It makes sense that a living tree in your backyard can be beneficial for wildlife as a source of habitat and food. But what if that living tree falls over and dies? While it may look like an eyesore, a dead tree can actually be more beneficial for wild animals than a living one. Many animals prefer to nest and create shelter in dead trees because wood-eating insects that are feasting on it are tasty treats to them. If a tree appears to be dead, try to leave it alone. Upright dead trees are ideal, but even ones that have fallen to the ground can be beneficial to all sorts of wild animals.

The automatic dishwasher is the most energy- and water-efficient way to wash dishes whenever you wash a full load. But did you know that pre-rinsing plates and utensils isn't just a waste of water, but it can actually harm your glassware? Modern dishwashers and dishwashing tablets are designed to work with soiled plates. The detergents are activated by grease and work well to get everything clean. When items are pre-rinsed, the detergents don't have enough to work with and attack the top-rack glassware, making them scratchy and damaged. So just scrape food into the trash and let your dishwasher do its magic.

Over the winter season, many of us may have accidentally left our rubber garden hoses outdoors. With the harsh winter conditions and freezing temperatures, the hoses can crack, causing leaks. Test your hose this spring, and if you find leaks, don't toss it just yet. Instead, use a permanent marker to indicate where the leaks are. Then use electrical tape to cover the cuts and leaky areas. You will be surprised at how watertight this makes the hose, and you will get one more season of use out of the hard-to-recycle garden hose.