There's nothing that can ruin your yard the way a mole can. No matter how hard you work on the grass, moles are lurking beneath, digging beneath that perfect turf and creating unsightly piles of bare dirt. It's a frustrating problem, but can you do anything about it? The answer is yes. With some persistence and patience, you can start to get the upper hand on these subterranean pests. Here are four strategies.

Eliminating Food Sources

Most wildlife enters an area because there is food there. If you can eliminate the food, you can indirectly eliminate the pest. Because moles eat a lot of turf grubs, you can apply a grub control product to reduce their population and encourage the moles to dine elsewhere. An added bonus will be improved health for your turf and fewer beetles and moths around your landscape. Keep in mind that future applications will be necessary because the moles may return just as soon as the grubs do.

Trapping Systems

Moles are active animals, constantly on the move in the network of tunnels they have built. There are several types of traps on the market that are designed to take advantage of that movement. You simply insert them into an active tunnel, and the trap quickly and humanely exterminates the moles. Be sure to remove the target and reset the trap as soon as possible to continue your progress. Bear in mind that they could still repopulate your yard from elsewhere, so be prepared to set the traps again later on.

Destroying Tunnels

With a heavy foot or a shovel, you can do considerable damage to the moles' tunnel system. It's possible to cut them off from food or simply frustrate them so badly that they slowly migrate out of the area. Anytime you encounter their tunnels or mounds, push them firmly back into place to make it more difficult for them to return. You might consider flooding tunnels with water from a garden hose or simply opening the tunnel to allow sunlight and rain to enter.

Using Fumigants

This option is limited in its availability. There are products on the market that you can deploy in the tunnels much like the "bomb" insecticides used in homes. They can be very effective, but the limitations may make it impractical. First, not every state permits such products to be used. Make sure you don't buy a product in another state and then use it at home. Second, the tunnels can span a large area, so your fumigation may go into a neighbor's yard. Make sure they are agreeable to this.

Moles are destructive, messy pests. If you have an infestation, you don't have to just put up with it. You do have options for managing the situation in a way that will safely manage the mole population, preserving the beauty of the lawn you work so hard to create.

Trees are a great investment for your home. They can add beauty and value while saving you money. Your growing tree could provide a special backdrop for family photos, an ideal feature for Christmas decorations, or even a place for a tire swing for the kids or grandkids. When you've decided to put out some new trees, it's very important to choose the right location. Here are some things to think about before you start digging a hole.

Overhead Concerns

Remember that right now, your new tree is the smallest it will ever be. You must plan for its future size when choosing a location. For that reason, it's important to look above your potential site for things like overhead utility lines, other trees, and your house. Follow the information on the tree's tag to determine how much space to allow above it.

Space to the Sides

Trees also get wider as they grow. If you don't allow enough room, the tree could impinge on a neighbor's property or rub against your home's siding, creating unsightly marks and making noise during windy weather. Again, review the listed dimensions and assume that the tree will indeed reach its full size, allowing enough room for that measurement in each direction.

Soil Conditions

Trees have very specific soil needs. Some can tolerate damp areas, while others need good drainage. Others do fine in shallow or rocky soils, while their cousins may want nice, deep soil. Read up on your tree's specific requirements and make sure that you plant it in the appropriate type of location. No matter how much you may want to put the tree in a certain place, it will not grow well if it's not the right kind of location.

Energy Savings

One of the most overlooked values of a tree is its ability to block solar heat and cut the cost of cooling your home in the summer. Consider placing your new shade tree in a location that keeps the late-day sun from hitting your house. As your tree grows larger each year, your home will be cooler and more comfortable, with a steadily lower utility bill to boot.

Managing the Mess

Every tree drops at least a little bit of material on the ground. Deciduous trees that lose all their leaves each fall will deposit them under and near their limbs, but evergreens may also scatter needles or cones around the area. As you think about where to put your tree, be sure that these messes won't end up creating slick spots on sidewalks or clogging up the filter in your swimming pool.

Adding trees to your landscape is always a good idea. Just make sure that you choose the right place for the right tree. When you plant a nice tree in a good site, your home will be made more beautiful and more valuable.