Property Planning

The rural real estate market is going strong, with land prices rising every year.

By conserving soggy ground on your property as a wetland, you can benefit the environment and even earn some money from the government.

Excess precipitation can cause stream banks to erode, which affects not only your property, but everything up- and downstream as well.

If you have some land that's grown nothing but weeds the past few years, it's possible to turn it into a productive pasture.

When done properly, the power of fire is an effective land management tool.

Trees are a beautiful addition to any acreage, providing shade and beauty to your property, but they can do some real damage underground.

In this episode of the Living the Country Life radio program, you'll learn how -- and why -- you should plug that unused well.

Planting the area over your septic drain field probably isn't at the top of your landscaping to-do list, but maybe it should be.

If you've got several acres of pasture with nothing on it, chances are a local farmer might be interested in renting it.

Good hay is hard to produce and takes careful management. Here are some tips.

Growing grapes to make your own wine is a romantic notion, but it's also a tremendous amount of work.

A trail system provides many recreational opportunities for the rural homeowner. In addition to creating a space for hiking, biking, and nature observation, a trail system lets you enjoy a leisurely ride with your equine companion.

Farmers and rural dwellers have used windmills for centuries to power well pumps, and today's homeowners can use them to cut their utility bills by about half.

As the general public becomes more aware of the importance of alternative energy sources, rural residents are finding new opportunities to earn extra cash by leasing their land for wind turbine use.

While many people think of outdoor lighting as strictly utilitarian, there are several options available to help you design driveway lighting that's both functional and attractive.

With solar-powered lights, there's no electricity needed, since their batteries are recharged each day by the sun.

Motion lights can make your life easier after the sun sets, and offer a sense of security.

Although you may associate wildfires with country pioneers, today's rural homeowners still need to make fire safety a priority. Few people can afford professional fire suppression equipment, but a bit of caution and common sense can go a long way towards keeping your family safe.

Trees, in addition to being quite beautiful, can be very valuable when it's time to sell the timber. Before you sell your timber, call your state's forestry extension program to learn more about determining the value of the wood. Then, market and advertise your sale accordingly.

One of the drawbacks of living in the country is that you leave behind the luxury of city services. However, installing a dry hydrant can help to provide the protection you need in the event of an emergency.

When you're miles away from where city sewer and water end, self-sufficiency is a necessity. While a septic system should last up to 30 years, septic system failure is both a nuisance and a health hazard that must be corrected promptly.

Look before you make the leap into country living. Doing a thorough reality check helps prepare you for the occasional wandering coyote or mowing a 5-acre backyard.

Buying an acreage

• Buying an acreage: Auctions
• Buying an acreage: Insurance
• Buying an acreage: Covenants and zoning
• Buying an acreage: Property tax issues
• Buying an acreage: Trash disposal