If there’s something Midwesterners know about it, it’s how to survive and thrive in the freezing cold of wintertime. With average temperatures in this region well below freezing, preparation is key. Here are some ways to start getting your home ready for the upcoming winter season. Clear the yard The first item of business is to clear away all the patio furniture and cushions. The only thing that can cause more damage to outdoor furniture than the unrelenting sun is the constant exposure to moisture that accumulating snow brings. Remove the cushions and give them a good pressure washing (or just use a regular water hose). Wipe down the hard surfaces of your furniture with a mild soap detergent and water. Once everything is nice and dry, store in the basement. Next, move onto the yard itself. Clean up and bag any remaining leaves that may be left from fall to avoid killing your grass. Look for any sticks that need to be picked up and trim any overgrown bushes. Your lawn will thank you in the spring by looking nice and healthy now. Anticipate ways to lower utility bills When the temperatures plummet, your heat begins to work in overdrive. Any little thing you do to help your home conserve energy can take some of the burden off your heating system and therefore help lower your heating bill. Insulate Windows Windows are a common place for air to leak into your home especially if you notice any small gaps or cracks. A thrifty solution is to apply plastic to your windows to help better insulate against the cold. This website has a great tutorial to help you get started! Adjust Vents Another challenge of heating your home in the winter is figuring out the most economical way to keep your lower levels comfortable. Due to the fact that heat rises, your upper levels will usually be the warmest part of your home, though that is the place you spend the least amount of time. Try closing off the vents in any upstairs areas and open the vents in the basement. This will help keep your main living areas nice and toasty. Optimize Your Thermostat It's a misnomer that dropping your thermostat while you are away at work during the day will eventually save you money on your heat bill. It will not. The additional energy required to bring the entire house back up to a toasty temp once you get home requires far more energy than simply leaving the thermostat at a steady temperature always. So, set the thermostat at a steady lower temp (say 70-72­°) and always wear a sweater or sweatshirt to keep your heat bill reasonable. Cover your Basement Window Wells Forgotten window wells are a prime spot for moisture to seep into your home due to clogged drains. Start off by cleaning out any leaves and debris from your window wells. Next, consider adding a protective dome over your window wells to keep snow and ice from accumulating in these areas which may cause leaking into your basement. Now is also a good time to check the caulking around your windows and doors and touch up any areas that may need it. Midwest winters are no joke but once you get these items checked off your to-do list, you can rest assured that your home is ready for what lies ahead. Kick back and cozy up with a blanket and hot chocolate while enjoying the warmth of your home this winter. When you're ready to try cooperative living for yourself, give us a call to discuss this unique, affordable form of home ownership.

If you’ve ever dreamed of the day of owning your own home, if you’ve ever stared at your bland apartment walls and resented handing your money to someone else, or if you’ve ever wished you could afford a bigger, nicer, better home… then maybe a housing cooperative is your answer. Cedarwood Housing Cooperative, in Park Forest, Illinois is the perfect combination of home ownership with the freedom of an almost maintenance-free lifestyle. Plus, it's ideally situated in the Chicago south suburbs near public transportation, forest preserves and plenty of shopping. Check out the other benefits of housing coop ownership below and give us a call when you're ready to make Cedarwood your next home. Get more bang for your buck A housing cooperative is made up of members who pay an upfront membership fee to own their townhouse along with a small monthly fee to cover maintenance, property taxes and capital improvements. This upfront cost enables these members to own a share in the company as well which allows them to vote on community decisions that affect their individual unit. After the initial membership fee, you then pay a monthly fee - which is typically much lower than a mortgage payment- that goes towards various things like upkeep of all units. In short, the cost of owning a home is spread out among all the housing co-op members. While this arrangement seems out of the “box”, it definitely allows you an opportunity to not only own your own home but it provides a way for you to have more square footage than you might typically afford on your own. This reason alone has converted flocks of more traditional thinking homeowners to convert to this innovative way of living. Your property taxes instantly become more affordable When you live in a housing cooperative, you no longer have to worry about saving up for your yearly property taxes or watch the prorated amount be added onto an already hefty monthly mortgage payment. It simply is included in your low monthly membership fee. All members of the housing cooperative contribute to the overall property tax bill so it instantly becomes much more affordable for everyone. Become an instant member of a community Once you buy a unit in a housing co-op, you instantly become a member in the company that owns it. But it’s really so much more than that. These company members are also your neighbors. You look out for each other when someone goes on vacation. You work together to solve any home problems that arise. If you’re lucky, these neighbors can become lifelong friends as well. One thing for sure is the stress of home ownership rests on more than just your shoulders now. Community owned emergency fund While you certainly would want to have your own savings account, an added perk to living in a housing cooperative is there is usually a large emergency savings fund to take care of any repairs or damages that may arise. When you live on your own, these costs are your own responsibility. However, when you live in a community like this, the burden of these costs are shared among all the members. If a tree falls on the roof, you don't have to worry about trying to get the money to repair it, the housing co-op's emergency back-up fund will cover it. Don’t have to worry about untidy neighbors The members of a housing cooperative vote on and decide many things that help the community run smoothly. That also means there are joint decisions for how the outside of the home will look. Basically, you're less likely to be subjected to unsightly neighbors cluttering up the yard and neglecting a broken shutter. Nor will there be a creative homeowner trying out a harrowing lime green siding right next to your neutral-toned home. You can feel confident that the outside of your housing cooperative will remain in pristine condition without any worry of an eyesore that could develop in the future. A housing cooperative is a unique living arrangement that benefits everyone. You get to own a home while sharing the burden of typical home ownership costs. So what are you waiting for? Give Cedarwood Housing Cooperative a call today to find the place you will soon call home!

Living in a housing cooperative offers tons of benefits from decreased "rent" and worry-free maintenance, to housing stability and the freedom to express yourself through design. As word gets out about this incredible concept, more and more people are flocking to the area in search of housing. To better serve prospective members and to capture the thoughts of current members, we asked a handful of residents to express their thoughts about cooperative living. Sandra P. "Love the Idea. More Cities Should Have It. The idea of cooperative housing is a fantastic one. More cities should take advantage of the structure of this type of living arrangement to offer their residents more ways to make a home. My unit is very spacious and well-kept. My neighbors are delightful. Any problem I have ever had was resolved fairly quickly by maintenance." Barbara T. "Cooperative living is an excellent idea for anyone looking to buy or rent because it's community-centered and affordable. After you become a member, you can attend yearly community events and board meetings. So it you have an issue about anything, you can go speak your mind because you are one of the owners. Living in a cooperative helps you feel like you belong and you have a say so in your community. That's why I like living at one." Jim J. "As an accountant, purchasing a membership into the housing cooperative is a very smart move. It lacks the financial burden of owning a single family residence. It creates an investment into your future (when you move, you sell your share, providing you with capital). It ensures a low cost of living for the duration of your residency. And more." Daryl S. "Living in a housing cooperative is great. I don't have to worry about the water heater going out on me and having to swap it out myself. I don't have to worry about replacing the roof or cleaning out the sewer lines. Just about all I have to worry about is mowing the lawn once a week during the summer. That's my kind of worry!" Brittany H. "When I heard about cooperative living I thought it was too good to be true actually. My husband and I were in the office talking to a staff member and everything she said seemed incredible. After the whole run through, I asked, "so what's the catch?" and she sheepishly responded, "there is no catch". Up to that point I had only ever know our options to be either rent an apartment or buy a home. This housing concept basically combines the good of both options into one and eliminates tons of the negatives of both. Cheap monthly fees, little to no maintenance, we can paint however we want, don't have to take care of a large lawn, and so much more. I highly recommend it!" When you're ready to enjoy the vast benefits of cooperative living, call Cedarwood Housing Cooperative to explore your options!

The crisp breeze in the air, the colorful foliage of the trees, and the oversized sweatshirts make fall the ideal time to get out and do a little exploring. Sometimes the best options, and often most overlooked, are those in your own backyard. Check out these 5 fall destinations that will be sure to satisfy most of your fall bucket list this year! Don't live in the area? Now's the perfect time to consider becoming a member at Cedarwood Housing Cooperative. A unique form of home ownership that combines the best of home ownership with the freedoms of rental living. Call today for details: 708-747-3833 Lake Catherine Nature Center Whether you’re looking for woodlands, wetlands, prairies or gardens, this nature center has it all as well as a beautiful waterfall that feeds into the large lake in the center. Take a stroll on the mile-long shaded wood chip trail that leads around the lake. Rent a canoe or kayak and take in the breathtaking fall foliage from the water. Bring a camera or use your phone to capture fall photos of your family. Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest This nearby pumpkin patch offers several must-do fall activities for every age! Visit the petting zoo, take advantage of several festive photo ops, or enjoy one of the many amusement park style rides like the “Barnyard Dance Cow Coaster”. Take a hayride out into the pumpkin patch and pick your favorite to bring home. Or, if you’re feeling brave, take a trip through the Haunted Barn to get into the Halloween spirit. Make sure to try a churro, the sweet corn, or an apple cider donut while you’re there. Swallow Cliff Stairs If you feel like stretching your legs and getting some steps in, head over to the Swallow Cliff Stairs in Palos Park for a little exercise and fresh air. The attached wooded hiking trails range in skill level from green to black diamond, so be sure to know before you go! Feeling energetic? Try the yellow trail #8 and then take on the stairs. Pack a picnic lunch or a good book and enjoy the panoramic fall landscape after you make it to the top of the stairs. Hailstorm Brewing Company For a change of pace, visit the family friendly (and dog friendly) Hailstorm Brewing Company. Enjoy an industrial warehouse setting and sample top of the line craft beers. Partake in the collection of food trucks outside and be serenaded by one of the local bands on the weekend. If you have an open Thursday night, visit on open mike night to hear some up and coming talent. Odyssey Fun Farm Visit this 110 acre farm and appreciate all this seasonal business has to offer. Whether that’s jumping on the giant bouncy pillows, careening through the air on a zipline, or trying your hand at navigating a corn maze, there’s sure to be something everyone will enjoy. Follow their yellow brick road that leads you into the wonderful world of Oz, take a turn at the corn cannons, or visit the barnyard zoo. With all these wonderful options at your fingertips, you will be enjoying all the splendor that fall has to offer. So grab your blankets and all things pumpkin spice and get ready for all the fun that awaits you! When you're ready to join a true housing community, call Cedarwood Housing Cooperative.

One of the benefits of living in Cedarwood Housing Cooperative is the low cost of living. With a stable monthly maintenance fee significantly less than the cost of renting or owning your own home, living at Cedarwood is simply a no brainer when it comes to your household budget! However, times can get tough, especially during these uncertain times, so you may be looking for ways to cut some costs. Many people know that lowering your monthly utilities can be a big help when trying to save money. One often overlooked area that can yield big results is how to save money on your water bill. The great news is that you can lower that monthly payment without sacrificing much. And although we're talking directly to our Housing Cooperative members, the following water saving tips work great in every living circumstance, whether it's a house, townhome, apartment, or condo. Replace shower heads, faucets, and toilets Replacing certain standard bathroom fixtures to low flow fixtures - like your shower head, water faucets, or toilets - can make a big impact on your water bill. According to a recent HGTV article I read, "showers are responsible for up to 30% of overall water usage". This means that just by switching out one regular shower head to a low-flow shower head, you can save roughly 2,900 gallons of water every year! Imagine! That adds up to some pretty significant savings over time that will definitely help keep more mula in your pocket and less going down the drain! Turn water off while brushing teeth Most of us are guilty of leaving the water on while we brush our teeth. However, if you can train yourself to shut the tap off while you brush your teeth in the morning and at night, you can save around 8 gallons of water per day! And that’s just for one person. If you do the math, that saves around 240 gallons of water a month, or around 2,880 gallons per year, even more if you can convince everyone in your home to do the same. Such a simple adjustment can make such a huge impact on your budget! Only Run Full Loads - Dishwasher and Washing Machine Some people delight in getting all there laundry done on laundry day, even if that means running small loads that don't fill the machine completely. Some people love the idea of clean dishes while they sleep, so after supper, whether the dishwasher is full or not, they start a load. Both scenarios are bad ideas if you're trying to cut your water bill or help the planet by avoiding waste! Resist the urge, plan accordingly, deal with some dirty dishes overnight or learn to wash a few by hand. Wait until you have full loads of laundry to run the machine and watch as your water bill slowly but surely decreases. Address leaks immediately If you notice your water bill has gone up without any clue why, contact your water company to make sure there isn’t a leak somewhere. Keep an eye out for toilets that keep running or leaky faucets and make repairs as needed. A leaky faucet has been shown to increase your water bill by a staggering $720 per year! (source) Take our word for it, it’s the small changes made to your daily routine that can have the biggest impact over time. Try implementing just a few of these tips and watch your savings grow! Are you ready to make the switch to a housing cooperative lifestyle? Call the office today to check unit available and to discuss the incredible benefits of choosing this unique form of home ownership.

One of the major benefits of living in Cedarwood Housing Cooperative is that Members have the freedom to make changes to their home. Outside, Members can plant flowers, create gardens and adorn their lawn with bird feeders and outdoor décor. Inside, Members can paint the walls, have an electrician install ceiling fans or additional overhead lighting, and even have a contractor remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a more open floorplan. Whether you just moved into Cedarwood Co-op or you've been living in our community for many years, the following home improvement ideas can both improve your quality of living while you're here and improve your chances of selling if you're planning on moving. Let's explore... Install Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans can help lower your heating and cooling costs by properly circulating the air inside your home. They increase the value of your property and can help create more space by eliminating the need for floor-standing fans. With prior approval from the office, Members can arrange for a licensed and insured electrician to install a ceiling fan in almost every room of your house. Bonus - if you choose to purchase a ceiling fan with a light, you can also reduce the need for floor lamps. Install Carpet While all of our housing cooperatives have beautiful, hardwood flooring, having carpet can soften up your home, adding warmth and comfort. With prior approval, Members can arrange for a professional carpet installation on any floor of their home. We do, however, recommend not installing permanent carpet in the basement as basements tend to be moisture prone, which can quickly damage carpet. A good tip if you're planning on selling your coop in the near future is to choose a neutral-colored, blended carpet. Meaning one that hides stains and matches many different décor themes. A tan, speckled, blended color works great! Arrange for New Windows Our Co-ops offer a wonderful window replacement program that Members can arrange for that allows the installation of windows now with payment over the course of some years. These extremely low payments simply get added to a Members monthly carrying charges and typically run no more than $40/month. New windows can add a beautiful touch to your home, improve energy efficiency and increase your curb appeal if you plan to sell. Simply call the office for details and to be added to the window replacement wait list. Paint Your Walls A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in your co-op home, especially if you switch from a bold color to a neutral or a neutral to a bold color. Some members opt to paint just one wall a bold accent color while painting all other walls a neutral color. Neutral colors are great for their flexibility and ability to match well with all kinds of interior design styles. A clean, crisp white can go with a farmhouse style look, modern, traditional and everything in between. A soft grey can add just enough color, preventing all walls from being just plain old white, without being too overpowering. Give your walls a good wash before hand, spackle any holes and sand well to ensure a smooth, clean finish. Move Your Furniture This one may be our favorite as it costs absolutely nothing, doesn't require permission from the office, and can totally change the flow and feel of your home in just one day. Take the opportunity to deep clean your space as you move furniture around the house. Tired of your end tables? Swap them for bedside tables to enhance two rooms at once. Move your couch from the wall space to in front of a window to enjoy the gentle natural lighting as you relax after work. Move everything or just a few things; regardless you will feel like your home got a fresh facelift when you do. If you're ready to experience the freedom and luxury of co-op living in the Park Forest area, give us a call to check on unit availability and pricing. Simple living is just a call away.

Park Forest is a beautiful place to live. Members of Cedarwood Cooperative Housing have raved over the many outdoor activities that Park Forest, Illinois has to offer. From our local Aqua Center to our weekly downtown festivities to our Main Street Market, there's no need to leave the Village for summer fun this year! Check out just a few of the summer activities below and let us know about ones we've missed so we can add them! Aqua Center The aqua center is a Park Forest staple. Boasting 3 pools - one kiddie pool, one mid-depth pool and one adults-only pool, there is always enough water space for guests young and old. The aqua center also offers a sand playground with a slide and jungle gym for the little ones, local eats and of course, locker rooms and bathrooms. Recreation activities include the 160-foot water slide that drops into a wading pool down below, two drop slides, and a 15-foot-high aquatic climbing wall. Open from May through September, the Aqua Center offers season-long memberships to residents and non-residents, plus daily passes and private parties. Members of Cedarwood love the Aqua Center and we're sure you will too! Multiple Parks and Playgrounds Park Forest maintains over 400 acres of greenspace designated for parks, playgrounds, skate parks, tennis courts and more. Our main park is Central Park located directly next to the Freedom Hall Theatre and the Park Forest Library (both facilities also offering many summer activities and events). From the Village of Park Forest website, "Central Park boasts two pavilions with eight tables in each, electrical outlets. Rental of the East Pavilion includes an attached kitchen area complete with a sink, stove, and refrigerator. The West Pavilion does not include a kitchen area. Restrooms are conveniently located between the East and West Pavilions. Two small grills are located by the West Pavilion. Central Park is a great outdoor park for events like family reunions, class reunions, and work functions. It is particularly popular with those wishing to be near play areas for children." Park Forest Main Street Market Open from May thru October, the Main Street Market is Park Forest's version of a farmer's market, hosted right in our downtown area. From the Village's website, "Since 1974, the Park Forest Main Street Market - formerly the Park Forest Farmers’ Market - has been connecting area residents with local farmers, food vendors and businesses. The Market hosts 22 full spaces with a variety of fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, herbs and dairy products. Local businesses are also on hand at the Market selling artwork, garden ornaments, jewelry and more." Being so close to the co-ops, members of Cedarwood can easily walk to and from the market without breaking a sweat! Assortment of Downtown Events Throughout the Summer The Village of Park Forest puts together yearly events that occur throughout the summer months. Every year there is something new for every one. This summer (2021) the following are being offered: Small Business, Music & Artistry Fair - June 19, July 17, and August 21. Resident Appreciation BBQ - June 23 Paint & Sip on the Lawn - July 10 and August 21 Outdoor Karaoke - July 17 All-White Sunset Soiree - July 31 Food, Wine & Sangria Crawl - August 7 Ice Cream Social - August 21 House Music on the Lawn - August 28 and more! So many fun things to do this summer and every summer as a member of Cedarwood Housing Cooperative in Park Forest, Illinois. When you're ready to get in the fun, give us a call at 708-747-3833 to discuss availability and pricing.

Are you trying to sell your Cedarwood Cooperative home? Are you tired of your co-op's drab entrance? Do you feel like your neighbors are outperforming your lawn and garden visually? No problem! We've put together a small handful of simple ways you can enhance your cooperative's curb appeal right now! The look and feel of your front and back entrance can make a big impact on the community you live in. Whether you are trying to sell your home or just set a great example, focusing on curb appeal can leave a lasting impression on friends, family, neighbors and potential buyers. Plus, improving your space has been shown to reduce stress and improve your mood. As an added bonus, when you take the time to beautify your space, you naturally encourage others in your community to do so as well. This concept of working together for the betterment of the whole community is at the heart of cooperative living. If you're ready to experience the joys of living in a housing cooperative, give our Cedarwood office a call to discuss available memberships. Plants, Plants and More Plants - Within Reason We'd say you can never have too many beautiful plants to enhance your co-op's curb appeal, but we know too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. So, within reason, use plants to bring life and color to your yard. Use plants to create visual appeal and structure along your walkways or garden spaces. Use potted plants on the edges of your steps to soften the look and feel of the concrete. Use hanging basket flowers on shepherds hooks to brighten up your property vertically. Plants, strategically placed, in an uncluttered, orderly fashion, can completely transform your curbside appearance and make your unit pop! Edging Using stone, rock or metal-type edging along your garden area or other defined spaces can create a sense of clean, sharp lines that will undoubtedly enhance your curb appeal. These clean lines help clearly define what is meant to be lawn space and what is not. This is also helpful while tending to your lawn (think weed-wacking a defined edge versus an edge comingled with rocks). Plus it gives your exterior an orderly look that, unlike plants that die off in the winter, can be maintained and enjoyed year-round. Weed Regularly Pulling old debris and actively removing weeds on a regular basis can take your curb appeal to the next level. Even if you opt for a simple, flower-free yard, if you do not keep up with random plant strays, your property will quickly look unkept. This is especially true in the spring time when many of our Maple trees drop their helicopter-like seeds all over the place! Not picking these guys up soon after they fall will leave you picking many mini tree sprouts all around your property for the rest of the year. Weed often and discard unwanted plant debris as soon as you see it pop up to enjoy a well-kept curbside appearance year-round and prevent them from multiplying out of control! Unclutter and Organize The fastest way to bring down your curb appeal is to have junk all over the place! Store toys, bikes and equipment in the basement when possible or neatly organize those items on your back porch. Keep garbage safely secured in your trash bins and recycling in your recycling bin. Remove all unnecessary trinkets, baskets, containers, tools, etc... especially from your street-facing entrance. Doing this simple thing will greatly enhance your curb appeal and set a positive example for others in the community. Because I mean, who wants to look out their window at a neighbors pile of junk! No one! Hopefully, these simple tips on improving your cooperative home's curb appeal have given you just the motivation to get started. Are you currently renting and have no lawn or garden to maintain? Give us a call today! Experience the benefits of home ownership without the maintenance expense. Ready to make the switch to coop living? Call us today to discuss application criteria and home availability.

Those little bundles of joy, whether pup or full grown, come with a set of responsibilities that we take very seriously. At Cedarwood Cooperative, we've established rules to ensure that everyone at Cedarwood enjoys a safe, sanitary and pleasant living environment. When followed, Members are free to experience the fulfillment of pet ownership without management involvement. When not followed, however, there are consequences that we'd like all Members to be aware of. Please refer to your house and grounds manual to review our full pet policy and be sure to register your pet within 30 days of obtaining it. PET RULES This list is NOT COMPLETE. Refer to Your House & Grounds Manual for Complete list. No more than 2 pets in any unit at any time. Members may temporarily "pet sit" animals in their unit so long as they have not exceeded the 2 pet maximum and properly registered this temporary pet with the office. Pet sitting may extend no longer than 30 days and can occur only once per year. All pets must be registered with the office within 30 days of obtaining the pet and on a yearly basis. Refer to house and grounds manual for specific dates and assessed fees if not in compliance. Members are responsible for any and all damage caused by their pet. Pets are not allowed on the grassy areas of other member's properties unless explicit consent of said member has been given. Members are to immediately pick up the dropped feces of their pet and discard properly. Pet feces carry a host of bacteria, worms, and diseases that present a danger to humans and other pets who are exposed to them. This is a serious violation and fees will be assessed without warning, and repeatedly assessed until the problem is corrected. Failure to remove feces immediately after the pet has defecated them can result in the ultimate forfeiture of the privilege of being able to own a pet while living at Cedarwood. Please take this as seriously as we do to protect the health of the Members, sanitation of the property and the safety of your pet. No animal may run freely on the properly. All cats and dogs must be leashed or remain in the Member's home at all times. No animal shall be left tethered unattended outside the home at any time. Tethered animals must not be tethered in a manner that impedes the use of the sidewalks or allows the animal access to neighboring units' property. It is a violation of ground rules for a pet to disturb the quiet of the community, to snap at or attempt to bite other persons, or to interfere in any manner with the rights, comforts and convenience of any Member of the cooperative. Vicious dogs are strictly prohibited on the property - this includes "pet sitting" as well as ownership. Vicious dogs are defined by Cedarwood in detail in the Members House and Grounds Manual and it is the Member's responsibility to thoroughly understand all the rules contained within it. If you have misplaced your copy and need another, please contact the office. There is a strict weight limit of no more than 50lbs. While this does not represent a comprehensive set of pet rules, it does briefly outline some major concerns. To protect your right to own a pet here at Cedarwood Cooperative, we strongly recommend you brush up on your knowledge of the rules and regulations of pet ownership located in the Cedarwood House and Grounds manual, especially before purchasing a puppy or kitten. Our goal is to ensure that all Members have equal and fair access to the enjoyment of their units while respecting Member's desires to own a pet. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact the office to discuss. If you are renting and have been denied access to pet ownership because of it, now may be the time for you to consider becoming a member of a housing cooperative in Park Forest, IL. Our co-ops are spacious, well-made and most of all, pet-friendly. Stop by the office today to discuss current availability and application requirements.

Do you have a patch of lawn that's devoid of grass? Are you converting a garden back into lawn? Have you neglected an area of grass that now needs serious attention? If any of the above fit your situation, it's time to start considering how and when you will begin your repair work. In the following article, we hope to help provide tips on making the transition from bare to luscious a smooth and effective one. Considering spring is on the horizon, now's the time to do your research to determine when and how you will fix your patch. Once you decide whether you will plant seed or lay down some sod, then it's time to gather your supplies and get ready for tending to your grass. When to Plant Seed As a general rule, laying seed should happen when frost is no longer a concern and temperatures are consistently above 65°F. The warmer soil temps are just what the seeds need to begin and sustain their germination cycle. Some argue that planting grass seed in early fall is best as the soil temp is ideal for germination and the random days of hot weather in fall can encourage root growth before the freezing winter temps. However, if you are looking to plant in spring, establishing solid root growth can be as simple as keeping up with the forecast. As members of Cedarwood Housing Cooperative, being in the heart of the Midwest, this can be a tricky one. Weeks of warmer weather can quickly be met with a solid snowstorm at a moments notice. So, take a look at historical weather charts to see when, on average, the last frost typically hits, then, hope for the best. If frost does hit, killing your freshly laid seeds, wait until the frost threat is gone again, and plant some more. When to Plant Sod Sod, being more costly than seed, is better to lay a bit later in the season when the threat of frost is substantially gone. Again, as Midwesterners know, this could be as late as mid May. Taking extra care to track the weather as well as the rain fall can save you money and heartache down the road. How to Plant Seed If you're planting seed on top of an old garden, keep an eye out for "leftover" garden plants. This should be easy to spot as the sprouts of grass versus almost all other plants is very noticeable. Daily, pull the entire root body of any "foreign" plant sprouts coming up through the grass. If you're simply repairing a sparse patch of grass, this shouldn't be much of a concern. Begin by preparing the dirt. A quick hand-tilling of the dirt may be necessary, especially if the dirt is hard, cracked or compact. Till, then gently rake the area to even out the surface. An uneven surface will result in uneven hills and dips in your lawn surface. This may not be a problem if it's just a small patch you're repairing, but if it is a substantial area, like your entire lawn, this will quickly become an eye sore. After raking, toss seed as evenly as possible. Toss more seed than you think you should to ensure a thick, solid layer of grass. Ensure the new seed gets plenty of water, but not too much as this could cause root rot and disease as the seeds begin to establish roots. As the grass sprouts begin to appear, take notice of any bare patches that may not have taken root or you missed when tossing seed. Fill in those patches with more seed and water well. The seeds should take about 6 weeks to fully grow and start looking like a lawn, but be patient. Your seed is contending with many other growing organisms, so keep giving it love, water and attention. Your hard work will eventually pay off. How to Plant Sod Prepare your dirt and care for your sod in the same manner as above with seed. The one major difference in caring for sod, however, is to water more frequently and thoroughly than you do with seed. As sod already has a substantial root base, it will need more water to drink and to take hold in the dirt below. Be sure to tuck in and trim around the edges of your patch or lawn border to ensure a neat finish. If some areas do not take hold, toss in some grass seed and continue to nurture as usual. Make sure, however, that the grass seed variety matches the sod variety or you'll have a lawn with pokadots! Regardless of which method you use, the key take-a-ways are to: plan based on the weather, prepare the ground, and have patience! Compared to renting, one of the benefits of cooperative housing at Cedarwood Coop is that you get to enjoy your own outdoor living space. While the co-op cares for the common grounds landscaping, mowing and fertilizing, each member gets to tend to their personal lawn area as they wish. This means that as a member, you can grow a garden, plant flowers and even plants trees (with prior approval). All this freedom at a fraction of the cost of owning a single-family home! When you're ready to experience the joys of cooperative living, call the office for details.