Lake Living is Healthy Living

The benefits of lake property ownership and the lake lifestyle are boundless.  Nature Improves Memory Recall According to a University of Michigan psychological study, interacting with nature can improve your short-term memory and attention span by 20%.  Study participants spent an hour walking around different areas of the university’s campus. One group walked near a botanical garden and arboretum, the other down city streets.  After their walk, the group exposed to plants and trees showed improved recall and focus while the second group showed no improvement at all.  Additional research indicates that spending time outdoors can also facilitate better overall…

Prep Your Patio for Grilling Season

Article Contributed by: Sarah Miller, Lawnstarter.com Smoky ribs. Juicy burgers. Corn on the cob, dripping butter. You can almost taste it. We’re coming up fast on grilling season, and food cooked outdoors is the best! But you likely won’t be able to enjoy that delectable meal if you’re surrounded by weeds, dirt, bugs and peeling paint. When lake season hits and you’re ready to crack a cold one with friends by the water and eat outside, make sure your patio or deck looks as good as your food. Clean it Up Chances are, your patio is covered in dirt, dust,…

Building and Maintaining a Seawall on the Lake

Seawalls protect the land from erosion by a body of water. If you have seen a seawall on the beach, just know that seawalls on the lake serve the same purpose. Just on a much, much smaller scale! A seawall is usually made of wood, stone, steel or concrete. In recent years, synthetic materials have become more popular. These structures serve three distinct purposes on the lake. First of all, they protect property from erosion, flooding or poor drainage. Secondly, a seawall helps maintain water depth. This is especially important if you enjoy boating, fishing, or other similar activities on your piece of…

Who Owns Your Lake?

Who owns your lake? And what kind of lake regulations could the answer mean for you as a homeowner? This question doesn’t even occur to most people. But if you are considering buying a lake home, this is something you absolutely, positively need to know. Contrary to popular belief, lakes are not undesignated public land. They are typically owned by the government or private entities. Each lays down its own set of rules and guidelines for homeowners. When shopping for a lake home, you can save a lot of stress by finding out who owns your lake, and the rules they…

Outdoor Renovations? Think Budget and Scope

Many homeowners view their outdoor spaces as their own personal oases, places where they can relax, dine and spend time with their friends and loved ones. In light of this, it makes sense that homeowners consider investing in major features that will transform their outdoor areas into additional living spaces. Like any home-renovation project, however, outdoor renovations can easily get out of control if you don’t have a good handle on how much things will cost, what your goals are and whether you’re doing the work yourself or need professional help. Before you dive into an outdoor improvement, take these…

Tips for Maintaining a Green and Healthy Lawn in the Summer

The summer months offer warm days and outdoor activities that keep everyone outside for hours at a time. There are some that will spend these months trying to maintain a healthy lawn. Some will find it a bit hard to keep their grass healthy and green. Here are some tips that you can use to ensure that your lawn remains as beautiful as it appeared when spring hit. Mowing Your Lawn A healthy yard does not mean that it has to be cut short. When you cut your lawn, the blades will need to be set a bit higher. The length…

Lake Property and Shoreline Ownership

Every lake home buyer has the same question when it comes to shoreline ownership. Do you own this land, or lease it? The choice does not always belong to you. Who Legally Owns the Land? The owner of the lakebed and the shoreline property may have stipulations on the way they can legally offer building lots. Most owners of major, developed lakes in the United States are public utilities. Utilities such as power companies or government agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In fact, some estimates show that these kinds of shoreline ownership accounts for about 90 percent…