Home and Garden
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Does HOA have right to trim overhanging branches from neighboring property?Jul 15, 2025 10:49 am - A townhouse owner wants to know whether the association can trim encroaching trees/bushes from a neighbor's property after giving written notice.
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Electrical nightmare comes after close of escrowJul 11, 2025 6:31 am - New homeowners discover electrical problems after moving in, after being told the house would be rewired.
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When a condo owner dies alone: What’s next?Jul 11, 2025 6:31 am - If a condo owner without heirs or emergency contact information dies in their unit, what steps can the property manager or board take after the body has been removed?
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6 backyard privacy tricks to keep nosy neighbors away
Jul 11, 2025 6:30 am - Creating outdoor privacy: Landscape experts share strategies for shielding your backyard from prying eyes.
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Why landscape fabric is often a bad idea for your garden
Jul 11, 2025 6:27 am - Landscape fabric may sound like a neat, tidy and easy solution to all your weeding woes, but, as often is the case, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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Gardening tips for watering new plants and controlling weedsJul 11, 2025 6:25 am - Tim Johnson shares planting and watering tips, including keeping plants moist before planting and providing proper watering for containerized and balled-and-burlapped plants.
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Birds keep pooping on my patio. What’s the best way to clean it?
Jul 11, 2025 6:24 am - A reader who enjoys birdwatching in her backyard wants to know the best way to remove bird poop from her patio.
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Home & garden calendar July 13-19Jul 11, 2025 6:24 am - Local garden clubs and societies in suburban Chicago are hosting gardening events, including walks to view private gardens, club speakers on plant topics, cactus shows and sales, and judged flower shows.
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What flood insurance does and does not cover
Jul 09, 2025 5:41 pm - While standard home insurance policies cover fire and wind damage, even good property insurance typically doesn’t cover things like flooding and earthquakes, which usually require a special and separate policy for each.
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Proper pruning practices and pest control can keep your garden healthyJul 06, 2025 9:09 am - It's time to prune shrubs to desired shapes before growth stops in July. It’s also time to check trees for fungal diseases and pests.