splashme@splashomnimedia.com, Author at W.P. Law Incorporated

Are Outdoor Kitchens Worth the Investment?

Posted on May 24, 2023April 20, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Looking at home trends the last few years, you’ll find that outdoor kitchens are a constant, especially for homes in the South. They’re a great alternative to cooking and entertaining indoors when the weather is nice, but are they worth the investment? We’ll help you decide with this breakdown of the benefits.

Extending Your Living Space

Many families yearn for just a little more room in their homes. One way to create it is by designing an outdoor living space that extends your indoor space. Of course, if you lived in a northern state with long, cold winters, it might be a different story. But here in the South, with our mild climates and nearly year-round ability to spend time outside, an outdoor kitchen is one way to make your house feel bigger.

Room to Entertain

Do you love spending time with friends and family but hate getting stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside? A great solution is an outdoor living space that includes a kitchen. Whether it’s a built-in grill with a counter or a full-blown second kitchen, having room to cook and entertain without being separate from your guests makes it more likely you’ll entertain and more likely you’ll spend time enjoying your outdoor space.

Add Value to Your Home

Many home projects have estimated returns on the investment depending on what it is. But, fairly consistently, adding an outdoor kitchen tops the list when it comes to adding value to your property. Estimates range from 100% up to 200% return on the investment, proving an outdoor kitchen is a sought-after feature for home buyers even in today’s market.

Do you have more questions about investing in an outdoor kitchen? Talk to the pros who’ve been designing and installing them for years in South Carolina by contacting W.P. Law to get started.

3 Reasons to Fertilize Your Lawn

Posted on May 10, 2023April 20, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

When you live in South Carolina, you have the benefit of nearly year-round outdoor living, but we especially love our summers. The weather is beautiful, and it’s great to spend time in our backyards, patios, and gardens. But only if the grass is green. How is your grass looking this summer? We’ve got three reasons to fertilize your lawn so you can get the most out of your yard.

#1: Nourish the Soil

The only way to have a healthy lawn is with healthy soil. And the best way to get healthy soil is by providing it with the right nutrients, including phosphorous, nitrate, and potassium. A quality fertilizer helps replenish what’s lost from rain, irrigation, sun, weather, and time.

#2: Stronger, Greener Grass

When the soil is healthy, the grass will be healthy. The only way to have a lush green lawn is by taking care of it properly with adequate water, proper mowing, and fertilizer. The fertilizer feeds the grass to keep it green and give it added strength to endure the scorching summer heat and the extreme weather we see in the South.

#3: Weed and Pest Control

Weeds take hold when the grass isn’t strong or thick enough to keep them at bay. Fertilizer isn’t a weed killer, but it prevents weed growth by helping your grass grow strong, ample roots that don’t provide the space or nutrients the weeds need. Pests aren’t an issue with a healthy lawn, either. When your grass and soil are healthy, they provide an ecosystem perfect for garden bugs that love nothing more than eating those grass and garden-killing pests.

What is the best fertilizer is for your lawn and garden? The team at W.P. Law is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about grass fertilizer and why it’s so important.

4 Planting Preparation Tips for Spring

Posted on April 19, 2023April 20, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

They’re here! We’ve got the spring planting tips you’ve been looking for to prepare your garden for a summer full of blooms. Here are our top four planting preparation tips for spring.

Tip #1: Get Organized!

One of the best prep tips is to start your spring planting prep with a little organization. First, check your supplies and restock what you need, especially soil and fertilizer. Then prep your tools so they’re ready to work. Now is also a great time to set up any raised beds or planters you want to add this year.

Tip #2: Clear the Clutter

Winter weather can bring in all kinds of stuff to mess with your planting progress. Weeds, mulch, sticks, leaves, and other debris can clutter your gardening space and slow you down. Clear out everything that covers the soil so you can plant unencumbered by the mess.

Tip #3: Prep the Soil

Don’t skip this step! Proper soil preparation is critical to your planting success. Winter weather, including the moisture and the cold, leads to compacted soil that is hard to dig in and makes it hard for roots to thrive. Loosen or till the soil down to about 14”. Mix in mulch left from last summer and add some compost to create a bed full of nutrients ready to retain moisture.

Tip #4: Check Your Irrigation

Don’t neglect your sprinkler system this spring. You don’t want to get your planting done only to find that you have issues with irrigation, such as leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or problems getting water to your desired areas. A landscape professional can help get it all back online if you do.

Proper prep for your spring planting helps ensure your garden thrives this summer. Contact W.P. Law today for more spring planting tips and all the landscaping support, including irrigation, to help keep your garden growing strong.

Why Do I Need a Sewer Pump?

Posted on April 5, 2023March 28, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Most homeowners have a hard time imagining something worse than a basement full of sewage. Still, it can happen, which is why you should consider a sewer pump. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Sewer Pump?

When the municipal sewer line is located above the ground floor of your home, a sewer pump is required to pump the sewage from your home into the municipal sewer line. Sewage and other gray water waste flow by gravity from your home into a sewage basin. The sewage is then pumped into the municipal sewer line. In this application a grinder type sewage pump is used. Grinder pumps reduce the solid waste into a slurry that more easily pumped.

Where is the Sewer Pump?

Sewer pump installation is similar to that of a sump pump. The pump rests in a basin typically in the back yard and when needed, it removes the waste by forcing it up the pipes and out to the main sewer line.

Do I Need a Sewer Pump?

Suppose your home has a basement with laundry, bathrooms, a sewer line, or any rooms with plumbing that are below grade level. In that case, you probably need a sewer pump. Without one, the risk of a sewage backup is exponentially higher. And sewage is not like a regular flood. Sewage is full of bacteria and is hazardous to you, your family, and your home and requires professional cleanup and restoration.

Instead of taking a chance and hoping for the best, act now and avoid a potentially dangerous and extremely costly sewage backup situation. Contact W.P. Law today to learn more about sewer pumps and find out if you need one for your home.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Backyard for Outdoor Entertaining

Posted on March 22, 2023March 1, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

It’s Spring, and summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to move the party outside. Here are three ways to prepare your backyard for outdoor entertaining.

#1: Mow the Grass

Mowing the grass seems like a no-brainer, but a freshly cut lawn is a beautiful backdrop for a summer gathering. Even if your landscaping doesn’t have all its leaves and blooms out for summer, having a clean-cut lawn makes everything look nicer. And it makes for a perfect space for kids and adults to play yard games.

#2: Check the Lighting

If you have landscape lighting, ensure all the fixtures and bulbs work. Reset any that moved or got reset during the winter months. If you don’t have lighting, consider adding it this Spring. This will complete your backyard living space by highlighting landscaping or the architecture of your home. Plus, it adds safety by lighting the areas where people walk and extending the usable space.

#3: Clean Up the Grilling Area

Clean your grill and tidy up around the grilling area. Sweep up the winter grass, leaves, and dirt, and get the grill clean and ready for cooking. Are you tired of your old run-down grill? Consider an upgrade to an outdoor kitchen. The proper setup can make cooking outdoors year-round easier and everything about grilling more convenient.

In South Carolina, we are lucky to be able to spend time outdoors nearly all year long. But the entertaining outdoors kicks in when the weather warms up in the Spring. So ensure your backyard is ready with all the outdoor living features you want to make your party the best on the block. Contact the leaders in outdoor living at W.P. Law, Inc, to learn how they can help extend your living space with backyard ideas. These include professional landscaping and lighting, outdoor kitchens, and water features.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Sprinkler System This Spring

Posted on March 8, 2023March 1, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Spring is upon us, the weather is getting warmer, and your lawn is ready for some sprinkler action. The key to keeping it beautiful is using the best lawn sprinklers and getting the most out of your sprinkler system. Here’s how to get it ready for Spring.

Check the Sprinkler Heads

Turn on the sprinkler system and turn on the water. Roll through each sprinkler zone and manually check each sprinkler head. Make sure there isn’t any dirt, grass, mud, or leaves stuck in the mechanism preventing the water from coming out. Check to ensure the sprinkler head moves up and down smoothly as you turn the water on and off. And clear any obstructions from above and around it so the water goes where you want without blockage.

Check for Leaks

As you run the sprinklers, watch for water that pools where it shouldn’t or water that leaks from the sprinkler heads instead of spraying outward. Leaks found now will prevent water waste as we move from Spring to summer and ensure proper landscaping watering.

Test the Controller

Reset the schedule on your controller to test that it’s working as it should. Check the programming and make sure the date and time are correct. Adjust run times to correspond to the season. Begin watering before sunrise, and if a second irrigation is required, finish watering early enough, so the turf dries before sunset to prevent fungal diseases.

Connect with the landscaping experts to help prepare your sprinkler system for Spring and learn about the best lawn sprinklers. Contact W.P. Law, Inc., today for all the irrigation information you need to keep your lawn and landscaping looking great all Spring and summer.

What You Need to Know Before Installing a Sump Pump

Posted on February 22, 2023February 8, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

In the south, we can get a lot of rain in a short amount of time. Because of this, sump pump installation is necessary and beneficial in many homes, but it’s essential to understand what they are and how they work before installing one. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Sump Pump?

A technician will install a sump pump in your home at the lowest point, usually in a basement or crawl space. It sits in what’s called a sump pit, and works by pumping out excess groundwater funneled to the pit so the water doesn’t end up in your house. Though it sits in standby mode much of the time, it kicks in when water is in the pit.

What to Know Before Installation

Sump pump installation has many benefits, but there are some factors to consider before jumping in and buying one. Here’s what you should know first:

Sump pumps are permanent, installed by drilling holes in your basement floor, which can be both good and bad. It’s good if you need the water removal it provides, but it can be a pain if you want to finish or renovate your basement, as the location can’t change.
The pumps are often loud, and you can hear them throughout the house when they turn on.
The pumps require some maintenance, including inspection and service, at least once a year, more if they run frequently.
They can save you money and frustration when they keep water out of your home. Water damage can be expensive and devastating, and sump pumps can help prevent the flooding that leads to water damage.

Contact the experienced team at W.P. Law, Inc. for more information on sump pump cost, installation, and operation and to find out if one is suitable for your home.

3 Tips to Help Prevent Damage to Your Landscape Lighting System

Posted on February 8, 2023February 8, 2023 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Your landscape lighting system is a piece of your outdoor living space that highlights your yard, garden, landscaping, and home’s architecture. Unfortunately, your investment is at risk if you don’t take steps to prevent damage to the lights. Here are three tips to help keep them safe and in one piece.

Tip #1: Consider Location, Location, Location

Where you put your outdoor lighting is the most important factor in damage prevention. The first step is to ensure they’re not in the path of the lawnmower or other landscape maintenance equipment. As your landscape matures, lights will need to be adjusted or moved to prevent light blockage.

Tip #2: Use the Right Fixtures

We’re lucky with our mild climate that we don’t have to worry about mountains of snow and cold, but we do have our share of extreme weather. Investing in durable weather-proof fixtures will help ensure they’re long-lasting and can stand up to the elements.

Tip #3: Ensure Proper Installation

It can be tempting to do a DIY landscape lighting installation, but if you have more than a few lights, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. A reliable company can design the lighting system and install it to highlight your landscaping and home without exposing the wires, lights, fixtures, or components to damage from plants, insects, weather, traffic, and more.

Reach out to the outdoor living experts at W.P. Law, Inc., for more information on landscape lighting design.

4 Tips for Winter Landscaping

Posted on January 25, 2023December 22, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

A beautiful landscape is possible, even when it’s cold outside. Here are a few tips on how to make your yard stand out this winter.

You don’t have to sacrifice a gorgeous yard just because it’s not spring or summer. Winter landscaping can mean your yard stands out, even when everything isn’t green and blooming. Here are four tips for beautiful landscaping this winter.

Tip #1: Understand Your Planting Zone

Created by the USDA, Plant Hardiness Zones help determine what plants and trees will thrive in different areas of the country based on climate and temperature. Knowing your zone helps you plant things that will grow throughout the year. A good landscaping professional can help guide you on choosing the right things for your zone.

Tip #2: Don’t Stop Watering

Even when your yard appears dormant, it’s still growing and losing water. Winter water is an integral part of winter lawn care and can help your landscaping look great even during the colder months and stay healthy and strong year-round.

Tip #3: Plant for Winter Beauty

Trees such as crabapple and plants like holly look great in the winter because the fruit stays on the branches. Knowing what looks good in what season can help your yard stand out.

Tip #4: Install Landscape Lighting

One of the best ways to make your landscaping stand out in the winter is by including some landscape lighting. You can highlight what continues to thrive in the winter without emphasizing things that go dormant, such as your grass and flowers.

Winter lawn care can help your lawn and winter landscaping stand out, even when it’s cold outside. For the professional guidance you need to make your yard look great all year, contact the experienced team at W.P. Law, Inc.

Protecting Your Plants in the Winter – What You Need to Know

Posted on January 11, 2023December 22, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Even in South Carolina, where the climate is mild, protecting plants in the winter can help them make it through the cold months. Here’s what you need to know.

Add a Blanket of Mulch

Mulch acts like an insulating blanket year-round, but in the winter, it can protect your landscaping and plants from cold snaps and extreme temperatures. When the ground goes from warm to cold and back again, it can push up the soil, exposing the roots. Mulch can help keep the temperature of the root system consistent and protect it from the freeze-thaw cycle.

Keep Watering

It might seem counterintuitive to water in the winter when trying to protect your plants from the cold, but water can help guard against damage from the cold. Plants and trees, though dormant, lose a large amount of water in the winter. Winter watering can help them remain strong and resilient and protect them against the cold.

Bring Container Plants Indoors

Even plants designed for colder weather can suffer in the winter if they live in a container. Plants in the ground have added insulation from the soil around them, but container plants are more exposed to the temperatures. Bring them indoors for the winter, or at least during cold snaps and extreme temperature drops. If you can’t get them indoors, consider adding insulation around the pots to help prevent them from the shock of the cold.

Contact W.P. Law, Inc. today for help keeping your winter plants alive and thriving all year.