Latest articles by Alex David
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How to restore a rusty fire pit – 4 simple steps from an artisan designer, and why you should never use vinegar
I asked fire pit experts how to restore a rusty fire pit, and they gave me four incredibly simple steps. This all you need to know to fix your fire pit
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Leaf blower vs rake – expert gardeners reveal if you should go hi-tech or stay old-school
As they're increasingly regulated, it's smart to consider the drawbacks of a leaf blower vs a rake. I asked expert gardeners which tool comes out on top
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Is it ever worth buying a robot lawn mower? 5 considerations from garden experts
Robot mowers claim to do it all for you, but that's not entirely true. I spoke to expert to find out it it's ever worth buying a robot mower.
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Standing mowers vs riding mowers – a mowing expert reveals which is best
Standing mowers vs riding mowers is a heated debate among landscapers. I spoke to a landscaping expert to find out if standing mowers really are the best
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How to make solar lights work in winter – 4 simple tips from electrical experts
It can be tricky to make solar lights work in winter. As a solar light tester, I spoke to electrical experts to find out how to make sure they shine all winter
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Why isn't my leaf blower working? 6 solutions to fix a gas leaf blower
It's incredibly frustrating when your leaf blower won't work – this is all you need to know to fix the six most common leaf blower problems
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When is it antisocial to use a leaf blower? Experts reveal leaf blower etiquette
Leaf blowers can can be incredibly disruptive. I spoke to an etiquette expert for all you need to know about leaf blower etiquette
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Wooden vs vinyl fences – which is best? Construction experts weigh in
There's a lot to consider when it comes to wooden vs vinyl fences. I spoke to construction and fecning experts about the pros and cons of each material
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Patio covers vs pergolas – which outdoor structure is best?
I spoke to a specialist about patio covers vs pergolas to find out which outdoor structure is best. While pergolas are sturdier, a patio cover is better value
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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
