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…
Today’s irrigation systems include sophisticated controllers that allow you to easily adjust watering schedules to fit different needs. Don’t Send Water Down the Drain The type of soil you have will determine how quickly water can be absorbed without runoff. Exceeding that limit will cause runoff and water waste. Watering too much and too frequently can also result in shallow roots, weed growth, disease, and fungus, so try to only water when it’s needed. …
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…
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…
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…
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 you…
Irrigation systems need regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently year after year. While it is important that you, as the homeowner, stay on top of routine maintenance, other care tasks are best left to an expert. Do It Yourself 1. Inspect your System Monthly While inspecting, check for leaks, broken or clogged sprinkler heads, and other problems. such as damage from lawn equipment or improper winterization. Based on your…
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…