Hiring a cheap yard service is not always the way to go. Although most homeowners prefer to save their hard-earned money, finding the cheapest yard service provider may result in you getting less than desired results. The key is to find a reasonably priced yard service provider that is reputable and reliable, and that understands what it takes to keep your yard looking its best.

What Does a Yard Service Company Do?

Yard service companies can offer one specific service, such as cutting the lawn, weed control or planting, or you can hire a full-service yard service company that takes care of everything all year long, from fertilizing your lawn in the spring, to cutting the grass in the summer and handling the fall leaf clean-up in the fall. Only you can decide what tasks you want handled by a professional and whether you are better off hiring just one yard service company to handle all of the tasks needed year-round to keep your yard and lawn looking its best, or whether you are better off hiring different yard service contractors for different tasks. You also may only want to hire yard service contractors to handle specific tasks while you do the rest of the work yourself.

Here are some of the yard services that you can hire professionals to handle for you:

• Grass cutting
• Grass fertilization
• Fertilizing of trees, shrubs and plants
• Trimming of bushes
• Weed removal and control
• Planting of bulbs, perennials or annuals
• Leaf clean up
• Tree trimming
• Laying of sod or seeding of lawn
• Edging of garden beds
• Mulching
• Outdoor pest control
• Gutter cleaning
• Snow removal

As you can see, there are lots of different services required to keep the exterior of your home looking its best. Only you can decide what you’re willing to do on your own and what you prefer to hire a yard service company to do for you.

How To Find A Good Yard Service Contractor

Once you’ve decided what services you need done, the next step is to hire a yard service contractor. This can be an individual person with a lawn mower that cuts lawns in the neighborhood to a full-service company that handles anything and everything you need done in your yard. Hiring a good yard service contractor requires a bit of up front work on your part, but by doing your due diligence, you can wind up with a great looking yard. Here’s a few steps to help you find a good yard service contractor so you can have your lawn looking its best.

Get recommendations – The best place to initially find yard service providers is by asking people in your neighborhood whose lawns you like to give you the name of the person or company that takes care of their yard. If there is a particular home in your neighborhood with a really nice yard, you may even see the contractor’s truck parked outside and can often get the phone number right off the truck.

Make a few screening calls – Call more than one yard service provider to find out if they offer the types of services you’re interested in and to get price quotes. Depending on what you need done, the contractor will often want to first come out to your home to see how large your yard is and gauge what kind of shape it’s in. You can discuss any specifics with them when they come.

Gather quotes and compare services – Once you’ve talked to a few yard service companies and have had them come out to look at your yard, compare the quotes you receive for the services you desire and decide which ones make the cut. You don’t have to finalize your decision yet. Just decide at this point which ones are still in the running.

Check references – If you didn’t go with a neighborhood provider whose work you have already seen or did not get a recommendation, check any references the yard service provider gave you. Even if you opted to call someone whose truck you’ve seen parked around the neighborhood, you may want to ask your neighbor if they have had any complaints or issues with the contractor that you should be aware of. Ask about things like whether they are reliable, whether they are attentive to specific requests and whether they are neat and considerate of the homeowner’s property.

Compare all options and decide – Sit down and compare prices, as well as what you know or have heard about different yard service contractors. Make sure they are willing to offer you the services you desire and make sure, too, that they are not requiring you to pay for additional services that you may not want. You should not just choose the cheapest yard service contractor still left in the running. It’s also important for you to consider things like their expertise about lawns and gardens, their reliability and your gut instinct about whether you will be happy with the person working for you.

Hire the best yard service contractor for your needs – Choose the contractor or company that best meets your own personal needs, even if all the neighbors are using someone else. Then make sure that the terms of the services offered and prices are all spelled out on paper so that you can ensure that you are getting – and paying – what you initially agreed upon. Then sit back and enjoy yourself while you let someone else take care of the often tedious tasks required to keep your yard and garden looking great!

Related posts:

1. Choosing An Organic Weed Control Service
2. Make Your Own Yard Art
3. Vacuuming Leaves In Your Yard

One product currently on the market claims to offer homeowners a quick lawn that can be grown all year round – and the name of the product is a reflection of that statement, as it is called “Quicklawn”.  Quicklawn grass seed is a product offered by the company Gardener’s Choice.  The product claims to be the answer to growing a quick lawn full of green healthy grass.  But does this wonder grass really work?

Quick lawn seed is supposed to grow in only 5 – 7 days, no matter what type of conditions it is grown in.  The advertising promos claim that it is a turf grass that can provide a quick lawn of color throughout all four seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall.  Claims also add that not only do you get a quick lawn of grass, but you get a lawn that is thick and dense – just like a lush, carpet of deep, rich green.  In fact, it is supposed to be so thick and compact that it can even deter weeds, crabgrass and dandelions from growing.

You can get Quicklawn seed by Gardener’s Choice from a number of different places.  The product is offered as an “As Seen On TV” product – you know, the ones with the great infomercials on television that tell you all about how easily you can get a quick lawn of grass that stays green even in the heat of the summer or when the snow is falling?  But even though Quick Lawn grass seed is an As Seen On TV product, that doesn’t mean it’s the only place you can get it.  You can get it from the company’s website, from a number of other retailers that sell lawn and grass seed, and even from Amazon.

Buy Quick Lawn Grass Seed by clicking here.

But, still you may be wondering if Quicklawn grass seed really results in growing a quick lawn.  Well, there seem to be mixed quick lawn reviews for this product.  Most people tend to agree on the fact that the grass seed does indeed grow quickly – in the 5 – 7 day timeframe that the company advertises.  Where the reviews seem to differ is about what happens to that quick lawn next.  Some customers seem thrilled with the product and really do feel that they not only get a quick lawn of grass, but a lush and healthy one as well.  Other reviewers, in contrast, say that although the grass grows in quickly, it does not seem to stay lush and green for long or continue to provide a full, healthy lawn of grass.

The main point that seems to differentiate the reviewers of this quick lawn product is location.  It appears that one of the hardest places to maintain the quick lawn seed over time is in dry, hot climates, such as Arizona.  Not sure how many people have tried to maintain their lawn using this seed under mounds of snow, so the jury may still be out on that claim.  But like many other types of grass seed, where you live may determine how satisfied you are with the Quicklawn grass seed product.

All in all, many people seem to be happy with the quick lawn sown by using Gardener’s Choice Quicklawn seed.  It does seem to grow quickly and appears to hold up to its title of being a ‘quick lawn grass seed’.  It does seem to be adaptable to a wide selection of soil types, although it works better in some than others, and certain soil and climate conditions just don’t seem to allow this quick lawn seed to work its magic over the long run.  Overall, however, it seems to be a pretty decent grass seed that is resistant to insects and disease, grows in many varied conditions, and sprouts quickly, delivering a quick lawn of green grass with relatively minimal effort.

You can buy quick lawn grass seed for about $16 – $20 for a 2 pound bag of seed that will cover about 1000 square feet of lawn.  One pound and 5 pound bags of quick lawn seed are sold as well.  When you are shopping specifically for Quicklawn grass seed, you will notice that there are some other brands that include the claim of a “quick lawn” on their packaging, but the actual “Quicklawn” lawn seed is offered only by the company Gardener’s Choice and includes the “As Seen On TV” symbol right on the package.  We aren’t sure whether the Quicklawn seed is any better or worse than other companies’ grass seed that claim to grow a quick lawn, so you’ll have to decide for yourself which type of seed is best based on your particular growing conditions.

Related posts:

1. How to Use a Lawn Roller
2. All About Lawn Dethatching Rakes
3. How to Handle a Cutworm Problem in Your Lawn

How To Use a Lawn Scarifier

Using a lawn scarifier is a relatively simple process and will depend in part on what type of equipment you own.  If you have an electric or petrol powered lawn scarifer, you just have to guide the equipment in the right direction while the motor moves it along the area to be dethatched.  If you have a manual lawn scarifier, you will have to push the equipment in a similar manner to pushing a lawn mower.  If you have a scarifying rake or rolling rake, you will have to push or drag the rake across the area to be dethatched until all of the dead debris within the lawn is removed. 

No matter what type of lawn scarifier you use, however, it is important to make sure you clean up and remove any thatch or debris that is loosened for your lawn, unless your equipment has vacuum capabilities to suck up the debris into a bag for disposal.  If you leave the loosened thatch on the lawn, it can do just as much damage to your grass as if you had never dethatched in the first place.

Manual vs. Electric vs. Gas / Petrol Lawn Scarifier

When it comes to buying a lawn scarifier, you have a few choices.  You can get an electric lawn scarifier, a petrol lawn scarifier or a manual lawn scarifier.  Although electric lawn scarifiers run cleaner and quieter than their petrol or gas-powered cousins, one of the main limitations is that you need to plug it in.  If you have a small lawn, this may not be much of a problem, but if your lawn is relatively large, you may have to run a series of extension cords all over the lawn in order to get your lawn scarifier to operate across the whole lawn.  This makes a petrol lawn scarifier a more popular option, since it removes the limitations caused by having to plug in electric models.  Petrol lawn scarifiers are also more powerful and can complete a job more quickly. 

You can also get a manual lawn scarifier which you push to operate.  A manual or push lawn scarifier works in a similar fashion to a push lawn mower – you simply have to supply the energy to make the equipment operate.  If you just need to dethatch a small section of lawn, you may prefer to opt for a lawn scarifying rake that simply has long, stiff tines on the end to grab any thatch, moss or dead grass between blades of healthy grass.  A lawn scarifying rolling rake also has wheels on the edges to make it easier to use.

Independent Lawn Scarifier vs. Lawn Scarifier Attachment

Many people purchase a separate lawn scarifier in addition to their lawnmower.  If, however, you have a lawn tractor, you can also opt to buy a lawn scarifier attachment for lawn tractors.  The attachment operates just like a motorized lawn scarifier, except it makes super-easy work of dethatching your lawn, since all you have to do is ride on the mower while the attachment does its job.

Lawn Scarifier Options

In addition to the choices available between a manual, electric or petrol lawn scarifier and an independent or lawn scarifier attachment for a lawn tractor, there are also some options to consider when purchasing the equipment.  You may have options as to the size of the tines on the scarifier and determining the proper size will depend on the type of lawn you have.  You can also buy a lawn scarifier with aerator capabilities.  This will allow you to not only dethatch your lawn, but to also create plugs that aerate your lawn, giving it room to breathe and allowing it to grow healthier. 

Lawn Scarifier Brands

There are a number of companies that sell lawn scarifiers.  Some of the more popular brands are Bosmere, Qualcast, Agri-Fab, Atco and Midwest Rake.  You can buy lawn scarifiers from stores that sell garden equipment, lawn tractors and aerators, or you can even buy lawn scarifiers online from places like Amazon and other lawn care-related retailers.

Related posts:

1. Buying Lawn Mowers
2. All About Lawn Dethatching Rakes
3. How to Use a Lawn Roller

Rotovators, like most garden tools, come in different sizes. If you only have a small patch of land to work with, you can pick up a small tool. On the other hand, big jobs will require substantial pieces of machinery – in this case it is best to pick up a heavy duty hydraulic rotovator. Just be sure to choose something that you can operate yourself. You will need to push your rotovator around, so there is no point in buying a huge one if you can’t budge it. If you’re thinking about getting a big rotovator, also be sure that you have the room to store it when not in use.

You will also need to make your selection of what type of rotovator to buy with the condition of your soil in mind. If you are lucky enough to have a smooth, soft bed then you can get by with just about any machine. However, if the soil you are working with is hard and dry, you may need to invest in a more powerful rotovator, which will churn up even the toughest soil.

Also be sure to find a machine which is reliable and sturdy. For example, you can look for the Mantis brand, as they generally sell very good rotovators, while the now defunct Merry Tiller line is also a good option for used rotovators. If you only have a few jobs to do and don’t want to buy an expensive machine, you can go to tool hire websites to find great rotovators that can be rented on a daily basis. Renting a rotovator may be your best option if you don’t plan on using this piece of equipment very often and this is an option that many homeowners and garden enthusiasts select.

Rotovators are excellent tools which will make a noticeable difference to your seed beds. Buying or renting a rotovator is a crucial step in developing an amazing garden and can reap great rewards in terms of the ultimate health and beauty of your garden. These are, however, serious machines, so be sure to have safety in mind when operating them and make sure that children do not use this equipment unsupervised.

Related posts:

1. Choosing An Organic Weed Control Service
2. How to Use a Lawn Roller
3. Choosing The Right Greenhouse

The Basics

The leaf sweeper, or lawn sweeper as it is also known, is a mechanical implement used to collect debris such as fallen leaves, grass clippings or any litter from paved or level surfaces like a lawn. It is operated by a revolving mechanism that picks up the leaves or other debris and places it into a container for later discard.

Lawn leaf sweepers have two main types – manual or hand powered, and motorized. The motorized models can be further classified into a push or rolling leaf sweeper or a tow behind leaf sweeper. They can also be bought with a built-in shredder attached. Determining the best choice for you will depend on your needs.

Push leaf sweepers or hand-powered leaf sweepers use gears for the brush mechanism to rotate picking up debris and transferring it into an attached bag called a hopper. The height of the rollers can be adjusted so they can be used on different surfaces, including non-grassy areas such as patio slabs or stone walkways.

Powered lawn sweepers are similar to push lawn sweepers, except that they use gasoline, oil or electricity to operate the brush mechanism. These are ideal to use for larger lawns and gardens. The height of their rollers can also be modified. One disadvantage of powered lawn sweepers is the noise they generate.

A powered leaf collector with a shredder allows the user to produce mulch with the leaves that it collects. The shredder, however, limits it use on certain surfaces. Towed lawn sweepers operate very much like the others, but instead of being pushed, they need a small vehicle, such as a garden tractor, lawnmower or ATV to lug it around. The brush heights may be modified as well so it can be used on different surfaces.

Making the Decision to Buy

Spending money on a leaf lawn sweeper takes some consideration. In addition to what they cost, you also need to think about storage. Tow lawn sweepers use up a large space to store them. Because they are equipped with a large hamper or hopper, it is not simple to stow them away. Hand powered lawn sweepers, on the other hand, take up less space to store compared with towed sweepers. They are smaller and some can even be folded. Some are even light enough to hang on the wall right next to your garden tool rack.

Another benefit to choosing manual leaf sweepers over powered sweepers is that since they require no power, they are less harmful to the environment.

The size of your yard and how much debris you typically need to clean up will also help you figure out which is the best lawn sweeper to buy to meet your needs.  Hopper size will also be determined by these factors.

Where you buy a lawn sweeper should also be considered. Look for a reputable supplier and look for manufacturers that offer good warranties. Warranties are important in case a problem arises. Availability of parts should also be considered. It’s also a good idea to check up front to see if finding leaf sweeper replacement parts is easy for the particular model you are considering.  You don’t want to buy a model that you will later find out is near impossible to find parts for, leaving you stuck to buy a whole new apparatus down the road.

In addition to all of these considerations, lawn sweeper prices are another important factor to think about. The quality, type and model of your sweeper will depend on the money you are willing to spend.

Leaf Sweeper Maintenance

Different types of lawn and leaf sweepers have their own advantages and disadvantages, but one thing they have in common is their need for proper maintenance. Caring for your sweeper ensures that they deliver the best performance. Apart from this, keeping them well-maintained helps ensure that they last for a very long time.

Maintenance of leaf sweepers is as simple as following the directions in the User’s Manual which shows you how the machine is operated, cleaned and replaced with parts. Below are general instructions on cleaning your leaf sweeper, which is generally common to all models:

• Before every use, inspect the overall condition of the sweeper. Check for damage, loose screws, misalignment, sticks or breaks in moving parts.
• Oil the brush shaft bearings twice a year.
• Clean the hopper. Dispose of everything in it after each use. Use a dry rag to clean the insides.
• Avoid using it on wet leaves. If this happens, make sure to clean and wipe after use.
• Clean the wheels regularly. Apply an even coat of light grease after. Make sure not to overtighten the wheel bolt and nut.
• Clean the brushes. Remove the hopper first then wipe the brushes.
• Wipe the sweeper down after every use. Just take a rag and wipe it off.
• Store the leaf sweeper properly after use.

Proper Handling

It is also important to follow safety precautions for the health and safety of the user. Below is a list of general advice to follow:

• Do not use leaf or lawn sweepers in extremely wet places.
• Keep children away.
• Use only identical replacement parts.
• Do not use a leaf sweeper for any job except that for which it is intended.
• Do not force the sweeper.
• Store when not in use.
• Do not perform any maintenance or make repairs while the sweeper is moving.

Green Living with Leaf Sweepers

One great benefit in using a leaf sweeper is its help in protecting the environment, especially those not powered by gas or oil. They do not emit fumes, and unlike leaf blowers or leaf vacuums, they do not add to carbon emissions, which increase the health risk for respiratory diseases.

Below are more environmental benefits of leaf sweepers:

• Harvests weed seeds and reduce their growth, which in turn reduces the need for a chemical weed control service.
• Reduces the aggravation of allergy and hay fever because of grass clippings.
• Reduces health problems such as asthma and hay fever because of grass, tree and weed pollen.
• Reduces the risk of fires because of debris.
• Helps eliminate potential breeding grounds for insects like flies.
• Some debris can become potential sources of alternative fuel. Grass, for example, is now being converted into bio crude oil.

Collected debris can also be made into mulch or compost. Compost is any organic matter that has been decayed for use of aiding the growth of plants and trees in particular. Mulch on the other hand is used to suppress growth, weeds specifically, and should not have undergone decomposition.

To make compost, collect shredded leaves and place them in a compost bin. Mix and water the ingredients. Turn the mixture over and swap the layers to ensure that decomposition becomes even. Once decomposed thoroughly, transfer it to another container.

To make mulch, just shred leaves and they are ready to use. Unlike compost, you do not need to do any treatments on it once placed in a bin.

Keeping your backyard and garden clean and your lawn looking perfectly manicured takes a lot of effort and time, and buying a leaf sweeper will probably be the best investment you will ever make in this aspect.

Related posts:

1. Why a Leaf Sweeper is Good For Your Garden
2. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?
3. The Benefits of a Commercial Leaf Vacuum

There are many companies that offer professional advice and services to help you maintain your lawn and garden, including weed control services and pest control services. Apart from gardens, they also may offer lawn weed control and maintenance for your grass.

There are many ways to stop weeds from overrunning your garden and many types of landscape supplies that you can buy to suppress the growth of weeds. One method is the use of chemical weed killers that are usually sprayed on the plants. But because of growing environmental and safety concerns, many are switching to organic weed control.

Below are typical methods used by a weed control service to manage weeds organically:

• Manually pulling weeds
• Regulating the delivery of water with the use of rubber hoses and other methods directly to plant roots to limit the weed’s access to water
• Tilling and plowing around plants mechanically with the use of tractors at various periods in the cultivation process
• Rotating crops with ones that kill weeds by choking them out, such as hemp (this works better on a farm than in your backyard, however)
• Mulching or the use of weed mats, which are made of fibrous materials such as cloth bark or newspaper placed on top of the soil to prevent weeds from growing to the surface

One popular weed control service method used to destroy weeds organically is the use of herbicides. Through the use of various equipment on the ground, or even in the air, herbicides are applied directly on plants. Common organic herbicides include spices, vinegar, steam, flame, citrus oil and many others. Major herbicides used by professionals include 2,4-D, aminopyralid , atrazine, clopyralid , dicamba, Glufosinate ammonium,  Fluroxypyr, Glyphosate, Imazapyr, Imazapic,Linuron , Metolachlor, Paraquat, Pendimethalin, Picloram, Sodium chlorate and Triclopyr.

Herbicides can be classified in many ways. Contact herbicides kill only the plant directly in contact with the chemical. These generally are the fastest acting herbicides but are less effective on perennial plants. Systemic herbicides are translocated through the plant, either from foliar application down to the roots, or from soil application up to the leaves. They are slow acting and can easily manage perennial plants. Soil-applied herbicides are absorbed by the roots of the plant and are applied directly to the soil.  These are just some of the options that a weed control service will consider in helping you combat weeds in your lawn and garden.

Weeds are the worst enemy of garden and lawn owners. So to relieve yourself from the hassle of dealing with them, go to a professional weed control service company and let them get the job done right, so you can just sit back and enjoy your weed-free landscaping and your beautiful garden decor.

Related posts:

1. Protecting Corn Against Weeds The Organic Way
2. How To Hire a Yard Service Company or Contractor
3. Things To Consider When Creating an Organic Garden

Watering your landscape is one of the most time consuming things you can do.  This is because different parts of the lawn and garden need to be watered at separate times, so you have to come out at multiple intervals in order to do this.  You have to move the sprinklers and garden hoses around, take the time to give certain areas more water than others, and keep track of what’s been watered when, which can be a huge pain.  To take this task off your hands, you should do what the movie Terminator always advised you against, and that is leave it to the machines.  There are many automatic watering devices you can take advantage of that will release water at exactly the right time and in the correct amounts, both increasing efficiency and enabling you to stay completely hands-off of this otherwise time-consuming landscaping task.

The other critical component that plants need is food (air and sunlight you do not need to worry about – the latter your lawn and plants will get as long as they are outside in a decent location, and the former is everywhere).  Food for the lawn, plants, trees, flowers and vegetables in your front yard, backyard and garden comes in the form of fertilizer, and you can administer it to your plants in one of two ways.   Like watering, you can give your landscaping fertilizer at specific times, or you can just use a time-release fertilizer that slowly releases nutrients when needed.  The second option is much easier because you add the fertilizer once and it continues to supply nutrients to your plants over a specified period of time, making your job easier to do.

These are two of the easiest ways to save time on your landscaping tasks, while still keeping the lawn and garden looking healthy and growing strong.  Other ways to save some time on landscaping tasks generally involve using certain types of lawn tools and landscape supplies to make lawn maintenance and clean up quicker and easier to do, such as using using leaf sweepers or leaf vacuums for fall cleanup, using lawn detatching rakes to clean up the thatch in your grass quickly and easily so the grass grows stronger, using ride-on lawnmowers to cut the grass rather than push models, and just generally having an arsenal of garden tools at your disposal (as well as a garden tool rack or other garden tool organizer so you always know where they are when you need them!), so that you have what you need to get small jobs done easily.  By doing this, your small landscaping tasks won’t turn into big jobs that require a lot more time and effort to tackle.

Related posts:

1. Save Money on your Landscaping: Use Solar Powered Landscape Lights
2. Landscape Supplies – Determining How Much You Need
3. Landscape Lighting For Beauty and Safety

Thatch is a collection of lawn debris, like fallen leaves, moss and grass clippings, that collect together as they decompose in the grass.  Some thatch is good for the lawn, but too much creates a barrier that can become virtually impenetrable for the nutrients, water and air that should flow down to the grass roots.  Dethatching removes the extra thatch so the grass can thrive.

Manual Dethatching Rakes:

Manual dethatching rakes are used liked most other types of rakes.  You simply place the tines of the dethatching rake on the surface of the ground and pull back to move the rake across the surface of the lawn.  Use several small strokes in multiple directions to pull up the thatch over an area and then move onto the next.  The sharp, two-bladed tines cut through and remove the thatch, which you then collect and remove.  Unless the thatch layer is very thick, manual raking is fine, though doing a large area of grass this way will take time.  Even if you plan to dethatch with another method, a manual dethatching rake is still useful for touch-ups or in-between dethatchings, and, at around $30 for a well-made rake that will last you a decade or so, it is well worth the price.

Tow-Behind Dethatchers:

Tow-behind dethatchers are attached to trailers or riding lawn mowers and are then pulled around the lawn.  There are also special attachments for some lawn mowers that you can purchase to turn them into a dethatcher.

Power Dethatching Rakes:

Power dethatching rakes are gas or electric-powered machines that are run over the ground to remove the thatch with bladed reels or spring tines (the latter designed for delicate grasses and a gentler removal).  These lawn dethatching rakes have various settings and adjustments that allow for versatility in how much thatch is pulled up and the amount of grass that comes with it.

With all of these types of detatching rakes, it is best to go over the grass twice in opposing directions to better remove the thatch in your lawn.  No matter which lawn dethatching rake you buy, however, taking the time to routinely dethatch your lawn will go a long way towards keeping it healthy and strong.

Related posts:

1. How To Use a Lawn Scarifier
2. How to Handle a Cutworm Problem in Your Lawn
3. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?

Cutworms or white grub larvae are moth larvae, and they are only about one or two inches long.  Cutworms are typically a shade of brown or tan and may have some striping along their middles.  The larvae spend the summer feasting on the grass.  In the fall, they become dark-colored moths, as opposed to white grubs that are actually beetle larvae.  Cutworms are almost completely nocturnal and will eat the grass during the night hours rather than in the daytime.  This, along with their small size and dirt-like color, can make them hard to spot in the lawn.

While cutworms can do a significant amount of damage to a lawn, they are not particularly hardy or hard to kill.  Almost any contact herbicide will work to get rid of them.  Just spray it directly onto the grass blades.  Then, when the cutworms come out to eat the grass, they will ingest the pesticide too, which will kill them.  For the most effective pest treatment, apply the herbicide just before the sun completely sets.  The cutworms will be out soon after to start eating.

It may take more than one application to rid the lawn of cutworms.  Once the cutworms are gone, the grass usually will go back to being green and healthy on its own.  But, if there was greater damage, then reseeding will probably be needed.  Keeping the lawn in good condition and in good health will decrease the likelihood of a repeat cutworm infestation.

Related posts:

1. All About Lawn Dethatching Rakes
2. How To Use a Lawn Scarifier
3. Buying Lawn Mowers

Before you take your ride on lawnmower into a shop for costly repairs, there are some easy things you can check for at home yourself.  More often than not, you can save yourself a lot of money by doing some troubleshooting and seeing if your problem can be fixed easily yourself.

The first thing you can check for if your ride on lawnmower won’t start is bad gasoline.  If a riding lawn mower has been sitting in the garage for 7 months straight, there is a chance that the gas in the tank is bad.  No matter which type of mower you have, it should have a gas tank drain plug on the bottom of the tank to allow you to drain the gasoline.  Try replacing it with fresh gas and see if it works.

Another common culprit of ride on lawnmower problems is the spark plug.  A lawnmower engine is pretty simple, so the spark plug should be fairly easy to find.  Pull out the wire attached to the spark plug and unscrew the plug to inspect it.  If it looks really black or worn, bring it to a landscaping supply store and buy a replacement for a few bucks.

If neither of these two things will do the trick, other common problems that ride on lawnmowers have are clogged fuel pumps, dead batteries, and clogged air filters.  With the exception of a clogged fuel pump, charging a battery and replacing the air filters are easy tasks that pretty much any homeowner can accomplish themselves.

Ride-on lawnmowers can save homeowners lots of time when it comes time to mow the lawn in comparison to push lawnmowers, but they do need a bit of maintenance to keep them operating properly.  The good news is that most of the time, you can fix any riding lawn mower problems on your own, without having to bring the mower into a shop for repairs or having to get someone to come out to fix your ride on lawnmower at your home.  So that means that the costs to get the mower back into working order shouldn’t be high, and you should be back to riding on your lawn mower again in virtually no time.

Related posts:

1. How To Use a Lawn Scarifier
2. Buying Lawn Mowers
3. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?

These leaf vacuums will help you to never again have to rake the leaves or grass clippings from a customer’s yard.  They work so well, in fact, that you will probably find no reason to continue to keep a rake with you (although its still a good idea to have a few on hand for when you need to get into hard to reach places).  And the time and backbreaking effort they save you is usually well worth the price of the equipment, especially if lawn care is your livelihood.

Commercial leaf vacuums come in a wide variety of styles.  The most basic and most inexpensive leaf vacuum models look something like a standard leaf blower.  They will have a long nozzle that is connected to the vacuum motor.  Once the leaves or grass is picked up by the vacuum, they will be sucked into a large bag.  Usually these blowers will have some kind of mechanism inside that will chop and compost the debris as it moves through to the bag.  This means that you will be able to hold a great deal of waste before you have to stop to empty the receptacle.

There are also more advanced leaf vacuum styles on the market that will hook up to the back of your lawn mower and pick up the grass and leaves as you mow over them.  These are a bit more expensive, but they can save you even more time than the standard vacuum types and are especially beneficial if you are cleaning up large yards full of leaves and debris.  Many of these models will also not only get the job done faster and easier, but they will pick up larger pieces of debris, such as twigs and small rocks, so you can really get the lawn cleaned up nicely.

If you are considering investing in a commercial leaf vacuum, you are sure to find a model that will work for you and fit both your needs and your budget.  And no matter what type of leaf vacuum you choose, you will be thrilled with the amount of time that you will save by not having to remove debris by hand with a rake.

Related posts:

1. Vacuuming Leaves In Your Yard
2. Why a Leaf Sweeper is Good For Your Garden
3. Leaf Sweeper Basics

Leaf vacuums work in a manner that is somewhat similar to regular vacuums.  They contain a nozzle powered by a motor to vacuum leaves, grass and other dust particles in the garden by sucking them up through the nozzle.  Leaf blower vacuums scatter the leaves from an area that you don’t want them towards an area that you do, while leaf vacuums collect the leaves and other debris in a bag during the vacuuming process, preventing them from scattering all over your yard.

There are several benefits of using these products to vacuum leaves.  A leaf blower vacuum can function as both a leaf blower to move leaves from place to place and a collecting agent which makes it easy to compost collected leaves or dispose of them.  So, you can either blow leaves across the yard or suck them up through the vacuum feature.  Leaf vacuums include a collection bag to collect leaves and debris, making it easy for composting or disposal.

The simplicity of using leaf vacuums is another added benefit. Raking and blowing leaves in the backyard is time consuming and back-breaking, and a wind spell can easily send your pile of leaves scattering across the lawn again after all of your hard work.  Leaf vacuums provide a cleaner backyard or garden, since the leaves are collected and dumped into the garbage or compost pile.  Hence, there is no chance of re-scattered grass and leaves.

Leaf vacuums also reduce the time spent in cleaning the lawn and exterior of the house.  They use minimal electricity and are eco-friendly.  Using a leaf vacuum might require you to empty the leaf bag once in a while, but nevertheless it is an easy task.  Leaf vacuuming also relieves you of the back aches and body pains caused due to constant bending while cleaning the yard manually or with a rake.

Prices of leaf vacuums depend on their size and horsepower.  A handy vacuum can be found from around $70 onwards, and leaf vacuum prices can go higher depending on brands and the power used to operate them, as well as the features of the tool.  But, no matter what the price, a leaf vacuum is an ideal product for hassle free lawn and garden care, saving you loads of time and also lots of aches and pains.

Shop for leaf vacuums and leaf blower vacuums here.

Related posts:

1. The Benefits of a Commercial Leaf Vacuum
2. Why a Leaf Sweeper is Good For Your Garden
3. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?

Mondo grass is often used in flower beds, between stepping stones in a garden or backyard, or to mark borders.  These plants establish themselves quickly and do well in both full sun and shade.  Mondo are often used to fill in areas of the yard where other plants just will not grow.  They do not require significant amounts of water, making them an attractive option in areas prone to drought and high temperatures.  Weed control is simple, as mondo grass can easily withstand most over-the-counter weed killer products.  Weeds can also be removed quickly by hand for the gardener who prefers a more organic approach.

The height of traditional mondo typically reaches between six and ten inches.  Those looking for a more maintained look may consider dwarf mondo grass instead.  Dwarf mondo is a miniature version of mondo grass that rises only two or three inches above the soil.  This grass works well between stones, along pathways, or as a backdrop in a flower garden.  Like it’s larger cousin, dwarf mondo is drought-resistant and can succeed in sun and shade.

Ornamental grasses such as mondo grass are a great addition to any garden and provide a finished look that many amateur gardeners struggle to achieve.  This plant, often known as monkey grass, is extremely versatile and can be grown in a wide variety of soil conditions. It is an excellent option when looking to take your gardening project to the next level.

You can buy mondo grass here.

Related posts:

1. Planting Grass By Seed
2. The Benefits of a Commercial Leaf Vacuum

Spring is also a good time to purchase hanging baskets and annuals to plant as well.  Impatiens, begonias, and pansies are great annuals that will endure an early spring cold snap and require little sun.  In a few weeks, temperatures will start to climb, and the task of watering regularly will become necessary.  Landscaping experts become busy during this season with questions like when to water your lawn, and how often fertilizer is needed.

If you know the importance of water to your lawn, you know how important it is to water early in the morning.  Early morning watering allows enough water to be absorbed into the ground before it evaporates from the midday sun.  A healthy lawn needs about one inch of water with each watering.  Midday watering requires too much water and time because of the evaporation that occurs during the warmest part of the day, which becomes very wasteful.  Many states mandate odd and even day watering, so be aware of the day it is permissible for you to water and heed any other restrictions that may also be placed on your community during drought conditions.

Sun, water and fertilizer is all that is really needed to help your landscape thrive.  The importance of water to the earth and to your individual garden is a known fact.  Many flowers will flourish if the soil is slightly damp most of the time, although there are some that prefer it drier because they are more drought-resistant species.  Meanwhile, some plants and flowers love a lot of sun and some prefer more shady conditions.  It’s important to follow the proper directions for watering and shade/sun exposure for the particular types of plants and flowers that are in your garden.  Directions will often be written on the plants seed package or pot so you’ll know what to do, otherwise your garden store assistant should be able to tell you about the best way to care for your selections.

The ultimate neighborhood lawn will have color coordination, accents and beauty.  It will also be lush, vibrant and well maintained.  So create a landscaping plan, follow the plan to maintain and care for your landscaping, and watch as your neighbors go as green as your lawn with envy as they walk by!

Related posts:

1. How to Use a Lawn Roller
2. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?
3. Buying Lawn Mowers

Manual Coring Aerators:

A coring manual aerator is stepped into the ground with a foot on the pronged-crosspiece and then pulled back out by hand.  With only two or three coring prongs to aerate, it takes a while to make a lot of holes in an entire lawn this way.  If the ground is particularly hard, dense, compacted or dry, it can be challenging to get them into the dirt and remove quality cores.  They are fine for smaller lawns and are nice to have for doing more frequent aeration in problem areas or getting any spots the other types of aerators missed.

Gas Powered Coring Aerators:

Probably the most popular aerator for lawns, the gas-powered machine is operated like a lawnmower as you walk behind it, though there are some models that you can stand on.  They can be twice as heavy as lawnmowers and challenging to turn.  Ones that are self-propelled are less tiring to use as are the kind that have power-lift, which is great for changing directions.  They are more expensive to buy, but can be rented for $40-$50 for a half-day, which is plenty of time to do an average residential lawn.

Tow Behind Coring Aerators:

Tow-behind coring aerators rely on something else to move them, like a lawnmower or tractor.  They usually make the best holes – deep and long-lasting.  Since they are wider and larger, they can be more challenging to use and it may take a little practice to maneuver them correctly.  They typically are the fastest to use, making them a great choice for aerating lawns that larger than normal or that need to be done more often.

Aerating your lawn is a vital step in creating a healthy lawn with strong roots.  There are different types of lawn aerators to choose from to get the job completed, and which one you choose will depend on the size of your lawn and your budget.  Some people choose to have a professional landscaping company aerate the lawn for them since they do not have the proper equipment, but even if you don’t want to buy a lawn aerator, you can rent one for a reasonable fee from a home improvement store and get the job done on your own for a lot less than it would cost to hire someone to aerate the lawn for you.

Related posts:

1. Buying Lawn Mowers
2. How To Use a Lawn Scarifier
3. How to Use a Lawn Roller

Push Mowers

The most common choice is a push mower.  As the name suggests, you must physically push this mower.  If you are looking for something that requires a little less work, push mowers also come self-propelled, which can make mowing faster and more enjoyable.  Another factor to consider when choosing a push mower is whether to buy a gas model or electric.  Although gas mowers have been the preference in the past, electric mowers are becoming more popular as they become more powerful and versatile.

Reel Mowers

A reel mower is the ultimate in man-powered lawn care.  These machines, which rely on a rotating wheel to clip your grass, require neither gas nor electricity.  This eco-friendly option saves you money on utility bills or gas.  Another benefit is the more natural, yet refined look resulting from the blades used.

Riding Lawn Mowers

If you have a large space, you will want to consider buying a riding lawn mower.  These mowers provide a larger cutting area and allow you to sit while mowing.  This makes a riding mower ideal for fields and large lawns, where a push mower would require too much time and energy.

Zero Turn Mowers

A zero turn mower provides you with the speed and power of a riding mower, with added versatility for small spaces.  Long the favorite of lawn services, zero turn mowers can turn on a dime and therefore are great for cutting small lawns in very little time.

Finish Mowers

For very large spaces, you will want a finish mower.  Because these attach to your tractor, they are able to provide the largest possible cutting area and adapt to the large space you need.  Furthermore, finish mowers still give your grass a well-groomed finish.

With all of the choices available, there is sure to be a mower to fit exactly what you need. Weigh your choices and you will be enjoyably grooming your yard in no time.

Related posts:

1. How To Use a Lawn Scarifier
2. All About Lawn Dethatching Rakes
3. How to Use a Lawn Roller

We will break down how to plant grass seed into the following steps: purchasing the seed for your lawn, preparing your soil, spreading your seeds and maintaining your lawn.

Purchasing your seeds

You don’t want to purchase cheap, low quality or invasive seeds. One highly advertised grass seed is “Canada Green Grass Seed“.  This seed is a prime example of low quality seeds.  It uses fast growing annual seed which can compete with the perennial grass you want to grow.  Perennial grass is a type which lives years, instead of only a season.

Check with your local garden center for the best seed for your particular climate and area.  Each climate has its own conditions and depending on if it snows, you receive constant high temperatures and drought summers, or you live in a cool coastal climate, your seed purchase should reflect this.  You will also need to keep in mind the particular micro-climate of the area where you are trying to grow your lawn.  Will it be getting full sun? Partial shade? Is it windy? Protected?  These are all factors to consider.

Preparing Your Soil

Another factor for how well your new lawn will grow is the soil. You should make sure to properly prepare it.  Here are some general guidelines:

1. Till your soil – You will need to till your soil before planting your grass seed. Make sure to remove all rocks and other inorganic materials.
2. Get rid of high and low spots – High or low spots on your lawn will receive more moisture or might be dryer.  Make sure the ground is even so the entire lawn receives the same amount of water.  This helps prevent future problems such as mold and dead areas.  You can use a lawn roller to help level the ground.
3. Fertilize or supplement your soil – Make sure your soil has the proper nutrients for your new lawn to get established.

Spread Your Seeds

The hard part is done!  Now it is time to spread your seed.  Make sure to do this on a windless day, so they do not blow away.  You can also mix your seeds with some sand to ensure that you evenly distribute them.  Once your seed has been spread, make sure to go over the soil with a rake or hoe to slightly cover your seeds.

Maintain Your New Lawn

For the next couple of weeks, make sure that you water the lawn periodically. You never want seedlings to completely dry out or they will die.  A good rule of thumb is to water at least 1-3 times a day, less if it is cool more if it is hot.  You do not want to over saturate the lawn because this can cause the seeds to drown or rot, but you should water often enough so it does not dry out.  This should be maintained until the grass is at least 2 inches high.

And that’s about it.  In a couple of short weeks you can be enjoying a beautiful new lawn!

You can buy grass seed here.

Related posts:

1. A Quick Way To A Quick Lawn?
2. How to Use a Lawn Roller
3. The Benefits of Mondo Grass

Here are a few positives that highlight the benefits of owning one:

• They make your garden look tidy and better kept so that you can see exactly what needs looking after rather than battling with a sheet of leaves covering all your plants.
• Your plants will be thankful for clearing all the waste from around them, especially during the winter months, as it is hard enough for them to see any sunlight at this time of year as it is!
• Clearing your garden first from all the debris will help the well being of your lawn mower.  Stones, sticks and a build up of leaves will only make your mower work harder and will also blunt the blades far quicker than if it only has to deal with grass.
• A build up of leaves that are not tended to will rot and this will not be good news for your grass.  The leaves would be of far more use in your compost heap where you can wait for them to naturally decompose in a controlled place.
• A lawn sweeper uses less effort to whizz over the lawn than it would be to use a manual rake.  As you get older, you may not want the challenge of such a task.  With this tool, you can enjoy your garden without all of the back-breaking work.

There are many benefits to owning a leaf or lawn sweeper, not only for your yard, but also for your other lawn tools, such as your lawnmower, as well as for your back.

Buy leaf sweepers here.

Related posts:

1. Leaf Sweeper Basics
2. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?
3. The Benefits of a Commercial Leaf Vacuum

What exactly is a lawn sweeper, or a lawn leaf sweeper as it’s sometimes called?  It’s a device that is rolled or pushed along your lawn to sweep up leaves and other loose debris in order to clean up the lawn.  Lawn sweepers are similar to vacuum cleaners, but are used outdoors.  Just as you would push a vacuum cleaner along the carpet to remove any loose dirt or items, you can push or tow a lawn sweeper along the grass to pick up leaves, pine needles, loose grass, and other small objects.

A lawn sweeper works by rotating a set of brushes along an axle while the device is moved across the lawn.  The brushes essentially sweep up any leaves or other small debris into a hopper.  The hopper contains the leaves until it fills up or you have completed the job, at which time you can empty it.  The sweeper will pick up most small items, but may not pick up larger or more difficult items such as pine cones or small twigs.  The shorter your lawn is cut and the flatter the surface you are pushing the lawn sweeper across, the easier it is for it to pick up loose items.

There are two main types of lawn sweepers – push lawn sweepers and tow behind lawn sweepers.  A push lawn sweeper is similar to a push lawnmower.  The operator of the lawn sweeper pushes it forward in order for it to move across the lawn and do its job.    There are push lawn sweepers that are manual and those that are automatic.  Manual push lawn sweepers require a bit of manpower to get them moving, while an automatic or powered lawn sweeper is self propelled, just like a self propelled lawn mower.  Tow behind lawn sweepers can be attached to a ride-on tractor or mower.   A tow lawn sweeper can be attached whenever needed or unattached when it is not.

Lawn sweepers can range in price from around $100 to hundreds of dollars, depending on whether the sweeper is a manual push model, an automatic model, or a tow model and what features it contains.  Different models contain different size hoppers and options.  One drawback to some lawn sweepers is that they are somewhat difficult to assemble after you bring them home, so when possible, it is best to find a retailer that will assemble it for you prior to purchase.

There are a number of companies that manufacture lawn sweepers and before purchasing one it is best to check out some lawn sweeper reviews to see which model will best suit your needs.  A lawn sweeper review should tell you the model, price range, positives and negatives of any features, ease of use and assembly, how large the hopper is, how wide the coverage is, as well as any other pertinent information that you may be interested in about lawn sweepers.  Reviews are a great way to get an idea of which is the best lawn sweeper for you based on your specific type of lawn as well as your budget.

Some models of lawn sweepers to consider are listed below.  You will see that a number of companies that make lawn mowers also offer models of lawn sweepers as well (and some companies that make vacuum cleaners also make lawn sweepers).  This list does not include every company that offers lawn sweepers, so there is a wide selection to choose from.

Lawn sweeper manufacturers:

• Agri-Fab lawn sweepers
• Parker lawn sweepers
• Brinley Hardy lawn sweepers
• Huskee lawn sweepers
• Precision Products lawn sweepers
• Yardwise lawn sweepers
• Lambert lawn sweepers
• Ranch King lawn sweepers
• Ohio Steel lawn sweepers
• Craftsman lawn sweepers
• Hoover lawn sweepers
• Oreck lawn sweepers
• Swisher lawn sweepers
• John Deere lawn sweepers

If you are looking for an easy way to clean up your lawn each fall or anytime a lot of leaves, grass, small twigs or other debris accumulate, then using a lawn sweeper can make the chore easier and can save you time.  Lawn sweepers are easier to use than leaf blowers.  The only thing to keep in mind is that you need a place to store your lawn sweeper when not in use, so make sure you have room in your garage, shed or other type of garden building.

Buy lawn sweepers here.

Related posts:

1. Why a Leaf Sweeper is Good For Your Garden
2. Leaf Sweeper Basics
3. Buying Lawn Mowers

How do you use a lawn roller?

Using a lawn roller is a fairly simply process.  If you already have an established lawn but find that you have bumps or bulges in the ground that you would like to flatten out, cut into the lawn just outside of the bulging area and gently pull back the area of the lawn where the bulge occurs.  Remove enough extra soil so that when the section of lawn is replaced it lies flat.  Then use a lawn roller to completely flatten the area to make it level with the surrounding area and to reestablish a good connection between the grass and the soil so that the roots can continue to develop well.

If you are getting a new lawn going from scratch, a lawn roller is a smart way to get your yard well established.  Whether you are planting from seed or laying sod, a garden lawn roller should be used to smooth out the dirt before seed or sod is initially laid.  Then once it is laid out, the seed or sod should be watered and then a lawn roller should be used to gently push the seed or sod into the underlying soil so that a strong bond is formed.  This will help with strong root development, will ensure that grass seed will not easily blow away and will help sod to adhere to the underlying soil for healthy growth.

What type of lawn roller should you use?

There are a variety of lawn roller types and which type you use will in part depend on what you are doing to your lawn.  If you are purchasing a lawn roller to occasionally smooth out sections of your lawn or to keep your lawn looking its best, you can probably get away with a push lawn roller.  These are not quite as heavy or effective as a commercial lawn roller, but if you are not reseeding or sodding your whole lawn, they should do the trick.  For very small sections of lawn, you can even use a hand lawn roller to smooth out the areas.

If you need a more heavy duty lawn roller because you are embarking on a large project or have a very uneven lawn, then you may want to consider a commercial lawn roller rental, since they are rather expensive to purchase and unless you are using them over and over probably do not pay to buy.  Commercial models include heavy steel lawn rollers and concrete lawn rollers.

If you are only using a lawn roller for an occasional project, even if it’s not a large project, you may still not want to go out and purchase a new lawn roller.  In that case, you can sometimes find a used lawn roller for sale, either at a yard sale or advertised online through a site like craigslist or a similar type site.  Another option is to make a homemade lawn roller.  If you can find a large drum or round container, you can fill it with dirt, sand or water to weigh it down and then roll it across your lawn.  This will not be as easy as a professional model, but will work well for small areas without the expense of having to buy or rent a lawn roller.  Water filled lawn rollers are the easiest to construct because the water can be easily added and removed when needed and water offers the weight required to smooth out the lawn.

Another option is a lawn mower roller attachment which is available to attach to some models of lawn mowers.  The lawnmower roller allows a heavy cylindrical roller to be attached to the lawn mower so that the mower can be used to propel the lawn roller.  This is not an option that is widely available on many lawn mower models, however.

Other uses for a lawn roller:

Another use for a lawn roller is as an aerator.  A lawn roller aerator is a device that looks like a lawn roller but has evenly spaced spikes along the cylinder to remove plugs of grass and soil in the lawn as it rolls over it.  This is beneficial for the health of the lawn because lawn aeration helps lawns to breathe and aids in strong root growth.

Lawn rollers can also be used to smooth out areas of dirt or soil before laying patio slabs or other block paving stones.

Buy lawn rollers here.

Related posts:

1. What Type of Lawn Sweeper is Best?
2. When To Water Your Lawn
3. Buying Lawn Mowers