Anthony's Lawn Care - August 2025

HOW DEAD TREES COST YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK Rotten Roots, Rising Risks HOW TO USE PLANTS AND SCENTS TO REPEL INSECTS Nature vs. Nature

There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. CHOOSE LOOSE CLOTHING Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. USE NATURAL AROMAS Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. SMOKE THEM OUT Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low- effort way to keep them off your picnic table. WATCH YOUR SCENTS Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.

Dead trees may seem harmless at first, but they pose serious risks that can escalate quickly and cost you if left unaddressed. Lifeless trees

don’t just ruin the overall appearance of your yard. As the wood dries out and weakens, it becomes highly flammable, especially in warmer months. On top of that, they start to lose their structural integrity, making them more likely to fall during storms or heavy winds, and even potentially cause expensive property damage. Whether you’re handling it yourself or working with a professional, removing dead trees promptly can prevent you from headaches and danger down the road. FALLING RISK LEADS TO COSTLY REPAIRS. Safety is one of the most important reasons to remove dead trees from your property. When branches or the entire tree fall, they can land on your home, a neighbor’s residence, block roadways, and even injure your family. Even when the weather is good, a dead tree can come crashing down, so it’s crucial to act quickly if you notice a tree is on its last legs. Not only can they hurt you or turn into a hefty repair bill, but they can also damage power lines or pose a fire risk. The brittle, dry branches are fuel for fire and can quickly spread. INSECTS MOVE IN FAST. Dead trees are also attractive homes for pests like termites and carpenter ants, and even larger animals like moles that eat them. As insects settle in, they speed up the decomposition process, further weakening the tree and potentially leading to the growth of fungi. Pests and diseases can move to the healthy plants in your yard, causing even greater issues. VALUE DROPS WITH DECAY. Dead trees can do serious damage to your home’s curb appeal as well. Whether you are in the process of selling your property or just want to increase its value over time, unattractive, rotted trees can scare away potential buyers. On the flip side, healthy, vibrant trees can boost your property value. Don’t let hazards, pests, or declining curb appeal take root. Contact Anthony’s Lawn Care today so we can help you remove those dead trees before they become costly problems.

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