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How to get your lawn ready for winter

admin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:42:48 +0000

Winter Lawn Care Tips
If you want to make sure that your lawn is healthy and hearty in the spring them, then you need to follow some basic winter lawn care tips not only in the winter time but also in the fall to keep it healthy all year long. Although most lawns seem to be dormant during the late fall and winter season, how you care for your law during this period can make a really big difference when it comes to your lawn's overall health and beauty during the spring and summer months. Below is a look at some of the ideas that will allow you to keep your lawn healthy all year long by properly maintaining it throughout the fall and winter.

If you live in an area where regular snowfall is normal, then you are going to want to make sure that your winter law care strategy involves keeping your grass free of clutter and debris before the first snow should fall. Proper lawn maintenance in preparation for the first winter snow involves removing sticks, raking away the leaves and disposing of any other debris that should not be on your yard, before they end up buried beneath the snow.

Even if you are not exactly expending a great deal of snowfall, it is still vital that you make sure that your grass is free to breathe rather than left buried beneath piles of leaves, sticks and other rubbish. This rubbish can interfere with the grass needing to receive proper air, proper nutrients and proper moisture which is why it is so important that you clean up your yard before the first snowfall. Your grass may not be growing during this period of time, but if left buried for too long, it can still end up dying during the winter season.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the summer is the most important season when it comes to controlling and preventing the growth of weeds. The opposite, however, is actually true because weed control is most important during the winter season. Weeds actually grow much more quickly during the winter than your grass can. If the weeds are allowed to grow without any control, your lawn may be dead by the time the spring runs around.

Because your lawn will be growing so slowly during the fall and winter season, it is rather simple to find the weeds that are growing during this time. All you have to do is make sure that you pay attention to your grass during these months, pulling weeds or applying weed killer as needed so that the weeds do not overrun the lawn, ruining your landscaping during the colder season.

If you plan on planting winter grass varieties like rye grass, then these will have the best chance of thriving when planted in October, which is the best time for them to take root. Make sure that your newly planted grass seeds get plenty of water even when the weather is chilly outside.

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How to grow a green lawn organically

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:27:42 +0000

Organic lawn care tips: How to grow a green lawn organically You don't have to use chemicals to get a lush, green lawn. Scott Meyer, editor of Organic Gardening discusses tips to get a great lawn without harmful chemicals.

Riding Mower and Lawn Tractor Review

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:54:10 +0000

The following review information was taken from ConsumerSearch.com, an indepedent research firm. They synthesize research results from multiple sources such as Consumer Reports, Consumer Digest, Smart Money, Amazon.com and others and draw their conclusions.

Best Lawn Tractor Overall
John Deere X304
Est. $3,500

The 42-inch John Deere X304 lawn tractor gets the highest ratings in reviews for smooth, even cutting, as well as easy changes between side discharging, mulching and bagging. Four-wheel steering makes it easy to maneuveraround obstacles and the tight 15-inch turning radius leaves a smaller circle of uncut grass than most lawn tractors (which means less trimming). In addition to automatic transmission and cruise control, the X304 is loaded with conveniences for comfortable driving, and it's powered by a reliable 17-hp Kawasaki V-twin engine and has a four-year (or 300-hour) warranty.

Best Zero-turn Lawn Mower
Cub Cadet iSeries ZTT 42
Est. $2,700

The big advantage of the iSeries ZTT 42 is that it can turn on a dime -- so it leaves no circle of uncut grass at the end of turns (which means less trimming later). Unlike other zero-turn lawn mowers, the Cub Cadettractor is easier to learn to use since it has a regular steering wheel instead of two levers. It also slips less on sloping lawns ? a problem with typical zero-turn lawn mowers. Tests show the 42-inch ZTT 42 doesn't mulch clippings as well as the John Deere X304 above, but bags them as well and side-discharges better. The main drawback is that Cub Cadet lawn tractors have a spottier repair record and a much shorter warranty of three years or 120 hours.

Best Value, Medium-duty Lawn Tractor
John Deere LA115
Est. $1,650

This two-wheel drive John Deere lawn tractor doesn't handle slopes as well and leaves an uncut circle of grass at the end of turns. However, reviews recommend this 42-inch tractor for flatter lawns up to 1.5 acres.Highlights are its even cutting, ease of use and excellent bagging when equipped with an optional kit (*est. $350). Conveniences include an automatic transmission, headlights and an adjustable seat. Though not as sturdily built as the John Deere X300 series, this lawn tractor cuts and handles nearly as well on relatively flat lawns with few obstacles. The warranty is for two years or 120 hours.

Budget Lawn Tractor for Light Duty
Bolens M762F
Est. $900

This manual gear-shift lawn tractor is about as basic as you can get, but owners say it's fine for light duty. It's not the most comfortable tractor, and the 38-inch deck cuts a narrower swath compared with others. Butoverall, owners say this tractor is fine for flat lawns up to an acre in size. MTD-made lawn tractors aren't known for long-term durability, but the Bolens M762F does carry a two-year warranty. This model is also sold as the Bolens 13AM762F065.

Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Toro TimeCutter ZX440
Est. $4,400

Though it's a bit tricky to learn to steer because it uses two levers instead of a steering wheel, Toro zero-turn mowers are popular because they maneuver around obstacles well and don't leave circles of uncut grass afterturns. Compared to the less expensive Cub Cadet iSeries mower, the TimeCutter has a larger 44-inch deck, better mulching performance, a slightly faster maximum speed of 7 mph and a higher max cutting height of 4.5 inches. The Toro zero-turn mower also has a longer three-year warranty. But it costs much more.

How to Choose Lawn Mowers

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:30:24 +0000

Regular mowing is as vital to a healthy lawn as watering, fertilizing, and weeding. A bumper crop of easier-starting mowers and wider-cutting tractors is trimming some of the work from this weekly ritual.

Most gas-powered mowers we tested now start with just one pull of the rope, and some $400 models now offer electric starting for another $40 or so. Corded electrics cut more capably than before, and cordless versions run longer per charge courtesy of better batteries. You’ll also find lower-priced zero-turn-radius riding mowers, which use rear-wheel steering for tight turns.

Cleaner gas engines are on the way as well. Despite the good news, some new designs and claims came up short in our weeks of tests over nearly 400,000 square feet of tough annual rye grass.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE

Mowing options range from $100 push mowers to $4,000-plus tractors and zero-turn-radius machines. Here’s what you’ll find:

Manual-reel mowers. These most traditional mowers are sold by McLane and Scotts, among other brands. They’re quiet, inexpensive, and nonpolluting, since pushing them turns the wheels and a series of curved blades without an engine. They’re also relatively safe and require little upkeep beyond blade adjustments and sharpening. But swaths are only 14 to 18 inches wide, cutting tends to be relatively uneven, and most can’t cut grass higher than 11?2 inches or trim closer than 3 inches around obstacles. And because they don’t disburse clippings like a rotary mower, you’ll need a bag (or a rake) if you’re fussy. Price: $100 to about $400.

Electric mowers. Major brands include Black & Decker, Craftsman (Sears), and Homelite, among others. These push-type, walk-behind mowers use an electric motor to drive a rotating blade. Both corded and battery-powered cordless models start with push-button ease, produce no exhaust emissions, and require little upkeep beyond sharpening. Most offer a side or rear bag and a mulching mode that cuts and recuts clippings until they’re small enough to nestle within the lawn and fertilize it as they decompose. The best corded models perform as well as some gas mowers, and today’s cordless models run longer per charge. But electrics, particularly cordless versions, still can’t match the best gas mowers in tall or thick grass and weeds. Cordless mowers weigh up to 30 pounds more than corded models, and don’t limit cutting to within range of a power outlet. Both typically cut 18- to 20-inch swaths vs. 21 and 22 inches for gas mowers. Price: corded, $125 to $250; cordless, $400 or more.

Gas-powered mowers. These free you from a cord and include push and self-propelled models. Most have a 4.5- to 6.5-hp four-stroke engine and a cutting swath 21 or 22 inches wide, and can handle long or thick grass and weeds. Most can also bag, side-discharge, or mulch clippings by cutting them small enough to hide within and help fertilize the lawn. But gas mowers are relatively noisy, produce exhaust emissions, and require regular maintenance. Price: push-type, $150 to $400; self-propelled, $200 to $900.

Zero-turn-radius mowers. These rear-engined, rear-steering riding mowers are similar to the ones landscapers use and typically mow a swath 42 to 48 inches wide. You would need a four-wheel-steer tractor to match their tight turns around trees, posts, and other obstacles. They also side-discharge, bag, and mulch clippings. But they’re pricier than most tractors and typically don’t cut as well. Tiller controls for steering and ground speed take practice, and steering on hills can be challenging. Rear-steering wheels can tear up grass on turns. You’ll also pay some $400 to $800 for a bagging kit. Price: $2,700 to $4,000 for most homeowner versions.

Important Features: Lawn mowers

For electric and gas mowers

A sliding-clip cord keeper or a flip-over handle eases turns for corded mowers. One-lever height adjustment lets you raise and lower the entire deck at once, while a blade-brake clutch on gas-powered mowers stops only the blade when you release the handlebar safety bail, eliminating the need to restart the engine. An overhead-valve engine tends to run more efficiently than a side-valve engine. Many gas mowers include a rubber primer bulb that supplies added fuel for cold starts, and some have an automatic choke that shuts off after the engine starts. An electric starter eliminates the need to pull-start a gas engine. Some self-propelled gas-powered mowers have several speeds or infinite drive speeds, typically from 1 to 31?2 mph. Rear-wheel-drive models tend to have better traction on hills than front-drive models, especially when their bag is full. Models with swivel front wheels allow easy 180-degree turns, but can be tricky on hills. Some mowers offer corrosion-proof aluminum or plastic decks. Most models now allow tools-free mode changes. Mowers with a rear bag tend to cost more, but the bag tends to hold more than side bags and eases maneuvering.

For tractors and zero-turn mowers

Gear-drive models must be shifted between ground-speed ranges; models with automatic drive vary ground speed infinitely via a hydrostatic transmission or other system. Four-wheel steering lets tractors turn nearly as tightly as zero-turn machines. A safety switch for reverse helps avoid mishaps by making you engage it before mowing in reverse. An electric power takeoff switch lets you avoid pulling a lever to engage the blades. Some models also let you switch mowing modes without changing blades. A translucent fuel tank or a fuel gauge eases fuel-level checks, while cupholders are an added convenience on many models. Cruise control locks in a ground speed. A high-back seat adds support and comfort, while a washout port accepts a hose for clearing clippings beneath the deck. Also convenient: an hour meter, which shows how long the engine has run between oil changes and other maintenance.

How to choose

Here’s what else to consider as you shop for a mower or tractor:

Choose the right kind. Decide which type—manual-reel mowers, gas or electric mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn-radius mower—best matches your lawn. Then choose one that is especially adept at bagging, side-discharging, or mulching clippings if that’s the mode you prefer.

Don’t pay extra for big names. You’ll find a Honda engine in lawn mowers from Craftsman, Lawn-Boy, Yard-Man, and other brands that use Honda’s premium image to gain added cachet. These newer engines aren’t the commercial-grade versions that made Honda’s reputation for durability, however. Those we tested performed well, but so did more-plebeian brands.

Don’t count horses. Higher horsepower doesn’t necessarily mean higher-quality mowing. Some manufacturers have swapped horsepower numbers for engine-size and torque specifications, but even those don’t guarantee better results. Our advice: Check our Ratings for top performers.

CR Quick Recommendations Self-propelled Mowers
While models at the very top can still set you back $600 or more, several capable mowers perform almost as well for as little as $370. Decide on a gas, corded, or cordless-electric mower with driven or nondriven wheels based on your needs. Then see our Quick Picks or high-scoring models with specific strengths and value.

Best for most, with versatile mowing:

• Honda HRX217KVKA , $630
• Toro Super Recycler 20055 , $520
• Honda HRR216K3VXA , $540
• Toro 20076 , $460, CR Best Buy
• Lawn-Boy 10685 , $380
• Toro 20073 , $370, CR Best Buy

The Honda HRX217KVKA offers superb mulching and bagging, the dealer-only Toro 20055 Super recycler (3) fine side-discharging, the Honda HRR216K3VXA and Toro 20076 a blade-brake clutch; all four are from reliable brands. The Lawn-Boy 10685 offers easy handling, the Toro 20073 fine mulching for less. Lawn- Boys are now built by Toro; time will tell whether the brand’s reliability improves.

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