I’ve added an extension to my deck and need to match the stain color. Can this be done?
Even if you don’t remember the name of the original stain, you can match it. Take a sample—the larger the better—to The Home Depot. An in-store associate will be happy to help you find the best option. If you’re trying to match a semi-transparent stain, apply the new stain to the new decking, then finish with a coat across the whole deck, including the older pre-stained area, to get uniform color.  

What can I do to get rid of mosquitoes?
Not only are mosquitoes highly irritating but their bites can also transmit serious diseases to people and animals. Knowing how and where these pests like to breed is the key to controlling their spread. For instance, getting rid of standing water in ponds, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, watering cans and buckets means mosquitoes won’t have anywhere to lay their eggs. Reducing the number of places where larvae can grow, and killing them as they grow, will greatly lower the number of adult flies. The Home Depot carries a wide selection of products from Ortho, Spectracide and Bayer to keep your backyard mosquito free.  

What can I use to clean my Trex deck?
All exterior building materials require cleaning, including Trex decking. Ensure the surface is free of debris, then use soap and hot water to scrub your deck with a soft bristle brush twice a year. A wide variety of soap and cleaning products are available from brands such as Zep at your local The Home Depot. This will help remove chalk marks, dirt and stains. If you have rust stains, try a product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid to lighten or remove the rust or dirt.  

I’m thinking of getting an outdoor fountain. What should I consider?
Beautiful backyard accents, fountains can serve as a focal point from which to build the rest of your garden. They come in a variety of materials, including slate, stone, wood, glass, copper and ceramic. Along with the material, you’ll want to consider options such as adjustable flow control, lighting, a built-in clock or thermostat and wall brackets. Head to your local The Home Depot to choose the style that suits both you and your backyard.  

What can I do to attract hummingbirds to my garden?
You can plant specific plants that hummingbirds like. Try the following annuals and perennials: hollyhocks (Alcea), snapdragons (Antirrhinum), columbines (Aquilegia), coral bells (Heuchera), impatiens, kniphofia, monarda, nicotiana and beard tongue (Penstemon). If you're interested in shrubs, try buddleja, chaenomeles, lonicera, ribes and weigela.  

The cement patio around my pool looks black in the shadiest areas. Should I use bleach to clean it?
It sounds like you’ve got mildew or algae. A product made with oxygen bleach, usually sold as deck brighteners or for cleaning siding, is available at your local The Home Depot. Follow the dilution-rate instructions on the package and scrub with a broom.  

I have moss in my front yard and on the path close to the house. How can I get rid of it and keep it from returning?
Moss is usually a symptom of several problems, including poor drainage, too much shade, low fertility, compacted soil and soil that's too acidic. If you can correct these problems, you'll have less moss. Failing that, you can scruff the soil up every few weeks to aerate it, which will help discourage the moss from coming back.  

My dog keeps urinating on my shrubs and trees. What can I do to prevent this?
Try using a pet-repellent spray from brands such as Havahart, available at your local The Home Depot. Made from pepper, dogs don’t like the taste or smell of it, and one application lasts up to 30 days. Planting marigolds along the perimeter of your garden is also another option that will help deter both animals and harmful insects.  

I want to add an outdoor-design element that will be functional in the spring but still offer some shade during summer. What can you suggest that doesn’t involve an umbrella?
A pergola is a great way to combine shade with design. This versatile structure creates an outdoor room that can reflect your personal decor touches as an entertaining area, a spa getaway or an outdoor living room. A pergola can be built out of wood, vinyl or metal; all have their advantages, but one made from wood is a traditional European look. You’ll find ready-to-assemble kits or materials to build one yourself, available at The Home Depot.  

I want to add privacy to my yard. A tree or bush that is easy to maintain and will grow 20 to 30 feet would work. What do you recommend?
Viburnum is a good choice for hedges, as it screens objects from view. Holly (Ilex) makes a dense hedge, so it’s a great substitute for a fence. Hollies have glossy green foliage and red berries in winter; they range in height from a few feet to 60 feet, so be sure to choose the cultivar that will work best for your location. American holly will grow up to 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Nellie Stevens holly is a little smaller, maxing out at 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide. If you’re looking for a large shrub, Burfordii holly only reaches about 15 feet tall and wide.