shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com April 11, 2017 • Page 13 Spring Home Improvement How to Plant a Tree For Successful Growth More sunlight and warm temperatures frequently inspire homeowners to spend more time in the great outdoors during spring and summer. Outdoor projects often top homeowners’ to-do lists in spring and summer, with gardens and landscapes taking center stage. Planting more trees around the yard is one popular project that can improve property value and benefit the environment. Why plant trees? There are plenty of reasons to plant trees. Trees provide a natural form of shade, reducing air temperature by blocking the sun’s rays. This can reduce reliance on air conditioning systems and make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors during the summer. North Carolina State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences says trees absorb and block noise and reduce glare. They also can trap dust, pollen and smoke. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses from the air. One large tree can supply a day’s worth of oxygen for as many as four people, while also storing 13 pounds of carbon per year. Getting started Visit a garden center or nursery and select a tree that will be hardy in your planting zone. Choosing native trees can increases the likelihood that the new tree will adapt to its surroundings. Also, inspect trees to determine if they’re healthy before taking them home. Look for evidence of root girdling, which occurs when the roots circle around the perimeter of the container and surround the trunk. Trees should not have any dead or dormant branches. The DIY Network suggests locating the tree where it can thrive. This means selecting a spot that can make it easier for the tree to grow tall and wide. Avoid planting near the house, where roots can crack concrete or asphalt, and always plant away from underground pipes. Planting the tree Now it is time to amend the soil. It’s not enough to enrich only the soil in the hole where the tree will be placed. Move out into a RON’S AUTO GLASS CAR CARE Simple Maintenance Projects to Keep Cars Running Smoothly One of the ways to keep vehicles running strong for years on end is to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Although there are many factors drivers cannot control, including recalls, weather and road conditions, proper maintenance is something drivers can control, and maintaining a Learn the right way to plant a tree to improve the landscape vehicle can be very simple. Oil changes and the environment. Motor oil lubricates the engine and keeps it in good working order. Old oil becomes more viscous and can circular area beyond where the roots will start so that roots can expand and properly anchor the tree. The next method of success is lose its efficacy. While changing motor oil is importo ensure that the tree has a large enough hole to contain the exist- tant, motorists should follow the owner’s manual or ing root ball and allow for roots to grow and expand. Better Homes the factory maintenance schedule regarding how often and Gardens experts say to prepare a hole that is two to three times it needs to be changed, as all vehicles are not alike. as wide as the root ball of the tree. Treat the root ball gently. If the The old myth that cars and trucks need oil changes at roots are wrapped in burlap, remove the burlap or push it to the set intervals has changed as digital check capabilities bottom of the hole. Backfill the have evolved. hole with soil and check that Car computers can now keep track of more than the tree is straight. Stake the just mileage. Computers now track starts and stops tree to help it stay upright and and trip durations to determine when cars need oil straight until the roots anchor changes. it more effectively. A layer of Coolant levels mulch around the base of the Coolant helps prevent vehicles from overheating tree can prevent weeds and reduce water loss. Water daily and also prevents the water that it mixes with in the for several weeks until the roots radiator from freezing or boiling. Coolant is nearly as have fanned out. important as motor oil in vehicle maintenance. CoolIt’s best to leave trees be for ant is typically comprised of a 50/50 mix of distilled the first growing season, only water and antifreeze. These two substances work removing broken or diseased together to maintain a proper ratio of heat energy and limbs. Resist pruning and shapprevent eventual breakdown and destruction of the ing until the tree has survived engine. its first growing season. Coolant is usually changed once per year or at nMetro Creative Connections 30,000 miles. This keeps the coolant working properly and will help prevent corrosion and deposits from forming inside the cooling system. Coolant levels might be checked during a full-service oil change appointment. Fireplaces and wood burning Check battery contacts stoves were responsible for Many modern car batteries do not require a lot of some 23,600 residential fires. maintenance. However, one problem that may occur is a buildup of minerals or corrosion from leaking P.R. Olson battery fluid on the contacts. In such instances, use a Chimney Sweeps Dryer Exhaust Technicians battery cleaning brush to clean the contacts and then replace the cables. Call for an appointment today! Tire maintenance 665-5181 • 1-800-545-2847 Properly inflated, balanced and rotated tires make for a smooth, safe ride. Check that tires are wearing evenly and that the vehicle is not pullone side. A lack Vermillion SD• 605-624-8688 ing to on tires requires of tread Mon - Fri 9:00 - 5:30 they be replaced. Because tires can be expenSat 9:00 - 3:00 sive, many drivers put off routine tire maintenance. But this can be a costly mistake. Tires that are worn or not properly inflated can cause skidding, problems braking and accidents. Blowouts also may occur, putting drivers, their passengers and fellow motorists in danger. It’s best to be proactive with regard to tire maintenance. Maintaining a vehicle in adherence to manufacturer guidelines can prolong the life of the car, improve its safety and increase its trade-in or resale value. •ALL GLASS •ALL GLASS • COMMERCIAL • HOME CUSTOM SHOWERS ••CUSTOM SHOWERS 605-665-9841 • AUTOMOTIVE 605-665-9841 1915 Broadway Street Yankton, SD 1915 Broadway Street • • Yankton, SD Celebrating our 50th Anniversary! Serving ne nebraSka & Se South dakota. officeS in yankton and norfolk 1-800-KIL-BUGS Brunick The Flue Doctors 1100 W. Cherry FURNITURE & FLOORING nMetro Creative Connections