Q: Depending on the type of biological control that you use, you may need to get a permit from your local department of wildlife or agriculture. Some species that can control lake weeds are considered invasive in particular areas, and you may not be allowed to introduce them. Always learn what your local laws are before introducing a new animal or fish into your lake. Mute swans can be released onto small lakes. As they feed on both submerged plants and algae, they may be ideal to control vegetation. Keep in mind that swans require extra care, husbandry, and protection from predators. Also known as the white amur, grass carp feed on the submersed plants in your lake. They are usually introduced into a lake to control vegetation. Keep in mind that grass carp will eat almost any submerged vegetation, not just invasive species or weeds. Grass carp will not help much with duckweed or watermeal. It is recommended that you stock 15 to 30 fish per acre of lake. Get carp that are at least ten or twelve inches long. Grass carp can be invasive. Check your local laws to make sure that you are allowed to use them as a biological control before you release them into your lake. If you want to target a specific weed, you may look into using insects as form of biological control. You will need to find insects that are host-specific; this means you pick a species of insects that will only eat the specific weed that you want to remove. You can research your particular weed to see if there is an insect species that may help. You might also reach out to your local department of wildlife or agriculture, Noxious Weed Control Board, or an ecologist. Do not release non-native insects until you have verified that they will only eat the plant in question and that they will have no other impact on your local ecosystem.
A: Check your local laws. Introduce swans to the lake. Release grass carp into the lake. Research which insects may be helpful.

Q: Depending upon the type of trim you have, you might be able to remove it with a hammer and screwdriver. Set the trim aside to reinstall after the slate tile is finished. Be sure to remove all the tacks and nails that stick out of the subflooring. If you have a cement floor, use a leveling compound to improve the surface. If you have a wood floor, secure loose boards so that they will not squeak. If your wood subfloor is thinner than one and one-fourth-inch (0.6-cm), install a second layer of five-eighths-inch (1.6-cm) plywood or cement board to ensure the slate has a stable foundation. Screw these sheets into the subfloor every eight inches (20.3 cm). A cement floor can be cleaned with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP). A wooden floor can be vacuumed extensively. Paint an anti-fracture membrane onto cement subfloor. You can paint or roll it on.
A: Remove the baseboard trim around the area you want to cover with slate tile. Remove the carpet, laminate or other flooring that is over the area. Check that your subfloor is level. Clean the floor as well as you can. Paint a coat of polyurethane on top of plywood subfloor to prevent water damage.

Q: If getting cozy is your goal, try layering your seating solutions with pillows and cushions intended for indoor use. Soft, natural materials feel the best to the touch, but keep in mind that you'll need to put these away whenever it rains to avoid ruining them. It may also be a good idea to make blankets available for those unexpectedly brisk evenings. If you decide to accessorize with items that aren't intended for outdoor use, keep a small storage container nearby where you can stash them quickly when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Make sure the rug you get is made from a synthetic material, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. Unlike cotton and similar natural fibers, synthetics aren't susceptible to mold and mildew. They also won't fade when exposed to direct sunlight, meaning they'll retain their original vibrant color season after season. Certain moisture-resistant natural fibers like bamboo, hemp, and seagrass are resilient enough to handle heat and moisture, but they'll still deteriorate faster than synthetic alternatives. Stretch a tape measure around the square or rectangular section of your deck closest to the center to determine what size rug will look best in your space. Make use of the blank space on the exterior wall of your home by covering it with paintings, small sculptures, or other visually-interesting mounted pieces. Outdoor wall art is a unique touch that's guaranteed to turn heads and make your home stand out. Place paintings and other traditional art behind glass in treated wood or stainless steel frames to prevent rotting and rusting. Hunt for pieces of architectural salvage art at your neighborhood antique store. Architectural salvage is ideal for making any drab deck more aesthetically-pleasing, as most pieces are weather-hardy and crafted for longevity. A standalone fire pit can make a charming addition to your deck, especially once fall arrives. Lay down a grid of paver stones or a heat-resistant fire mat on the surface of your deck to protect it from the heat. You can then begin shopping for a fire pit that fits your deck's specific dimensions, as well as your own personal tastes. Before you begin comparing various models, consult your local building codes to find out whether it's legal to add a fire pit to a deck where you live. To prevent potential fire-related accidents, select a nice central spot for your fire pit that's as far away from your home itself as possible. If you would prefer something smaller in addition to or instead of a full fire pit, you could make a tabletop fire bowl.
A:
Pile your furniture with extra pillows to make it more comfortable. Put down a weather-resistant rug to tie your deck decor together. Hang some chic wall art to serve as a conversation starter. Add a fire pit to continue enjoying your deck as the weather cools.