Yards
Find creative ideas and practical tips for transforming your yard, with guides on landscaping, maintenance, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
How to Deer-Proof Small Trees and Protect Your Plants
Are deer destroying your shrubbery and trees? Here are some ways you can deer-proof your plants year-round.
How to Build a Sandbox
When a homeowner realized her children love to dig, she knew the perfect outside toy would be a sandbox. But, without knowing how to build one that would stand up to the rigors of childhood, she called the team at Ask This Old House for help. As a man who loves to dig himself, master carpenter Nathan Gilbert was happy to answer the call.
TOH Wants to Showcase ADU Projects in the Boston Area
If you're building or renovating an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the Boston area and want to be considered for an upcoming season of This Old House, please complete our submission form.
How to Make a Gravel Shed Foundation
When homeowners run out of space in their homes and garages, they often turn to a shed for a bit more flexibility. But, these outdoor structures need a sturdy, level base that sheds water for longevity’s sake. When a pair of homeowners needed a gravel foundation for their new shed purchase, mason Mark McCullough was happy to help out.
Best Leaf Vacuums
In this review, we look at the best leaf vacuums on the market today — including cordless, electric, and even motorless designs.
How to Control Gutter Runoff
Stormwater runoff can be hard to manage with gutters and downspouts alone. And a saturated, soggy yard that soaks the foundation is not a good time. When a homeowner called Ask This Old House for help, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada knew just what to do. Together, they install two gutter runoff control options that will easily control these water challenges and divert water from the foundation.
Remembering Roger Cook, 1954-2024
With tremendous sadness, This Old House bids farewell to our friend and longtime landscape contractor, Roger Cook, who died on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
How To Find Property Lines
The legal boundaries of a plot of land are one of the most important things for a homeowner to know, but they’re often overlooked—until those property lines come into question. Read this guide to figure out how to easily find your property lines.
All About Attachment Capable String Trimmers
While it may look like an ordinary string trimmer, the unique shaft design allows DIYers to swap in different attachments, turning one machine into a lawn and garden maintenance multitool. Here’s what you need to know about the Swiss Army knife you should stock in your shed.
How to Get Rid of Cicadas
Cicadas may not be as annoying as other bugs that sting or bite, but they can be a noisy nuisance. If these pesky critters invade your property, here are ways to minimize their presence.
How to Build a Bat House in Easy to Follow Steps
Tom Silva and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada talk about bats and how beneficial they are. Then, the team builds a bat house.
Rain Barrel Installation: A Solution for Water Conservation
Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada first takes us on a trip to learn more about watersheds before meeting Nathan Gilbert to tackle a rain barrel installation.
How to Install a Shade Sail
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner create a cool, shady corner where she can watch her kids play in the pool.
Guide to Building a Mud Kitchen for Kids in Simple to Follow Steps
This guide and video explains how to build a mud kitchen for your kids to enjoy and improve your outdoor space for your family.
How To Build, Customize, and Maintain a Utility Cover
Gas meters can be eyesores on your property, but there's an easy way to stylishly sheath them. Read about how to build, customize, and maintain a utility cover in our guide.
The 4 Best Fire Pits (2023 Review)
Fire pits add atmosphere and warmth to your backyard. In this review, the This Old House Team researched the four best fire pits on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
How to Landscape a Yard on a Slope. Tips From the Experts
Do you have a yard on a slope? Learn how to landscape a sloping yard with our video and guide from expert landscapers.
Autumn Checklist for Your Home
Get these seasonal tips for keeping your home safe, enjoying the outdoors, and prepping for the holiday with décor.
How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own outdoor kitchen, complete with DIY tips and tricks from the pros.
How To Create a Backyard Movie Theater
Have you always wanted your own home movie theater? Here's everything you need to know to bring the silver screen to your backyard.
Home Maintenance Tips to Tackle This Summer
As the weather warms up, tackle these summer home maintenance tasks keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Designing a Multifunctional Outdoor Space
Spaces for gathering, cooking, dining, and play define this family’s backyard getaway. See how they designed a multifunctional outdoor space.
Build It | Cornhole
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to build a DIY cornhole board to meet regulation standards.
Best New Grills Shopping Guide
Get set for grilling season! Whether you’re looking to upgrade, or it’s your first summer in charge of the spatula, here are a variety of options for every type of fuel
5 Best Propane Fire Pits (2024 Guide)
Everyone loves a fire pit, but wood-burning models require a lot of work. Propane fire pits are a low-maintenance alternative. Read our review below on the best propane fire pits to learn more about Amazon's top options.
6 Best Gas Grills (2024 Guide)
Find the best gas grill for your outdoor kitchen with our buying guide to today's top-rated propane and natural gas grills.
How to Turn on a Sprinkler System in Spring
Are you tired of paying a sprinkler company or landscape contractor to turn the water to your sprinkler system back on each spring? This relatively simple job is well within the abilities of a DIYer, and all it takes is a little background knowledge to save a lot of money. Here’s how to handle turning on a sprinkler system yourself.
Spring Home and Lawn Maintenance: Tips for a Beautiful Property
These home and lawn maintenance tasks will take spring cleaning to a new level and keep your property looking as good as new.
6 Best Leaf Blowers (2024 Guide)
Even if you don’t live in an area where fallen leaves are common, a blower can help you keep your yard free of other debris. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best leaf blowers to help you find the model best suited for your home.
Best Pole Saws
Pole saws make pruning trees, bushes, and other plants simple and accessible. Find the best pole saw for your yard with our expert reviews.
Best Patio Heaters
Purchase a heater to enjoy your patio or other outdoor living space year round. Our review goes over the best patio heaters on the market.
Types of Landscaping Rocks and How to Use Them
With so many choices, selecting the right landscape rocks for your home can be difficult. We walk you though the options in this guide.
