Questions From The Readers
By Brian Kerr
and Grace Corradino

This week, we field questions from readers.

Lisa in Fair Harbor: I planted my flower pots with these gorgeous red summer annuals and the blooms have already died and it is only the Fourth of July! Did I pick the wrong plants for my containers?

Brian answers: Unfortunately, the answer is probably yes. If you went to a nursery and selected plants that were thin leafed, they need to be watered every day. If you cannot water this variety of plant every day, then you should have selected hardier annuals, like geranium, licorice plant or annual succulents. You can also add vermiculite to your soil or use a soilless plant mix such as promix. These bases require far less water than a topsoil base for your container plants.

Maria in Saltaire: Since I need to water my plants every week, do you recommend that I install a sprinkler system for my containers?

Brian answers: I would love to install a sprinkler system for you. However, it is better for you to hire a local kid to come over and water on Tuesdays and Thursdays for you.

Steven in Lonelyville: I need to replace many of my windows. My contractor is recommending I put a skylight in my bedroom. I have heard that skylights always leak. What do you suggest I do?

Grace answers: I would not have two things in any house I own: One would be a skylight and the other would be a sliding door. In a sliding door, the rollers get destroyed because salt and sand wreak havoc with the components. Although the quality of sliders has vastly improved, if the installation requires a slider be sure to get a quality product. As for a skylight, I have never seen one that did not leak. They are a nightmare.

Marilyn in Fair Harbor: I have a holly tree with black smut on the leaves with some white spots on the branches. Is my tree going to die?

Brian answers: The tree can be sprayed with an insecticide to correct the problem. It will need at least two or three applications.

Theresa in Summer Club: I had called an exterminator to determine what kind of pest was damaging the siding of my house. He indicated that raccoons were the culprit. Is there anything I can do to avoid this from happening again?

Brian answers: It is likely that these common Fire Island pests jumped from the trees surrounding your house on to it. You need to cut your trees away from your house. Pests or not, all trees should be cut back away from your house leaving at least four feet from the house to any surrounding foliage.

Roberta in Saltaire: Are there any plants that will winter over?

Brian answers: Yes, you can plant hosta and assorted succulents in containers and they will come back every spring. Be sure to use plastic containers. Clay pots will freeze and break. Move the containers to a location where they will sustain the least wind damage. Low, flat plastic containers work very well with assorted sedum and other succulent varieties.

Jane in Kismet: I am a tenant here just for the summer. What would you recommend I do to make this house more attractive for the time I am here?

Grace answers: The first thing I recommend is that you read your lease carefully before you think about changing anything in the house. The standard language in most leases prohibits the moving of furniture or redecorating. Check your lease. However, every house looks better if it is de-cluttered. If the stuff in the house belongs to the owner, perhaps you can store it away carefully. If it is your “stuff” find a way to keep things orderly for the duration of your stay.

Rich in Saltaire: I need to repaint my house and would like to use some color. I have always only painted my walls white or off white because I am afraid that a color will not come out the way I want. What should I do to make sure I won’t hate what I have chosen?

Grace answers: Go to your local paint store and ask for the four-byfour-inch paint samples. If the store does not have them in stock, go to another store that does. Bring these samples home and tape them to the wall that you want to use them on. Step back from the wall and view the samples to see if they suit you. Try to select one or two. Ask your painter to paint a sample of each color on a wall. This is the only way to be certain that you will like a color. The lighting in your space will dictate how the color “reads.” There is no way to pick a color in the paint store and assume that it will work in your house.

Brian and Grace live year round in Saltaire. Brian owns Brian Kerr Landscaping, Inc. Grace is a real estate broker and owns Fire Island Living Real Estate.