It’s important to take care of your lawn in all seasons, not just spring and summer. Since the weather in South Carolina doesn’t get cold enough to completely kill off grass, prepping in winter will lead to a greener, healthier lawn come springtime. As winter approaches and your turf looks less and less appealing, you can take some simple steps to return it to health and bring back its color. Just follow these 5 tips, and you’ll have the yard of your dreams year-round.
1. CONTINUE TO MOW
The most important thing you can do for your lawn is continue to mow until it goes dormant. This will keep the grass at a manageable height, as well as remove any excess debris that has built up. Be sure not to scalp your lawn, however; removing too much of the blade can damage your grass and hinder new growth. Warm season grasses found in the Southeast (like Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia) should be mowed to around 1-2 inches tall, depending on type. And remember the rule not to cut more than a third of your grass’s height at one time. Your lawn will continue to grow throughout the winter, albeit at a much slower rate, until the temperature drops below 40 degrees.
2. RAKE LEAVES
Raking is no one’s favorite task, but it does create a healthier environment and prevents fungal disease. Always rake before rain is expected. If leaves are left to create a wet mat, they will invite insects that may travel into your home. Be sure your last rake of the year isn’t too early (before all leaves have fallen) or too late (when they’ve started to decompose).
3. AERATE
Aerating is the process of punching holes in your lawn to allow nutrients, air, and water to reach the core of your soil. Doing this before applying fertilizer or weed killer helps those products absorb, rather than being washed away.
4. FERTILIZE
If you only fertilize your lawn once a year, the best time to do so is fall. This will give your lawn the right amount of nutrients, oxygen, and moisture to grow come spring. If you wait until spring, your lawn will miss out on the nutrients it needs to survive through winter. Be sure to allow enough time for nutrients to absorb into the ground, where grassroots need them most, before watering your lawn, which can wash them away.
5. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE TECHNICIAN
Maintaining your lawn year-round takes a lot of time and effort, and can be a daunting task. You may prefer to trust a local lawn care company. Coastal Turf, for example, specializes in services including core aeration, sod installation, weed control, and more. If you have questions, call a local technician to discuss specifics in your yard and what you can do to have the best curb appeal in the neighborhood!
BONUS REAL ESTATE TIP
If you’re selling your house in the winter, curb appeal remains crucial. Fortunately, Disher, Hamrick & Myers includes virtual landscaping in all our listing photography. Regardless of the time of year, we keep your yard tidied of leaves, your flowers blooming, and your grass as lush and green as it is during its peak. Take a before-and-after look at the possibilities:
If you want to avoid the sweat altogether, hiring professional movers when 
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Marketing luxury properties requires a different approach than standard homes. The right agent will have a 
Negotiation is crucial to any real estate transaction, but is especially so in the luxury market. The right agent must have excellent negotiation skills to ensure you get the best possible deal. They should advocate for your interests while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor.
Start by assessing your antique furniture to determine which pieces are fragile. Also identify any delicate parts that might require extra protection. Then document the current condition of your furniture with photos and detailed notes. This will not only help you remember how each piece looked before the move, but it’s important for 
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These moderately tall shrubs boast colorful flowers that bloom in the winter. One of the most appealing attributes of the camellia family is that they are evergreen. In the Lowcountry climate, the leaf portion of stays green year-round.
The azalea has provided the most popular spring color display in South Carolina for centuries. Each spring, thousands of avid fans across the south flock to Summerville’s 
Another species of flowering landscape foliage prevalent in the Lowcountry is the dogwood tree. Many native species grow wild in surrounding wooded areas. The two most common colors of its flowers are pink and white. Old dogwood trees often have an under layer of azaleas augmenting their spring display. The dogwood’s flowering is a signal of spring.
Tickets are less expensive for weekday performances than for those on the weekends.
To effectively downsize, you first need to 
Now that you have determined what items will be coming with you, you need to consider the dimensions of your new Charleston home. Start by measuring each room, noting any architectural features such as alcoves or bay windows. Then create a floor plan to visualize how your furniture will fit in each space.
Once you know your new home’s layout, it’s time to evaluate your current furniture to determine what will fit and what won’t. Large items like king beds, china cabinets, and sectional sofas may not be suitable in your smaller space. Instead, opt for multipurpose pieces and storage solutions that will better meet the needs of your new lifestyle.
r real estate agent can help determine what needs to be accomplished to show your home in the best light. Disher, Hamrick & Myers’ 
1. Create a detailed moving plan with a timeline and budget. Take into account any necessary permits and approvals, which may be more complex for historic properties.
1. Prioritize delicate and historical pieces such as antiques, family heirlooms, and fragile items for special handling.
1. Prevent damage to walls, floors, windows, and moldings. Use protective coverings and padding if necessary to safeguard the home’s architectural elements from your furniture and vise-versa.
Before diving into the specific security measures, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough risk assessment. Consider factors such as location, market conditions, and the nature of your asset. Consult with experts who can offer valuable insights and help you identify any vulnerabilities you might have overlooked. Then tailor your strategy to implement the recommended measures.
Invest in cutting-edge security systems including surveillance cameras, state-of-the-art alarms, and access control measures. Ensure they are regularly maintained and upgraded to keep up with evolving threats. In addition to advanced technology, consider integrating 
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In today’s digital age, privacy extends beyond physical security. Take steps to secure your online presence. Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online. It’s also wise to invest in a reputable virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and shield your online activities from prying eyes. Also be sure regularly to update your cybersecurity measures.
While it’s natural to be proud of your high-end investments, exercising discretion can go a long way in ensuring their security. Avoid flaunting your assets in public and be mindful of who you share information with. This includes posting about your assets online, for example in social media – especially if your post would disclose the location of your assets. The more discreet you are, the less likely you are to attract unwanted attention.
Whether you’re relocating to a new home or transferring your assets to a different location, it’s imperative to maintain a high level of security throughout the process. Ensure your valuable possessions are carefully packed, transported, and unpacked. Once you’ve settled into your new space, take the necessary precautions to 
For particularly valuable or sensitive investments, hiring professional security personnel can be indispensable. Trained guards can provide on-site protection, monitor security systems, and respond swiftly to any potential threats. Their presence alone can act as a deterrent to would-be intruders.
Carefully control who has access to your high-end investments. Only allow trusted individuals and prevent unauthorized people from compromising your asset’s security. Ensure clear protocols are in place for granting and revoking access.