Summarize the following:
The stems get thicker as they age, and they start to rub against each other towards the inside of the shrub. This can cause disease and infection. To prevent this, use a handsaw to remove some of your old, thick stems. Move your handsaw back and forth quickly to make your cuts.  The largest stems have the thickest diameter. The oldest stems typically are also the tallest. By getting rid of them, you reduce the overall height of your shrub. If you can’t reach the very middle of the shrub’s base, cut it to 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) from the ground. Do this after your plants mature to about 5-6 years old. This way, they are large enough to support such a massive pruning. Use a pair of loppers or a fine-tooth handsaw to cut your large stems. Instead of cutting them at the ground, leave about 1 ft (0.30 m) of the stem. This way, new stems can grow from the remaining portion of the branch. Trimming the top of the stem off helps reduce the height of your plant while promoting a spot for new shoots to grow. Sometimes, the forsythia plant grows branches toward the base. This does not look the best, since most of the flowers bloom at the canopy of the plant. To reshape your plant, simply cut off these branches using your pruning shears. Make your cut where the branch first sprouts off the other stem. If you don’t remove low branches, they may start to root to the ground. As perennials grow, they often produce a few dead branches. In addition, the dense stems may start to touch or rub together. If you previously trimmed a stem, new “split stems” may grow where the cut was made. While these instances occur normally as the plant grows, they can take away nutrients and expose the plant to infection.  If you notice any stems growing inward rather than outward, these should be pruned as well. Dead, bent, and split stems also change the look of your shrub. Use pruning shears or loppers to remove any excess branches towards the top of your plant. This helps preserve the natural shape of your forsythia while getting rid of the bulk. Do this for branches that point inward, branches that cross, and branches that are rubbing against other branches. In addition, cut off some of the very tall branches. Removing branches displays the natural shape of the plant. Keeping your forsythia open allows light and air into the middle of the shrub, which helps it grow healthy. Only do this if your plant is an overgrown mess and starts to take over your garden bed. Using loppers, cut all of your stems to the ground. Make your cuts about  4–5 in (10–13 cm) from the ground so new shoots can start to grow. After this, remove excess branches to keep your plant open and airy.  For best results, do this in late winter or early spring. Blooming will be reduced or nonexistent after a dramatic pruning. After a few years, your plant will look full again.

summary: Remove a quarter of the oldest stems by cutting them at ground level. Cut the stems to 12 in (30 cm) or more if you want to encourage growth. Remove branches low to the ground to maintain the shape of the plant. Get rid of any dead, bent, or split stems to keep your plant healthy. Cut branches back to their point of origin to thin out the canopy. Crop the stems to 4–5 in (10–13 cm) if they are drastically overgrown.


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One of the easiest ways for possums to sneak into your home is through the dryer vent or other vents along the foundation. Block possums from sneaking in through these openings by covering them with slotted metal vent covers.  These covers are screwed onto the vent and have just enough room for steam and smoke to escape but not enough for possums to sneak through. Possums can sneak onto your roof if tree branches or other tall plants are positioned nearby. Tree branches should be trimmed a minimum of 5 feet (1.5 m) away from the roof. Do not place climbing plants near or on the house, especially not near the eaves areas. Possums often hide out under low decks, so these should also be protected with some form of metal barrier. Use 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) grid screening or solid metal flashing all around the base to build a barrier:  Dig a trench around the perimeter of the deck. The hole should be at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) deep. Place the screening or flashing in the trench. The barrier should extend from the bottom of the hole to the bottom or underside of the deck. Fill the trench in with dirt, packing it down in place to prevent the screening from being jolted or wiggled around. Attach the top of the screening to the deck. Nails or fence post staples usually work best. If you suspect that possums might be trapped below your deck, provide them with a temporary means of escape. Instead of sealing up the final section of screening, use 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) grid screening to form door or a funnel that the possum can get out of but can't get back in through.  To use a one-way exit funnel, the large end should be big enough for a possum to fit through and should be attached to the barrier using nails or fence post staples. The small end should extend away from the building and should have a hole roughly 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter. This will allow possums to squeeze their way out but not squeeze their way in. Keep this passage open for a few days to one week before sealing up the hole. Your home may have other open spaces that will appear inviting to a possum looking for a warm home or a free meal. Attic vents and chimneys should be covered with 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) grid screening. You could also use insect screening over the vents or you should have a chimney cap installed.  Repair any holes in deck lattices, window screens, or door screens. Lock or cover pet doors at night.

summary: Cover your foundation vents. Trim tree branches. Protect the underside of low decks. Create a temporary one-way exit for any trapped possums. Seal any other open spaces.


Summarize the following:
Certain upper body exercises can be performed while sitting down so you don't have to worry about putting too much pressure on your knee. You don't have to do your upper body exercises sitting down, but it can be helpful if you're suffering from a particularly painful knee injury. Some upper body exercises you can do while seated include:  Bicep curls Overhead presses Lateral raises If your knee is in pain, bodyweight exercises can be a nice way to work out your upper body without using heavy weights or machines. Some bodyweight exercises you can try are:  Bench dips Pullups Inverted rows There are lots of upper body exercises you can do right on the floor so you don't have to put pressure on your knee. Some knee-friendly floor exercises you can try include:  Crunches Push ups Planks Supermans
summary: Do some upper body exercises while seated if it's too painful to stand. Try doing bodyweight exercises if you want something with minimal resistance. Do floor exercises to work out your upper body and give your knee a break.