A homeowner is fed up with the grass in his backyard. Despite seeding and watering, grass won’t seem to grow. But when landscaper Lee Gilliam arrives, he helps the homeowner add compost to the soil, install shade-friendly plants, and roll out sod to really renew the backyard space.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and home technology expert Ross Trethewey to discuss heat pumps. Ross explains everything about deciding if heat pumps are suitable for a particular home so homeowners can make a better decision.
Finally, Kevin takes us on a road trip to meet maker Sarah Nadarajah of Rocky Canyon Rustic. The two discuss her social following and content before starting a custom replica end table project. Sarah shows Kevin some of her favorite methods and explains how she wants other women to recognize that they can do these projects, too.
How to Lay Shade Sod
Landscaper Lee Gilliam brings new life to a struggling shady backyard with a micro clover sod install.
Where to find it?
If your yard is shady, maximize the sunlight exposure by trimming back larger trees. To trim back smaller tree branches, use long reach pruners. Use a pole cutter for thicker branches.
To prep the soil before the install cover the yard with an organic compost and use a metal straight rake to spread the compost out evenly. Work the compost into the soil with a rototiller.
Once the soil is prepped use a wheelbarrow to transport the sod to the install area. Lee selected a micro clover sod because it is shade tolerant and low maintenance. Install the sod in a staggered brick-like pattern using sod cutters to cut the rolls to length. Use hand pruners to cut around sprinkler heads.
What to Know Before Switching to Whole House Heat Pumps
Home technology expert Ross Trethewey walks through the thought process he recommends homeowners consider before switching their houses to heat pumps.
Where to find it?
Special thanks to The Energy Conservatory (TEC) for providing additional information.
Build It | Rocky Canyon Rustic Side Table
In Build It, host Kevin O’Connor meets with maker Sarah Nadarajah of Rocky Canyon Rustic to recreate a curved side table with a faux marble top.
Where to find it?
To cut the 3/4” plywood to size, Sarah uses a circular saw. To shape the round edges of the shelves, she uses a jigsaw. She then uses a pocket hole jig and drills holes for screws to attach the middle divider and back piece. To cover the holes, she uses pocket hole plugs and wood glue and sands with 220-grit sandpaper to make it flush.
Sarah uses a hot iron to adhere edge banding to the edges of the wood to create a finished look.
To finish it off, Sarah applies a walnut stain with a brush and wipes away any excess.
Original Air Date: Apr 4, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 18 23:42
Products and services from this episode
- Special assistance: The Energy Conservatory (TEC)
- Expert builder: Rocky Canyon Rustic