How to Keep Your Residential Stairs up to Code

The code controls staircase width, step height, step depth, and more. Learn residential stair code for remodeling or building a home. Local Codes and Permitting This guide is derived from the International Residential Code (IRC). The Spruce / Ashley Poskin Always check with yourpermitting agencysince communities may adopt either the IRC or IBC wholesale or partially. In every case, you must follow the local code to pass inspections. The staircase width distance must be 36 inches or more....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 273 words · Chelsea Pugh

How to Kill a Tree Stump 4 Different Ways

The only permanent solution is to kill and/or remove the tree stump. There are several safe options for killing a tree stump that it’s possible for you to attempt yourself. The methods vary in cost and complexity; some are quick while others require a long wait. The Spruce / Ana Cadena Warning Do not remove a tree stump using any key in of bleach or motor oil/fuel. On the downside, it is lengthy and creates an eyesore in your yard....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 545 words · Gregory Smith

How to Kill a Tree: 7 Different Methods

Here are seven ways to tackle a tree removal project on your own. Always follow label instructions and practice cautionary recommendations including wearing eye and skin protection. Cut It Down Trees larger than saplings can be cut down. TT / Getty Images Allow clearance for the height of the tree, and cut the trunk close to ground level. Immediately spray the stump with herbicide to prevent sprouting and accelerate decomposition....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 659 words · Brian Fisher

How to Kill Annoying Nutgrass in Your Lawn or Garden

The distinction is important, because herbicides used on true grasses will not be effective in killing nutgrass. What Is Nutgrass? There are two different types of nutgrass: yellow nutgrass and purple nutgrass. naotoshinkai / Getty Images Both are named for the color of their seedheads. They are perennials and spread viaroot-like rhizomesand otherunderground plant parts called tubers(or nutlets). It is from these rhizomes and tubers that the new shoots of nutsedge emerge next spring....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 245 words · Matthew Garcia

How to Kill Bermuda Grass in 5 Different Ways

poshfoto/Getty Images There are pros and cons to thewarm-season grass, Bermuda grass (or “Bermudagrass”). Known botanically asCynodon dactylon,it is great at tolerating heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic. Itispossible to kill Bermuda grass, though. poshfoto/Getty Images To ensure success when eradicating Bermuda grass, buy a ready-to-use herbicide containing glyphosate (like Roundup). Water the lawn well about a week before spraying and see to it it doesn’t dry out. To address the problem of surviving rhizomes, irrigate the lawn again....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 388 words · Michael Rowe

How to Kill Crabgrass

What Is Crabgrass? The Spruce In addition to natural and commercial herbicide methods, crabgrass can be pulled by hand. Below, learn how to tackle crabgrass to keep your landscape in shape. The Spruce From midsummer through fall, the plant produces more seeds in an attempt to increase its numbers. Once the first frost arrives, the plants themselves (but not the seeds) are killed. When to Kill Crabgrass The proper time for attacking crabgrass depends on what method you are employing....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 426 words · Stephen Phillips

How to Kill Grass in Flower Beds

So efforts to eliminate grass in the garden become harder if you allow the plants to mature. Each plant can scatter hundreds of seeds in a garden bed. But be aware that a broad-spectrum herbicide also will kill any ornamental plant it comes in contact with. The Spruce / Steven Merkel Apply the Herbicide Apply the herbicide to the entire exposed grass plant. If the blades are not completely dead, reapply herbicide....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 278 words · Joy Garrett

How to Kill Ivy

Some are harmless and valued as ornamentals. Wash the protective clothing separately from other laundry. Oil from the plant can remain on clothing for up to one year. Mark Cornell / Getty Images This makes it easier for the herbicide to take effect. Apply an herbicide when the ivy has 3-5 leaves of new growth. Before Getting Started Before killing ivy, consider the pop in of ivy you are removing....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 338 words · Sarah Chambers

How to Kill Mold on a Window Sill

So, it’s no wonder that mold develops on window sills more frequently than in other areas. Not only ahealth hazard, mold onwindowsills is also unattractiveif anything because sills are so visible. The good news is thatmold is easy to removeif you catch it early enough. The Spruce / Sarah Lee It’s usually worthwhile to start with the vinegar approach because vinegar is less harsh than bleach. If using vinegar and mechanically abrading the mold doesn’t do it, switch to bleach....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 420 words · Kristina Perry

How to Kill Spotted Lanternflies With 6 Effective Methods, According to a Pro

Catherine McQueen / Moment / Getty Images You might know them (and hate them): spotted lanternflies. Learn how to identify these insects and six ways to kill them to prevent damage to your landscape. Meet the Expert Brian Walshis a spotted lanternfly researcher with PennState Extension specializing in pest control methods. Catherine McQueen / Moment / Getty Images Why Are Spotted Lanternflies So Bad? “The feeding can stress plants and cause localized branch damage,” Walsh says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 334 words · Mckenzie Hudson

How to Kill Unwanted Moss with Dish Soap

Though moss won’t kill your grass, it can leave your lawn splotchy and uneven. Luckily, there are a few solutions to manage moss. Or, you might use good old sweat equity and rake out the living moss from your lawn. The Spruce / Almar Creative But the simplest, safest method is to use dish soap. Read on to learn what kills moss permanently in four steps using this recipe that costs pennies....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 361 words · Jeffery Hunt

How to Kill Weeds in Sidewalks, Driveways and Patios

Grasses andweedsgrowing out of pavement cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and patios is a common annoyance. You will quickly recognize that various weeds have their favorite seasons, and are vulnerable to different control methods. Before Getting Started Successful weed control begins with knowing your foe’s likes and dislikes and habits. The Spruce / Jayme Burrows In their own way, weeds are marvels of genetic evolution. Driveway and sidewalk cracks turn out to be surprisingly friendly places for weeds....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 574 words · Stacey Humphrey

How to Kill Weeds With Salt

Learn how to use household table salt to kill stubborn weeds. ), salt (or sodium chloride) is a natural solution that works well on pesky weeds. Can Salt be Used to Kill Weeds? Wega52 / Getty Images In short, salt is an effective non-toxic herbicide. However, not all salt is created equal when it comes to weed control. Regular iodized or non-iodized table salt must be used. Krisana Antharith / EyeEm / Getty Images...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 296 words · Amanda Torres