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 of course, growth eventually needs to be cut down. There are ways to maintain your lawn even…
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 Think about the difference between the times you shave with…
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…
You might be tempted to pull out the mower and start cutting down that new spring growth as soon as it appears. However, 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. Use it wisely! By timing your mowing and seeding schedule…
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…
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…
Good-bye, winter. Summer will be here before you know it! Get your snow blower prepped for off-season storage in 5 simple steps to prevent startup issues next year. 5 Steps to Off-Season Storage 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…
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 brushless…
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…
Staying on top of basic snow blower maintenance