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…
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…
Winter is on the way and you don’t want to get caught off-guard by the first snowfall. Get your snowblower ready to go in 5 simple steps so you’re ready to take on the snow when the time comes. 5 Step Single-Stage Snowblower Prep 1. Tighten Handles and Knobs Make sure all handles and knobs are securely tightened and in place before attempting to operate your snowblower. 2. Look for…
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. How to Prepare Your Mower for Storage 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…
By the time autumn rolls around, many homeowners are tired of lawn maintenance. After all, you’ve spent the entire summer watering, trimming, mowing, and taking steps to ensure your lush, green grass stays that way. And then the leaves start to fall. Although you might be tempted to let the fall leaves stay on the grass for the winter, it’s rarely a good idea to let the leaves just lay…
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…