How ponds can save a home: Dry hydrants and rural fire protection
URBANA, Ill, – Duane Friend grew up on a farm and knows the devastation rural fires can have on structures. Lack of nearby water supplies increased the danger of total structure losses. House or barn fires often...
Small lawn tasks now may mean beautiful lawns next spring
KANKAKEE, Ill. – Fall is the perfect time to repair any lawn damage. As lawns go dormant, a few simple techniques may make the difference for beautiful spring lawns, says James Theuri, University of Illinois Extension educator.
"Fall weather means there is less watering...
Surviving disaster includes using home generators safely
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hurricane Laura left many residents without power. Though the immediate danger has passed, deaths linked to improper use or installation of generators are still being reported. Portable or permanent standby generators are used in millions of homes and...
Yes, it’s safe to charge your electric vehicle in the rain
URBANA, Ill. – While it’s normally a bad idea to stand on a wet surface and plug something in, electric vehicles are built to do just that.
With electric vehicles growing in popularity, people are curious about charging in inclement weather, says Thomas Bruhl, a member of the...
Too much of a good thing, mulch volcanoes slowly kill trees
URBANA, Ill. – Mulch volcanoes have not quite made it as a new dictionary entry, but to landscapers, arborists, and gardeners, they are a new phenomenon.
“A mountain of mulch, piled high against a tree trunk will not kill it immediately,” says University of Illinois Extension...