Our last comfortable weather day, in Michigan, before the blast of heat arrives

[slightlv]

5. We do the "swamp" effect for the dog when he goes outside.

It's also there for any other animals who wander in when he's not outside. We keep water bowls around the yard, and change out the water as it gets really hot. Not only the wandering animals appreciate that, but the birds do, as well. I don't have a bird bath... just lots of bowls all over the front and back yards! (LOL)

BTW... I wanted to thank you, Siwsan. You mentioned getting yourself one of the small "personal" sized chain saws and using it. After reading your message where you tackled some of the branches with it, I ordered one for myself. It's been wonderful to cut back some of the offending branches around here. Certainly saving us from another "nuisance" notice from the yard police. Mine came with both 6" and 8" sizes. I've done about all the 6" will handle. After the heat wave abates, I'll go back out and tackle the mini-trees that'll need the 8". Thanks so much for mentioning it and how it worked for you. It was a small investment for a large payoff for me!