If your lawn is looking like a DIY project after the stresses of summer and heavy traffic, there’s good news – it’s the perfect time to start a new fall lawn care schedule. You don’t always need tons of tools or lawn care equipment, though having the basics can help, as long as you follow a few suggestions on timing for making the most out of your yard. Early Fall…
Regardless of where you live and what type of turf grass you’re working with, aeration can help your lawn be healthier and more beautiful. The trick is knowing when it’s best to aerate, what equipment to use, and what else you can do to encourage the vigor of your grasses while limiting weeds’ ability to gain a foothold in the lawn. According to Josh Friell, Ph. D, of The Toro Company’s Center…
What Kind of Oil Should I Use in My Lawn Mower? The safest bet when it comes to oil will always be to use the kind of oil your lawn mower manufacturer recommends in the operator or engine manual for your particular mower. While SAE 30 motor oil is commonly recommended for lawn mower engines, each engine manufacturer’s recommendation may be unique and might include recommendations based on your local climate. For these reasons, it is best to follow the…
Throughout much of the country, the end of summer typically triggers the biggest heat wave of the year. At the height of a heat wave, everything can be impacted in some way − the air we breathe, the plants we grow, and the grass we walk on. Even our moods are affected. And, everywhere you turn, you’re being told to be mindful of water use, which only makes the extreme…
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…
Anyone who’s tried to tackle lawn care in a blustery, wet spring knows that nothing can create lawn and mowing problems like heavy rain. Standing water, mud, and long, damp grasses provide less-than-ideal conditions for pulling out the mower. But it’s necessary because heavy rain can cause an equally heavy growth cycle—and growth that eventually needs to be cut down. There are ways to maintain your lawn even during heavy…
You might be tempted to pull out the mower and start cutting down that new spring growth as soon as it appears, but it’s best to step back and take a look at lawn conditions before you begin. The burst of healthy grass activity in spring will help keep your lawn lush and vibrant for the rest of the year, so use it wisely. By timing your mowing and seeding…
Spring is a great time to take stock of your mower’s maintenance needs and get them taken care of before the growing season. That way, you’ll be ready to roll when the growth of your lawn hits full stride. Not only does a properly maintained mower perform better, but it will also last longer and be more reliable over the course of its life. Always consult your owner’s manual to determine what specific…
After your equipment has been stored all winter, it may need a bit of maintenance to get everything back in top shape for spring. If you plan on taking any of your power equipment to a local dealer for preseason maintenance or repairs, now is a great time to get that taken care of! By the time spring rolls around, service dealerships may be all booked up, so it’s the…
How to Prepare Your Mower for Storage As mowing season winds down and you think about winter storage, take the time to do some basic fall maintenance that will help protect your mower during the cold off-season, and make getting started next spring easier. First, fully clean your mower. Damp grass clippings, leaf mulch or mud can cause rust or a freeze and thaw cycle, potentially weakening metal. Even though…