| How to Remove Weeds from Cracks Posted: 21 Oct 2020 01:00 AM PDT Weeds are invasive plants that can overrun your desirable plants and cause damage to housing and yard materials. While some weeds are fairly easy to kill, they can be a bit tricky to remove when they sprout up through the cracks in your driveway, walkways, porch, or pavers. To kill the weeds growing in these cracks, you can use a variety of different home remedies or purchase a commercially-available weed killing liquid or device. You can also remove weeds from cracks by digging up the plants and their roots before sealing the cracks with concrete or gravel. [Edit]Killing Weeds with Home Remedies - Pour boiling water over the cracks to kill weeds safely. Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Then, carefully pour the boiling water over the leaves and stems of the weeds, as well as in the cracks surrounding the base of the plants.[1]
- The heat from the water will cause the plants to start to wilt immediately, and will kill the roots over the following days or weeks.
- Boiling water is a great option because it easily gets into the cracks and doesn't leave harmful residue in the soil.
- This method is generally most effective on young weeds.[2]
- Spray a salt and dish soap solution on the weeds to kill them. Dissolve 1 part table salt or rock salt to 8 parts of hot water. Then, stir in a quarter-sized squirt of dish soap and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the weeds carefully and try to avoid getting any on nearby soil, plants, or pavement to prevent damage.[3]
- Repeat this process every few weeks as needed until the weeds have died and stopped sprouting.
- The salt and dish soap solution can discolor and erode cement and kill the surrounding plants.
- For a quick and easy option, sprinkle rock salt or table salt on the weeds to kill them. This is less effective for stubborn weeds, though.[4]
- Use white vinegar to kill the weeds growing in cracks. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and douse the weeds with it. You can also simply pour the vinegar directly from the bottle onto the weeds.[5]
- Most regular white vinegar is about 5% acetic acid and will get the job done. However, for stubborn weeds, you may need to get horticultural vinegar that's 20% acetic acid. Horticultural vinegar is available at most gardening stores.
- Adding a quarter-sized squirt of dish soap to the vinegar may make it more effective.[6]
- Apply a Borax solution to remove unwanted weeds from cracks. Mix of Borax with of water in a large bowl. Then, apply the solution directly to the unwanted weeds and into the cracks around the weeds. You can use a spray bottle to apply the solution or pour it directly onto the plants from the bowl.[7]
- Borax can irritate your skin, so you may want to wear gloves when handling the solution.
- Sprinkle baking soda into the cracks for a natural way to kill the weeds. Sprinkle as much baking soda as you need to cover the tops of the weeds. If you spilled any baking soda around the cracks, use your hands or a brush to sweep it into the cracks so that none is wasted. Repeat this process every 4 to 6 weeks until the weeds are gone.[8]
- Apply baking soda in the spring and fall to new, young weeds for the best results.
[Edit]Using Commercial Weed Killers - Pour a liquid chemical weed killer over the weeds to remove them. Purchase an all-purpose weed killer, or choose one specifically formulated for the type of weeds that you're dealing with. Follow the instructions on the label to apply the liquid over the weeds. For easier application, you can dilute some concentrated herbicides with water in a spray bottle. Check the instructions to see how to dilute the liquid and how much to spray on the weeds.[9]
- If the weed killer you're using contains chemicals that are harmful to humans, wear protective glasses, long-sleeves, and gloves to protect your skin and eyes from exposure.[10]
- It takes about 2 weeks for commercial liquid weed killers to kill off the weeds.
- Torch weeds with a flame-weeder to get rid of them immediately. Follow the instructions for your specific device to turn on the flame-weeder and let it heat up. Then, pass the torch flame over the weeds in the cracks briefly to damage the cell structure of the weeds without actually catching them on fire. Don't allow the flames to touch the tops of the weeds.[11]
- You may need to apply heat to the area a few times to ensure that the roots are dead and won't re-sprout.[12]
- Flame-weeders are available online and at many garden supply stores. You can also use an ordinary propane torch.
- Avoid using a flame-weeder near flammable materials like wooden decking or dry grass.
- Apply heat directly on the weeds to kill them with a weed steamer. Add water to the steamer and turn it on so the water starts to heat up. Then, hold the steamer over the weeds and press down the designated button for about 5 seconds to release the steam onto the weeds. Repeat this process over all the weeds you want to remove.[13]
- Operating instructions may vary, so make sure you read them carefully before using your weed steamer.
- The leaves will start to wilt and die immediately, but it generally takes 1-2 days for the entire plant to die.[14]
- You can also use a home steam-cleaning machine in the same manner.[15]
[Edit]Digging up Weeds and Sealing the Cracks - Scoop the weeds and roots out of the cracks with a stake. Using a garden stake, screwdriver, or similarly shaped object, dig up under the weeds and scrape inside the cracks until all the weeds and their roots have been removed. Repeat this process in all the cracks until all of them are clear and only the dirt remains.[16]
- It may be helpful to spray the cracks with a hose or pressure washer to loosen the dirt and make the weeds easier to scrape out.[17]
- Use a pressure washer to remove the dirt and any lingering roots. Once all the weeds are removed, spray the cracks directly with a pressure washer. This will help lift out any dirt remaining in the cracks, as well as any weed roots that you weren't able to reach.[18]
- Insert a foam caulking backer rod to fill the gaps or cracks. Measure the length of gaps or cracks in the cement where you removed the weeds. Using a box cutter or knife, cut the foam caulking backer rod to fit the length of the cracks. Then, place the foam into the cracks and press it down until it's wedged securely inside.[19]
- Foam caulking backer rods are bendable and come in a variety of sizes at most home improvement stores, so you should be able to find a size that will fit in the cement cracks.
- Some large gaps in concrete are left on purpose to allow the concrete to expand and contract as needed to prevent cracking. The foam allows the concrete to continue to contract while filling the gap to prevent weeds from growing.
- Apply roofing cement in the cracks to seal them and prevent regrowth. Remove the cap on the end of the roofing cement nozzle. Place the bottle into an epoxy or roofing cement dispenser. Place the nozzle into the crack in the cement and press down on the dispenser handle to start dispensing the cement into the cracks. Follow the cracks with the nozzle to line them with roofing cement and fill them in.[20]
- You can also use epoxy or blacktop filler instead of roofing cement to seal the cracks. However, blacktop filler may not be as durable in the long run as roofing cement or epoxy.[21]
- Let the cement or epoxy dry for 72 hours before driving or walking on it. To allow the roofing cement or epoxy to dry completely, avoid walking or driving over it for at least 72 hours.[22] Drying times may vary depending on the specific product you're using, however, so check the label to make sure.
- The roofing cement or epoxy will likely dry on the surface within 24 hours, but may take 72 hours to completely cure.
- Fill the cracks with sand or gravel for a less permanent solution. If you want to prevent the weeds from growing back but you don't want to permanently fill them with roofing cement or epoxy, try packing the gaps with sand or gravel.[23] Pour the sand or gravel into the cracks, pressing it down until it's tightly packed. Repeat this process until all the cracks or gaps are filled.
- Because sand and gravel can come loose over time, you may need to repack the gaps and cracks periodically to keep them filled.
[Edit]Warnings - Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when you're handling harsh chemicals.
- Keep both flame-weeders and weed steamers away from flammable materials. In addition, avoid coming into contact with the flame or steam, as both of these can severely burn your skin.
[Edit]References |
| How to Hang a Garland Outside Posted: 20 Oct 2020 05:00 PM PDT Garlands are long strands of pine tree branches that add a pop of cute decoration in the winter time. They look great as an addition to string lights or as a focal point on the front of your home. You can add a garland to your front door, your railings, or your porch posts by using simple tools that won't damage your walls or doors. [Edit]Hanging a Garland Around Your Front Door - Use a tension rod to hang your garland for a quick addition. Find a tension rod that is made specifically for garlands or use an extra curtain rod. Put the tension rod into the alcove above your door and screw it tight. Hang your garland along the rod and wrap it around the ends so that it stays.[1]
- You can find garland tension rods at most home goods stores during the holiday season.
- Attach hooks to the top of your door for easy installation. Purchase 5 to 6 wall hooks that have sticky backings. Place them about apart from each other on the wall above your door. Hang your garland on the hooks and let the ends frame the outside of your front door.[2]
- Hooks with adhesive backings work well on wooden walls, but they won't do well on brick or stone. They also may fall off in hot or humid climates.[3]
- Hammer nails into the spaces between stones in a stone wall. Choose nails that are about long. Use a hammer to push them into the spaces in between the stones in your wall that surround your door. Try to put the nails about apart, but add them wherever they will fit in with your stones. Hang your garland on the nails and let the ends frame your door.[4]
- If your stone wall is damaged or not stable, do not push nails into it.
- Use brick clips to hang your garland on your brick wall. Brick clips are metal clips that fit vertically over your brick without creating any holes or marks. Hold your brick clip vertically and attach it around a single brick above your door. Make sure it clicks into place so that it will support the weight of your garland. Use 5 to 6 brick clips spaced about apart to span the width of your door. Hang your garland off of your brick clips and let the ends drape around your front door.[5]
- You can find brick clips at most hardware stores.
[Edit]Adding a Garland to Your Railings and Windows - Use zip ties on your railing for a secure solution. Set your garland out on your railing in a straight line. Attach a zip tie around the center and each end of your garland. Pull the zip tie as tight as it can go to make sure it is secure. If your garland is sagging in any areas, add another zip tie to make it tighter.[6]
- When it comes time to take your garland down, cut off the zip ties and throw them away.
- Wrap your garland around your porch railing for a simple decoration. Place your garland on top of your railing at one end. Wrap your garland around your railing 2 to 3 times in a loose spiral pattern. Secure each end of your garland with a zip tie to keep it in place.[7]
- This looks great on a railing that slopes downward.
- Add planter hooks to your railings for a secure solution. Planter hooks are large metal hooks that have brackets to fit over your railing. Open up the brackets of your planter hook and set them over your railing. Tighten the brackets with a small wrench to secure them. Place 5 to 6 planter hooks along your railing about apart. Drape your garland over the planter hooks to keep it in place.[8].}}
- You can also use planter hooks to hang large wreaths or heavy bundles of lights.
- Hang outdoor hooks on your windows for a subtle decoration. Use outdoor hooks with an adhesive back that are made specifically for attaching to glass windows. Place one hook on either side of your window and hang a small garland in between them.[9]
- Outdoor hooks will withstand the months of cold and harsh weather that might happen during the winter.
- You can find outdoor hooks at most hardware stores.
[Edit]Wrapping a Porch Post in Garland - Use a garland that is twice the length of your post. Measure the length of your porch post with a measuring tape. Multiply the length by 2 to find out how long your garland needs to be.[10]
- For example, if your post is tall, use a garland that is long.
- Attach hooks with adhesive backs to the top and bottom of your post. Peel the backs off of 2 adhesive hooks and place one at the very top of your post on the side that faces your home. Add another to the very bottom of your post on the same side.[11]
- You can also use hooks that are installed with nails and a hammer for a more permanent solution.
- Hang the top part of your garland on the top hook. Hold your garland lengthwise and place the top part on the top hook. Make sure that it is secure and won't fall off of the hook.[12]
- You can wrap a zip tie around your garland to attach it to the hook if you need to.
- Wrap the garland around your post 3 to 4 times. Grab the end of your garland and wrap it around your post, keeping even spacing throughout. If your pole is especially long, you may need to wrap your garland 5 to 6 times.[13]
- You can decide how many times you'd like to wrap your post depending on what you think looks the best.
- Hook the bottom end of the garland on the bottom hook. Once you reach the bottom of your post, take the end of the garland and attach it to the bottom hook. If you need to, add a zip tie to attach the garland to the hook so that it stays in place.[14]
[Edit]References |
| How to Contact Credit Karma Posted: 20 Oct 2020 09:00 AM PDT Credit Karma is a personal finance company that operates in the United States and Canada. While the company is one of the biggest personal finance companies in North America, it doesn't operate a customer service phone line, which can make contacting the support team tricky. However, there are a couple of other ways to contact the company via the internet. [Edit]Submitting an Online Request - Visit the request page on Credit Karma's website. You can either search for the term "Credit Karma Submit a Request" using your search engine and click the first result or go to the following link https://help.creditkarma.com/hc/en-us/requests/new.
- Select an issue from the drop-down menu. Click on the drop-down menu to pick the issue you require help with. The options are:[1]
- I need help setting up a new account.
- I need help managing an existing account.
- I have a question about something I'm seeing on the Credit Karma site.
- I need help with my taxes.
- Follow the on-screen prompt after you select your issue. When you select the issue you need help with, you'll be brought to a new page with different questions based on the issue you selected.
- If your issue was regarding setting up a new account, you'll be asked to select your country from a drop-down.
- If you need help with an existing account, you'll be presented with another drop-down menu with 4 options to choose from.
- You will also be presented with a drop-down menu containing 4 options if your issue was regarding something you saw on the site or if you have a tax question.
- Type in your first and last name. After you've selected what you require help with, you'll be asked to fill in your first and last name.[2]
- If you also use a middle name or an initial, be sure to also provide that information in the first name field.
- Fill in your email address. This is necessary as Credit Karma will need to be able to contact you with a response to your query.[3]
- You will need to enter a real, working email address that you have access to in order to get a response from Credit Karma.
- Enter your date of birth. Credit Karma needs your date of birth so they can locate your account on their system.[4]
- Enter your date of birth in the YYYY-MM-DD format.
- Write a description of your issue in the provided field. You can tell Credit Karma more details about your issue using the last box on the page. Make sure you provide plenty of details about your question or problem so Credit Karma can help you resolve your issue as quickly as possible.
- Try to be as concise as you can while still providing all the relevant information. The less writing the staff member has to read, the faster they can help you with your query.
- Click "Submit" at the bottom of the page when finished. Have a quick look over the page to make sure you've entered all the correct information and when you're finished, click the "submit" button to send the form to Credit Karma Support.[5]
[Edit]Emailing Credit Karma Support - Email support@creditkarma.com for help with your query. If you have a question about anything involving Credit Karma, send your email to this address. Emailing the company is more direct than the other steps although it may take a little longer to receive a response.[6]
- Type your issue in the subject line. The reasoning behind this is it allows Credit Karma to sort through emails and give them to the relevant team members who can help you with your issue. You don't need to type out a full question, simply use a keyword which will tell Credit Karma what your issue is.[7]
- For example, if you have a question regarding setting up a new account, make "New Account Issue" or something along those lines the subject of your email.
- Write a clear email outlining your issue. For fastest resolution of your problem, the email should be as short as it can possibly be while still conveying the entirety of your problem. Explain your issue as concisely and clearly as possible.[8]
- You want the Credit Karma staff member to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, and shorter emails make that much easier.
- Include your date of birth and first and last name in the email. This will allow the Credit Karma staff member dealing with your query to easily find your account on their system. There might be a lot of people with the same name as you on the system but date of birth will significantly narrow the results.
- Sign off your email at the end. After you've finished telling Credit Karma your issue, end the email politely and thank them for their time and help. For example:[9]
- "Thank you for your time and patience in helping me with this issue. I would be very appreciative if you could solve this problem for me. Kind regards, [Your name]."
- Wait for a response. Of course, how long it takes to receive a response to your email depends on the complexity of your issue. Account set up and management issues should generally be resolved within a couple of weeks. Most issues should be resolved within 30 days but credit report problems can take longer.[10]
[Edit]Using the Credit Karma Help Center - Ask a question on the Credit Karma forum. Type in your question at this link: https://www.creditkarma.com/all/advice. The Credit Karma website says that:[11]
- A good title is short and descriptive.
- Your issue should be understandable from the title.
- You'll be able to add more details on the next page.
- You have 100 characters to type in your question.
- Fill in the additional details. On the next page, you'll be given the option of adding in additional details that you couldn't fit in the question bar. Make sure you provide all of the relevant info about your query. This will help the staff member deal with your problem in a more efficient and effective manner.[12]
- Select the category for your question. A drop-down menu will provide you with a multitude of options for you to choose from regarding what category your question falls into.[13]
- These include but are not limited to auto insurance, banking, credit cards, mortgage, saving money, student loans, and taxes.
- Click submit and wait for a response. Credit Karma's Help Center is very active and questions are answered by both members of the Credit Karma support team and members of the public. Your question should be answered shortly after it's posted.[14]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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