Latest articles by Alex David
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Do outdoor security lights deter animals? A wildlife expert explains why your lights won't keep unwanted animals away
Security lights keep humans at bay, but they won't work on raccoons, deer, or bears. According to a wildlife expert, this is what you need to do instead
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Leaf blowers vs leaf vacuums – which is best for your yard, and should you bother with either?
It's not obvious which is best between leaf blowers v leaf vaccums. As a product tester, this is all you need to know about these controversial yard tools
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How to remove algae from a fence – the easiest process and two methods you should never use
This foolproof solution is the only way to remove algae from a fence. These are all the ways of removing algae from a fence, and two methods to avoid
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The best places for security lights – crucial advice from a former FBI agent
Security and law enforcement experts reveal the smartest spots to put security lights
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Where to place solar lights – 6 rules from solar specialists
It can be hard to know where to place solar lights. I spoke to a solar expert about the best spots to place solar lights to ensure they shine their brightest
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Are solar lights actually eco-friendly? Energy experts advise
Solar lights are eco-friendly, but not as green as they claim. I spoke to energy experts about solar lights and whether claims of eco-friendliness are actually true
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Weber vs Traeger – which pellet grill should I buy? Advice from a product tester
They're two titans of the grilling game, but who comes out on top between Weber vs Traeger? As a product tester, this is all you need to know about the brands
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How to season a grill – executive chefs reveal why grill seasoning is a summer essential
I spoke to culinary experts about how to season a grill. They reveal why this extra step can take your grilling game to the next level
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How to uplight a tree – expert methods for big trees, small trees, and shrubs
I spoke to lighting and landscaping expert about how to uplight a tree. They gave me expert methods and tips and tricks for color and brightness
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Are solar lights ever worth it? 5 truths from an expert product tester
I've tested plenty of solar lights, and I think they can be worth it – but only sometimes. These are the five truths I've learned from years of testing
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How to buy good solar lights – 8 tips from an expert tester
After years of testing, I've finally worked out how to buy good solar lights. These 8 tips will help you finally buy some solar lights that actually work
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The best wood for fire pits revealed – and the wood you should avoid
Using the best wood for fire pits will save your evening from gross smoke. These are the best species of wood for a fire, and the wood you should avoid
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Should I keep my security lights on all night? An ex-SWAT security expert advises
I spoke to lighting and security expert about whether you should keep your security lights on all night. It's the safest thing to do, but not without drawbacks
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How to light your garden for wildlife – expert tips on how you can stop your lights from harming little critters
I spoke to an expert landscape architect about how to light your garden to protect local wildlife. This all you need to know to save bats and birds from harm
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Best Weber alternatives – unsung grills that might be better for your backyard
If Weber marketing makes you suspicious, it might be worth considering the best Weber alternatives. These tested grills can go toe to toe with the big brands
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How to light a garden path – lighting designers reveal 8 ways to avoid the dreaded 'runway light'
I spoke to industry-leading lighting designers about how to light a garden path. Their insider tips reveal how to make your lights pretty but practical
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Is it legal to have a fire in your backyard? An expert attorney reveals how to stay on the right side of the law
There are a lot of laws governing fire safety. I spoke to an expert attorney about if it's legal to a fire in your backyard, and how obey the rules
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Why aren't my solar lights working? 5 easy fixes, plus why your lights should always face south
I spoke to an electrical engineer about why your solar lights aren't working, and how to fix them. These five fixes bring new life to old lights
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Can I cut my neighbor's hedge? Legal and real estate experts provide clarity on this often confusing issue
It's not always obvious if you can trim a hedge growing into your yard - this is all you need to know about the law
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The most common HOA watering violations – and how to avoid them in your yard
I spoke to real estate experts about common homeowner association watering laws, and if there's any way to get around them
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As a product tester, I can vouch for these QVC gardening essentials
The site is best known for gadgets, but there are some hidden gems on sale. As a product tester, these are the best gardening tools on QVC
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How to store a garden hose – the best methods and one gimmick I never recommend
I've tested dozens of hoses - here's how I keep all those samples out of sight, as well as the one method you should avoid
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Which lawn sprinkler layout is best? Lawn experts have their say on the square vs triangle debate
I spoke to irrigation and lawn experts about which lawn sprinkler layout is best. This is how to pick between square and triangle setups.
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Which garden hose spray pattern is best? We reveal the best function for every corner of your yard
We reveal which garden hose spray pattern is best for every corner of your garden, and two spray patterns your should never use on plants
