Ever wonder how to keep weeds from growing in your lawn and when to fertilize? Here are some key tips: Step 1: Cut at the Right Height To promote healthier grass, mowing at to the right height is helpful in preventing weeds because keeping your turf longer helps block sunlight from weed seeds waiting to germinate. When weed seeds are evident, catch your grass clippings and dispose of them, rather than…
Using an automated irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep your lawn and landscape beautiful and healthy, in addition to minimizing water waste. Plan carefully for a reliable, flexible irrigation system that can grow and evolve along with your landscaping. Plan for Now 1. Meet Code Requirements Include the right backflow prevention device for your area. These devices prevent irrigation system water from contaminating the water supply. The…
When it comes time to upgrade your sprinkler timer you’ll notice there are a lot of options. Determining which timer is right for you can seem daunting, but here are a few helpful tips to consider when shopping to help you narrow your choice.
When it comes time to upgrade your sprinkler timer you may have noticed there are a lot of options. Determining which timer is right for you can seem daunting. Here are a few things to consider when shopping to help you narrow down the decision process. If you’re in need of a new sprinkler system or replacement sprinkler, you’ve likely noticed that pressure regulating sprinklers are a requirement in many…
Like all lawn mowers, zero turn mowers require care to prevent accidents when mowing around water, drop-offs, steep inclines, and wet conditions. Prepare for the mowing season by remembering these helpful safety tips: Before Mowing Read and understand the operator’s manual before operation. The manual provides important maintenance and safety information. Make certain safety devices are working properly, and never bypass or remove any safety equipment. While Mowing Do not operate…
Lawn tools fall into three categories: basic tools you’ll want to own, specialty tools to rent or own, if you have the budget and space, and tools to rent. Our recommendations assume average lawn needs. Your needs may differ. Basic Tools to Own Bulb Planter: Digs a hole and pushes the bulb into the hole. Garden Cart or Wheelbarrow: Hauls everything from lawn tools to fertilizer to lawn waste. Garden…
How often do you upgrade your personal technology? For many of us, upgrading our phones, computers, even our cars is something we do every few years. Updating home technology likely doesn’t happen as often. But, keeping current can save you time and money. So, when was the last time you upgraded your irrigation system controller? If the answer is longer than a few years, now is the time. Putting…
When shopping for a new blower, many consumers look at the “miles per hour” rating to assess the power of a blower. However, it is possible for a 230 MPH blower to have more power than a 240 MPH blower. Here is why: MPH Alone is Not a Good Measure of Power A blower nozzle opening the size of a straw could blow air at 300 mph—it is good for…
The Toro Company is initiating case studies involving commercial and residential irrigation applications. This is the first residential case study in the series. Resident Profile The Schenck family has lived in their Yucaipa, California, home since 2007. Nicole Schenck, owner of a firm that stages large events, such as a water conference attracting irrigation experts from around the state, is a water aficionado who pays close attention to her monthly…
2017 Farmers’ Almanac Forecast: “Winter is back!” February is when the frigid temperatures take hold; northern states could see ambient air temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. An active storm track will deliver above-normal precipitation to the Southeast, Northeast and New England states throughout most of the winter, especially February. If you want all the facts, check out the Winter 2016-2017, Farmers’ Almanac See Toro’s lineup of snow…