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RURAL-URBAN RECORD, May 9, 2022 Page 17
Home & Garden

choice. Avocados, broccoli, cabbage, and cantaloupe are purchasing them as priva- to three feet per year. Priv-
some of the foods that typically have low levels of pesticide What to plant when cy trees should speak with ets may reach 12 feet in
residue. their local gardening center height and spread as wide
· Organic agriculture reduces environmental degradation. privacy is a priority to ensure they’re getting as six feet at maturity. Priv-
The Organic Trade Association notes that synthetic pesti- boxwoods that will provide ets tolerate shearing well,
cides and fertilizers used on some conventional farms can ample privacy. Though they which can make them ide-
deplete the soil of valuable nutrients and increase environ- A backyard oasis can feel ic acid and should never be still have aesthetic appeal, al privacy options for those
mental degradation. Organic farmers do not use such pes- like an even more welcom- eaten. smaller boxwoods may only looking for a formal appear-
ticides or fertilizers, instead utilizing such practices as com- ing retreat when the area is · Boxwood: The ADF reach a foot tall. Boxwoods ance. Privets require full sun
posting, cover cropping and crop rotation, each of which can private. Homeowners and notes that boxwoods are vary considerably in terms for uniform growth. Privets
have positive, long-term effects on soil quality. their families often find that renowned for their use in of their growth rate, so are considered invasive in
· Organic agriculture benefits local wildlife. A 2015 study a backyard is most relax- formal gardens. That can homeowners should inquire many areas of North Amer-
from researchers in Argentina that was published in the jour- ing when they cannot hear make them an ideal option about this as well before ica, so homeowners should
nal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment found that small or see their neighbors, and for homeowners seeking a purchasing and planting any consult their local garden
mammals were more abundant around organic farms than creating such an environ- traditional garden aesthetic trees. center prior to planting.
conventional farms. That’s not just good for those mammals, ment can be as simple as in their backyards. Boxwood · Privet: Privets are dense The right privacy trees
but also the farmers, as small mammals can feed on insects planting some privacy trees. trees can grow up to 20 feet privacy hedges that grow can be just what homeown-
that would otherwise adversely affect crops. Fencing is an option when tall, but they can vary great- very quickly, with the ADF ers need to turn their back-
Many grocery stores are increasing the availability of or- homeowners are looking to ly in height. Homeowners reporting they can grow up yards into relaxing respites.
ganic fruits and vegetables. Such foods can benefit human make their backyards more
health as well as the health of the planet. private. But HomeAdvisor
reports that the average Mulch • Soil • Stone • Gravel • Winter Supplies • Firewood
Are backyard chickens cost to install a privacy
fence is just under $3,000,
right for you? and those costs can be con-
siderably higher depending
on where homeowners live
Raising backyard chickens has been a growing phenome- and how big a fence they
non for several years. Many cities have passed laws legaliz- need. Privacy trees can be
ing backyard chickens, encouraging many to raise chickens considerably less expen-
as a rewarding hobby. sive, and homeowners can
One of the biggest benefits to raising backyard chickens spread out those costs by
is that their eggs are fresher and often tastier than store- planting over time, an option
bought varieties. Hens can lay one egg per day. Multiply that that’s not possible when in-
egg per hen, and breakfast is always available. stalling fencing.
Another benefit to chickens is they produce a natural When planting privacy 8997 Columbia Rd,
fertilizer that can be used in gardens. “The Old Farmer’s trees, homeowners can Olmsted Falls, OH Call (440)235-2358
Almanac” says chicken manure can be composted, aged consider these varieties that
and eventually added to the garden. In about six months, a can do the job while also
$
person will accumulate about one cubic foot of manure per providing some aesthetic $ 2/ 4 OFF NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL $ 5 00 OFF
chicken. Egg shells and other compostable material can be appeal. $ 20 00 OFF
added to create an even richer formula. · Emerald arborvitae: The $2 off per yard on bulk Any orders over Delivery
Chickens also can help control bugs around the yard, of- Arbor Day Foundation® orders of 2-4 yards or RUR41122 RUR41122 RUR41122
fers the experts at Tractor Supply Company. notes that the emerald ar- $4 off per yard on bulk $150* Standard Mr. Yard delivery
*Before Tax & Delivery.
Before investing in backyard chickens, people should de- borvitae is unique among orders of 5+ yards With Coupon. Pick up or regulations apply. Additional
charges apply for pallet
termine if chickens will fit with their lifestyle. Costs and care arborvitaes because it main- With Coupon. Not valid delivery. New customers deliveries. With coupon.
with other offers or
are a big consideration. tains its green color even in discounts. Excludes prior only. Not valid Not valid with other offers
or discounts. Excludes
with other offers or
Each chick will cost anywhere between $3 to $5 a bird. the coldest months of the sales. Expires 6-20-22. discounts. Expires 6-20-22. prior sales. Expires 6-20-22
Then there’s feed to consider. The most expensive item year. The emerald arborvi-
will likely be the coop. The experts at The Happy Chicken tae can grow to between 10-
Coop, a resource for raising chickens and starting coops, and 15-feet-tall and spread BUY SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
says handy men and women can build homemade coops, as wide as four feet at matu-
but ready-made ones will cost a few hundred dollars. The rity. The tree features a pyr- BUSINESS ECONOMY.
coop will need to offer around four square feet of space per amid shape and is consid- LOCAL.
chicken (or what’s recommended for the breed). ered slow-growing at less Support Those That Support You!
Despite being seemingly independent birds, chickens than 12 inches of growth per
need people to be active caregivers. They require feed and year. The ADF reports that
water daily. The chickens will need a caregiver while you va- full sun and partial shade
cation. People who are frequently away from home should are best for this tree.
reconsider chickens. · Carolina cherry laurel:
Chickens also are prone to worms, parasites and lice. Carolina cherry laurels are
They need to have rear feathers trimmed to stay clean and popular choices for priva-
sanitary, and they will require an area where they can “dust” cy seekers. The Lady Bird
and self-groom. The Centers for Disease Control and Pre- Johnson Wildflower Center AREA’S LARGEST
vention advises not to cuddle and kiss chickens like pets notes the trees can grow SELECTION OF BULK
because they can carry salmonella. Not every coop is com- very tall and boast a pyra-
pletely varmint-proof, and some chickens may succumb to midal shape. The Carolina LANDSCAPING MATERIALS
predators. Squeamish or sentimental folks may find chick- cherry laurel require sun 26 TYPES OF MULCH &
ens aren’t the right fit. and thrive in moist, well- Email Us: info@mryardoh.com
Chickens require commitment and care that many people drained soils. Parents with DECORATIVE GRAVEL Website: www.mryardoh.com
can provide. It is essential to do one’s homework to ensure young children should know For hours of operation or pricing,
visit our website.
that backyard chickens are a sound investment. that the leaves of this family PLUS MUCH MORE! Nobody beats our selection!
of plant contain hydrocyan-

IN STOCK
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3055 Pearl Rd., Medina
330-723-6693
www.medinamowershop.com