Here are six species you may want to grow if you value beautiful, versatile trees that offer a spectacular seasonal show. River birch trees can be grown in planting zones 4 to 9. These specimens are full-sun trees, but they will also tolerate partial shade. Native to the eastern U.S., they will reach a height of 40 to 70 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. They can be multi-trunked trees or grown to have just one trunk....

However, before installing a water softener in your home, it’s important to understand how water softeners work and the various types available. We’ll break down the key differences between each softener to help you decide which type is appropriate for your needs. Below, learn about six different types of water softeners and how to choose the right system for your home. These systems are the most commonly used type of water softeners, and they come in a variety of sizes for a range of different homes....

Fiber-cement siding, while not inexpensive, is a high-resale value siding choice that offers equally high aesthetic appeal. Fiber-cement siding is one of the better options for siding your home. Here are the best fiber-cement siding brands you may want to choose. Shiplap profile siding is so popular that GAF has much of the shingle market to itself. WeatherSide’s sub-brands, Purity, Profile, and Emphasis offer homeowners the chance for a one-for-one swap for asbestos-cement siding shingles....

Take the guesswork out of color selection with this roundup featuring a handful of our favorite no-fail shades for boys. These stylish colors come complete with our best advice on everything from undertones to accent pairings, making it easy to pull together the perfect palette. So go ahead—try a fresh take on a traditional blue, or a deep, dramatic neutral, like charcoal or navy. With boys’ room colors like these, you can’t go wrong....

While some goals are dying down, in many ways we’re getting a second wind with some of our design updates and ideas. From repainting and redesigning to attempting something creative (and everything in-between) here are some of the DIY projects you should do this year, according to design and home experts. Redo Your Entryway Your entryway is your focal point, and whether you have plans to sell your home in the future or stay in it for a number of years, it’s a good idea to spend some time and energy making it look nice....

7 Wonders: Duel is an intense strategy game in which opponents compete to build civilizations and construct architectural buildings and wonders. It’s specifically designed for two players and recommended for ages 10 and up. We put this popular board game to the test to see whether it’s strictly for serious gamers or if it appeals to a more general audience. Read on to hear our final verdict. Gameplay: Slow at first, but will surely test your mettle Learning the rules of 7 Wonders: Duel was not easy—to say the least....

However, choosing the perfect neutral shade can be challenging. Colors can vary widely once you bring them home, as each room is different due to lighting and existing surfaces. There is also the challenge of choosing just ​one neutral color out of thousands available. Keep in mind that the key to finding the perfect neutral is recognizing the underlying color that makes it warm or cool. Overview Color Family: Varies; includes greiges, taupes, pale greens and blues, and whiteComplementary Colors: Neutrals work well with all colorsPairs Well With: Most colorsMood: SereneWhere to Use: Neutrals work in any room; popular in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and offices...

1. Kitchens—And The Materials They Feature “I always notice kitchens. I notice everything from the cabinets to the countertops to the light fixtures, plumbing, and hardware. I think because I have been in so many builder-basic homes over the years—I used to be a real estate agent—that I really appreciate custom cabinets, beautiful faucets, and hardware and well planned-out lighting.” — Kaari Sommer, blogger at The Sommer Home 2. Unique Decorative Finds “I always notice the decor items that didn’t come from a big box store but have been thoughtfully curated over the years....

But for interior designers, the distractions of a TV home quickly rises above anything the actors are doing, wearing, or saying. Christina Applegate’s character in Dead to Me is a fabulous example. For a woman with two young sons who only comes home to drink wine by her pool, how is her house so sparkling? Best friends and founders of Merinda Studio, Erin McCarthy and Mindy Turitz, agree. “Once in a while, the beautiful and spacious kitchens we see on television remind us of our own cluttered and messy spaces....

We spoke with designers to learn more about the origins of biophilic design, and we’re also outlining the style’s main characteristics and current popularity while sharing some useful decorating tips. Characteristics of Biophilic Design It’s more than likely you’re already familiar with the concept of biophilic design, even if you don’t know it by name. As designer Swati Goorha explains, this approach is designed to “bring the outdoors in and connect the built environment with nature....

History of Belgian Interior Design Belgium has always had its own unique flair when it comes to interior design, but it hasn’t been until recently that this style has gained such widespread popularity. The most significant Belgian interior designer that has had a major influence in the spread of this design style is Axel Vervoordt. This famous interior designer and antique expert has brought the Belgian style and all its old-and-new charm into the limelight, starting in the 1970s with his iconic refurbished houses in Antwerp....

Planting a lawn for the first time can be daunting. Most lawns contain plants other than grass, including invasive weeds that can take over (like ground ivy or crabgrass). But you can remove these weeds, add some new soil, and plant grass seed to start over. Once you’ve selected your grass seed and prepared your soil, then plant your seed. For best results, water the area for 2-3 days prior to planting seeds to a depth of 6 to 8 inches....

Here’s what you need to know about a bath sheet vs. bath towel. Benefits of Bath Towels One of the primary benefits of bath towels is they generally cost less than bath sheets. But they’re still of the same quality as their bath sheet counterparts. So if one towel is enough to get you comfortably dry after a shower or bath, then there’s no reason to spend extra on a bath sheet....

We researched the most popular picks for this age group, considering each pick’s recommended age, safety features, and educational value, as well as your teen’s interests to narrow down your search. Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore offers a simple tip: “Tailor the gift to the teen’s personality, style, and taste.” Based on these factors, we selected the Flybold Slackline Kit, the Homall gaming chair, and Hydro Flask water bottle as some of our favorite picks....

Why Birds Sing in the Morning Birds may sing at any time of day, but songs are often more energetic, louder, and more frequent in the early morning hours. This concert may start as early as 4 a.m. and extend several hours until the sun has risen and temperatures begin to warm. This harmonious time period is known as the dawn chorus, and singing at this time gives birds several benefits....

Whether used on quick trims or professional gardening jobs, hedge trimmers are an essential tool for anyone who wants to maintain landscaping efficiently. Gas-powered trimmers tend to have more strength and longevity when it comes to cutting thicker branches, but electric options, like the Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium 24 in. Hedge Trimmer, are better for the environment. They’re also more affordable, as they don’t incur extra costs for fuel....

This clump-forming perennial has strikingly unusual, delicate, blue, bowl-shaped flowers with yellow centers. The blooms develop in succession on the tall, leafy, bristly stems (that can grow up to 4ft in height) through late spring and early summer and they pack a unique punch of color in shady borders. The seedheads of meconopsis poppies distinguish them from true poppies. Instead of being pepperpot shaped, they are elongated and slender. With the right conditions, blue poppies will self-seed, and this makes them a good choice for temperate meadow, informal or cottage gardens....

In general, hens become mature enough to lay eggs around six months of age, though this varies by breed. The first eggs laid may have soft shells or abnormal shapes. Healthy hens are able to lay an egg about once a day, but may occasionally skip a day. Some hens will never lay eggs. This is often due to a genetic defect but may have other causes, such as poor diet....