Tree Maintenance for Homeowners

July 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on tree maintenance for homeowners.  People often underestimate the importance of taking good care of your trees. Although the trees existed before you moved in, it’s still your responsibility to take care of them.  So, you will want to ensure that they continue to grow big and healthy. However, taking care of your trees can be tough work, especially if you’re not sure how to get started. Lets take a look at how you can take better care of the trees around your home.

 

Tree Maintenance for Homeowners 

tree maintenance for homeowners

 

 

Water Young Trees 

 

Trees can actually absorb a lot of water.  Especially, if they’re already large and have well-established roots. New trees that have just been planted can actually use several gallons of water every week.  Especially during the first two growing seasons.  

So, if you haven’t had rain for several weeks you’ll want to water your trees to ensure they continue growing. One of the best ways to water trees is to let them absorb water slowly.  Actually, over a long period of time is recommended. Focus watering on the areas beneath the branches or at the trunk if it’s a new tree. A soaker hose is best, especially if you can leave it on a slow setting for a long time and just place it near the trunk. However, a sprinkler or bucket can also work.

 

 

tree maintenance for homeowners

 

 

 

Trim Trees

It’s a good idea to occasionally trim your tree to remove dead branches and reduce potential risks. Without tree trimming, your tree may grow in unexpected directions which could damage your property.  Furthermore, not trimming your trees can reduce the amount of sun and air that you get in a particular area.  Tree trimming ensures that you can improve the overall form of the tree which is important over a long period of time.

It’s totally possible to trim a tree yourself.  However, hire a professional especially if the tree is rather large. Climbing large tree requires safety precautions that should be performed by professionals.

 

Deal With Pests

Pests can be a huge problem for trees.  When starting a home garden, it’s important to take note of the potential pests that could invade your garden.  Make sure that you have measures to prevent pests and rodents from damaging or destroying your trees.  Thankfully, trees are resilient and will bounce back from most pest problems, but it’s important to identify potential infestations and other problems as early as possible.

 

 

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Ideas for Large Backyards With Small Budgets

July 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on ideas for large backyards.  Having a larger garden can be excellent. Not only will you be able to have a larger outdoor space to fully enjoy, you’ll have a chance to add animals, spend time with family, grow crops, and be more self-sufficient with your outdoor space. You can have fun with a large garden, though maintaining it may seem like the hardest thing that you could possibly do! 

A large garden gives you space to have a barbecue area, a patio, even a play area for your children.  You can even hire someone with AKRS Equipment to help keep it running smoothly if you have extensive acreage which is farmland.

 

 

  • ideas for large backyards

 

 

When you have a large backyard, you have lots of ways to use your space and and increase the value of your home. Maintaining a large backyard so that it stays looking good and healthy is important, and here’s how you can do it.

 

Ideas for Large Backyards: 

 

  • Use the right tools –  The larger your garden is, the more tools you’ll need to maintain it. You may need to look at things like tractors and large trailers.  You will need them to help you to clear some of the fields. The right equipment is a must.  For example, a riding mower will be a necessity too.  And, a wagon to haul compost and garden soil to various areas on your property should be added to your list.   
  • Establish a Routine – Your garden will constantly need upkeep.  You will need to mow the lawn, tend to plants and flowers, and clean up any mess at all times.  You will need to be able to maintain the interior of your home as well.  As a result, you won’t be able to get every single thing done in one day.  So, make sure that you get into a routine of keeping up with all of the clearing and keeping the place healthy. 

 

 

ideas for large backyards

 

 

  • Feature the Wild and Native Plants – If you have wildflowers or native bushes and plants growing on your property, make a beautiful garden where you can feature them. Keep large shrubs and trees trimmed and the area tidy.  They can become conversation pieces. 
  • Add Path Ways – A large garden is much easier to maintain when you add paving and paths to the space. It add way to stroll the property and admire the flowers and plants in the gardens and borders.  It also makes watering much easier.  
  • Weatherproof Benches and Seating – There will be some areas of the garden that require you to weatherproof it. For example, wooden benches, tables and chairs need to be protected from the weather.  

 

A large garden is going to take some time to install.  Call for assistance if you get too far behind in maintaining your property.  Solicit family, friends and other gardeners to help install and maintain your property if needed.  

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Lawn Repair Tips for Homeowners

June 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips lawn repair tips for homeowners.  If you’re wondering how to create the perfect lawn, then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re going to take a look at some lawn repair tips for homeowners that won’t break the bank, and will have your lawn looking good in not time.  

 

 

 

lawn repair tips

 

 

 

Lawn Repair Tips for Homeowners

 

Feed And Water Your Lawn Regularly 

While grass is hardy, it does better when you water and fertilizer it regularly.  Unfortunately, the underlying soil rarely contains all the nutrients that your soil needs.  Just like your flowers and vegetables need nutrients, so does your grass.  

You can pick up fertilizers from most garden centers and nurseries.  Be sure to read the packing.  It provides information on how to best use the product and when to combine it with watering.

Not only should provide food for your lawn, a lawn lacking sufficient water will turn yellow then brown. So if you want your grass to look verdant year-round, you’ll need to water it continuously. Look into a sprinkler system for a well maintained lawn.  

 

Only Remove A Third Of Your Grass’s Length When Mowing

Some gardeners can overdo their landscaping and lawn care. They adjust the blade on their mower so that they completely scalp the lawn, making it difficult for the grass to recover. So, think about it this way: you wouldn’t prune back a tree to the base of the trunk, right?  So you shouldn’t do the same with your lawn.

When mowing, set the blade so that it only removes a third of the length of the grass on your lawn. This way, you can keep the grass viable and healthy. During the height of summer when it is dry, you may wish to only remove a small fraction of the grass’s length.   

 

Start Over Seeding

If feeding your grass and regularly mowing it isn’t helping, then you can try over seeding. Over seeding involves scattering grass seed on your lawn.  This is a great way to fill in bald areas or areas that have lost thickness.  

Check out the varieties of grass seed available, and determine what areas in your lawn you want to overseed.  

Before you overseed, you’ll first need to mow, scarify (remove debris), aerate the lawn and provide a top dressing. Taking these steps will provide new seeds with the maximum chance of germinating.  Once you seed the lawn, you’ll need to keep it watered and do a top dressing.   

 

 

lawn repair tips

 

Remove Debris

So, you’ll want to remove any debris from your lawn. Things like leaves and twigs can prevent grass from accessing natural sunlight, leading to thinning patches, especially during the winter months. 

Use a lawn rake remove any clumps of grass, twigs and leaves.  Rake over as many areas as you can to keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful. 

 

Top Dress Your Soil 

Next, top dressing is to improve the quality of existing soil, enhance draining, and build up your soil can it can help get rid of any imperfections. With regular top dressing, you can provide your grass with an optimal habitat in which to flourish and grow year-round. 

Before you buy any top dressing, however, you’ll need to check the soil type in your garden. Understanding your soil type, will ensure you add the appropriate nutrients for your lawn.  Your soil type can be loamy, sandy or clay.  You’ll need to match it to the top dressing to ensure that you can maintain your lawn sufficiently. 

 

Regular maintenance of your lawn will help keep it in good condition.  Mowing at the correct height, fertilizing, aerating, and regular watering should become a part of your lawn care routine.  

 

 

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Improving Your Backyard Tips

February 10, 2021 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing Tips for improving your backyard. If we want to improve our quality of life, we need to start improving our backyard, and start enjoy it.  There are many ways to improve the look of your backyard.  Possibilities include planting new plants or upgrading your garden furniture. It is very important that just as our house is harmonious and everything blends, the design in your backyard and garden should also blend.  Furthermore, it should have a uniform look and a sense of harmony. 

 

 

improving your backyard

 

 

Tips for Improving Your Backyard:

 

Install a Pergola

One way of improving your backyard is to install a pergola.  Installing a pergola in your backyard will increase your outdoor living space, and give you a shaded area to enjoy.  Furthermore, you can enjoy a pergola even when it’s raining.  However, it is suggested that you consider the quality of the wood before you install it.  A high-quality wooden pergola will last years with quality wood.  Additionally, it will make your backyard garden a place for entertaining guests, having your child’s birthday party, hosting a baby shower or just relaxing with family or friends. If you need to remove trees to get more light, consider a reliable tree removal service. 

 

Install a High Quality Space 

Another tip for improving your backyard is to consider different entertainment areas. You can divide your backyard into different spaces.  For example, you can use one part of your backyard for an outdoor seating area, a dining area, vegetable garden, butterfly garden, rose garden or more.  Use your imagination. If you need ideas, visit spaces of vegetation and seating.  

 

 

improving your backyard

 

 

 

Invest In Your Vegetation 

It is very important that we invest not only in the construction of our deck, balcony or pergola, but we must invest in our garden area.  When we design and plant our garden area, we should invest in quality flowers and other vegetation.  When our gardens does not have colorful flowers, it can be boring. We should also consider the areas in our garden that are shady or sunny.  You must purchase your plants based on sun or shade. Be sure to plant a few fruit trees and yummy vegetables.   

 

Invest in a Quality Garden Design 

If we want to improve our property and make it more inviting, we should not only invest in the interior design, but also in the design of the garden. Make sure that it has a sense of harmony and aesthetic beauty.  These elements will help upgrade your outdoor living experience, and raise the value of your property.

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Improving Your Home’s Value Tips

February 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I sharing outdoor living space tips on improving your home’s value. With more people spending leisure time at home, more people are considering their backyards more carefully. If you’re one of them, you will want to ensure that your investment won’t be lost when you sell. There are outdoor features that will improve your home’s value.  Furthermore, it will make your outdoor space more enjoyable.  

 

 

improving your home's value

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live our lives.  This includes our wants and needs when it comes to home. Understandably, the real estate landscape has transformed.  Which, is why leading real estate referral company HomeLight went to the experts to get a feel for the market. HomeLight’s Q4 survey of more than 1,000 top real estate agents, indicates that more people are remodeling and tackling big home projects.  As a result of the pandemic, backyards are a focal point.

If you want to upgrade your yard area, know what’s popular in your area and which projects have historically high returns on investment. 

 

Improving Your Home’s Value:  

 

1. Fire Feature

The nation’s top backyard feature is a fire pit.  Approximately, 54 percent of agents say buyers are seeking homes with backyard fire areas. If you’re in the Northeast or Midwestern part of the country, fire pits are the top outdoor feature. There’s nothing like sitting around a fire with friends and family on a crisp, cool fall evening.  For inspiration, check out these fire pit design ideas from HGTV.

 

2. Privacy Fence

If you really want to kick back and enjoy your backyard, it’s nice to know that you’re not on display for the neighborhood. For this reason, 48 percent of agents say that privacy fencing or hedges are the second most popular outdoor feature. Privacy fencing is also practical if you’ve got a dog or small children.  It keeps your precious ones in and strangers out. If a fence isn’t appealing to you, or you’re restricted from erecting a fence, check out some of these plants to grow for backyard privacy.

 

3. Outdoor Kitchen

If you live in an area that’s warm or experiences mild temperatures year-round, a full outdoor kitchen ranks third on the list nationally. Forty-six percent of agents say that their home buyers say that an outdoor kitchen tops the list of desirable home features. So, if you live in the Pacific region or the South Central portion of the country, investing in an outdoor kitchen will yield a decent return on your investment.

 

 

improving your home's value

 

 

 

4. Sun Shade

The number four spot nationally is held by sun shades.  There are options for every budget. Approximately, 34 percent of agents across the nation say that buyers seek homes with a shaded backyard area.

 

5. Screened In Space

Rounding out our list in the number five spot in the nation is a screened in area.  Agents say their buyers are looking for this feature in homes.  Screened in porches or spaces are most popular in the South Atlantic region.  This stretches from Maryland to Florida, and the is the most popular outdoor feature wanted by their buyers. With mild to moderate weather and humid summers, shaded, screened in porches or lanais provide much-needed cover from the sun and bugs.

 

I hope my list gives you some insight on where you should invest your money for your home investment.  What tops your list. 

 

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Budget Makeover Garden Tips

January 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on budget makeover garden tips. How much time do you spend in your garden? I ask the question, but I know that answer will differ depending on the individual. Some people love spending time in their garden and other people avoid it like the plague. In this post, we’re going to explore some of the reasons why you might fall into the latter group and what you can do about it. 

 

 

garden makeover tips

 

 

Garden Makeover Tips:

 

You Hate The Aesthetic

Perhaps your main reason for avoiding the garden is that you simply don’t like the way it looks. If so, then there are numerous ways that you can tackle this issue. For instance, you might want to think about hiring a landscaper. A landscaper will be able to make sure that you are able to get the perfect look for your garden. This can even help you enhance your curb appeal.

Furthermore, it could just be a matter of adding some color to your garden. If so, then consider getting a variety of different seeds and spreading them around your garden. Do this and you’re sure to be thrilled with the impact they have.

 

 The Garden Lacks Sitting 

Perhaps the main problem is that there’s nowhere in your garden where you can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.  If you lack sitting, perhaps a new deck would remedy the problem.  Companies like Austex Fence and Deck will be able to help you and ensure that you have the perfect seating area.  Remember, if you are installing a deck, then you need to weatherproof it. You will be able to make sure that it’s beautiful throughout all the different seasons without it deteriorating over time. 

 

It’s Not Set Up For Your Needs

Is your outdoor space setup for your interest and needs?  If not, make a few changes. For example, install an organic vegetable gardening if that is your interest. Your garden presents a wonderful opportunity for you to grow your own vegetables and use them in your cooking. You’ll be amazed how delicious food tastes when you grow it yourself. 

 

 

garden makeover tips

 

 

The Wrong Furniture

Next, think about investing in new furniture for your home garden. This is a great way to ensure that you  head out and enjoy your garden more. You might think that there’s not a lot of choices when it comes to garden furniture.  Some of the latest garden furniture  looks incredible and will rival furniture for the interior of your home in terms of comfort and design. 

 

I hope that you will find my garden makeover tips helpful, and you will implement a few so you can spend more time in your garden. 

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Tips for Improving Curb Appeal

December 10, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on improving curb appeal.  On many occasions, we think about our garden’s appearance from a very nature-centered point of view.  Improving your curbside appeal will also add value to your home. It would help if you strived to keep the entire area clean, including your garage areas. You may want to look at pressure washing to help. 

Furthermore, one of he most important things when creating a garden is to do a thorough overview of the area.  So, what does doing an overview mean? Well, it means to not only focus on part of your garden, but try to foresee the completed result.  If you are a landscaper, that’s a bonus.  However for those of who are not, we must learn to consider the functionality and appearance of the elements that we have.  Check out these tips.

 

improving curb appeal 1

 

 

Improving Curb Appeal:

 

Play with lighting

One way to improve curb appeal is to implement lighting.  Improving lighting, especially at night can improve your landscape’s appearance!  Good lighting will significantly improve your garden’s appearance after sunset.  And, lighting can be factored into safety factors around your home.  For example, adding motion detectors or a dusk to dawn lamp at your entrance can improve your home’s curbside appeal.  

 

Organize the space

Another thing that is not taken into consideration in the garden is organization and the optimization of space.  People who have little space think they have to fill everything with plants to make the most of it.  Stop, that is a bad idea.  Like everything else, your garden needs to breath.  Even if the garden is large, we must also use other types of elements to add variety to its design.

For example, when the garden is small we have make it look larger than what it is.  To accomplish this, place  trees at the back of the your garden.  Next, place shrubs and smaller plants moving towards the front of the garden.  Medium size shrubs/plants will go in the medium and smaller plants/flowers will go in front of the medium sized plants.

 

 

improve curb appeal

 

 


Also, if you have a lack of space, container gardening is the way to go.  However, you should not use the soil in your garden to fill these same pots.  It will become too compact and rigid for the pots, leading to the death of the plants.  Look for potting soil, which is designed specifically for pots. Having a beautiful garden doesn’t have to be difficult.  With a few tricks and tips you can be well on the way to creating a heavenly space.

So, if you have a large garden take advantage of all the possibilities that space gives you.  Some things cannot be done in a small garden, but you can give a large one greater sophistication.

 

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Hosting a Winter BBQ Successfully

November 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing outdoor living tips on hosting a winter BBQ.   Entertaining isn’t a summertime pursuit. If you’re a fair-weather gardener, you need to recognize the importance of using your space all-year-around. The main benefit of having a backyard is that you can structure it to enjoy winter too.  Once you do that, a BBQ is a piece of cake!

 

hosting a winter BBQ

 

 

Of course, the trick is to choose the right set up so that you don’t have to move indoors when the weather turns and the mercury drops. If you don’t know where to begin, the following tips are excellent starting points. Continue reading to learn more.

 

Hosting a Winter BBQ:

 

Landscaping

A green lawn and colorful flowers might look pretty, but they’re not great when it comes to soaking up water. If anything, they absorb too much, making the ground squelchy and muddy, two features that are bad for winter barbecues. The right landscaping design can ensure the base for your barbie and eating and seating arrangements are solid and secure. After all, a bit of rain won’t affect stone flagging too much, as long as the material is high-quality. There’s no reason to swap all the soft elements for harder materials; just the places where you plan to grill and socialize.

 

An Outdoor Heater

Wrapping up only helps so much. When you reach the point where the cold is in your bones, you must either find a way to heat up or go inside. Who wants to go inside!  As a result, an outdoor heat is ideal for winter BBQs. Not only are they powerful, giving off a ton of warmth, but they’re designed with gardens in mind. As a result, you can pick a heater fixture that complements the style of your property’s exterior. 

 

 

hosting a winter BBQ

 

 

 

Use Sturdy Dishes and Containers

Unfortunately, an outdoor area isn’t going to stop the wind from blowing, even if the setup is sheltered.  Don’t let Mother Nature ruin your BBQ by not protecting your food and drinks from the wind.  Thankfully, plastic storage containers and ceramic dishes are study enough to withstand the elements without taking away from the social element.  Additionally, plastic containers are easy to pass around. Plus, they are cheap and reusable.  

 

 

 

hosting a winter BBQ

 

 

Create a Simple Menu

Although grilling is the ideal avenue to show off your skills, it’s also challenging in the wrong conditions. However, it’s not impossible if you stick to the basics and do them well.  For example, burgers, sausages, and kebabs on a stick are tasty and will go please most guests.  Furthermore, they cook cook quickly. Therefore, if the wind is too strong or the rain too heavy, you should still be able to provide these delicious food. Attempting to pull off a complicated menu in winter only increases the number of obstacles, which means the odds of failing are higher!

 

So hosting a winter BBQ is the perfect way to add excitement to those long, cold nights.  So, why not mix-up your routine and get rid of those winter blues!

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6 Ideas for Garden Makeovers

September 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on ideas for garden makeovers.  If you don’t have a green thumb, keeping your garden looking beautiful can feel impossible. However, getting and maintaining a gorgeous garden doesn’t have to be a struggle.

There are a few simple things that you can do to give your garden a new lease on life, without having to put in hours of work.

 

 

home garden makeover tips

 

 Ideas for Garden Makeovers:

 

  • Paint some flower pots –  This is an great way to add a pop of color to the garden.  Remove any dirt and residue from the pots.  Having a clean base is imperative for the paint to stick.  Paint your pots any color that you like.  Here’s a suggestion, how about painting the pots in one color and using a stencil with another color to add fun designs? Ask your children to help you.  Here’s a kid-friendly garden project. To make your design last, cover them with an acrylic sealant. 
  • Trim back any trees – If you have trees in your garden that are getting out of control, call in a professional. They will be able to safely trim any trees without risk for you.  A good trim will make the trees look better and get rid of any loose branches that might fall and cause damage. 

 

home garden makeover tips

 

 

 

  • Refresh the shed – If your shed is looking worn out and tired, you can simply correct this with a coat of exterior paint or stain. Add  another color hit by choosing a treatment in a bright or pastel hue.  You could also stencil on fun designs, like plants or birds. 
  • Refresh your garden furniture –  While you’re painting your shed, give your wood garden furniture a coat as paint well. Choose a color that makes you smile and goes with the rest of your garden. 

 

home garden makeover tips

 

 

 

  • Repair your fencing – If you’ve had bad weather over the winter, some of your fence panels may have gotten damage or fallen over.  If so, hire a fence contractor to repair or replace broken or fallen panels. You may also need to reinforce your fence posts. If there’s not much rot, you can reinforce the post with a concrete spur. If there is a lot of rot, you might need a new post. When the weather is dry, give the fence a fresh coat of paint or wood stain.

 

Additionally, you can make garden decorations. This is another place for kids to get involved with the garden. Even during winter, there are things you can do to cheer up the garden.  Paint rocks in different and fun shades for the rock or flower beds. If you have stepping stones in a path, paint those. Buy a pretty bird or insect house, and give it to the kids to decorate.  The goal is to garden together.  A fairy garden, is a great idea.  We could all use a little magic in the garden. 

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Attractive Home Curbside Appeal

September 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on home curbside appeal.  We judge a book by its cover.  And, we’re all guilty of doing the same with houses. When the outside looks attractive, we want to see what the home’s interior holds.   I know that I do.  

Spring and fall are the perfect times to work on your home’s curbside appeal. Unsure where to start? We’ve got our great tips on how to enhance your house’s exterior. 

 

home curbside appeal

 

 

 

Tips on Home Curbside Appeal:

 

A New Roof 

New roofing for your home is essential for practical and cosmetic reasons.  An old roof can be prone to leaking.  Furthermore,  it can acquire a build-up of mold, become faded by the sun, and age your house. 

A new one will ensure you’re protected from the weather and will give your home a fresh look. There are many choices of colors and styles of roofing these days; the options are endless. For more info on what’s available, you can take a look online and compare designs and pricing.

 

 

 

Update the Door 

If you’re apprehensive on going bold with color choices for large parts of your exterior, bring a pop of color to the front door. Going for a deep red, bright yellow, or even purple will bring your home to life. 

If you have children, get them involved and let them pick out a color. You can repaint your front door in one day.  So, when you want something new grab a can of paint. There’s an app available that lets you virtually see how the colors look before you start the project. 

 

 

home curbside appeal

 

Plant Flowers 

The start of spring is the perfect time to plant fresh, vibrant flowers at the front of your home. By summer, everything will be blossomed and give your curb appeal a radiant look. 

Flowers don’t just belong in the garden by your front door. Grow some by your mailbox, in window boxes, and around the driveway. The more you have, the more inviting your home will be. 

 

Maintain the Lawn 

There’s nothing like seeing a bright green front lawn. Take the time to reseed your lawn.  Hot weather can damage lawns and fall is the perfect time to reseed it for a fresh lawn in the summer.  The winter snow and spring rain showers will do their magic, and help you achieve a lush lawn in the summer. 

We hope our tips on home curbside appeal have been helpful.  Implement a few and bring your home to life.  

In a few weeks, you’ll have a lawn with volume and color. Make sure you continue to water your grass as the summer months roll in. You should also get the lawnmower out every two weeks to promote new growth and keep it tamed. 

The Bottom Line

Attractive curb appeal is your home’s way of welcoming you and your guests inside. Every year, there’s always maintenance we can do to enhance the outside of our homes. 

You can start with getting a new roof, giving your front door a pop of color, plant flowers all around, and maintain a green lawn.

 

I hope my home curbside appeal tips have been beneficial.  Implement a few, and become the envy of your neighborhood.

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