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…
When it comes to buying battery-powered yard tools, it may be hard to truly understand how powerful they are. So, what do you really need to care about when comparing tools? Make sure you’re buying the right tool for the job by understanding 10 basic aspects of battery-powered tool power and performance. 1. Brushed Motors Brushed motors employ a mechanical switching mechanism (or commutator) to turn the motor; whereas…
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…
Start your spring season strong with a great cut from the start. Your mower will cut faster and deliver a better quality of cut with sharp blades, so make sure your blades are sharp! One of the top maintenance items for any rotary mower is to ensure blades are properly sharpened, balanced and in good working order. Why Sharp Blades Matter When shaving, think about the difference between the times…
Saving water doesn’t have to involve the cost and inconvenience of tearing up your yard to install a new irrigation system. It’s easy to save water and reduce your utility bills with simple changes to your landscaping and gardening routine: 1. Landscape to Suit Your Lot Choose grass or plants that have low water requirements and will thrive in your local climate. Consider your lot’s exact features, including sun and…
Irrigation systems need regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently year after year. Damage from lawn equipment or improper winterization can cause leaks and other serious problems. Do It Yourself 1. Inspect your System Monthly Check for leaks, broken or clogged sprinkler heads, and other problems. Clean clogged screens and drip irrigation filters as needed. 2. Adjust Sprinkler Heads Remove or correct obstructions that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly….
Most homeowners overwater their yard, unintentionally wasting money every time they take out the hose or turn on the sprinklers. Using an automated irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep your lawn and landscape beautiful and healthy, while minimizing water waste. Make time each season to be sure you’re getting the most out of your irrigation system, while keeping utility bills low and helping to protect the…
Good-bye, winter. Summer will be here before you know it! Get your snowblower prepped for off-season storage in 5 simple steps to prevent startup issues next year. 5-Step Snowblower Winterization 1. Drain the Fuel System Start the engine and run it dry of fuel. If you haven’t added a fuel treatment during the season, add a little now to prevent residual fuel from forming gummy deposits or fouling the carburetor…
Using an automated irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep your lawn and landscape beautiful and healthy while 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. Required by the National Plumbing Code for all irrigation systems, backflow prevention devices prevent…
Your journey to finding the perfect snowblower for you and your driveway starts with asking the right questions. Single-stage, two-stage, and crossover machines that combine aspects of both are all great for clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalk, but they remove snow differently. Aside from choosing the right stage, your driveway and the type of snow you get in your area should direct your decision. Single-Stage Snowblowers Toro’s…