paint your cabinets but that's not true. Also, the purpose of sanding your cabinets is to remove the glossy sealer that are on your cabinets now. The glossy sealer is made to repel or create poor adhesion for grease, oil, dirt as well as paint. Make sure after you are done sanding your cabinets that they are very dull, and free of scratches.

After you have sanded the first level of protection from your cabinets, you are now ready to remove the dust that is leftover. If there's any dust that's not removed, the dust once primed will give it's own sandpaper feel and your finish will not be smooth. It's best to wipe down your cabinets with a damp rag once you think you have removed all the sanding dust. Let the cabinets dry for a few minutes and repeat the process of wiping down your cabinets with a damp rag or towel.

Now you are ready to prime your cabinets . After your primer has dried properly usually 4-24 hours depending on the primer you used and the manufactures recommendation. This is when you put away the 150-grit sandpaper, you don't need it anymore. Once your cabinets are primed, you will need to use your 220-grit sandpaper or finer. Sand the cabinets smooth because primer usually has a texture of its own. You are going to lightly sand the primer. You aren't trying to sand the cabinets hard, because you don't want to sand away the primer and have to re-prime your cabinets spotted areas.

Repeat the dust extraction process. Use microfiber cloths to remove any dust, after that use damp rags or towels to remove any remaining dust. The next step is to paint your cabinets with the first coat of premium paint. Let the paint dry and sand your cabinets again between each coat of paint. You want to apply a minimum of 2 coats of paint.

For all your DIY paint project supplies visit Martens True Value Hardware Super Store in Reedsburg today! We have what you need to get the job done right!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10245335

Seed Starting Guide

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 23:32:12 GMT

Indoor Seed Starting

When to Start Seeds
Timing is critical. If you start your seeds too soon, they may grow out of their containers before spring arrives. Start them too late and they won't be ready in time. A good rule to follow is to start your seeds about eight weeks before the last expected spring frost.

Seed Starting Containers
Choose a starter planter with proper drainage. Seed flats, peat pots, plastic cups, egg cartons, even takeout boxes with holes poked in the bottom work well. In general, your planting containers should be at least 3" to 4" deep. Fill them to about 1/4" from the top with soil.

Planting Soil
The best type of soil for starting seeds is commercial potting soil or germination mix, which can be found at Reedsburg True Value® hardware store . These planting mediums are sterile, free of weed seeds and have the right amount of nutrients for newly emerging plants. The soil should be lightweight and full of air. Soil-less mixes containing peat or peat moss have excellent moisture retention and stay moist longer. Perlite and vermiculite have the same effect. Make sure the soil you choose has been sterilized.

Planting Seeds
Use a tray to hold your starter containers. Line the bottom of each container with paper towels to keep the soil in while allowing water to drain out. Fill the containers with potting mix then spread seeds evenly about 1" apart. Use a pencil to make holes two to three times the size of the seed. Then cover the seed with a thin layer of soil and mist with water.

Germination
Check the packet instructions to determine how much light your seeds need to germinate. Some seeds need little or no light to sprout while others require more. To help your seeds germinate, keep them in a warm area, but not hot. Covering the planters with plastic wrap will keep them warm and moist, helping them germinate. Be sure to remove wrap as soon as the plants sprout. Then, keep them at room temperature. Water sprouts daily with a light mist, being careful not to over-water.
After the seedlings germinate, they will need a lot of light. Place them in a naturally sunny window, or purchase fluorescent grow lights. If you're using grow lights, place your planters 3” to 4” away from the light source for at least 14 hours a day.

Fertilizing
Monitor your seedlings' growth carefully to know when to start fertilizing. The first leaves that appear will be food storage cells called cotyledons. Wait until the first true leaves sprout and then use a quality liquid fertilizer — available at Reedsburg True Value hardware store . Use a weakened solution (diluted to half the recommended strength) once each week.

Harden your plants
Now you'll want to harden off the plants, which means to acclimate them to the outdoors. When temperatures rise to the 50s, place the seedlings outside in a shady spot for half a day. Slowly work your way up to leaving the seedlings outside for two or three full days. Gradually move them into full sun. Monitor the temperature, as you don't want any late frosts to kill your new plants.

Transplanting
Generally, seedlings are ready to be planted four to six weeks after seeding. If outdoor frosts linger or the seedlings outgrow their original containers, transplant them into a larger pot until they're ready to be planted in the ground.
When you are ready, water the ground and the seedlings thoroughly. Use a trowel to dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball. Set the seedlings in gently, covering them and leaving 1/4" of soil pressed firmly around the roots. Leave a small depression around the plant stem to help trap moisture. Water daily or according to seed packet instructions.

For seed, seed starting soil, fertilizer, gardening tools and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value store today!

Easy Ways to Revamp Your Home's Exterior

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:01:20 GMT

Simple Tips For Making Your Garden And Driveway More Presentable

Owning a house means there is a lot of work that needs to be done. The revamping and redesigning can cost you a lot mainly depending on the size of your property. But there are some small things you can do to make your house look great without spending a lot of money on it.

Add Some New Plants

A well-maintained garden is full of life. Plant some beautiful shrub in the front of your yard. Also, you can plant some tall bushes in front of the door to give it a good look. Also, buy some different types plants and flowers and place them in different spots so that they get a good life and water them now and then.

Clean Up And Improve Your Driveway

Nothing turns off a person more than a dirty driveway; it's always a good idea to invest in driveway revamping. This is one of the most critical parts of your house, and it will give an immediate impression to the buyer what to expect from the home if they plan to buy it. The driveway should be appealing to the eye and free from all the cracks and stains.

Build A Firepit

In the chilly cold nights it's entertaining to sit out in the warmth of the fire, so add a firepit to your yard and give it a different look. Buying a firepit can be expensive, but you quickly create one yourself by using some flat stones, mortar or cement on a gravel surface.

Color Smart

When buying outdoor furniture, you are not restricted to the natural tones of wood: white, black and beiges or metal pieces. Adding color to your garden furniture will enhance the look of your outdoor seating. For stylish durability, reserve bold color combination for the accent and cushion pieces.

Dig A Pond

Adding a pond to your garden is a fantastic addition, building a pond is not that difficult? You can buy the relevant material for the lake from any building supplies store in less than $100. All you need to do is dig and install it. With the passage of time, you can add some fish, lily pads and surround it with flowers. You may even attract some turtles and frogs.

Search For Dual-Purpose Furniture

Looking for durable furniture. Ottoman design doubles as an extra sitting on your patio will add more variation. A simple wooden bench with cozy cushion seating is essential for outdoor spaces.

For the home improvement supplies you'll need for all your "revamp" projects visit Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg. We have what you want to get the job done right and at great value prices!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9916901

Home Improvement Safety

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:53:34 GMT

Safety First for Home Improvement: The Basics

DIY home improvement is cheaper because we don't have to pay other people for jobs that we can do. But, it is not that simple, I mean it can be simple if we know what we are doing. We all know that the most of the injuries happen because we are not skilled for what we are doing, and when we are not careful. DIY injuries are very common and we have to be sure to do everything in the right way if we don't want to end up in this bad statistic about DIY injuries.

The most important thing when we are doing something around the house is:

I suggest, before even starting any tasks to collect at least some basic info about doing it right.

There is no easy job, and every job requires following the safety rules. If we follow them, we know for sure that what we do is right and, of course, that we are safe.

Appropriate equipment is very important. We must have the right tool for the job. Getting the wrong tool is not only going to make us slow, but it also might get us hurt.

Wearing the safety gloves, glasses and even safety clothes is very important. Always, but always follow this rules.

When doing something for the first time do it slowly, patience is very important. We are not professionals remember, and patient and slow repairs will keep us safe.

The electricity must be off when we are doing some electrical repairs.

When we are repairing the roof, the safety helmet is must have safety equipment. What we will use for roof repair is the ladder, for sure and maybe scaffolding: check them day before you want to use them.

Don't have the right DIY equipment? Stop by the Just Ask Rental Center at Reedsburg True Value for all your power equipment rental needs . Whether you choose to buy new or a rental, we have the tools you need to get the job done right.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/998798 5

MONTHLY BARGAINS

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 16:09:08 GMT

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

March Bargains of the Month - Prices Effective Mar 01 - Mar 31, 2022 - SHOP EARLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

CLICK HERE FOR SALE ITEM DETAILS OR TO SHOP AT TRUE VALUE ONLINE STORE

Get Ready for Spring with the Right Garden Tools

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:05:31 GMT

Essential Tools for Easy Lawn and Garden Maintenance

Whether you have a big or small lawn, a garden area or a wide array of shrubs and flowers, there are essential tools that you need that will allow you to keep the area looking its best.

Here are some essential tools you should have on hand:

Rake
A rake is a basic tool that just about anyone with any yard area around their home will have on hand. It is especially critical if you live in an area where trees and bushes flower or shed their leaves. In the Fall, your rake is likely to get a big workout, so make sure you keep it clean and maintained.

Mower
If you have any amount of lawn or grass around your home, having a mower is important for keeping that area trimmed and beautiful looking. There are mowers available in many sizes, and for many types of lawn and ground. If you have a small amount of lawn around your home, then a small mower that is just for lawns would work fine. If you plan on mowing an area that has a lot of weeds or is on uneven ground, then you might go for a mower that is more powerful and has larger wheels for better traction and stability.

Trimmer
Another essential tool is the trimmer, also called "weed-eaters." A trimmer is an upright tool that you carry around instead of push around. A trimmer will allow you to get into areas that a mower simply can't get to. A trimmer is also great if you have a lot of tall weeds or need to trim tall shrubbery or fauna for fire protection purposes. A trimmer will also be essential if you have a slope on your land which makes it impossible to use a mower safely.

Pruner
A pruner is a hand tool that you can carry around to cut bushes, flowers or anything else in your garden. You can also use a pruner to pick fruit from your fruit trees, including cherries, plums, apricots, figs, lemons, oranges and just about anything else. Pruners are an essential tool for any garden and for even the smallest yards.

Hose Sprinkler
If you have a home, you surely have water spigots around your home. You can attach a hose with a sprinkler to any spigot and walk around with it to water any of your lawn, plants or trees that need watering. You can also use your hose to wash off your sidewalk, paths, outdoor furniture or even wash your car. A hose sprinkler is a handy tool for many things.

Hedge Trimmers
There are many types of hedge trimmers, including manual style and electric trimmers. The best type for your use really depends on what type of hedge you have. If you don't have a hedge, you don't need this tool. If you have a tall or long hedge more than a few feet long or tall, then consider investing in an electric hedger, it will make your hedge look great with little work. If you have just a few bushes or a small hedge, then a manual trimming tool would work fine.

Shovels
Lastly, you never want to forget the shovel. You should have a large one and a small one. A shovel will have many purposes in your yard, from digging new holes for planting to turning over garden soil. No homeowner should be without a shovel.

Shop Reedsburg True Value Super Store for all your spring gardening tools and supplies. We have what you need to get the job done right, at great value prices!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7519916

Winter Project Ideas

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:44:24 GMT

Great Winter Handyman Project Ideas

For some handyman types, winter is the slow season. It's too cold out there to do anything, so we sit around inside watching TV, wishing there was something to build or fix. But there are actually some great handyman projects that are just perfect for the colder months of the year. Here are some things you can do during the winter.

Winter Is Tree Trimming Season

The cold months of the year are usually when folks call a handyman to do their tree trimming. If you've got branches going everywhere, this is a good time of year to get them cut because there aren't any leaves or foliage to deal with. Tree trimming can be done at any time during the season, but it's best to get it done before the first thaw. This depends on where you live, but it will usually be February or March. Once things thaw out, buds will start popping up quickly.

Clean Your Gutters And Roof

One of the most important and pain-saving handyman jobs you can do this winter is to clean up the roof. Now, you don't want to be walking around on an icy roof in sub-zero temperatures, but you don't need to. Just get your best ladder and put it up. Get up there and clean whatever you can reach, especially the gutters. All those fallen leaves and whatever other junk is going to be all wet and compacted this spring when everything thaws. Do it over the winter and save you the trouble.

It's Cold Out There - Work Inside

Winter is a great time to do indoor projects. Save up all those things you want to do inside the house and work on them when it's cold outside. For example, do some painting, change your light fixtures, put in some new carpeting. These are all things you can do inside and they help the winter months pass. You can even use these cold months to go through stuff in the garage and closets and get them cleaned out.

Kitchen Renovation For All Those Big Meals

A great time to get your kitchens redone is when the holidays are approaching. Whether it's a little bit of simple remodeling or something bigger, like new counters, you've got to get your kitchen into shape. There's going to be lots of cooking and eating going on! The kitchen's full of small projects that you can do to improve this space for all the great food that's going to be eaten.

When It Starts To Thaw, Install A Deck

The end of the winter season is the time of year when handyman services are really useful. Once everything starts to thaw, we're already thinking about the summer months. This is why the second half of winter is when lots of people decide to install decks. If you've already got a deck, this is the time when you'll want to fix it up with any needed repairs. You'll want to get it ready for all the barbecues and nice spring evenings.

Winter is actually a great time for fixing up the house and yard. Try some small handyman projects during these months and it'll not only get things done - it'll also give you something to do!

Reedsburg True Value Hardware Super Store has the tools and supplies you need for your home renovation projects and repairs. Stop by today and check out our in-store specials and everyday Great Value pricing!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5547107

Effects of Light on Paint Colors

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 18:06:25 GMT

How Does Light Affect Paint Color?

So you’ve painted your walls and your paint results don’t look much like the samples you used to make your paint choices. In fact, the walls look different depending on the time of day. So what happened? You’re not the only one. Many DIY painters have found themselves in this predicament.

You have probably experienced this effect when putting on socks. In incandescent light, it may look like you’ve put on two black socks, only to find in different light, such as fluorescent or natural light, that one sock is dark blue. This can happen with paint color as well and should be considered when choosing paint colors. Both the sample—in this case, the socks—and the source of illumination can affect one’s perception of color.

Your local True Value store's paint experts are available to answer questions you have about paint, choosing paint colors and the effects of light in your home. Also, pick up a Custom Mixed Color Sample to try a few colors on your walls at home. Choosing colors based on how they look in the store can often lead to less than perfect results when the paint meets the wall. Color samples allow you to paint a small space and live with different options for a while before making your final decision.

The lighting in your house can affect your paint color drastically. In this video you will learn the difference between a variety of light bulbs and how lighting will change the mood and paint of your room.

Visit the Paint Center at Reedsburg True Value for all your interior and exterior paint, paint brushes, rollers, drop cloths, painters tape and other painting supplies. We have what you need to get the job done right!

COUPON SAVINGS

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 01:24:46 GMT

HUGE COUPON SAVINGS EVENT at Reedsburg True Value Super Store!

Prices Effective Jan 31 - Feb 13 (except as noted)

CLICK HERE FOR INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT DETAILS

NEW In-store Product Search

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 18:17:33 GMT

Check for Available In-store Products at Martens Reedsburg True Value LINK

Search for merchandise or products by department at Departments LINK or Use SITE SEARCH TOOL at top of page to check what products are currently available. (Note: pages are updated each evening and may not reflect exact quantity of items available at the time of search. Shop early if number of items available are showing low in stock).

You can also join our email mailing list for sales information and other special offers.

Simple Energy Saving Tips

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:18:06 GMT

Tips for Saving Energy in Residential Homes

Are you like most homeowners that want to save money on your electricity bill? If you've been seeing your prices rise, it may be time to make a change and figure out just what needs to be done to lower your energy costs. Conserving energy isn't just about the money savings, though - you can reduce the carbon footprint of your household by adopting some of these practices and using these tips for saving energy in residential homes.

Turn off Lights

Some people have a habit of turning lights on and leaving them on even when they aren't in the room anymore. If you're one of those people, you may want to curb your habit and start turning the lights off when you're not using them. Only turn them on when you need them and turn them off when you aren't using them. Home electricians suggest making use of natural light coming into your home, opening the curtains wide.

Use LEDs

A residential electrician can help you switch all the lights in your home from traditional lights to LED lights, which burn less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs. This is one of the easiest and most popular changes to make when it comes to your home and its energy usage.

Buy Appliances

If you're looking to increase your energy efficiency, one place to start is with your appliances. You don't have to throw out your old appliances and get brand new ones, but when it's time to upgrade your appliances look for ones that are rated as energy efficient. Some appliances can qualify you for rebates, so you get even more savings for your investments in energy efficiency.

Use the Thermostat

Another good idea is to have your home controlled by a thermostat, as this will allow you to manage just how much energy your home temperature regulation system is using. When you program your thermostat, you are able to control your savings and ensure that you're using less energy.

Consider the optimal temperature of your home and determine what's comfortable for you, adjusting your temperature as you see fit. If you don't have a thermostat, a residential electrician can install one in your home.

Unplug Electronics

This tip is common sense, but many people have a habit of leaving their devices plugged in even when they're not being used. If you have devices such as computers or tablets charging or plugged in, unplug them when you're not using them. Home electricians have noted that simply unplugging items can help you save tons of energy throughout the year.

With these simple tips, you'll definitely notice a difference in your energy bill when that time of the month arrives. You'll find that your savings increase as time goes on and your practices become second nature, leading to even more savings as time goes on and you continue to optimize your home's energy use and efficiency.

For thermostats, energy saving LED lights, small appliances and more, visit Reedsburg True Value Hardware today!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Edmund_Brunetti/456890

Fix Frozen Water Pipes

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 19:12:36 GMT

How to Thaw and Repair Frozen Pipes

Despite what many think, expanding ice inside a pipe is not what causes a pipe to burst. It's the high water pressure that builds up between the blockage and the faucet as the ice continues to form, so the pipe doesn't always burst where it is frozen. If you discover a frozen pipe, leave the sink valve open a bit to offer relief from the excessive pressure.

In case you don't get a chance to insulate before the first freeze of winter, here are some other measures you can take to repair and/or thaw pipes.

Step 1: Survey Damage

Find out how much damage has occurred. Open the faucet at the end of the pipe and close the valve that runs into it. Check for holes, cracks or breaks along the pipe. Even if the pipe has been compromised, don't panic.

Step 2: Repair the Pipe

Some pipe repairs are easy. For example, a pinhole can be repaired by simply wrapping the pipe with electrical tape or duct tape and a hairline crack can be fixed with a pipe clamp.

For larger cracks, try repairing them with a patch kit. Start by sanding the area around the break in the pipe with rough-grit sandpaper (at least an 80- or 100-grit). Put on rubber gloves and wet the patch, then wrap it around the pipe where it has burst. Start wrapping at the hole and work out from there; wrap at least 4 or 5 inches in both directions. Wrap it as tightly as possible and then press the patch down by hand to ensure a proper bond. Let the patch dry.

For larger cracks that can't be repaired with a patch kit, you may need to replace that section of pipe. Consider calling in a plumber to complete this task.

Step 3: Thaw Pipes

There are several different methods for thawing pipes. You can try using a hairdryer on a low setting, placing a heat lamp or small electric heater near the pipe, or wrapping it in heat tape or an electric blanket. You can also try wrapping towels around the pipe and pouring hot water over them but, no matter which method you use, it should never include a torch.

When thawing a pipe that has burst, look for the shut-off valve to that section of pipe. If necessary, shut off the main water supply to prevent flooding as it thaws.

Safety Alert!

When using a hairdryer, heat gun, or electric heater, please be aware of wet floors and the potential danger of electric shock.

Check the area. If you find potentially dangerous electrocution hazards or extensive damage to pipes, it is best to call a plumber.

Step 4: Insulate Pipes

Once you're sure your patch works, insulate your pipes to prevent a frozen pipe problem next winter.

For pipe insulation and other water pipe repair supplies, visit Martens True Value Hardware in Reedsburg, today!

Ice Fishing Strategies

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:14:18 GMT

Ice Fishing Strategies - Catching More Fish Through The Ice

As the new year begins and the weather outside is "frightful" in Canada as well as the Northern United States, it means one of two things for fishermen. It's time to catch up on your reading and/or television watching or it's time to head out onto your favorite frozen lake and do a little ice fishing. In this article I will outline a few ice fishing strategies that you can add to your fishing repertoire to help you catch more fish through the ice, no matter what species of fish you like to target.

One important point to make about ice fishing is that if you've never had the pleasure of using an ice house of some sort to go ice fishing, you should give it a try sooner rather than later. Being able to get out of the elements while you are fishing through the ice makes the entire experience of ice fishing much more enjoyable. Whether your ice house is permanent or inexpensive portable version, investing in an ice house is a great idea if you like to spend time "hard water".

With that being said, let's get down to the ice fishing strategies themselves, so that you can start catching more fish, what do you say?

Rod Sensitivity Is Key - Most species of fish are very sluggish in the winter with the extremely cold water temperatures, so detecting bites can be difficult. This is why the sensitivity of your fishing rod is a key fishing strategy when fishing through a hole in the ice. You want your rod to be as sensitive as possible, especially when targeting fish such as walleye for example.

When You Are On The Ice Is Key - Being on the ice when the fish are the most active is one of the best ice fishing strategies you will ever receive. There are three main ways to determine when fish will be the most active. The first is when light conditions change, such as in the mornings and evenings. At these times of the day fish are much more apt to be feeding when under the ice. Second, when frontal systems pass through your fishing area fish will "turn on" or "turn off", and third when the moon is in certain phases, fish will tend to be more or less active. Plan your ice fishing trips around one or all of these 3 factors and you will be on the ice at the most opportune time for catching fish, and thus experience more ice fishing success.

Using Electronics Is Key - With all of the advancements in technology, GPS's, portable depth finders, and portable fishing finders are becoming extremely affordable and easy to using, making electronics a big part of any serious ice fisherman's arsenal. Being able to locate underwater points, structure, and even fish using electronics makes any of the various ice fishing strategies that you employ that much more effective. And being able to pinpoint spots that produce fish on a frozen lake using a GPS unit is invaluable to many ice fishermen. Using electronics is a strategy that every ice fisherman should employ if they have the opportunity.

The bottom line is that if you want to catch more fish through the ice, implement one or all of the aforementioned ice fishing strategies into your arsenal sooner, rather than later.

For the best quality and value in fishing gear visit Martens Reedsburg True Value's Sporting Goods department today! We have what you need for a great day of ice fishing.

About the author: Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.

Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Trevor_Kugler/38856

HOLIDAY COUPON SALE

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 17:29:39 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value Coupon Sale - Prices Effective Dec 27 - Jan 09, 2022 (except as noted)

Click link for MORE DETAILS on these specially priced items. Or visit Martens True Value Hardware Store in Reedsburg and pickup one of our Coupon Sale Flyers at the customer service counter. Be sure to shop early for best selection!!

How-to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:03:21 GMT

Tips To Maintain Your Humidifiers To Improve Your Indoor Air

If you don't maintain your humidifier , you may have a lot of health problems. In other words, these devices can put your health at risk unless you take care of the maintenance. On the other hand, a well-maintained unit improves your health, especially if you or someone in your family is struggling with asthma or allergies. In this article, we are going to give you an overview of humidifiers. Read on to find out more...

Maintain the Humidity Level

The role of a humidifier is to keep your indoor air moist at all times. Apart from this, you must keep an eye on the humidity level in your home. An easy way to monitor the relative humidity level is to go for a hygrometer. This portable unit shares a lot of similarities with a thermometer. These units come with a lower price tag, which is why they are quite affordable for common uses.

Ideally, your indoor humidity level should be between 30% and 50%. You may experience a lot of health issues such as skin irritation and nasal irritation due to lower humidity levels. Apart from this, you may also find it difficult to breathe, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Similarly, excessive humidity may also cause a lot of problems, such as the growth of mold and mildew and dampness on the walls. Apart from this, excess moisture in your rooms may also attract dust mites. Therefore, you may want to make sure that your humidifier has been cleaned properly. After all, you don't want to end up adding microorganisms such as bacteria into the air.

Tips to Maintain a Humidifie r

If you follow the instructions and guidelines given by the product manufacturer, you can use your humidifier without any problem. Given below are some of the additional tips that you may want to follow to get the most out of your air humidifier.

1. Use Distilled Water

Manufacturers don't recommend that you put your tap water into the humidifier. Your tap water may contain excessive minerals that may cause the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria inside the unit. Besides, these minerals may also collect on your furniture articles, which may attract dust mites.

2. Change the Water on a Daily Basis

Another tip is to change the water on a daily basis, which is essential for systems that produce a cool mist. Besides, you may want to empty the tanks on a daily basis and dry all of the services in your house.

3. Clean the Humidifier

We suggest that you get your humidifier cleaned every couple of days. But make sure that you don't go against the manufacturer's directions. As far as the best cleaning solution is concerned, you may want to go for a solution that contains 3% hydrogen peroxide.

According to some manufacturers, you can also go for chemical disinfectants or bleach. Again, you must consult the service manual before finalizing your decision.

4. Change the Filters Regularly

In some humidifiers, the filters are designed to trap microorganisms and particles. Therefore, you may want to change these filters to make sure there is no buildup of these pollutants.

In short, you can follow these steps if you want to maintain your humidifier. The idea is to make sure the unit keeps working without any problem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10518963

Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday!

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:03:49 GMT

Holiday Diet - Tips to Eating Healthy Over the Holidays

The Holiday's are fast approaching. When the Holiday's arrive this time of year, so do the celebrations, parties, and all the food you can imagine. Trying to eat and stay healthy during these times can be tough on everyone, so follow these little tips when pulling up to the table.

Tip #1: Stay Focused

It is easy to lose focus of your goals and of your fitness when you are in front of all the incredible food and drinks around this time of year. But don't cave in, keep focused. Don't be tempted by what is in front of you; dig down and maintain your composure. Don't let go and go crazy over food. Your goals are not worth losing over these few weeks during the year. Keep your focus and you will remain on target to reach your fitness goals during these times.

Tip #2: Recipes

When possible alter the recipes of your favorite foods so they will be a little healthier for you. This may be substituting certain ingredients for others that are lower in calories or less grams of fat. Most of these substitutes taste very close to the real thing and no one will ever know unless you tell them that you made the switch. So when you are making your favorite dish, keep this in mind. Choose the alternatives when you can to help cut back on the fat and calories.

Tip #3: Portion Sizes

Now if you noticed I haven't said don't eat this or don't eat that. It isn't all the time that you get to eat certain foods that are associated with the Holiday's. Here's the thing though; you don't have to get crazy and eat a whole ham or something like that to enjoy the food. If you have small portions you can enjoy some of the treats of the season. If you love to eat a certain pie, then have a really small portion, not the whole pie. If you really like something else, have a small portion. People don't have to go overboard and eat more than they normally would just because it is the Holiday's. You see it at every gathering, those people who stuff themselves into a food coma with their pants unbuttoned to feel comfortable. That shouldn't be you. You can indulge in the tastes of the season with small portions to satisfy your desires.

Tip #4: Drinks

Keep the drinks to a minimum. Alcohol; meaning beer, wine, mixed drinks, and liquor are high in wasted, unwanted calories. Plus, if will have to add in the calories you drink when adding soda or juices. The calories that people waste on alcohol can add up very quickly. This does not help your waistline. Also watch the different juices, teas, and cider drinks that a lot of people serve. There could be hidden calories in these that are not satisfying you the way you would like your calories to do. Save your calories for maybe one of those tasty teats you have had your eye on. There are plenty of other drinks available. Water is probably the best choice to keeping the calories low and fulfilling your need.

Tip #5: Get Moving

Getting moving during the Holiday's can be a little difficult. You have to make time to get your workout in and remain active. Don't use time as an excuse; you have the time, just get going. You can split up your routine into different segments if you don't have your normal block of time available. You can get a lot done in a 10-15 minute power workout. It doesn't have to be long periods of time. Make the time for yourself. You will feel better about yourself. Get moving!

As the Holiday seasons creep up on us, use these tips to help guide you through the season. This is only a short time throughout the year; don't blow your goals during these times. Keep these tips in mind when you are heading to your favorite Holiday destination to celebrate good times with family and friends.

For last minute Holiday gifts, decorations, lights, or household goods visit Reedsburg True Value Superstore today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/324997

Holiday Sale December 2021

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 17:59:11 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Super Store Holiday Sale

Prices Effective Dec 06 - Dec 19 (except as noted)
Shop early for best selection and while supplies last..

SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE

Holiday Lighting Done Right!

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 21:00:21 GMT

Adding a Seasonal Touch With Holiday Lighting Design

Holiday lighting design comes in two forms: gaudy and elegant. We all know a gaudy holiday lighting plan when we see it - it's the yard cluttered in a chaotic mess of cheap inflatable snowmen and a house hidden in a rainbow glare of contradicting colors. However, with the right Christmas lighting, exterior lights are an easy way to add a unique, seasonal touch of yuletide ambiance to your home and yard.

As every property has a different landscape and every homeowner a unique taste, a contractor specializing in holiday lighting will ensure your home inspires onlookers with an elegant sense of the holiday spirit - instead of blinding them by it.

Landscaping with a seasonal lighting plan

Just like flowerbeds in the spring, Christmas lights are a seasonal landscaping technique. As with a flowerbed, any seasonal lighting plan should be seen as an extension of your landscaping plan - not a landscaping plan itself.
This being said, with a professional holiday lighting design your Christmas lights will work to accent the strengths of your home's exterior and landscaping. The landscaping and home should remain the focal point - not the Christmas lights.

Accenting with Custom Christmas Lights

If your landscaping plan is centered around a grove of unique trees or a boutique garden with a white picket arbor, your holiday lighting plan should accent these features. Your plan should incorporate placing lights on the trees and around the arbor in order to create a shadow-like silhouette of these items at night.

Does your house have a large picture window framing the perfectly decorated Christmas tree? Then your plan should accentuate this feature with single color lights enclosing the window and drawing the viewer's attention towards the tree.

The Color of your Christmas Lights

The available colors of Christmas lights stretch across the color spectrum. When choosing a holiday lighting design, one should approach the issue of colors just as if one were choosing the colors of an outfit or the color of paint for a room.

The rule for using colors in a Christmas lighting plan is to not get carried away. A single color of light, such as white, captures the surreal ambiance of winter. Using two complementing colors, such as red and white or white and blue, will reflect an elegant feeling of warmth and holiday spirit.

Avoiding the Griswold Effect

With the endless choices of outdoor seasonal decorations and holiday lights on the market, it is easy to go too far. The best way to create an elegant seasonal lighting plan is to work with a trained professional if you're not up to the task yourself.

For holiday lights, Christmas decorations and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Super Store today! We have what you need to make the season bright!!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3392891

Furnace Maintenance & Safety

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 20:16:38 GMT

Safety Tips for Your Furnace

5 Furnace Safety Tips

Furnace safety is of vital importance. You should always get your furnace checked when it has been inactive for a long period of time. It would require some maintenance before it starts to be active again. Regular upkeep ensures your furnace remains in good condition and lasts longer. With these furnace safety tips, you will be able to keep your home warm and comfortable for yourself and your family. You will not have to worry about an inefficient or unsafe furnace.

Here are 5 furnace safety tips for you to practice and look out for.

1. Schedule Inspections

Scheduling an inspection before the advent of winter is a must. Keep track of your yearly inspections to make sure your furnace is in good shape. The technician will determine if there are any operational issues. Inspections will also minimize the chances of future breakdowns. Having a professional to clean your furnace also makes it safe to use.

2. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Levels

Replace the batteries of your fire alarm and your carbon monoxide alarm at least once a year. It's better to be safe than sorry, as accidents can happen at any time. Also, do a trial of both the devices, so you know you will be warned in case of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. You should place both the alarms in the same room as the furnace to an immediate warning. Also, place fire detectors on every floor of your house.

3. Replace Furnace Filters

Before you start actively using your furnace, make sure your filters are in good condition. Unchanged or damaged filters can cause a breakdown in your system. Dirty filters can also cause issues in your furnace. Replace your filters every one to two months. If you utilize the furnace a lot or smoke often, you might need to change the furnace more often.

4. Remove all Flammable Items

Keep flammable items away from your furnace. If you are using your furnace room for storage or laundry purposes as well, make sure the room remains organized. Keep items that might catch fire easily as far away as possible. Also, avoid keeping wet clothes on your furnace to dry, and do not hang any wet laundry from furnace equipment. Keep all cleaning solutions in airtight containers, including cat litter. Some areas to keep away from your furnace include sawdust, old rags, gasoline, plaint or paint thinners, and wooden scraps. Try and keep your furnace room as clear as possible for increased efficiency.

5. Vacuum

Try to vacuum inside your furnace to avoid dust and lint build-up. Try and do this monthly as accumulated dust can become a fire hazard. If you have a wall furnace, try cleaning it inside the burner compartment. Clean this area once a month so that lint does not build up. If you have a furnace that runs on natural gas, the flame should burn blue. If the flames are orange or yellow, it might require cleaning or adjustment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10535919

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:02:17 GMT

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Prices Effective Nov 15 - Nov 28 (except as noted)

SHOP EARLY IN-STORE FOR BEST SELECTION! OR SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE!!

Safe Hunting Practices

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:50:17 GMT

Hunting Safety Tips

It's a big thrill to chase down a big buck or get a prize winning wild turkey. This send hunters into the woods every year by the millions to try to get that prize kill. It's definitely exciting, but can also be extremely dangerous, even lethal if hunters aren't aware of good safety tips or don't practice them.

Make sure that you're well prepared before you leave on your next big hunting trip. Let other people know you're plans and be specific about where you are going and how long you plan to be there. It's best to leave very detailed instructions with family or friends about your trip in case you have an emergency and they need to help direct emergency personnel to your location. You also need to do your best to be back home at the time you specified to your family, or contact them to let them know you're running late to avoid unnecessary worry. The overall plan should be that if they haven't heard from you, or you haven't returned home then they start contacting emergency personnel to help you.

Three other things that require extra attention are your weapon, your cell phone and a first aid kit . All three are a must to have in excellent working condition prior to your hunting trip. Make sure your gun is well cleaned and working properly. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of facing a charging buck you'll want the gun to work flawlessly. Always pack a well stocked first aid kit that contains plenty of bandages and contains a snake bite kit. Always take your cell phone with you even if you think you may have spotty reception. Texts will sometimes deliver even when a voice conversation isn't possible. Of course, keep the phone turned off so that the prey isn't spooked by an incoming call or text. Also, always know where you're at in the woods in case of emergency. Cell phones with GPS technology can assist with this, otherwise it would be wise to invest in a GPS capable navigation device.

Once you get to your hunting location, it's best to put on neon orange clothing on your head and chest to help keep from being wounded by other hunters.

Camouflage gear is great to keep hidden from animals, but not so great at keeping you safe from a trigger happy hunter. If you're hunting with a group, always try to know where the other members of your hunting party are located to help avoid accidents.

If you're using a doe decoy, then place orange safety tape on the perimeter of your decoy area so that other hunters don't mistake your decoy for the real thing and start shooting in your general direction. It's also a good idea when using a decoy to use a deer stand to elevate you so that your not on the same plane as the decoy in case another hunter accidentally fires on the decoy.

If you don't make an immediate kill shot and have to track the wounded animal, always use extreme caution. In addition to the obvious danger of the wounded animal, other animals in the area can sense the wounded animal and become overly agitated. Never allow yourself to become positioned between the wounded animal and a solid object, and always have an escape plan if the wounded animal decides to attack. If attacked, protect your head and chest as much as possible to increase your chances of survival.

You'll also want to be on the look out for potential predators in the area like bears, coyotes, wolves, etc. Always remember that they'll smell the blood of your kill and may head in your direction. Also, watch for poisonous snakes on warmer hunting days. A snake bite can ruin the perfect hunting trip very quickly.

It is also important to be aware of and on the lookout for other animals like bears and snakes that may be encountered while hunting. Being aware of your surroundings is an important step in staying safe while hunting. Use some caution and common sense to ensure many more years of happy hunting yet to come. One option to prepare for everything, including predators is to setup a trail camera in your hunting area. It will show you not only the big buck that you're after, but will also capture images of potential predators in the area. Check the camera before you begin your hunt, so you'll be better prepared for what you may encounter.

Visit the Sporting Goods Department at Reedsburg True Value for all your outdoor recreation supplies and hunting gear. We have what you need for a successful and safe turkey or deer hunting adventure!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5654565

Home Improvement Safety Tips

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:54:05 GMT

Safety First for Home Improvement: The Basics

The most important thing when we are doing something around the house is -To know what we are doing & how to do it!

It is not recommended doing any improvement by ourselves, without knowing that we are even doing the right thing. We should always ask for advice from the more experienced person or simply Google the answer. There are answers on almost every question on the internet and tips for how to do it .

Safety is very important. When we are following the safety rules we are keeping us and everybody around us safe. Wearing the safety gear, using appropriate equipment, even appropriate clothes are very important when we are doing home improvement.

I suggest, before even starting any tasks to collect at least some basic info about doing it right.

Appropriate equipment is very important. We must have the right tool for the job. Getting the wrong tool is not only going to make us slow, but it also might get us hurt.

Wearing the safety gloves, glasses and even safety clothes is very important. Always, but always follow this rules.When doing something for the first time do it slowly, patience is very important. We are not professionals remember, and patient and slow repairs will keep us safe.

The electricity must be off when we are doing some electrical repairs. When we are repairing the roof, the safety helmet is must have safety equipment. What we will use for roof repair is the ladder, for sure and maybe scaffolding: check them day before you want to use them.I can spend all day mentioning all home-improvements which we will face with. But this is not so important; the message which I want to send is no matter what we are doing around the house, even if it is a small repair, we must take care of our safety first. Safe work is successful work!

If you need some cordless powertools, and you don't know what to get, visit Reedsburg True Value and one of our store associates will be happy to assist you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9987985

Halloween Safety For Pets

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:05:37 GMT

Trick or Treat... Is This Something Good to Eat?

Halloween is just around the corner and everyone is getting ready for fun festivities! By the time the big night rolls around at the end of October, many homes will be bursting with holiday treats, spooky decorations and even an alcoholic beverage or two. Some of us "pet parents" are gearing up as well, buying or making treats to give out to neighborhood dogs that might "trick or treat" alongside their human counterparts. It all sounds like great fun and games, but is it? Keep on reading to learn about Halloween Safety Tips for pets.

October 31 and November 1 are very busy days and nights for veterinarians all over the world. This is because many pets are exposed to holiday things that are harmful. A few examples that pet parents should be mindful of include:

Decorations

Decorations are half the fun on Halloween. These may not be so much fun if they become lodged in your cat or dog's digestive tract and require surgery for removal! One of the most common Halloween decoration to be eaten by a pet is the soft, cottony filament that is used as "faux-spider webs". This stretchy, stringy material is fun to put on doorframes and outdoor plants. Cats think that this material is fun and many decide it is tasty too! Young puppies and kittens are most likely to eat spider-web material, so keep it out of reach for safety's sake. Electrical cords are also a decoration hazard, as many people like to light up their windows before the trick-or-treaters arrive.

Chocolate

Chocolate toxicity is very common around the holidays, especially Halloween. Children are prone to "sharing" with their dog after a night out collecting candy. Chocolate is always a no-no for all dogs, as it contains a toxic compound, theobromine, which can cause digestive upset, pancreatitis, heart problems, seizure and death. White chocolate is the least toxic and baking chocolate is the most dangerous. The higher the cocoa content, the more lethal. A good reference for chocolate's toxic levels can be found here through VSPN's Chocolate Toxicity Calculator.

Xylitol

Baked goods are mostly harmless if accidentally eaten, as long as they don't contain chocolate or xylitol! Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is used instead of sugar in many candies, baked goods, toothpastes and even peanut butter! A small amount of ingested xylitol causes a massive release of insulin from the dog's pancreas, leading to a dramatic drop in blood glucose. This low blood glucose, called hypoglycemia, can be life-threatening. If your dog gets into something this Halloween, check the labels and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are in most homes with children, as they make a delicious snack. Small boxes of raisins are popular goodies given out during "trick or treating." Raisins and grapes contain a toxic compound that causes kidney failure. Even 1 or 2 raisins is enough to put a 20-pound dog in the hospital! If you have dogs and children, check their goodie stash and put all raisins (and chocolate!) out of Fido's reach.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are popular additions to cookies during the holidays. They may be given out during trick or treating in locations such as Hawaii, where they are plentiful. While they are delicious to you and me, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. After ingestion, signs of toxicity can last up to 48 hours and include tremors, rear limb weakness, muscle pain and fever.

'Adult' Beverages

Halloween is not just a holiday for children, many adults spend a lot of time planning the perfect party. Most Halloween parties involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Some of these may not taste too good to the family dog, but others may seek out a sip or two. People also do crazy things when they've had too much to drink and may think it is funny to fill the dog's water bowl with beer. Doing this can be very dangerous! Ethanol ("drinking alcohol") can cause vomiting, dehydration, incordination, stupor, coma and death in dogs. Keep your dogs safe while the party is going on by keeping a close eye on them and your guests, keeping beverages out of their reach or simply putting them to bed early before the party starts.

Common Sense

Most Halloween accidents with pets are preventable with a little planning and common sense. Keep your children's candy stored securely, locked up in a high cupboard. Teach your children not to share their candy with the dog. Cover electrical cords and keep curious dogs out of the punch bowl. If the unthinkable does happen, keep your veterinarian's phone number close at hand. If you think that your dog or cat may have eaten something dangerous, it is best to be safe and contact your vet straight away. Happy Halloween!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9212594

Top Tips For a Cleaner Carpet

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 17:43:39 GMT

How To Get Your Carpet Cleaner Than Ever

Don't think you have to call a professional to get your carpets and rugs clean! Although they do have professional supplies and products, you can easily do the same job at home with the right tools. Save your money and get your carpet cleaner than ever on your own! After all, professional cleaners are anything but cheap. You'll have to call them every time your carpet gets super dirty (which is often when you have kids and pets). This can mean expensive carpet cleaning invoices that you just don't have the funds for right now.

Having a clean carpet isn't just for appearances, but also for the health of your family. Dirty carpets can easily create a cluttered look with dirt and allergens hiding in dirty carpets can cause respiratory problems. Stained and spotty carpets make a clean house look dirty, too. If you have pets, their accidents can leave smelly remains that just won't go away until the carpet is properly cleaned. There are many ways to clean your home's carpets, depending on the mess and stains that are left on them.

Getting your carpet cleaner than ever isn't rocket science and can easily be done in an afternoon or any other time you can spare. You'll need to invest in a few tools in order to get the job done right. First is a quality carpet cleaner. This is what's going to help you get out stains, dirt, grime and anything else that's making your carpets or rugs dingy, old and dirty. You'll also need a clean towel, soft scrub brush or microfiber towel to be able to agitate the stain or spot a bit to successfully remove it.

But the right carpet cleaner is essential and the most important part about getting your carpets cleaner than ever! There are a wide variety of commercial carpet cleaners. Look for one that comes in a spray bottle since it'll make it much easier to spot clean on the fly. To determine which carpet cleaner is the best, do your research. Always read the bottle and check out the company's website to find out more information on the product. You'll also want to ensure that the carpet cleaner is the right one for your particular carpet type and the stain on it.

Also, opt for a non-toxic carpet cleaner that is fast acting and solvent-free. You'll want one that's easy to use and can remove an assortment of common stains like dirt, grease, grime, pet stains, makeup, wine, food and any other common stain you can think of. Look for carpet cleaners that are easy to use so that you're not on your hands and knees trying to get the stain or spot out for minutes at time. A quality carpet cleaner should simply spray on, be agitated with a clean sponge for a bit and then lift the stain out.

To prepare your carpets to be cleaned, you'll want to first vacuum the entire area. But make sure that you pick up any papers, toys or objects that are left lying around, which can obstruct your vacuuming. Before you start vacuuming, though, think about dusting the furniture, blinds, baseboards or window sills first so that the dust that falls on the floor can easily be picked up by the vacuum. Run the vacuum over the entire carpeted space or on all rugs that need to be cleaned. Use the vacuum included nozzle attachments to reach hard-to-clean spots so that the entire space is properly vacuumed and prepared for cleaning.

If you have the right carpet cleaner, you'll only need to spray the formula on stained or spotted areas, making sure to soak in the stain. With a clean microfiber towel or sponge, gently agitate the area a bit to dissolve the stain. If you want, go over the stain with another clean sponge soaked in water to remove any excess carpet cleaner solution.

Find one That Doubles As An Upholstery Cleaner
Instead of having so many cleaners at home, many carpet cleaners also do double-duty as an upholstery cleaner! This means you get more cleaning power in one convenient formula. So, if you ever get a stain or spot on your living room couch, you simply reach for your handy carpet cleaner! It'll save space in your cleaning supply closet and save you money in the long run. An effective carpet cleaner will also be a better upholstery cleaner.

Non-Toxic Carpet Cleaning Products

Because you care about the safety of your family and pets, always go with non-toxic carpet cleaning products when possible. Too many carpet cleaning products these days are filled with harmful and harsh chemicals. Look for carpet cleaning products that are GREENGUARD Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions. Your carpets and family will thank you for it!

Reedsburg True Value Hardware has all the carpet cleaning supplies that you need to keep your carpets and upholstery clean and fresh. Vacuum cleaners and other small household appliances are also in stock.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9987760

Don't Rake Your Leaves, Do This Instead...

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 22:49:20 GMT

How to Clean Up Fall Leaves Saving Time and Effort

Raking those Fall Leaves?...

Many people go to the trouble and effort of raking up leaves when they fall onto the lawn grass. There is nothing wrong with that except you have to exert good physical effort and risk a sore back; and then have to decide what to do with the raked up leaves. If you have a good sized yard, this could take some time which you could otherwise be spending on other necessary activities.

Do this instead...

Use your lawn mower and mulch the leaves into the lawn. Not only does it save time and energy but it also feeds the grass. I do this every year as our lawn is 1.25 acres and we have many leafy trees! If you have a good mulching mower complete with a mulching kit you have what you need. If your mower doesn't currently mulch, you may be able to purchase a mulching kit for it from the manufacturer or a mulcing mower from Reedsburg True Value.

Mulching...

    Can be fun!
    Saves you time!
    Saves aches and pains!
    Feeds the lawn!
    Makes the yard look neat!

Best Mulching Practices...

    Timing is key! (grass not too tall/not too wet)
    Allow grass to grow to 4-6 inches tall
    Use mower with mulching kit
    Use fresh gasoline (unless using electric mower)
    Raise mower deck to highest setting
    Mow in Clockwise Direction
    Work from the outside in

Timing is key.

Stop your regular yard mowing about the time the leaves just start to fall off the trees. Allow the grass to grow until it is approx. 4-6 inches tall. Taller grass better catches the leaves, prevents the wind from blowing them around and holds them in place so the mower blades don't readily blow them out of the way as you mulch. A couple dry days or several days (better yet) is the optimal time to mulch. It is OK if the leaves are damp as damp leaves don't blow away so easily.

Before starting;

Raise the mower deck to the highest setting before starting.

It may take a couple of passes to mulch the leaves in to your liking.

Lawn mowers usually discharge to the right with the blades spinning in clockwise direction. Therefore, you want to mow in a circular clockwise direction working from the outside in. This will help redirect loose leaves into the taller uncut grass.

If leaves pile up towards the front or behind the front wheels, stop, drive in reverse for a few feet and then proceed forward again taking 1/2 a cut into the leaves instead of a full cutting width. With a little practice you'll get into a groove and the task should go fairly smooth.

When mulching is completed...

What I like to do is momentarily park my Craftsman riding mower next to my yard debris burn pile, disengage the blades and remove the discharge chute cover. Next I clear off the grass and leaves from the top and underside of the mower deck (you don't want damp material sitting on there to cause rust). With the discharge chute off, I re-engage the mower blades and drive around for a few minutes (going over any areas that need a quick touch-up) as this helps to dry out the mower deck before putting it away.

In summary...

With a little preparation along with the right technique will make for a nice mulching experience whenever those fall leaves visit your lawn again. In the past you may have considered fall clean up as "work"; But with the "mower mulch method" you may just find yourself having fun and enjoying the ride!

Happy Mulching!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9823458

How to Paint a Garage Door

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 18:39:19 GMT

Five Simple Steps to Paint a Garage Door Right!

Step 1: Clean and Tape

Step 2: Strip Old Paint

Step 3: Prime

Step 4: Paint

Step 5: Clean Up

For quality True Value EasyCare Paint, primer, paint sprayers, brushes, paint rollers, masking tape, drop cloths and other painting supplies visit Martens True Value Hardware Super Store in Reedsburg today!

FALL SALE 2021

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 21:57:04 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Super Store Fall Sale
Prices Effective Sep 27 - Oct 10 (except as noted)

October Bargains of the Month Featured above. Shop early for best selection of sale items. Visit us today or SHOP ONLINE with Free Shipping to Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg, WI.

DIY Fall Maintenance List

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:39:27 GMT

10 Must-Do Home Maintenance Tasks for Fall

Fall is the right time to get your home ready for winter. These 10 home maintenance tasks will put your house and property in great shape to withstand the cold temperatures and harsh weather that is on the way.

1. Check your Roof for Damage

Now is a good time to inspect the roof for damage, loose or missing shingles. Moisture getting where it doesn't belong and then freezing can cause serious damage to the roof deck, creating openings that rain and melting snow can get into. Inspect the roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars to get a better look or have a roofing contractor handle the inspection.

2. Repair Gutters

The fall and winter months can bring a lot of wet weather, and spring brings melting snow in many parts of the country. If your gutters aren't in good condition, that water can be dumped next to your home's foundation and find its way into your basement.

3. Add Weatherstripping to Doors and Windows

Windows and doors are the major cause of heat loss in winter. Adding quality weatherstripping will pay for itself in lower utility bills, and your home will be more comfortable too.

4. Seal your Driveway

Both concrete driveways and asphalt driveways should have a good coat of sealant on them before winter hits. The same freeze and thaw cycles that create spring potholes can damage a poorly-sealed driveway. Start by filling any cracks that are present and then use a quality sealant to seal your driveway and protect its surface.

5. Stain and Seal the Deck

Moisture getting into wood deck and freezing can do lots of damage too. Protect your investment by making sure your deck is sealed before winter hits.

6. Have your Heating System Cleaned

A dirty furnace or heat pump coils will rob your heating system of efficiency, making it more expensive to heat your home this winter. The heating system will also work harder if it's not.

7. Trim Trees

Tree branches laden with heavy snow and ice can break, coming down on your home, the garage, outbuildings or your vehicles. Trim overhanging tree branches and fully-remove large, dead branches.

8. Wash your Windows

Get your windows washed before cold weather hits and you'll have a clear view this winter. In addition, dirty windows can reduce the amount of natural light coming through, and in winter, getting as much light into your home as possible is important.

9. Winterize Lawn Equipment

If you have a garden tractor, lawnmower, gas-powered leaf blower or chainsaw, winterize them by draining the gas tank or adding a stabilizer to them. This will ensure that they'll start easier in the spring.

10. Clean the Carpet and Upholstery

Carpet and upholstery can harbor allergens and cause problems for you this winter, especially if a furnace or air handler is moving air around. You'll likely spend more of your time indoors than you do in other seasons, so you want your home to be as free as possible from dust, dirt and other allergens.

Getting these fall maintenance tasks out of the way will mean you don't have to worry about them in the coming months, and your home will be in great shape to welcome Old Man Winter.

Visit Reedsburg True Value Super Store for all your home maintenance supplies. We have the tools and products you need to succeed with all your home improvement projects!

Written By James from Driveway Guide, an avid DIY & Home Improvement enthusiast - http://www.drivewayguide.com/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_D_Preston/312240

Benefits of Cordless Power Tools

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 23:48:19 GMT

Cordless Power Tools Let You Cut The Cord

Cordless tools have finally reached the point where they can deliver power equal to their corded counterparts. This is due to advances in cordless battery technology. Early cordless batteries were weak and needed frequent recharging. Cordless battery development has improved to increase both the battery life and the power delivered. Many these power tools are now the equal of the same device run off a cord.

There is no denying that cordless power tools are convenient. They are much easier to handle without towing a long extension cord behind them. The cordless nature of these devices allows workers to take them almost anywhere on the job site. Powered by modular rechargeable battery packs, these power tool weights compare favorably to the corded version. Cordless power tools can be clipped to tool belts for easy carrying.

The cordless type is also much safer than those running on live current. Because no extension cord is needed, cordless units cannot trip other workers. There is no chance of accidentally cutting through one's power cord or that of another worker. The enclosed charge of the cordless battery means significantly decreased opportunities for electric shock. When using cordless power tools, the chance for an electrical accident is reduced dramatically.

Cordless power tools have their own individual needs, however. The cordless batteries need periodic recharging. The harder and longer a cordless device is used, the more frequently the battery must be recharged. For extended projects, keep several charged batteries on hand for each cordless tool. It is much less expensive for a worker to swap out a used battery for a charged one. Cordless power tool batteries take several hours to overnight to recharge fully. The construction crew chief must not forget to do this each night.

If you own tools that are cordless, read the battery care instructions. Most cordless items lose power gradually, indicating that recharging is needed. Cordless batteries usually trickle-charge over several hours, although faster recharging units may be available. Some cordless batteries should be stored while connected to the recharge. Others should not be during extended periods of storage. Get the most of your cordless power tools by taking care of the batteries.

Cordless drills, saws, and even yard care tools are available. Cordless units are lightweight and easy to use. Keep your batteries adequately charged and stored, and your cordless tools will give you excellent service for a long time.

For corded and cordless power tools visit Reedsburg True Value Hardware today! We are authorized Stihl dealers for cordless outdoor power equipment as well.

Get the job done right with tools from Martens True Value!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9882949

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:42:20 GMT

Five Home Fire Prevention Tips

Even though you can always get help from a fire restoration company if you have a fire at your home, experiencing such an incident is something that obviously all families would like to avoid. Although small fires that don't require major fire damage restoration work occur frequently, catastrophic house fires happen all too often and can be easily started by accident. That is why you should take certain precautions to significantly reduce your chances of having a house fire.

Below are five home fire prevention tips that will be useful for anyone.

1. Set Up Smoke Alarms

The best way to know about a fire in one part of your house is to have smoke alarms set up in almost all of your rooms. That ensures if there is a small fire in one bedroom, bathroom or in the kitchen, you are quickly alerted by the sound of the alarm. In fact, most homes are required to have smoke alarms.

Some homeowners even connect their smoke alarm to their emergency alarm system, which alerts a security company if there is a fire incident. They can quickly contact you, ask if everything is okay, and even call 911 on your behalf.

2. Check Heating Sources

Periodically have a professional check the heat sources at your home, ensuring that you do not experience a house fire as a result of your furnace. The last thing you want is to spend time and money hiring a fire restoration company, even if you have a good homeowners' insurance policy.

3. Keep Your Cooking Area Clear

Stovetop fires can get out of control very quickly, especially grease fires. Even if you have a smaller kitchen, you must make every effort to remove things away from around open flames. Always have a fire extinguisher handy as well, and check it regularly to make sure it doesn't need replacing.

4. Maintain Your Clothes Dryer

Make sure you are cleaning out the lint section of the clothes dryer after each use. People think that area is there for show, but if lint builds up in the lint trap, you can end up with excessive heat in the machine.

Some dryers do shut off if the temperatures become dangerous, but that is not often a feature in older dryers.

5. Avoid Burning Candles Too Long

Most people would be surprised to learn that a significant portion of house fires in the winter are a result of candles that were left to burn for too long. The candle can often burn until the very end, which can crack the candle case and cause a fire. Ensure you keep the time in mind when you have lit a candle, as you can remember to put it out after 45 minutes to an hour. That ensures you will never leave a candle going so long it burns out.

If there is a fire at your home, you will need help to get your property back to a livable condition. Ensure you are consulting with professionals who handle fire damage restoration work, as they provide the best opportunity to achieve a quality result from this process.

Be safe, keep your family and home protected from accidental fires. Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Super Store for quality smoke detectors, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Edmund_Brunetti/456890

Deals Days and September Bargains!

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:55:27 GMT

REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE DEAL DAYS AND SEPTEMBER BARGAINS
Prices Effective Aug 30 - Sep 26 (except as noted)

September 2021 Deal Days and Bargains of the Month available while supplies last. Shop early for best selection!

To SHOP ONLINE with FREE shipping to the Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg Visit TRUEVALUE.com

How Lighting Affects Paint Color

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:45 GMT

Learn How Different Lighting Can Affect the Color of Your Paint

Lighting is one of the most important features of your home and can really enhance the feel of a room. There's a variety of different artificial bulbs to choose from and it's important to know how they affect paint colors in the room.

Ever have that issue when the swatch looks different in store than in your home? It's because of lighting.

First there's incandescent bulbs. These provide warm light and make bright and warm colors appear more intense while making cooler colors appear more dull. These are the bulbs you're seeing me use in this video.

Next, fluorescent bulbs, these give off a cool slightly bluish light and work well with cool tones. Last, halogen bulbs, these are closest to replicating naturally and they don't distort color as much as the others.

When choosing paint it's so important to check your sample colors with the lighting of the room. A simple switch of a light bulb can change the look completely.

For interior or exterior paint, painting supplies, light fixtures and light bulbs visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Super Store. You'll Love our everyday great prices and selection!

Zero Turn Mower Benefits

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:27:32 GMT

What Is a Zero Turn Mower and Why Is It So Special?

Are you looking for a mower that is fast and efficient? Do you want the best results for lawn care? Consider purchasing a zero turn mower.

What they are

Zero turn mowers, are mowers that have a zero turning radius. This is achieved through different means depending on the model and brand of the machine. The most common means is the application of hydraulic speed control on each of the drive wheels.

Most modern machines have four wheels. The front tires are small and can swivel. The two back tires are large and are considered the drive tires.

The steering controls vary depending on brand and model. However, most modern machines feature two throttles instead of a steering wheel. These are used to control the direction of each of the two drive wheels as well as their rotational speeds.

What Makes Them So Special

There are many benefits of using zero turn mowers over others:

1. Increased maneuverability

Each drive wheel on the machine has a motor. This provides the driver with great maneuverability as each wheel can be controlled independently. The driver can therefore drive in just about any direction by shifting the throttles.

2. Faster

They will help you spend less time mowing the grass. They are known to mow the same space within half the time that others take. This is mainly attributed to their greater maneuverability. You can get around obstacles much faster and change direction with greater ease.

3. Better results

If you want to achieve a professionally manicured lawn, then zero turn mowers are the best option for you. The blade tip speed is much higher than that of regular machines. This means you'll get a better cut and the result will look much better than if you chose to use regular mowers.

4. Lower consumption of fuel

You can save money in the long run with this equipment. Since you will spend less time mowing, you will find that you use less fuel to achieve the desired results.

5. Machines that last longer

Purchasing and maintaining equipment often can be very costly. You don't have to worry about this with these machines. Because they allow you to use a shorter duration to care for your lawn, there is less wear and tear on them compared to their average counterparts. Your mower will therefore last much longer.

6. Less yard trimming required

You don't have to spend as much time trimming your yard as you would when you use a regular machine. The increased maneuverability ensures that you can get really close to objects around the lawn.

7. Improved mulching

The high speed blade tip ensures that you chop leaves and other materials better. This means that you will achieve more efficient mulching.

Purchasing a z-turn mower is definitely a wise choice if you want the best results in the shortest time possible.

Zero-turn mowers available at Martens True Value Super Store in Reedsburg. Check out selection today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9117147

How to Maintain Your Wood Deck

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:56:39 GMT

Recommendations for Routine Wood Deck Maintenance

Continue reading to learn how to properly maintenance and repair a wooded deck so that you may enjoy your wooden deck or patio all year long and for many more years to come!

Common Problems With Wooden Decks

It is important to regularly inspect your deck for problems so that you may solve them before they get out of control, become a hazard, or wind up being very costly to repair. A small problem can evolve into a major one over a short amount of time, which is why you must stay vigilant when it comes to routine deck maintenance and repair. Here are a few common issues to look for:

Loose Nails - Replace damaged or corroded nails on floorboards, posts, sills, joists, railing, stairs, and more. Hammer down any protruding nails until they are even (or below) the wood surface. You may also replace protruding or loose nails with deck screws.

Warped Floorboards - Cracked, warped, splintered, or protruding floorboards are hazards. Replace them as needed.

Dry Rot - This type of fungal growth digests wood, rotting it from all over. Signs include soft or moist floorboards, musty odors, discoloration, or shrunken floorboards. Replace immediately upon discovery.

Mold and Mildew - Additional types of fungal growth, like mold and mildew, are hazardous for wood decks and patios. Also, mushroom growth, moss growth, green or black algae, lichen, and more make for dangerous patio conditions.

Debris - Leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings, and more are examples of debris that needs cleared regularly from decks and patios. Accumulation can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, and more.

Wood Deck and Patio Care

All of the above problems, and more, should be addressed right away in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable deck or patio this summer. Nails should be hammered in or replaced with deck screws, organic growths should be sprayed with an eliminating solution, rotted or damaged floorboards should be replaced or patched, and debris should be swept away on a daily basis. All of this should prevent costly and hazardous wood deck problems.

In order to preserve your wooden deck or patio, it is important to implement certain strategies and chores that will safeguard it all year long. For example, dry rot can be prevented by painting a layer or two of wood preservative underneath the bottom of the wood deck.

Also, applying a quality sealcoat and deck protectant is vital for safeguarding against natural wear and tear. It is helpful to know that replacing boards with dry rot right away will evade the potential for it to spread to other boards. And last, continue to retreat your wood deck with fungal protection to keep it mold and mildew free all year.

Consult a professional general contractor for advice, information, and assistance with deck maintenance and renovation. They retain the experience, knowledge, and tools to get you and your patio ready for an early spring!

Visit Reedsburg True Value Today! We have what you need to clean, refinish and maintain your wood decking.

SHOP ONLINE FOR WOOD DECK MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PRODUCTS WITH FREE SHIPPING TO OUR STORE

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9882364

COUPON BOOK SAVINGS

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:24:20 GMT

COUPON SAVINGS AT REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE - Prices Effective Aug 02 - Aug 15, 2021 (except as noted) SHOP EARLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

MARTENS REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE- 100 VIKING DR, REEDSBURG, WI 53959- (608) 524-8999

CLICK HERE TO SHOP AT TRUE VALUE ONLINE STORE OR SEE MORE PRODUCT DETAILS

Outdoor Gas Grilling Tips

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:21:22 GMT

Gas Grill Tips and Tricks

Turning your gas grill into a raging barbecue machine may not be as difficult as you think. All the hype about good barbecuing has always revolved around charcoal grills and wood burning barbecues.

The purist will tell you that it is impossible to be barbecuing with a gas grill. But, with little ingenuity you can show them a thing or two, and be barbecuing like a pro in no time. Here are a few tips on just how to do that.

One of the first barbecues I ever purchased was a water smoker. If by chance, you are not familiar with them, they are circular in shape and have a dome lid.

They usually operate, on charcoal, or are electric. A pan filled with water is placed between the source of the heat and whatever you are barbecuing. It's a form of self-basting and prevents burning. The process adds a lot of moisture, and can add tremendous flavor to anything you put on the grill.

The idea comes from the Chinese way of cooking and steaming. You can do the same thing on a gas grill. Your unit must have a lid and have enough clearance to accommodate a water pan, a grill to put over that water pan, and of course whatever you are going to barbecue.

As opposed to the Chinese method, you do not want to really steam anything. This means, you don't want to boil the water, so cooking at fairly moderate temperatures is the answer.

Place the water pan in the center of your gas grill. Spray a little non-stick product inside the water pan and onto the grill that's on top of the pan.

Place everything in the center of your grill. Add warm water to the pan. Start your grill and turn the burners to medium. You will have to adjust the heat to get it just right. Try to maintain 325 to 340 degrees.

Let's experiment with a watermelon sirloin tip roast, or we can do a pork loin:

o Rub extra virgin olive oil on all sides of the roast
o Put on a dry rub (You can make your own)
o Refrigerate over night
o Sit out 45 minutes prior to barbecuing
o Once the grill is up to temperature (325 to 340 degrees) place roast in the middle of the water pan grill
o For enhanced flavor, you can add concentrated fruit juices to the water. For example, add a can of concentrated apple or orange juice.
o And, you can add garlic, onion slices for further flavor
o Shut the lid on your grill
o Check meat before one and half hours
o Using a meat thermometer check for doneness, 140 degrees for rare beef, 170 degrees for pork loin
o Let the meat sit out 15 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving

You will be surprised at the amount of flavor and moisture that will be added to your barbecuing using this method.

If you want to add a smoky flavor to your barbecue, there are several ways to do it. You can add a commercial brand liquid smoke to the water, or you can apply it directly to the meat.

Now, I don't smoke watermelon roasts, or pork loins but you can. I prefer to save the smoking for pulled pork or brisket.

The preferable method is to use wood chips in a metal box wood smoker, or make a tent out of aluminum foil. You can find wood chips in most hardware stores that carry barbecue grills, and you will find a wood smoker, too.

Soak the wood chips for about fifteen minutes or so in water before you are ready to use them. Ideally, you will want to sit the wood chips on the flame deflector, and this will mean lifting up, or removing the grill up to do that. Be careful!

If using aluminum foil cut off a big enough piece to accommodate the soaked chips. Try to make it as waterproof as possible at the bottom. To allow the smoke from the chips to escape, put half dozen small holes near the top of the foil.

You do not want to start smoking the meat until it is just about done. Turn the burners to their lowest settings, 100 degrees or less. In fact, turn off the burner that doesn't have the wood chips over it to get the desired temperature.

Or, barbecue using only one burner. This works fine, and you can have your wood smoker setup on the burner that is turned off. When you are ready to smoke, turn the idle burner on.

You only need to smoke for one to one and a half hours to get desired results.

Gas grills are more convenient to use than any other type out there. You can be extremely innovative with your grill. You can amaze family and friends, and the big bad purist with just these few simple gas grill tips that I have discovered throughout the years that I have been barbecuing.

For new gas or charcoal outdoor grills, smokers and fire pits visit Martens True Value Hardware Super Store today!

We have everything you need to make your next grill out a smashing success. From charcoal and wood chips to barbecue utensils and accessories, we have all the BBQ supplies, patio decor and lighting to do it right!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1855133

What Bugs are Good for Your Garden?

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 23:27:52 GMT

A Gardener's Guide To Good And Bad Pests

You want your garden to thrive, and anything that attacks it is your opponent. You might think that if it's in your garden and it crawls or flies, it needs to die. Some of the inhabitants of your garden, however, are helpful. Which of them are on your side? Which ones are not? Let's look at some examples.

Tomato Hornworm
This large green caterpillar will someday become a moth, but in the meantime, it feeds on your plants. It can be up to four inches long and has a horn on its posterior. This is no magical unicorn, for it destroys your tomatoes. As the caterpillar grows in size, its appetite grows, and it eats at a faster rate. Its pupal form exists in the soil during the winter, dreaming of tomatoes as you slog through the gardening off-season. One way to prevent them is to till your soil (before winter) once the growing season is over. Since they're large and easy to find, you can also pluck them off your tomatoes and dispose of them.

Aphids
These little green guys are equally damaging for feeding on your plants, and for their ability to multiply, as the females of the species can apparently clone themselves. Sounds unpleasant for you and your plants right? After feeding on the plant, they secrete a sticky fluid that goes on to become sooty mold and harms plants. Regularly monitoring for aphids will help you deal with them before they become more serious.

Green Lacewing
Some bugs and insects help a garden grow, and could be somewhat beneficial for you to let them stick around. The green lacewing is one of them. They eat aphids and many other pests like spider mites. Their larvae are sizeable little eating machines, munching on everything from aphids to small caterpillars. If it's another insect and it moves slowly, the green lacewing larvae will probably take care of it for you.

Damsel Bugs
These long-legged, large-eyed insects may sound like beauty queens, but their real beauty is their efficiency in the garden. They'll kill a wide variety of insects that are out to damage your plants. They'll even turn on each other if they run out of other bugs to eat. They can be attracted to your garden by planting things like lavender and chamomile.

But if you feel like your garden (or your home, for that matter) has been taken over by these little creatures to an unacceptable point, don't try to treat it yourself! These jobs are more complicated than they seem and will need professionals to address it for your safety and the safety around you (as you don't want to use harmful products).

That being said, these are just a few examples of good and bad bugs. Managing them in small instances can reduce the amount of insecticide you need to use. Insects are often collectively thought of as pests, but they can be either the heroes or villains in our garden. Knowing which ones to encourage and which ones to control will surely help your garden flourish.

Be sure to check our garden tools, fertilizers, and natural gardening products to help you care for your gardens this summer! Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Hardware Super Store today!!

References:
List of Garden Pests | No Dig Vegetable Garden
6 Reasons Pest Control is NOT a Do-It-Yourself Job | Proforce
Green Lacewings | Green Lacewings
The Masters of Cloning | Aphids on World's Plants
Tomato hornworms in home gardens | University of Minnesota
Damsel bugs can be beneficial in the garden | ACES

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9973909

Restoring an Overgrown Garden

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:25:27 GMT

STIHL DIY Video: How to Restore an Overgrown Garden

Clearing and restoring an overgrown garden area is not an easy task, but a manageable one! Whether you're taking over a garden that hasn't been looked after for a while or you want to tackle a particularly weed filled area: We show you where and how to get started in this video. (Watch video below) Having the right tools will also aid you in making fast and efficient progress with your gardening project.

Visit Martens Reedsburg True Value today for Stihl outdoor power equipment and all the gardening supplies you need to get the job done right!

5 Key Fly Fishing Tips

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 18:08:11 GMT

Five Essential Fly Fishing Tips to Help You Catch More Trout

Fly fishing is one of the most preferred freshwater fishing methods, and it is especially effective for catching trout. Many anglers might be hesitant to try fly fishing because it may appear to be difficult, but if you understand where to fish and how to cast then you can have some pretty amazing success. Below I'll give you five great trout fly fishing tips, and we'll simplify the art of fly fishing for a much improved fishing experience. Come join me!

1. One of most important things to keep in mind when fishing for trout is to look for them in spots where there is plenty of protection against other predators. Trout are pretty clever, so they are going to hide in places where bigger fish cannot see them. These places are generally under and around big rocks, undercut banks and floating logs.

2. Another great thing to be aware of when searching for trout is their desire to be in oxygenated areas of the river where there is the highest amount of food for them. This translates into cold water where the current is moderately strong enough to produce a high level dissolved oxygen. You can often find these areas just slightly downstream from a big group of rocks or some other obstacle in the river. Don't forget to look for these areas in the middle of the river and close to the bank as well.

3. One of the most important skills to master when it comes to fly fishing is the cast. It is easy to get overwhelmed and think that the casting technique must be complex and involve lots of movement, but the fact is that usually the simpler the better when casting your line. The next time you are on the river, try only taking your hands back enough to straighten your line behind you, and then just come back forward nice and easy. When you come back too far then it's easy to have a sloppy cast, and this usually scares away the trout.

4. Sometimes you might find a spot on the river where you know plenty of trout will be located, but that particular area could be hard to reach with a normal cast. Many anglers will just move on to the next spot if they encounter this, but I'm here to tell you that you don't have to do this! Stay right where you are and pull your line with your off hand so that you have a lot of slack. You can hold your line in one hand and cast with the other. Once you cast as far as you can, perform a little extra flick of the wrist toward your target, and that extra slack will allow your line to get there. You may have to practice this technique a couple of times, but this may be the difference between landing a big brown trout and coming home empty-handed.

5. This is one of my favorite tips that I absolutely want you to know about. If you already do, then keep doing what you're doing! If not, this will dramatically help you locate and snag your prized trophy trout. When you're fly fishing on a river, look for the fish to rise and make small splashes in the water. Once you see this, it is a great idea to mark that spot with some kind of static landmark, like a rock or a tree. Try to be ready to cast your line immediately after spotting a fish, and make sure you cast at between 5 and 15 feet upstream from where you see the fish. This is because the trout will typically drift against the stream after rising to the water's surface. The distance depends of course on how long you cast after spotting the fish, but this technique will greatly improve your ability to catch your trout.

For the best in quality fishing rods, reels, bait and tackle visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Super Store today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5102161

4th of July Sale

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 19:33:38 GMT

Martens Reedsburg True Value 4th of July Sale (Prices effective June 28-July11)

Reedsburg True Value has everything you need for an awesome 4th of July Celebration!

Come Shop Our Huge SALE with sale prices good until July 11th!

To SHOP ONLINE with Free Shipping to our store visit: TrueValueONLINE Today!

Reedsburg True Value July 2021 Bargains of the Month

Summer Pet Care

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 22:51:59 GMT

Summer Pet Care & Safety

For so many of us, summer arrives not a moment too soon. After a long, dreary winter, we have looked forward to the rewards and relaxation associated with the warm summer months. Perhaps we have planned a vacation near a lake, river or the ocean. Perhaps we are planning on swimming, hiking, boating and bicycling or perhaps just sprucing up the backyard or catching up on our reading under a shady tree. More than likely, we are planning a lot of outdoor activities and entertaining. We may also be planning to engage in activities involving our animal companions. After all, summer is a wonderful time to spend increased quality playtime and exercise time with our pets. However, it is also a time when we need to be aware of some unique potential hazards to our pet's safety and well-being.

We may enjoy taking our dogs for rides in the car - some pets can't seem to get enough of the wind blowing through their fur and the visual and oral stimulation that comes along with traveling so speedily through so many different parts of the city and/or countryside. However, as much as we enjoy bringing our pets with us on errands and rides, it is very important to remember that during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes and that countless pets suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion, brain damage and death as their owners leave them in the car "for just a few minutes."

Dogs should be walked during the early morning and early to later evening hours to spare them discomfort and adverse affects from the heat. They should be provided with plenty of healthy, cool water and shade whenever they are outside during the heat. They should be checked upon frequently to make certain they are not overheated or suffering from dehydration.

Pets need exercise even when it's hot outside, but they are susceptible to getting sunburn also. It is a good idea to put sunscreen on their most vulnerable areas, i.e. noses, ear tips. Etc. Pets with light colored fur are particularly vulnerable to sun burn or skin cancer.

A serious summer safety hazard is posed by ticks and fleas. Use flea and tick medication that is recommended by your veterinarian.

Another very serious health risk is posed by heartworms, which are transmitted by mosquitoes . All dogs and cats should be treated with veterinarian recommended heartworm prevention medication. An advanced case of heartworm disease can prove not only dangerous but also fatal to your pet.

It is not a good idea to take your pet to crowded summer fairs, festivals, or other concerts or outdoor events. The commotion in conjunction with the heat can make your pet ill as well as confused. Always remember to make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tag and that he is on a leash.

If you are planning on being in or near a swimming pool, make sure that your pet is supervised and cannot fall in and drown. Never allow your pet free access to a pool, lake or river.

If you are planning on working in your garden, make certain that your pet does not ingest fertilizer or pesticides. These can prove highly toxic, harmful, and even fatal.

Sharing the fun of the summer season with your pet can be gratifying for both of you. Following this simple advice may ensue that you and your pet will enjoy many other summers together.

For Pet Care products and supplies to keep your dogs and cats healthy and happy this summer visit Reedsburg True Value today!

About the author: DIANE POMERANCE Ph.D. is the author of six highly acclaimed books and numerous articles. She is an internationally recognized pet expert who has been interviewed on countless radio and television programs, newspapers and magazines. She can be contacted at [http://www.animalcompanionsandtheirpeople.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1222875

Organic Gardening Tips For New Gardeners

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:24:23 GMT

5 Quick and Easy Organic Garden Tips for Beginner Gardeners

Organic gardening is becoming a lot more popular as people become more aware of the chemicals that are used in conventional food production. It can be a little trickier than chemical-based gardening, but it's worth it in the end. If you're new to growing plants this way, these tips could help you increase your chances of success.

1. Start with the basics. Don't be tempted to spend an enormous amount of money on your first supplies, materials, and tools. There's no such thing as a magic bullet, and you'll only end up with very expensive vegetables. Organic gardening can actually be done much less expensively than conventional gardening. Compost, manure, and other soil additives replace expensive fertilizer, and natural control methods keep pest levels down.

Reedsburg True Value has natural pest control products and fertilizers for your organic garden!

2. Grow your plants in the right spot. Take the time to plan which vegetables you'll be growing and find out what kind of sunlight requirements they have. Take the time to find an area of your yard that will provide the amount of light and the soil qualities that these plants need. The right conditions can help you avoid many problems before they even begin.

Find vegetable seeds, potting soil and compost at Martens True Value in Reedsburg!

3. Prepare the soil correctly. Check the pH, moistness, and type of soil you have available, then add amendments to make it what you need. You might need to add in compost, animal manures, grass clippings, ashes, or other substances to improve the condition of your soil. This might seem like a lot of work to start with, but it will help your garden grow, and will keep on working for you down the line. Setup of an organic garden is the hardest part.

Reedsburg True Value has pH tests, soil conditioners and other organic gardening products !

4. Start your own compost pile. Compost can be purchased cheaply, but you don't know what goes into it. Composting your own kitchen scraps and yard waste can help you dispose of these substances cheaply and in an ecologically friendly way, plus you'll get great free fertilizer that you know is organic. You'll be amazed at the difference that a good compost pile can make for your garden. Composting might seem like it's a complicated process, but it really isn't. Almost anyone can do it.

Order Online or pick-up a Composter for your garden at Martens Reedsburg True Value!

5. Don't ignore your garden. Once you've tilled and planted your organic garden, it can be extremely tempting to ignore it. This isn't a good idea in conventional gardens, either, but it can be disastrous if you're growing organic. A little daily weeding and pest removal, a careful check over all plants, and some regular attention will do more to help your garden than any product you can buy. If you take the time to love your garden, you'll be rewarded with wonderful results.

About the author: Whitney Segura is an expert in agriculture and specializes in greenhouses, hydroponics, and organic gardening. Whitney writes many home and garden articles which have been published all over the web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2911456

Summertime Painting Tips

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:35:12 GMT

Exterior Painting Tips for Summer

With the summer season fast approaching, painting the exteriors can be a challenging task due to different factors that include the heat, hot weather, rain and humidity. Even applying simple common sense will greatly minimize many problems associated with hot climate when painting in summer. Below are some useful painting tips for applying exterior painting during summer.

• Surface preparation is one of the most important steps when painting in summer. In truth, it is more important than applying the final finishing coat. Hence, you should prep and clean the exterior surface properly before painting it. Any shortcuts taken can lead to disasters so better be careful.

• Analyze, examine, spot and fix the cracks in the surface of the walls. This process of closing up joints and gaps is referred to as caulking. It is also worth mentioning to make sure to use the correct products for different substrates.

• This one is a no brainer - only use high quality paints and painting materials. The high quality painting material might prove to be a bit expensive but in the long-term it will actually prove to be cheaper.

• Always read the instructions on the label, and for product-specific directions read the MSDS instructions. If you do not understand anything or you have any doubts, call the company for specifics. They should be more than happy to help.

• When it comes to brushes make sure to use rollers and heavy-duty brushes that hold a lot of paint. Generally, thick nap rollers and 4" high quality brushes should be enough.

• You will probably need around 3-5 different sizes of ladders (or even more depending on the size of your property) to paint. First, understand the safest ways to use the ladders because you could end up hurting yourself. Remember safety comes first.

• When painting in the roofing areas, be sure you take necessary precautions to protect yourself from the sun and minor burns. The roof areas are meant to be hot due to the heat hence remember to apply appropriate skin products and protections.

• During the summer, allow double dry time in hot, humid weather before applying the second coat of painting. Make sure to maintain a wet edge on the surface at all times. Also avoid lap marks and/or pulling paint back off the surface of the wall.

• Maintaining the uniformity of the color is a big difficulty. Ensure that the colors are mixed properly. Colors may vary from can to can so it is better to mix the paint in a separate larger bucket (like in a 5 gallon bucket).

• You should always carry a laser-temperature measurement tool to monitor the surface temperature throughout the task. If it exceeds the limit, immediately stop painting. Avoid painting when the humidity is extremely high or right after a rainstorm.

Listen to the weather updates frequently to ensure that there is no heavy rainfall during your painting. The rain can ruin your paint even many hours after application so make sure to give enough time for your paint to dry up.

• Painting the exteriors can be a difficult task so try to avoid as much sun as possible. Make full use of shade if you can. Also, remember to drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. The risk of heat stroke is imminent when working in hot weather condition.

Exterior painting is not as easy as it looks and is definitely going to take longer than you might think. Please be careful, because your body is probably not used to working in the heat, or climbing or moving ladders. Carelessness may lead to back injuries, muscle strains and falling off ladders are more common than you might have expected. Therefore, it may be a good idea to hire a professional.

For quality exterior home paint and stain visit Reedsburg True Value Paint Center today. We have the paint, tools and supplies you need to get the job done right!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8959577

SUMMER KICKOFF SALE

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:39:16 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Summer Kickoff Sale

Prices Effective May 31 - Jun 13 (except as noted) SHOP ONLINE WITH FREE SHIPPING TO OUR STORE

OR SHOP AT REEDSBURG TRUE VALUE SUPER STORE TODAY!

Reedsburg True Value Summer Kickoff Sale - Prices Effective May 31 - Jun 13 (except as noted) Please shop early for best selection and while supplies last!!

Weber Gas & Charcoal Grills On Sale

Wed, 26 May 2021 00:23:43 GMT

Weber Sale! $50 Off Genesis II Grills - Ends 6/2

Celebrate the start of summer in style with a NEW Weber Gas Grill! Shop at True Value ONLINE with FREE Shipping to the Reedsburg True Value while supplies (and the $50 Off Offer) lasts... Stop in today to see all our available gas and charcoal grills. We also feature Charbroil grills and smokers by KamodoJoe, as well as wood pellet grills from Traeger. We are a one stop shop for all your barbeque accessories and supplies.

Grilling on a Genesis II is anything but ordinary. With the world-class grilling engine, three powerful burners and iGrill3 smart technology compatibility - all backed by the 10 year Weber warranty - the bar has been raised and the new standard has been set .

10 year, 100% Weber guarantee
39,000 BTU on three high performance stainless steel burners
Porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grates evenly distributes heat over 513 sq. inches of cooking space
GS4 Grilling System includes: Infinity ignition, Burners, Flavorizer bars, and Grease management system
Insert the iGrill3 thermometer (sold separately) into side table and monitor temperatures on mobile device with the Weber iGrill App
Tuck-Away warming rack adds and additional 156 sq inches of space and can be folded down when not in use
Stainless steel Flavorizer bars are angled just right to catch drippings that smoke and sizzle, adding that irresistible smoky flavor to your food.
Grease management system funnels grease away from burners into an accessible drip tray and this helps prevent flare ups
Infinity ignition ensures that the burners light every time
Stainless steel heat deflectors
Two stainless steel work stations with tool hooks
Powder coasted porcelain enamel lid with center mounted thermometer
Welded tube frame with open cart design has a bottom shelf for additional storage
Includes 10 ft flexible hose
Two front locking swivel casters and two large wheels

Secret to a Healthier Lawn!

Tue, 18 May 2021 17:47:22 GMT

Are You Cutting Your Grass or Shredding It?

Have you ever had your mower blade checked to ensure it is sharp enough to cut your grass correctly? Did you know that a dull mower blade can cause severe damage to grass which can lead to greater turf maintenance costs and requirements?

Hopefully you've answered "Yes!" to the above questions, please, read on!

Regardless of how sharp you keep you mower blade, every time you mow the grass the blade is put through a period of "shock" from the cutting. When a blade of grass is severed, the remaining grass plant must go through a period of healing to seal the cut. A sharp blade cuts cleanly through the grass and leaves a nice, straight slice, which minimizes the shock to the plant and the time required for healing. On the other hand, a dull blade will basically shred the grass. Even though the grass is "cut," it's shredded, ripped, and severely torn, which causes the grass plant to endure an extended period of healing and water loss. Not to mention, a greater risk of becoming infected or infested with microbes or insects. A grass plant that endures a nice, clean slice is far less likely to suffer prolonged damage or disease.

If you're handy with tools and know your way around a mower, sharpening your own blade isn't that difficult. Many retail locations sell a sharpening grinding stone designed specifically for mower blades. You can also purchase a tool that will hold the blade in place when you are removing the bolt that secures the blade to the engine shaft. Use a permanent marker or awl to mark the bottom of the blade before you remove it. And, safety first, which means always removing the spark plug wire from the spark plug before doing anything under or around the mower!

Once you have sharpened the blade, put a touch of oil on the bolt threads and refasten the blade securely to the shaft. After the first mow with the newly sharpened blade, recheck the bolt to ensure it is securely tight. Also, if you've sharpened the blade several times, make sure you check the balance of the blade. An unbalanced blade can cause damage to the mower and possible injury to the user. If a blade can no longer be sharpened and retain balance purchase a new blade - better safe than sorry!

Your owner's manual should have instruction on proper maintenance, and even if you can't find your manual, a quick check of the internet with make and model of your mower in hand will get you to a manufacturer's website. If you don't feel comfortable with sharpening your own blade that's quite okay - the dealer where you purchased your mower may provide this type of service, and there are many professional companies in our area that will perform this work for you . Regardless of which works best for you, a sharp blade always works best for your lawn! By maintaining a sharp blade your blades of grass will benefit tremendously! This will also reduce the amount of maintenance needed for a beautiful lawn.

If you need new mower blades or would prefer to have someone experienced to sharpen yours, visit the Service & Rental Center at Martens Reedsburg True Value store today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7905212

Pressure Washing Your House

Tue, 11 May 2021 23:15:10 GMT

Selecting a Pressure Washer

There are two types of pressure washers: gas-powered and electric. Gas-powered models are more powerful and mobile because they don’t require an extension cord. Electric models are usually less expensive and easier to carry and have a trigger-activated on/off feature.

A machine with a pressure level between 1,300 and 1,600 pounds per square inch (PSI) is good for general cleaning of your home’s exterior surfaces, such as siding, sidewalks, patios and patio furniture.

A machine with a pressure level between 1,800 and 3,000 (PSI) is for more serious work like stripping paint or stain off siding and decks. Some jobs could require more power though, so if you're not sure stop in and ask an expert at the Reedsburg True Value for advice, if needed. Shop at True Value Online Store

Get Prepared

Assemble washer, if needed, as directed by the manufacturer. Read instructions carefully before operating the washer.

Connect it to your water spigot with a garden hose. Be sure that the hose is not kinked and that the connection is tight. Loose connections can be dangerous under pressure.

Squeeze the trigger of the washer wand to release any air inside before you turn on the water. For a gas-powered unit, fill the washer’s reservoir with gasoline to the recommended amount. For an electrical washer, connect the unit to power.

Activate Your Pressure Washer

Select a nozzle for the tip of the wand. Choose a nozzle that is appropriate for the job you’re doing. Check your owner’s manual for the appropriate suggested uses for each of the nozzles included with your washer. The included nozzles provide you with different amounts of pressure, from a narrow, laser-like stream to one a bit more powerful than a garden hose.

If you need to attach an extension wand to reach high or out-of-reach areas, do this before connecting the nozzle. Some home pressure washing jobs may require using chemicals or detergents. Add these before turning on the washer, as directed by the manufacturer.

Set the wand to off or low before starting up the washer to avoid losing control of the wand. Squeeze the wand trigger and then turn on the washer.

Be Safe!

Pressure washers expel water at great force and can cause injury. Do not aim at animals or people and be sure you are in control of the wand when the machine is activated.

Don’t use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder.
Wear safety glasses when using a pressure washer to avoid being sprayed in the eyes with debris.
Do not clean windows or other glass surfaces with a pressure washer.

Let the Cleaning Begin

Before you begin, test the spray before hitting your target area. Stand at least 4' away and gradually move the point of the wand toward the desired area, making slow passes over it.

Stop and see if the area has been cleaned or stripped (if you’re using the washer to strip paint). If it is not, move closer and repeat. When you’ve found the ideal distance, begin cleaning again with slow movements of the wand until you’ve cleaned or stripped the area.

If you used a detergent or chemical, let the solution work into the area and then rinse with a water-only stream from the washer, or water from a garden hose.

You should always start with a lower pressure when unsure of the effects it may have on surfaces. You can then switch nozzles or change your standing distance to increase pressure, if needed.

It is not advised to hold the wand tip closer than 12" from the surface you are cleaning. The highest pressures from a washer can be damaging to siding, wood decks or similar surfaces if used incorrectly, while high pressure settings can be ideal for cleaning surfaces such as concrete.

If you’re cleaning an area with adjacent plants or patio furniture, move them or use tarps to protect them from the force of the spray and any detergents you may be using.

Helpful Tips

When spraying vertical surfaces, such as siding, start spraying at the top of the wall and work downwards so that dirt and debris washes down and won’t leave residue.

Point the wand at a downward angle to reduce direct pressure and prevent potential damage.

Use only biodegradable cleaning solutions to avoid ground contamination.

To Finish

When you’ve completed your home pressure washing, turn the washer off and then turn off the water at the spigot. Squeeze the trigger on the wand until all water has been expelled.

Disconnect the garden hose from the washer. After every pressure wash job, especially one where you used chemicals, it’s best to rinse surfaces with a garden hose to ensure that all dirt, debris and chemicals have been removed.

BIG Outdoor Sale

Tue, 04 May 2021 19:31:19 GMT

Reedsburg True Value Outdoor Sale | Prices Effective May 3 - 16, 2021 (except as noted)

To Shop for these featured Outdoor Sale Products visit the Reedsburg True Value Online Store Page

To shop for these featured Outdoor Sale products visit our Local True Value Online Store Page

Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:17:58 GMT

Lawn Mower Service

Reasons you should complete your lawn mower service

The maintenance on lawn mowers, especially push mowers is very simple. The average home DIY type person can easily handle their own lawn mower service. With a few simple tools, and a little bit of elbow grease, you to can handle the upkeep on your mower. The first place to look would be your owner's manual. If you don't have one, you should contact the manufacturer of your mower. This will list all the service intervals of various items on your mower.

There are many reasons to maintain your mower.

Longevity - You wouldn't drive your car without changing the oil would you? Then why would you neglect your lawn mower? When you keep up on the maintenance on your lawn mower, you lower the overall cost of ownership. Your mower will last you many years if properly taken care of.

Quality - When your mower is completely serviced, it will perform at its peak. This means engine running in top shape, and also your blade(s) are sharp and balanced. The end result is a mower that will start reliably, cut clean, and always be ready when you are.

Common Tasks during a lawn mower service

Basic maintenance goes a long way, and is simple. Most jobs can be completed at the end of the cutting season before winter storage, or can be completed right before season begins. These common items include the following.

Air Filter
Oil
Spark Plug
Sharpen and/or replace blades
Cleaning under the deck
Air Filter

Typical lawn mower air filter.

As cheap as they are, air filters should just be done once a year. Most lawn mowers have easy access to the air filter housing. Either unlock a couple tabs, or loosen a couple screws. Air filters for lawn mowers are usually the soft foam type, or paper type. If you allow your mowers air filter to become clogged, it will lose power and not burn the fuel completely. See you owners manual for the correct filter.

Oil

Oil catch pan

At least once per year you should change your engine oil on your lawn mower. This will usually require you to tip your lawn mower up on its side, and drain through the fill port as most don't have drain plugs. Many lawn mowers will run SAE 30, but there should be a chart comparing your climate temperature to recommended oil use. Simply unscrew the fill plug, tip the mower on its side and drain all the oil into an approved container. When your container is full you can bring it to a local garage or recycling center for disposal.

Oil Chart

Oil chart for recommended oil weight for climate. Consult owners manual for your specific engine.

The type of oil you use will change some, depending on your local climate. Most all manufacturers have a chart in the owner's manual showing temperature ranges.

Spark Plug

All small push lawn mowers have a single spark plug. The job of the spark plug is to ignite the gasoline to supply power to turn the blade. Overtime this spark plug may become dirty, or fouled. When this occurs your mower will either not start, or will run rough and not perform well. To change a spark plug you will need a spark plug socket. Spark plug sockets have a special rubber insert inside them to protect the ceramic of the spark plug, and also grip and hold it in place.

Once your spark plug is removed you will see what model number it is, by looking on the side of the ceramic. You should be able to see a number, usually in blue colored writing. This will tell which spark plug to replace. Install the new plug, and snug down.

Lawn Mower Blade

When the lawn mower blade is sharp, it will make for a cleaner cut obviously. But this also helps the grass grow better by actually cutting it and not ripping it. When you look at a blade of grass on the tip you should see a nice, clean cut. If its ragged and torn, it means you need to sharpen your blade.

Having a sharp blade also requires less work on the engine. This over the long term will result in longer engine life, as it is not loaded all the time.

Sharpening your blades at home is something a DIY person can do. At the minimum it requires a file, and would make it much easier with a vise to hold it securely while you will work.

Another option is also a grinder, which is much faster, but not everyone has a grinder at their home.

Newer styles of sharpening are using a blade sharpener. These work much like a knife sharpener found in your kitchen, but scaled larger for lawn mower blades.

Sharpening is pretty straight forward. But first we must remove the blade.

Removing a lawn mower blade

Securely raise the mower, so you can access the underside where the blade is located. If you do tip it on the side, drain as much of the gas as possible, and also put the muffler of the engine pointing up. This will keep the oil from running into the muffler, and causing quite the smoke show on startup.

Remove spark plug wire just as a precaution to accidental startup.

Using your blade holder, secure the blade from rotating. This tool is a life saver compared to using a block of wood.

Using a breaker bar and correct size socket, loosen center retaining bolt.

Remove blade.

This is also a good time to remove any grass buildup from under your deck.

Sharpening and Balancing

Now that you have your blade removed, its time to sharpen. Now considering you haven't hit any rocks or other solid objects you shouldn't have any major chips in the blade. If you do, just buy a new set of blades and install.

Hold your blade either securely in a vise, or you could hold by hand. It's important to wear gloves! This will keep your fingers intact. Using a blade sharpener, run from center to tip until a nice sharp edge is formed. Repeat on the other side.

Now we must make sure your blade is balanced. Using a blade balancer, set your blade on it and make sure it is setting level. If one side seems to dip more than the other, take more material off.

The purpose of balancing is to reduce vibration. It's the same concept as balancing your car tires.

When complete install blade back on your lawn mower. Installation is reverse of removal.

Final thoughts on lawn mower service

Doing your own lawn mower service is something just about anyone can do. This is a job that you should complete once a year, and is fairly low cost. Once you purchase all the tools you need, maintenance on your mower will cost next to nothing.

Completing your own lawn mower service is rewarding as you know the job will be done right. It will also save you money over and over again.

Enjoy your lawn mower service, and Happy Cutting!

For Done-for-you Lawn Mower Service contact our Small Engine Service Center (608) 524-8999 or Visit Martens True Value in Reedsburg today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9444849

STIHL Cordless Grass Trimmer Preview

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 01:09:40 GMT

STIHL Cordless Grass Trimmer FSA 56/57*

In this video we show you all the benefits of the easy to use and powerful cordless grass trimmer FSA 56/57:

- Litihum-ion battery. For a long running time and short charging time.
- Quick and easy spool change.
- Adjustable handle. For more comfortable working.
- Spacer bracket. For carefully mowing along flower beds, trees and walls.
- Quiet operation. No ear protection needed.
- High performance motor. For great mowing results.
- Perfectly balanced.
- Length-adjustable shaft. For more comfortable working.
- Very light. For minimal user effort.
- Mowing line readjustment. By simply tapping the mower head on the ground.
- Cutting up to 1500m of lawn edge or 300m² of lawn on one charge.**

That's Why STIHL.

Discover more: http://bit.ly/stihl-battery-fsa2

Martens Reedsburg True Value is an Authorized Stihl Dealer where you can find trimmers, chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment and accessories.

*The FSA 57 will be available from 2020.
**With the AK 30 battery and depending on conditions.

April Lawn and Garden Sale

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 23:30:36 GMT

Great Values on Everything You Need for Your Home Improvement Projects!
Prices Effective Apr 12 - Apr 25 (except as noted)

Reedsburg True Value Super Store has the quality, name brand products you know and trust for your lawn and garden care!

Springtime Lawn Care

targetmarketingservice@gmail.com (Sue Traeder) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 19:42:10 GMT

Spring Lawn Care And Maintenance

The inclement weather conditions of winter makes a lawn weary. Following a few simple steps will help the lawn recover its lush green coloration and flourish. Raking, repairing damaged areas, renovating the lawn's appearance and correct fertilizer applications restore a lawn to its pre-winter glory.

New Lawn Growth

During the cold winter months, grass enters a state of dormancy. It will cease growing which makes its general appearance become ragtag. Its lack of growth during the winter also makes it more susceptible to damage from freezing, drainage issues and snow accumulation. In order for the grass to flourish and grow correctly, the winter damage must be fixed.

Clear Debris

Before undertaking spring lawn care, allow the area to dry out. A wet or soggy lawn can sustain damage when cultivated. The roots will be easily pulled from the soil and the blades bent or broke. Once the lawn has dried out, it should be thoroughly raked to help aerate the soil. Raking will remove accumulated winter debris. It will also open up the soil and the grass blades to create air circulation. Good air circulation around the crown of the plants and each blade of grass will help prevent fungal problems from developing. A basic hard tine rake works adequately to help remove dead grass plants and lawn debris or a lawn vacuum or leaf blower for larger lawns can help with larger lawns.

Post-Winter Scarification

Moss and thatch buildup can occur from the long winter months. A lawn that suffers excessive thatch or moss buildup will benefit from a scarification treatment. Scarification should never take place if there is still any danger of spring frosts. Consider performing scarification in mid-April or later. If the lawn has excessive moss, use a moss killer two to three weeks before scarification. The lawn should be newly mown and moderately wet to successfully scarify it. Use a hand spring bok rake or a powered scarifier. The goal is to tear up the thatch, dead grass plants and any weeds. The grass will usually suffer extensive visual damage after scarification. If bare patches occur, consider patching the areas by reseeding.

Weeds

Spring is the ideal time to address pending weed. In regions where crab grass is a problem, apply a pre-emergence crabgrass weed killer to the lawn during the first weeks of April. Avoid using a crabgrass weed killer that contains fertilizers. Fertilizing the lawn too early will cause a weak root system. After applying the pre-emergence weed killer, water the lawn with about 1/2 inch of water. Mowing the lawn to a height of 2 inches will also help control spring weeds. Crabgrass seeds begin to germinate when the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit so treatment with a pre-emergence weed killer will help prevent the seeds from germinating.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing in the spring replenishes the grass plant's food supply. The fertilizer will encourage the grass to develop healthy, new growth and a strong root system. An adequate, balanced fertilizer will create a thick lawn that will be able to more easily combat weeds by choking them out. Apply fertilizer when the grass begins to show signs of breaking dormancy. Grass roots will grow when the temperature is between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Its top growth will develop when the temperature reaches 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Never fertilize a lawn too early in the spring because the new growth may suffer damage if a late spring frost should hit. Use a balanced spring lawn fertilizer and avoid high-nitrogen mixes. A high-nitrogen based lawn fertilizer will encourage the lawn to grow and develop a deep green coloration but a shallow root system. The shallow roots will be unable to withstand a summer drought.

Apply fertilizer applications to the lawn in mid-May. Use a fertilizer that offers at least 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn space. The fertilizer label will usually have general application guidelines. After applying the fertilizer, be sure to saturate the lawn to prevent the grass blades from sustaining damage from the fertilizer. Nitrogen can burn grass blades. A slow release nitrogen fertilizer has the least chance of accidentally harming the grass.

New Season Overseeding

If the lawn suffers from bare spots or a patchy appearance it can benefit from spring seeding. Lawn seeds will not germinate until the soil reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so avoid seeding the lawn if it remains too cold. The ideal time to overseed an existing lawn is usually after mid-April. Seed Kentucky bluegrass at a rate of 1.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet, use 3 pounds of fine fescue grass seeds per 1,000 square feet or use 6 pounds of tall fescue per 1,000 feet. Spreading straw mulch across the newly laid seeds will help keep them from blowing away and will also help keep the seeds moist. Regularly water the newly laid seeds and avoid allowing them to dry out. The seeds require even moisture to successfully germinate. Usually one bale of straw per 1,000 feet will adequately protect the seeds. When seeding a lawn in the spring, consider using a starter fertilizer that contains Tupersan to avoid a crabgrass infestation.

Look Forward To A Green Lawn All Year

With only a bit of spring care, a lawn can look amazing by summer. It will also help prepare the lawn for the following winter by encouraging it to produce a strong, deep root system and store valuable nutrients.

Visit Reedsburg True Value Super Store today for all your lawn and garden care supplies! We have what you want to grow a healthy green lawn and beautiful flower garden.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6880902

Spring Pruning- Timing is Crucial!

targetmarketingservice@gmail.com (Sue Traeder) — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 21:02:19 GMT

Pruning Trees And Shrubs In The Spring - What You Should Be Pruning And What You Should Not

Pruning is one of the most critical gardening tasks, determining whether the garden plants will develop satisfactorily or not. Carried out correctly and at the right time, the trees grow in the desired manner, the bushes look lush, green and healthy, and the flowering plants brighten up the garden with color. Performed at the wrong time, serious, long-term damage can be inflicted on the trees, the shrubs and bushes are liable to develop an open, "leggy" habit and many herb plants and sub-shrubs, while green on top, become bald and unattractive below. In a nutshell, when it comes to pruning, timing is crucial.

Deciduous trees and landscape shrubs

The one group of plants that should not be pruned in the spring is plants that naturally drop their leaves during the winter. In the dormant season, carbohydrates and mineral nutrients dissolved in sap are stored in the plant's tissues. At the onset of spring, the sap rises in the plant and is carried to all its growing points. Pruning cuts carried out at the time when this process is occurring, causes the sap to "bleed" out of the plant, thus causing it to lose vital energy sources. Arboriculturists today, believe that maintaining a positive energy level in a tree, is the single most crucial factor for its long-term health and survival. Deciduous plants should of course, have been pruned in the winter.

Evergreen trees and shrubs

This is precisely the best time of year to prune evergreens and plants sensitive to cold, which should not have been touched during the winter. As the spring, especially in Mediterranean and hot, dry, summer climates, is the principle growing season for most garden plants, it is best to direct the new growth just as it is beginning. Conversely, pruning tissue a month or two after it has sprouted means that the tree or shrub has expended vital energy, for no purpose.

Flowering Shrubs

Despite the above, care must be taken when it comes to flowering shrubs. Amongst deciduous species, one has to know whether the flower buds develop on the current year's spring growth, or on that of the previous year. Not a few home gardeners are disappointed with their lilac bushes for instance, which "never seem to flower", the reason being that they dutifully prune the shrubs in the winter, thereby removing the flower buds in the process! Such plants, which include some shrub and species roses, should be lightly pruned after the flowers have withered.

Flowering evergreen shrubs rarely if ever belong to this category, and so for the most part should be pruned in the spring. Pruning shrubs is largely a matter of removing old and dead growth, and shortening branches by between a third and a half, in order to encourage dense and compact growth.

Tree pruning on the other hand is all about careful shaping so that the growth pattern appears as natural as possible. This should apply in my opinion as much to fruit trees as to ornamentals in a private garden. While farmers cut back branches in order to extract more fruit from the tree, and also to make the picking more economically efficient, the tree in a garden has amongst other purposes, a vital aesthetic role to play and should be treated as such. Its long term health should never be forgotten either.

For outdoor power equipment, gardening tools and supplies visit Martens Reedsburg True Value Super Store today!

We have what you need to start your spring time garden projects right, and at our everyday Great Value pricing...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1068791

Pressure Washing Your House

targetmarketingservice@gmail.com (Sue Traeder) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:17:39 GMT

Selecting a Pressure Washer

There are two types of pressure washers: gas-powered and electric. Gas-powered models are more powerful and mobile because they don’t require an extension cord. Electric models are usually less expensive and easier to carry and have a trigger-activated on/off feature.

Get Prepared

Assemble washer, if needed, as directed by the manufacturer. Read instructions carefully before operating the washer.

Connect it to your water spigot with a garden hose. Be sure that the hose is not kinked and that the connection is tight. Loose connections can be dangerous under pressure.

Activate Your Pressure Washer

Set the wand to off or low before starting up the washer to avoid losing control of the wand. Squeeze the wand trigger and then turn on the washer.

Be Safe! Pressure washers expel water at great force and can cause injury. Do not aim at animals or people and be sure you are in control of the wand when the machine is activated.

Let the Cleaning Begin

Before you begin, test the spray before hitting your target area. Stand at least 4' away and gradually move the point of the wand toward the desired area, making slow passes over it.

If you used a detergent or chemical, let the solution work into the area and then rinse with a water-only stream from the washer, or water from a garden hose.

You should always start with a lower pressure when unsure of the effects it may have on surfaces. You can then switch nozzles or change your standing distance to increase pressure, if needed.

If you’re cleaning an area with adjacent plants or patio furniture, move them or use tarps to protect them from the force of the spray and any detergents you may be using.

To Finish

When you’ve completed your home pressure washing, turn the washer off and then turn off the water at the spigot. Squeeze the trigger on the wand until all water has been expelled.

D isconnect the garden hose from the washer. After every pressure wash job, especially one where you used chemicals, it’s best to rinse surfaces with a garden hose to ensure that all dirt, debris and chemicals have been removed.

SHOP ONLINE FOR PRESSURE WASHERS or Visit Reedsburg True Value Today to Discover What's In-Store!!

Outdoor Landscape Lighting Tips

targetmarketingservice@gmail.com (Sue Traeder) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:06:26 GMT

Tips for Adding Decorative and Useful Outdoor Lights to Your Landscaping

Landscape lighting should be an integral part of any home landscape. Not only does it provide security and safety, it spotlights your landscaping features and complements your home.

Common uses include emphasizing landscape formations, shedding light on walkway areas and adding home security.

Walk around your yard with a flashlight to visualize how lighting would look in your yard. Determine where lights should be placed and how many you would need.

You can light up walkways by placing lights close to each other so that the illumination from each overlaps. Accent lighting near walls or underneath trees can create great highlighting effects. Placing lights in front of trees and other features can create dramatic shadows on fences and walls. To add interest, think about mixing up spacing and patterns.

Remember that less is more. Don't add so many lights that they end up competing with each other.

Be careful not to choose lighting locations that will get in the way of lawnmowers or foot traffic. Make sure your lighting won't beam directly into your home or, your neighbor's.

Try to plan your light installation when you're landscaping your yard. When it comes to planning, it's much easier to do both tasks at the same time.

Once you have some ideas, draw a plan. Using a scale of 1/8" for every foot, include the location of your home's exterior outlets, trees, shrubbery, walkways, fountains, deck or patio, as well as any areas you want to light for safety. Don't worry if you're not an artist — even a rough sketch will do the trick.

Once you've determined how many light fixtures you need, choose which kind you want. You may prefer unobtrusive outdoor fixtures, or you might have something more decorative in mind.

Stop by Martens True Value store in Reedsburg for inspiration and to shop for solar and LED outdoor lighting products.

Tier lighting and path lights are good for illuminating walkways. Lantern lights can also be hung along walkways, and can complement porches, patio areas, flower and mulch beds.

Well lights and floodlights are great for accent lighting. When possible, use lights with rotating heads. These are very versatile and allow you to create a variety of effects.

Motion detectors can be useful in your landscape lighting. Use lights with built-in motion detectors or install independent detectors. Aim motion-detecting lights at your gate, front porch or along walkways which will turn on when someone approaches.

How to Choose Paint Colors

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 01:22:26 GMT

How to Choose the Best Paint Color for Any Situation

Choosing the best paint colors for your home is enough to make anyone crazy! It's just a simple question.

What color should I paint my living room?

But then it turns into:
How do I use different colors in different rooms and still make it all look good together? How do I know I'll like it when I've finished? How long will I like it?

Sheesh!!! There are so many questions and even more options to choose from!

All of this can be intimidating so most people just give up and choose a version of white. It is a neutral, but usually it feels a little less than personable, right?

Well, I have a few suggestions that should help.

We want color! We need color!! Rooms look more inviting because color somehow seems more alive. Zillow posted an article last week that mentioned how homes even sell better when they are painted certain colors. There are lots of choices so we know we can find one that we like, but let's plan it out.

First, gather choices.

There are several sites that will 'help' you pick a color. They show you how many different choices they have and some of them can even show you what it will look like in your room. This really is super helpful, IF you want to figure out how their program works. You can grab a handful of possibilities at a local hardware store, or you can look through magazines or online and save the colors that you like best. These are just to have something to start with. I'll show you how to narrow it down, don't worry.

Second, consider the mood you want in the room. Relaxing? Energizing and uplifting? Socializing?

Then, take a second and consider what you will look like when you are in the room.
I know, this is just a little bit unconventional. But really, do you ever notice that when you take a selfie, you look better with color in your background? Like the blue sky, or flowers, or a maybe a cool red car.

How many of us run around the house, or even outside in the yard to take a quick selfie where the background color of a tree or the sky makes us look better than the boring white bathroom wall? That's because we want to feel and look our best, even in our home. When we feel we are at our best we are happier and recharge from the world much more quickly.

Fourth, figure out which colors complement you personally.

Some people look great in shades of blue, and others look best in shades of orange. It only takes a couple of minutes to find out which color looks best on you.

Some Steps to Help Choose the Best Colors

Step 1 - Figure out which skin tone and hair color you have and then get suggestions of colors that will look best with your particular skin tone. Yes, like cosmetically. These tips will give us a nice variety of colors that we can use as a palette to choose from.

Having this first palette is a great start because it really narrows down the choices.

Step 2 - Now that we know which colors make us look our best, we need to consider the purpose of the room we are painting. This is similar, but slightly different from the mood of the room.

Which room is it, and how do we want to feel when we are in it?

It would be wise to also consider the colors that are already in the furniture upholstery and artwork. We can match those to the nearest shade in our new palette.

Coordinating colors always look 'put together', like we know exactly what we are doing.

Once you know the main colors that make you look best, and match with upholstery or curtains that you like, Adobe has a cool Color Wheel tool. You can take your colors to the wheel and plug them in one at a time and it will show you which colors will complement or coordinate with the one you have chosen.

On my website I have explained in a little more detail about color theory and how it subtly affects our moods. When you have your color choices narrowed down to 3 or 4, you can take them to one of those websites that let you load photos of your room and then test the color out in pictures. http://www.decorate-and-design.com

This will make it much more easy to decide which color to use.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9875458