Winter has made its appearance this year, with several winter storms ravishing the country. Here are some DIY upgrades so winter does not have to lead to seasonal depression and extra costs.
Despite winter’s wrath, most people still enjoy being outdoors. So just because it is winter, do not lack on landscaping.
Choose some cold-resistant plants around the common areas and courtyards. Pansies are a great choice and come in a variety of colors. If you want to add some trees to the property, Colorado blue spruce trees are low maintenance and can withstand dry and moist soil conditions, making this an excellent choice for urban areas. Add a velvet Viking Japanese dwarf maple tree for its beautiful deep red leaves that stay on the tree even in harsh climate zones, and once the leaves drop, the trees look like sculptures. Azaleas are another excellent choice and come in gorgeous pink watermelon and purple grape colors. Double-shot azaleas are shrubs that look good in container pots and keep their whole green leaves all winter.
Illuminate the property during winter nights with DIY outdoor lighting. Build some above-ground fire pits. Be sure the stones are heavy enough so there is no need for adhesive or cement. Hang outdoor lights above the fire pit and decorate with flowerpots to make the most of outdoor fun. Illuminate some trees around the property, especially if you have a courtyard or a rooftop with dogwood trees or topiary dwarf cypress trees. Trees are the beautiful elements of your outdoor area and can serve as stunning focal points when the property is illuminated. Try wrapping string lights around the tree trunks or installing uplights at the base, which can create a captivating visual effect. Experiment with different lights in different areas to highlight the unique features of the trees to create a mesmerizing outdoor ambiance. Lanterns also will bring a unique winter wonderland feel to the rooftops or courtyards.
Nobody wants to experience a fall on the property, especially on black ice. If ice has been an issue around the property, but you want a safer salt alternative, try some cost-effective and innovative salt alternatives. Coffee grounds are an excellent alternative to melting ice. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which helps lower the melting point of ice. Moreover, the coffee ground’s dark color absorbs the sun’s heat and retains it to prevent ice and snow from forming on the ground again. Rubbing alcohol can also be used, but don’t just dump the entire bottle on the walkways. Instead, combine a quarter cup of alcohol, six drops of dish soap and a half gallon of hot water in a bucket. This is an inexpensive and effective homemade anti-ice solution for your property.
Prevent ice dams on a budget with gutter maintenance. Clean and inspect the roof and gutters. Generally, this task is outsourced but still lies in the property owner or manager’s responsibility. Cleaning any damage-free gutters can help ensure that water is directed away from the property and its foundation, helping to stave off moisture and ice damage. Raking snow off the roof can also help prevent ice dam problems. Nobody wants to be at risk of an icicle falling on their heads. ResidentShield renters insurance is there to protect against any accidents on the property that occur.
Adjust ceiling fans in common areas, gyms and mailrooms to spin clockwise. Warm air rises, and heat can pool around the ceiling, so heating systems must work harder keeping you from feeling chilly closer to the floor. Adjusting the ceiling fans to run clockwise creates an updraft, drawing the cold air up from the floor and pushing the warm air down. If you have high ceilings, you could save quite a bit on heating the building by using fans.
