If a private water well has been flooded or otherwise damaged by storms, the well and the entire water system should be cleaned and disinfected.

Floods can contaminate wells with silt, raw sewage, oil and disease organisms according to Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension

“First, remove silt and debris from the well and examine the casing, motors and pumps,…[more]

Flowering apricot trees offer spectacular flowering blooms earlier than any other flowering tree, sometimes blooming as early as January. This early flowering can result in cold weather damage in some areas of the United States. New outstanding cultivars of flowering apricot trees can be purchased from mail order nursery retailers. Prunus mume flowers, in early spring with flower colors of red, pink, and white, all blooming on the same twigs…[more]

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As spring planting and landscaping season gets under way, many homeowners may find unwelcome visitors arrive when they’re not looking.

Despite Missouri hunters harvesting more than 250,000 of them during last fall’s hunting season, large numbers of white-tailed deer still exist, and their damage can spill over into suburban landscapes.
[more]

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - If you want a healthy, high-quality, attractive lawn, you must make sure that your soil has the proper pH.

“Lime is often applied to Arkansas lawns to help raise the soil pH near neutral, which increases the availability of most plant nutrients,” said Jimmy Driggers, Garland County extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Before liming your home…[more]

When choosing lilies for the Easter holiday, consumers should shop carefully, looking for plants that have blossoms in various stages of development, said a University of Missouri horticulturalist.

“Consumers who purchase an Easter lily should look for a plant that has blossoms in various stages of development,” said David Trinklein. “The flowers open at about two-day intervals from the bottom to the top of the stem. Plants that…[more]

You can save yourself some yardwork this year and do your lawn a favor by not bagging those grass clippings you mow, said a University of Missouri Extension turf scientist.

“Grass clippings do not have to be removed to have a healthy, vigorous lawn,” said Brad Fresenburg. “With a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful lawn without collecting your grass clippings.”

Average mowing time…[more]

For serious gardeners interested in prolonging the growing season, constructing a home greenhouse can be the answer according to Jay Chism, agronomy specialist, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension.

“A greenhouse can provide a void when the weather will not allow outdoor activity. It may also answer questions about starting a commercial greenhouse business without taking a large financial risk,” said Chism.

There are several questions…[more]

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Before you get spring fever and go on a planting spree in the garden, be sure to match the right plants to the right location, says Jimmy Driggers, Garland County extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Developing an entire new landscape, revitalizing an existing landscape or planting a single tree is an investment in your home, comfort and environment,”…[more]

New guidance released this week by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Justice (DOJ) reinforced the right of persons with disabilities to make “reasonable modifications” to their dwellings if a structural change to their dwelling or to a common area of the building or complex in which they live is needed so that they can fully enjoy the premises.

The guidance is designed to help…[more]

Almost a third of Arkansas homeowners and motor vehicle owners paid less in insurance premiums last year because their credit scores were good.
On the other hand, from nine to 10 percent of Arkansas property owners paid higher insurance premiums because of poor credit histories, according to the most recent annual report by the state Insurance Department.

Most insurance companies in Arkansas include credit scores when…[more]