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…
With growing demands for water and drought conditions in parts of the country, many are looking for ways to reduce their water usage. Experts say there are several simple actions homeowners can take in the yard that can immediately save both water and money. No longer must you choose between replacing your lawn and saving water. “We often see sprinklers watering sidewalks and drives, running during the rain, or sending…
Grasses require at least 16 different essential elements for healthy growth, most of which are provided by the grass’s surrounding environment. However, three of these elements, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), are needed in larger quantities and may require you to apply fertilizer to sustain healthy, vigorous turf. Nitrogen is the mineral nutrient required in the greatest quantity. Not only is nitrogen responsible for enhancing the grass’s deep…
2017 Farmers’ Almanac Forecast: “Winter is back!” February is when the frigid temperatures take hold; northern states could see ambient air temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. An active storm track will deliver above-normal precipitation to the Southeast, Northeast and New England states throughout most of the winter, especially February. If you want all the facts, check out the Winter 2016-2017, Farmers’ Almanac See Toro’s lineup of snowblowers…
Maintenance Frequency Regular maintenance is the most important step for achieving the best performance and longest life out of your riding mower. If equipped, use the hour meter to track and perform routine services, such as oil changes and spark-plug replacements. If not equipped with an hour meter, one way to track time used is to put a piece of masking tape on the product and make a pencil mark…
While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently limits an ethanol-gasoline blend of 10% ethanol (or E10) as a standard transportation fuel, the agency recently granted the ethanol industry a waiver increasing the allowable limit to 15% ethanol (or E15) for use only in some motor vehicles.
Give your lawn the water it needs but no more. This moderate approach conserves an important resource, saves money, and helps prevent grass diseases. How much water your lawn needs depends on the type of grass in the turf, the overall health of your lawn and soil, the amount of rainfall your lawn gets, and the overall climate. You may need to water only twice a year or you may need…
As your lawn wakes up from its winter slumber, there are things you can start doing almost immediately to clean it up and get a proactive start on maintenance. A Note on Timing While it may seem beneficial to get out as soon as the weather begins to warm up, a little patience can go a long way to maximize the results of your work. Wait until your lawn has…
North Cut cool-season grasses when they reach heights of 3 to 3-½ inches, typically once a week. If the lawn grows too high for you to cut off one-third of the height and have an acceptable length, cut off one-third and then wait two or three days before cutting off another one-third. The best time of day to mow is in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky….
North and South The optimal time to apply fertilizers is when the grass roots and blades are actively growing.