Lush green lawns are simply gorgeous-but it can take plenty of work to achieve that stunning emerald look. Watering your lawn correctly is absolutely vital to keeping your lawn healthy and green in any climate. Proper watering of your lawn can even help preserve water, as you’ll be using it more efficiently, with less waste.

When and How to Water



You don’t necessarily need to start watering your lawn as soon as the first few warm summer days appear. You’ll actually achieve a healthier lawn, with a more extensive and deep root system, if you hold off watering until your lawn begins to enter a mild state of drought. When your lawn begins to enter this state, the grass will turn a darker shade of green, and footprints made when you walk across the lawn will remain imprinted, instead of the blades quickly bouncing back up.



If you’re able to, watering your lawn early in the day is best. Midday watering is inefficient and may be detrimental to your lawn, as moisture will evaporate quickly at this time. Watering in the evening can help cultivate lawn diseases, as the grass will remain damp for longer periods. However, if you live in a very hot climate, watering during the evening is preferable, as less moisture will be lost due to evaporation, and temperatures will not be cold enough to prevent grass blades drying completely overnight.



One of thee most important points in watering your lawn is ensuring that you maintain an even distribution of water over the entire lawn, and that no spot is either missed or flooded with excess water.



The best way to achieve this objective is with a sprinkler system, rather than with a hose. To ensure your system is providing even coverage over your lawn, place some empty cans or other straight-sided containers at various spots over the lawn, and then check how much water each contains after a watering session.

How Much Water?



Thorough, less frequent watering is much more efficient-and healthy for your lawn-than frequent, light watering. A good, heavy watering that penetrates deep into the soil helps to promote a healthy root system, and also discourages the growth of weeds.



In normal conditions, grasses need between three quarters of an inch and one full inch of water per week to maintain that rich green color, and to keep the lawn healthy and actively growing, as well as attractive. In very hot climates, more frequent watering may be needed. Check your lawn for blade ‘bounce’ to ensure your lawn receives enough water.



Remember that this requirement includes both precipitation (rain) and watering. If you receive an inch of rainfall in any given week, you can hold off watering until it’s needed. In addition, it’s important to realize that this one inch isn’t an absolute requirement-your lawn won’t sicken and die if it doesn’t get an inch every week, but too much water in a short time can be harmful. If, for example, you know rain is expected very soon, you can safely hold off watering until after the rain arrives.

How Long?



Each watering of your lawn should provide plenty of water for the active root zone of the grass. The length of time this takes depends on the type of watering system you use, and the type of soil you have. In general, most types of grass need to be soaked to a depth of eight to twelve inches. Some grasses, such as bluegrass, need to be soaked to a depth of six to eight inches.



To calculate how long you’ll need to run your sprinkler system to achieve the right depth, do the following:



1. Run your sprinkler system for fifteen minutes.



2. After 24 hours, drive a screwdriver or other implement into the earth to check how deep the water penetrated. You’ll be able to drive the implement easily through moist soil, but once you hit dry soil it will become difficult.



3. Divide 120 by the depth of moist soil you determined in step 2. If the water soaked in to a depth of three inches, for example, you’ll end up with a figure of 40 minutes. That means it will take two hours for the lawn to be soaked to a depth of nine inches, and two hours and forty minutes to get soaked to a depth of twelve inches.



Water Conservation Tips

• If you live in a climate that routinely achieves very high temperatures during the summer, consider letting your lawn go dormant as an alternative to watering.
• Purchase a rain gauge so that you can determine how much rain your lawn receives, and avoid over-watering.
• Aerate your lawn to allow the grass to use water more efficiently.

In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love, or so Alfred, Lord Tennyson once wrote. For some of us, our thoughts tend to turn to more mundane issues, such as the color of our lawns. Getting a gorgeous green lawn requires a bit of work, and the owners of the best lawns know that work starts well before summer hits.

Raking and Thatch Removal



Raking and thatch removal are probably the first couple of things you’ll do in the spring. In fact, this actually starts in the fall, because ideally you’d have raked your lawn then as well.



Raking isn’t just about removing leaves and surface mess from your lawn-it’s also one of the best ways to control thatch (the build-up of lawn clippings and other solid waste that collects on top of the soil). For this reason, raking thoroughly and deeply is very important both in the fall and the spring, to help get your lawn ready for summer growth.



In general, a thatch of half an inch or more will need raking. If the thatch on your lawn is less than a quarter inch in depth, you might be better off leaving the deep raking until fall, as a light thatch helps improve the condition of your lawn by holding excess moisture. The exception to this is if you live in a particularly humid climate. Even a relatively thin thatch can end up holding too much moisture, and leave your lawn prey to mold.



A thorough spring raking is also a good way of getting reacquainted with your lawn after the winter break. You’ll be able to take stock of its condition, find out if there are any bare or matted patches that need taking care of, and check for pests, mold, or diseases.

Aeration



Removing thick layers of thatch from your lawn is important for helping keep the soil aerated, but if your lawn has been, a high-traffic area for several years, thatching might not be enough.



High-traffic lawns will eventually start to decline due to soil compaction, which means that air has been squeezed out of the soil over time. Compacted soil tends to suffer from excessive run-off, and will make a poor root bed for any new grass you want to sow, so it’s important to get it taken care of.



There’s one very easy-and fun-way to fix this problem, which simply involves walking all over the lawn while wearing spiked shoes. The holes you poke in the soil will aerate it, and your problem is more or less solved.



However, if your lawn is severely compacted this may not be enough. In these cases, you can rent an aeration machine from your local garden center. This easy-to-operate equipment pulls plugs of earth out of the soil to provide more extensive aeration.


Overseeding



If “dog spots” or heavy traffic has left your lawn covered in bare patches, you’ll need to apply seed to fill in the patchy parts. This technique is known as overseeding, and involves sowing grass seed over the bare patches, along with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Once the grass has germinated, apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer for a growth boost.



Note that the grass you sow is going to be competing with the existing lawn for vital nutrients. If you need to overseed, cut your lawn short before doing so, so that the seeds have a good chance to get past existing grass to the soil.



Finally, note that it’s usually best to overseed in the fall (due to the problem described in the next section). Sometimes your lawn problem will be too severe too wait, of course, but fall is generally regarded as the best time for it.

Weed Control



If your lawn has an annual problem with weeds or crabgrass, you’ll want to hold off on spring fertilization until you’ve applied pre-emergent herbicides. These herbicides address the weed control issue by preventing seeds from germinating, so that weeds are prevented from sprouting at all.



Note that if you need to overseed your lawn, pre-emergent herbicides may not be an effective option. These herbicides don’t distinguish between weed and grass seeds-they prevent both types of seeds germinating. There are one or two products on the market that allow you to overseed in spring and still use pre-emergent herbicides, depending on the type of grass you have. These include Tupersan, which is compatible with overseeding cool-season grasses.

Spring Fertilization



In the spring, slow-release fertilizer is a great kick-start for your lawn’s new growth. You don’t want to push the grass to grow if it isn’t ready, so it’s best to stay away from quick-release fertilizers, at least initially. This is particularly important if your spring weather is unpredictable, as you don’t want a situation where new spring growth is killed by a late frost.



Retest your soil regularly-every few years-to make sure you’re applying the right fertilizer for your soil type. When applying fertilizer, make sure you use the right amount for your square footage, and remember that grass growing in the shade will need around half as much as that which is consistently in sun.

Knowing a good manufacturer of a lawn tractor is like choosing a good car brand. There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a lawn tractor. Of course, when you buy this type of machinery, you do not just buy something impulsively, even if it is not what you really need. Knowing more about the specifications of the tractor and the reason behind purchasing one will help you in choosing the brand that will suit your needs.


A nice and beautifully manicured lawn and garden is definitely a sight to see whether it is in a farm, a big estate, or a house in a simple community. Looking out your window seeing your lawn well taken cared of will help ease all the tension from your mind even if it is just for a while. To accomplish this, there are things you need to consider when purchasing a lawn tractor.


There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a lawn tractor. Of course, when you buy this type of machinery, you do not just buy something impulsively, even if it is not what you really need. It is better to buy quality tractors as a long-term investment. In fact, there are several types of tractors you can choose from; this will depend on the type of job you will be using it for:


• Lawn Tractors – with an engine power that ranges from 12 up to 18 horsepower, it is the most lightweight and cheapest of its kind. Specifically made for mowing lawns. Thus, it may include a front blade or a snow thrower.

Cost: $2000 – $6000


• Yard Tractors – with a horsepower that ranges between 14 and 20, it is a cross between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor. It has a front blade, snow thrower, and sometimes a towing cart. It has more gear choices as compared to your typical lawn tractor. It even has larger and more heavy-duty transmissions.

Cost: $3500


• Garden Tractors – equipped with more attachments, such as rototillers, garden tractors a have a greater ground clearance, larger tires, and a heavier frame as well as a front axle. Its engine power has a range of 14 up to 22 horsepower.


Cost: $4500 + $600-$1000 for additional equipments


Some manufacturers make tractors that may have a mixture of the characteristics of the tractors mentioned above and are usually called mid range tractors. In purchasing a tractor, it is important to know about the features of the product. Here are some pointers on important tractor parts:


Engines


Majority of people think that the higher the horsepower the better the machinery. Do not be fooled because the efficiency of your tractor will also depend on its other parts. A tractor with a lower horsepower can also do what a higher-powered machine can but only slower.


Another thing to keep in mind about your engine is its cooling system. Those with a liquid-cooled engine might cost more than your air-cooled engines. Nevertheless, the life of your liquid-cooled engine will last longer, making the cost worth it.


Mowing Decks


A larger mowing deck does not necessarily mean that it will get the job finished faster. This is unless you plan to mow acres of land. A smaller blade may rotate faster than a larger one, making the mowing speed and forwarding speed faster.


Thus, discharges of clippings will depend on the tractor deck. It can be on the rear, side or as a type of mulch. Side discharges are not usually safe because it can fling rocks like a bullet, so rear discharge and mulching is preferred.


Transmission


The most popular type of transmissions is the “variable speed” and the “full hydro”. The hydrostatic transmission is the most expensive but the strongest. It actually makes the tractor move faster and it even has a forward and reverse gear position. On the other hand, the variable speed transmission requires shifting and has one reverse gear and several forwarding gears.


Standard gear or straight line transmissions have limited gear rations but are simple and strong.


Frames, Axels, and Bodies


One piece frames last longer than those that are assembled with bolts and screws because once these screws get loose, everything else will follow. Always remember the frame is the foundation of your machine.


Turning Radius


It is an advantage to have a small turning radius because it will help in the process of maneuvering around the lawn easier and faster. A smaller turning radius will not leave a big circle of uncut grass which you need to go back to later on.


Resale or Buying Used


Quality tractors that are made by a national manufacturer, once sold, even after using your tractor for 3 years, can still guaranteed you a half of the price value. This is unlike those bought from a mass dealer.


Safety


Most lawn tractors have features that when you get off the seat, the engine automatically shuts off. In addition, be sure to check that the engine and battery is separated from the gas tank.


With all the products available in the market it is hard to find quality ones. Although most manufacturers have their products made outside of the US, only a handful still make their products in the States. With all of these pointers in mind, it is best to ask your manufacturer on the best tractor suitable for you. Here are the top manufacturers of lawn tractors based in the US:


1. DEERE & COMPANY


One of the leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, commercial & consumer equipment, construction & forestry equipment in the United States, it has been in the business for more than 170 years. Established in 1837 from a one-man blacksmith shop, it has grown into a corporation that employs approximately 52,000 people. The company is committed in providing quality products and services, so that life will be easier and comfortable for most of the people around the world. The company only wants the best for its consumers and strives to develop products, where in, through research, it can provide the best of what technology has to offer.


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES


• Manufactures a full line of equipments for usage in lawn and ground care such as riding mowers, push mowers, and commercial walk-behind mowers. Plus, Zero Turn mowers are also available


• Manufactures equipments that are used for agriculture, construction, and forestry.


• Manufactures engines and powertrain components.


MANUFACTURING


• Factories are located in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.


• Associated companies manufacture John Deere products in the United States and South America.


This means that if you are looking for a good lawn tractor, you do not need to look any further. John Deere Tractors will provide you with quality products, without sacrificing ease and comfort. At the same time, they can assure you that your lawn will look its absolute best. With the help of their knowledgeable dealers, you will be able to find the right machine at the right price.


2. THE TORO COMPANY


This company was established in 1914 with the desire of helping its consumer care for their surroundings. With quality products and services that beautify the environment, the Toro Company is a household name for those who know what excellence is all about.


Products and Services


• Manufactures products such as mowers, compact utility loaders and vehicles, aerators, sprayers, trimmers, blowers.


• Provides a state of the art irrigation system.


• Guarantees high quality customer assistance.


Purchasing your lawn tractor from Toro will definitely make you proud of what your lawn will look like. You are ensured that what you bought will last long, is dependable, and worth every penny.


3. MTD COSUMER PRODUCTS


It was in 1958 when the company produced its first lawn mower. However, it was founded in 1932 and started as a tool and die supplier but as time passed with hard work and the devotion in achieving excellence MTD became well known that helped the company expand. In fact, MTD is now one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor equipments for both commercial and residential markets. With brands such as Cub Cadet Yanmar, GardenWay, and Troy-Bilt under their wings, MTD products can be bought anywhere, from your independent dealers, farm stores, to hardware stores.


With Cub Cadet as one of its popular brands when it comes to lawn tractors, it is proud to produce a line of equipment that will suit your every need in improving and beautifying your lawn. Cub Cadet also offers a five year warranty to its products making it very attractive to its customers.


4. SWISHER MOWER AND MACHINE COMPANY


With the sole committed to making products that will beautify your garden and lawn, this family owned company was noted to be established in the year 1945. Their desire in making the job done easier, faster, and at the same time enjoying the chore, have produced a line of equipments that do just that.


Hence, the Swisher Company is considered amongst the top ten manufacturers of agricultural and gardening equipments. With more than 60 years in the business, the company continues its vision of creating the groundbreaking lawn and garden mower while giving its customers value and purpose in its products.


Thus, products of the Swisher Company has been featured on national TV and published in the Country Journal, National Gardening, and Popular Mechanics among others.


5. KUBOTA MANUFACTURING OF AMERICA


Although the company has its roots in Japan, the desire to have quality and high performance tractors with a smaller set up in the U.S., the Kubota Company introduced the Kubota 21 horsepower L200, which filled the product void in the US market. Hence, in the year 1972, the Kubota Tractor Corporation was born.


Today the company has expanded its product line with compact lawn and garden equipments, construction equipments, pumps, and many more. In addition, last 1988, the Kubota Manufacturing of America was formed. At current, it manufactures and assembles lawn tractors, loaders, sub-compact tractors, and many others.


Thus, with the company’s desire for continued excellence, in the year 1999, they also produced a line of compact gasoline and diesel engines for agricultural, industrial, and construction applications under the Kubota Engine of America. Engines that are liquid-cooled or have low vibration and produces minimal noise are available, making the Kubota Lawn Tractors a good prospect for the task.

Lawn equipments are machine based tools that are used in a grassplots or grasslands for cutting or trimming. Lawn manufacturers offer unique design ideas for certain lawn equipments, especially for convenience purposes.


Lawn equipments are machine based tools that are used in a grassplots or grasslands for cutting or trimming. Lawn manufacturers offer unique design ideas for certain lawn equipments, especially for convenience purposes.


Here are the list of manufacturers and firms in the industry today.


1. Mid West Products, Inc.


Their products and services are as follows:


• Tubular Log Tote

• Garden Seeder

• Metal Yard Cart

• Cultivator

• Canvas Log Carrier

• Log Carts

• Garden Caddy

• 26″ and 31″ Push Lawn Sweeper

• Canvas Multi-Use Carrier Ft-51c

• Trailing Lawn Sweeper

• Log Carrier

• Economy Wooden Garden Cart, and

• Heavy-Duty Capacity Wooden Garden Cart.


Mid West Producers ensure a 100 percent Fuel System Maintenance for Ethanol, Gas, Petrol and Diesel. Their products have an excellent Bulk fuel storage and delivers ultimate performance for industrial engines and machineries in order to ensure protection against friction, severe cold, extreme pressure and heat.


2. Mowers


Email: http://en.cnplough.com


Their mowers are considered as super quality products with a cheap price.


3. Alpha Industries


Address: 2625 Homestead Place, California


Alpha Industries is a leading fabrication company of precision types of metal stampings that were founded in the year 1975.


Their products and services include the following:


• Designed to secure all motorized and non-motorized vehicles virtually, including machines parts and equipments


Total Annual Sales Volume: Below 1 million US dollars


Number of Employees: 51up to 100 people, including the ones located in their factories.


4. Nilfisk-ALTO


Nilfisk-ALTO is the world’s largest manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment. It is with the division of the Nilfisk-Advance group and located in North America, Europe and Asia. Nilfisk ALTO supplies vacuum cleaners, cleaning contractors and equipments.


Thus, the company’s vision is to become the #1 global leader of professional cleaning equipment in the market. It also provides customers with the best value of innovative products.


5. American Lawn Mower Co.


Established since 1895, American Lawn Mowers is considered as the largest in the US. It is also a family-owned business with push reel mowers and manufacturing facilities in Shelbyville, Indiana. Hence, the company still operates the same plant and makes push reel mowers, along with their 50 employees that produce 700 up to 900 mowers a day.


The company’s products do not need gas or spark plugs and they don’t pollute the environment with noise or fumes.


Other Lawn Equipment Companies:


6. Atlas Greenhouse Systems


This company is the manufacturer of hobby and commercial greenhouses.


7. Clean Air Gardening


This company is the maker of friendly and environmental hedge clippers, push mowers and other tools.


8. Fiskars


This company manufactures grass shears, loppers and pruners.


9. Brinly-Hardy


This company manufactures carts, fertilizer spreaders, cultivators, lawn rollers, carts and more.


10. A.M. Leonard


This company manufactures and sells landscapers, contractors and garden tools for growers. They are also considered as ground management-professionals, arborists, and landscapers.


11. Ariens


They are considered as one of the major manufacturers of snow blowers, lawnmowers, and tillers.


12. Orchards Edge


They are he ones responsible for hedge trimmers, garden products, scissors, bonsai tools, pole saws, pruning shears and a lot more.


13. Corona Clipper


They are the manufacturers of garden and lawn tools.


14. Garden & Decorator Wood Products


They are the makers of outdoor equipment and garden tools.


15. Ames-True Temper


They are the makers of garden tools, including hose reels, snow tools, cutting tools, long handle tools, striking tools and non-powered lawn tools.


16. Frank’s Nursery


They are the retailers of large garden and manufacturers lawn tools.


17. Smith & Hawken


They are makers and retailer of lawn supplies and garden tools.

18. Tru-cut Lawnmowers


They are producers of edger’s and lawn mowers.


19. Better Methods


They are makers and distributor of hand tools for lawns.


20. Campania International


They are the ones responsible in making garden decorations items such as planters, fountains and bird paths.


21. Gravely


They are manufacturers of garden equipment and commercial lawn.


22. Saint Wire & Cable Inc.


Their products and services rendered are as follows:


• Plow Markers

• Wire Harnesses, and

• Garden accessories


23. Lambert Products


They are the makers of garden and lawn equipment such as rakes, cultivators, carts, lawn sweepers.


24. The Strength Builder


Their products and services include lawn machines, fitness, and body pushup workout system among others.


25. Henderson Distribution LLC


Their products and services include Vinyl Canopies, Lawn Furniture, and Swing Sets among others


26. OPICO


Their products and services include Light Industrial Machinery, turf and Lawn Machines and Agricultural Machinery.


27. Rittenhouse


They are the makers of equipment for farmers, commercial landscapers, greens keepers and greenhouse workers.


28. Whipper Clipper


They are the makers of lawn edgers.


29. True Friends Garden Tools


They are the makers of garden tools for homeowners, landscape maintenance professionals and gardeners.


30. Treequest


They are the suppliers of arborist and garden tools which would include saws, tree care products, pruners and a lot more.


Lawn equipments are must have tools used in preserving and maintaining landscapes and gardens. Lawn manufacturers designed these as a perfect solution for ease and convenience of usage. The more durable the equipment is, the more it is convincing to the potential buyers. A particular design of these equipments should carefully suit its particular and unique purpose.


Products of lawn manufacturers should be environmentally friendly and should have a high maintenance system function, for safer usage. If the equipment can do very well, particularly in helping its buyers, more and more people will trust their products, producing more sales and customers for these companies.

Fertilizer is a great addition to a normal lawn care routine, but it’s not something that needs to be done every day. The fact of the matter is fertilizer in an abundance can be bad for your lawn and even for the environment. Depending on the type of lawn fertilizer you use, you could be spreading harsh chemicals that might be great for your lawn, but are lousy for the water supply. To make sure you only fertilize your lawn when it’s needed, you need to exercise some common sense.

Before you fertilize your lawn:

• Make sure you understand what type of lawn you have and its needs. Some grass types require very little lawn fertilizers and others will require more feedings to stay lush. To lessen your lawn care work, look for lawn materials that don’t require as much fertilizing throughout the growing season. This will not only save you time, but also money.
• Understand the type of fertilizer your lawn actually needs. You might find one type of lawn fertilizer works better for your turf than another. Lawn care centers, extension services and other similar outlets can help you identify the kind of grass you have and what type of lawn fertilizer would be best.
• Be aware of your lawn’s growing season. Some grasses grow a lot during the summer; others tends to peak in the spring. When and how much to use lawn fertilizer will depend a lot on this along with the other factors mentioned.
• Study up on the kinds of lawn fertilizers you have at your disposal for your type of lawn. While most people want a lush, green lawn, this shouldn’t be achieved at the expense of the environment. Look for lawn fertilizers that work well without introducing harsh chemicals into your back yard environment.
• Access the condition of your lawn before you choose to fertilize. You might find your grass doesn’t really require a lawn fertilizer to grow well. If this is the case, consider skipping the step if at all possible to save yourself extra work and extra grass growth that will require more mowing.
• Read the instructions well. This is vital for any type of lawn fertilizer. Make sure you know what you’ve bought, how to apply it, when to apply it and how long to wait before watering. Lawn fertilizers that are store bought should have clear instructions and warning labels.

A good lawn fertilizer can really help make a yard look spectacular. Adding to the natural growing process, lawn fertilizers give lawns a healthy, more filled in look. This can help make your lawn look like a showplace with little work. Too much fertilizer, however, and you’ll find yourself mowing your lawn a whole lot more than you wanted to.

But do be certain you understand what you’re doing and how to do it. Too much is not necessarily a good thing. Take your time to research your options in lawn fertilizers and get the right one to suit your yard’s individual needs.

First things first, nothing beats smelling fresh and perfect lawn grasses very early in the morning. On a subtle level, the right lawn grass basically ensures that you have a beautiful, fresh and new day ahead.


The following are basic tips in choosing the appropriate grasses.


If you are in a cold area


The fact of the matter is that the best lawn grass for you to select if in case you happen to reside in a specific area that have winters that are very cold and summers that are quite mild, is bluegrass or those ryegrass. You could also consider choosing those tall lawn fescue grass.


Basically, all these belong to the cool season grasses. These grasses grow very vigorously during the cold months of fall and spring.


If you are in a warm area


The perfect lawn grass to select if in case you happen to live in a warm area are the Bermuda grass as well as the zoysia grass. Another lawn grass that is perfect for the warmer climate is St Augustine grass.


Such lawn grasses are perfect for the summer hot weather and the mild winters. The reason for this is that the lawn grasses that fall under the warm season types are a bit less hardy.


They also gro quite vigorously during the summer hot months and eventually turn to crisp brown during the months of winter.


Choose wisely


The best grasses to select are those that are perfectly adapted locally to pests. These lawn grasses must be the varieties which are called pest resistant.


You could also settle for variety blends or a mixture of various types of lawn grass. You could ask the help of the nursery in your local for additional information and to eventually help you choose.


What types of grass are best for spots that are shady


The perfect grasses for this are those that fall under the cool season lawn grass fescues as well as the warm season Lawn St Augustine grass. Another option is the zoysia lawn grass.


What kind of grass is perfect for the summer?


The type of lawn grass that is perfect for the dry areas come summer are the Bermuda grass, the tall lawn fescue grass as well as the buffalo lawn grass.


When you have chosen, now what?


A lot of the grasses that are perfect for the warm climate season are usually wiry and stiff. They do require that you own a reel power driven mower in order to keep these lawn grass the best they could possibly be.


How to keep lawn green when the weather is blue


The best thing to do during the months of winter when the climate is cold to the brim is to overseed the warm season lawn grasses early on in the fall. Through this method, the lawn grass is kept green and looking beautifully clean.


Usually, the buffalo lawn grass and the zoysia lawn grass are the lawn grasses that are hardiest if compared with the warm season lawn grasses.


What if your pet pees on the grass?


Dogs will always be dogs, and lawn grasses will always be lawn grasses. When your pets pee on your precious green grass, relax. It is not the end of the world.


When such a thing happens, the usual green lawn could suddenly have brown spots. What happens is that your pet’s urine has overly concentrated nitrogen content which causes the lawn to burn.


Why is this so? Believe it or not, your soil already has nitrogen in it. So when your pet dog puts a lot more of his nitrogen, your precious grass gets edgy and ultimately gets brown.


Take note that the pee of a female dog is a lot more potent than the male dogs. The best thing to do when the crime has been committed is to flood the specific area.


After a few days of thorough flooding and flushing, any damage would probably be averted and your lawn grasses will be back to its good and green color.


All in all, maintaining a lawn grasses is easy. All it takes is a little patience and know how.

A luxurious lawn is one of the most inviting sights in the world. The pictures of beautiful homes in a wide variety of magazines usually include a beautiful, always bright green, lawn in the backyard or front yard of the property. The homes pictured in these magazines are often elegant mansions, but other photographs show a small patch of lawn off a patio. Dedicated owners or paid landscape professionals with an assortment of lawn care equipment produce and sustain the lawns in these pictures.


The typical pieces of lawn care equipment are necessary to create and care for a wonderful, green lawn. A knowledgeable gardener will have the lawn mover which will probably have some kind of mechanism for grooming the lawn to a perfect height. No skilled gardener will want to mow the lawn too close to the soil for this will result in an inferior look. A lawn that is left too long will not have the desired look of a smooth carpet of greenery. The lawn mower is the staple of lawn care equipment, but these machines come in a wide variety of makes and models which means choosing the proper lawn mower is an important decision. Manual mowers are still available and there are gardeners who still insist on pushing their mower around the property. Most gardeners choose a model with a motor to make the task easier.


Lawn Care Equipment Provides for the Latest Techniques


A beautiful lawn requires more than just the proper cut, and agricultural scientists have studied techniques for the best results. A beautiful lawn needs to be aerated periodically and lawn care equipment is available to perform this task. Professional landscapers will have sophisticated lawn care equipment to aerate the lawn properly, but there is simple lawn care equipment available for the gardener responsible for only the lawn in their home.


In order to start a lawn and to keep it vibrant, grass seed needs to be distributed throughout the targeted plot. Uneven distribution of the seeds will not produce the desired effect. Most nurseries and garden centers have lawn care equipment for distributing the seeds evenly over the plot so that the lawn has a smooth, luxurious appearance. Small, manageable tools are sold in the stores that a gardener can fill with the appropriate seed to distribute it evenly over the area. These machines can also be used to distribute fertilizers and lawn care products over the lawn when necessary.

There is a whole lot of advertising noise and commotion buzzing around and lawn mowing businesses have a tough time getting attention.



Think about it. With tons of advertising messages shooting across the path of your potential customers, how can they distinguish your marketing message from others? Can you really compete against the big dogs in your area with vaults of marketing money at their disposal?

The answer: Yes but it’s not going to be easy.



The fact is advertising is harder than ever to compete in. Smaller lawn businesses have less to lose than some of the bigger lawn companies out there so to get attention, some owners exaggerate their claims, making promises they can’t deliver on.



Since hype seems to be the only way to get your prospects looking at your lawn mowing business, you probably figure you need to follow in the footsteps of those who have walked outside the lines of truth.



Is this the right thing to do?



As I have talked about before, it bears repeating here again…you’ll probably get away with it in the short term but not in the long term.



Let me explain…



Here are 3 reasons why avoiding false promises and staying truthful is the way to go.

1. You Have To Be Able To Prove It



The first reason is obvious. You must be able to back up any lawn mowing business advertising claims you make with actual and factual proof. It’s legally termed making a “substantiated” claim, and the FTC gets particularly picky when it comes to claims that come close to challenging this rule.



Let’s say you run an ad saying, “One out of 10 people in Anywhere County, USA use No Name Mowing.” You’d better be able to show a reputable survey that clearly reveals those results. If you carried out the survey yourself, you have to prove it was organized and executed in good faith, conducted by an impartial third party, and that it genuinely represents the views and opinions of the group of people you are talking about.



But following this rule doesn’t start and stop with just you. All claims also apply to anyone who works for you – employees, Web designers, subcontractors, etc. If your representatives inaccurately describe your lawn mowing business, you’re in trouble.



Don’t worry there is a “Get Out Of Jail Free” card. It’s called “puffery” and you may want to do some due diligence about it and how you can use it in your lawn mowing business marketing.



For example, No Name Mowing claims its home-made organic lawn care fertilizer is “made from the best stuff on earth.” Nobody will actually believe that claim because it’s “puffery”.



However, if No Name Mowing said its fertilizers were “made with fresh organic ingredients” that becomes a claim that must be proven. No Name Mowing would need to substantiate it. When any “reasonable” person would assume that your lawn mowing business ad’s promise is so over the top that it is mere “puffery,” you’re no longer required to have to prove it.

2. It’s Against The Law To Lie



As I eluded to in the first reason above, federal law blatantly states that you must tell the truth in ads you create for your lawn mowing business services. Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (passed in 1914 and amended in 1996) says it’s illegal to deceive or mislead your customers and prospects. You cannot make fraudulent claims or insincere offers about your lawn care services. The FTC also



specifically highlights claims that mislead by omission so you’re not out of the woods yet. If you leave out relevant lawn care information or facts, or if your marketing claim hints at results that you can not deliver, you’ll be on the hook.



Perhaps you’re wondering…what happens if the law comes down on your lawn mowing business?



Well, if your inaccurate claims influence a customer’s decisions, behavior, or compel them to buy, you could be in violation of FTC guidelines. The range of penalties go from massive fines to “cease and desist” orders to corrective advertising to even some jail time.



Of course, like most legal matters, what is constituted as “false” and/or “misleading” is always open to interpretation. A lawn mowing business advertising a claim that walks the fine line is a risk you may decide to take. Legally, that risk rides on who defines “misleading.” Do your due diligence and get advice from a lawyer to help you make the right decision.



Remember that customers are not dummies. Most people can quickly pick up when a lawn mowing business is advertising a false claim.

3. Your Competitors Can Bite Back



The battle for market share is fierce so many lawn mowing businesses have turned to comparing competitors in their marketing. Lawn care services are launched with little preparation and training and don’t necessarily meet meaningful customer needs just so company B can compete with company A. As a result, lawn care ads often dwell on some minutely different edge that offers a little bit better advantage than the competition but doing so creates the opportunity for your competition to bite back. Your competitors may decide your lawn care claim is untrue or inaccurate and force you to prove it. Let’s face it, having a lawn care competitor register a complaint with the FTC and possibly take you to court doesn’t exactly help your bank account.



Remember, if you claim your lawn mowing business is better than another, you must be prepared to support that with undeniable proof.



Today, customers have little tolerance for lawn mowing business marketers that promise and do not deliver. To develop advertising that attracts customers, use these 4 ingredients to stay on the side of marketing legally:

1. Don’t Talk About Yourself



Turn to legitimate descriptive testimonials from current customers to talk about why you’re the lawn mowing business of choice.

2. Be Real



Most people are down-to-earth and don’t expect incredible results that lawn care services can’t deliver. Promise what you can deliver.

3. Stick With The Benefits



Market how customers benefit if they go with your lawn care services. Always answer the question, “What’s in it for them?”.

4. Lower Risk



Offer money back guarantees if a customer is not satisfied. When you lower the risk, your prospect is more receptive to your marketing.



Here’s to your lawn mowing business success!

For most lawn aficionados, the color, height, and health of the lawn are all-important. Many people consider that edging isn’t necessary, but in fact it’s a finishing touch that can make all the difference between a good-looking lawn and a great one. Edging isn’t a crucial part of lawn maintenance, but it gives your lawn a well-manicured look that isn’t achievable by any other means.



A properly edged and trimmed lawn looks great, but there are other good reasons to edge, too. In conjunction with regular mowing, edging and trimming your lawn will help reduce weeds, and improve your lawn’s overall health. Edging gives you cleaner lawn lines, with tidy weed-free borders that don’t distort the shape and structure of your lawn’s edges, to keep both your lawn and your garden looking good in every season.

Edging and Trimming



The process of edging involves using an implement called an edger or trimmer to provide those smooth, neat lawn lines. Edgers are implements that provide a vertical cut to the grass being edged, while trimmers apply a horizontal cut. Each has a slightly different purpose in terms of lawn maintenance.



Edgers are used to create a neat, tidy edging to provide that well-manicured look to the edges of the lawn. It gives your lawn’s borders a more finely-groomed look by preventing grasses from growing outside the confines of the lawn’s edges. An edger cuts grass with a blade that is oriented in a vertical fashion, and the implement is used by running it in a straight or curved line along the borders of the lawn.



Trimmers, on the other hand, are used to level out any patches of grass where your mower cannot reach, or that are too tall to mow, so that these patches can be trimmed to the level of your mowed lawn. These implements traditionally use a nylon string to cut the grass, rather than a blade of the type used in an edger.



When using edgers and trimmers, it’s important to beware of being over-zealous with your grass cutting. Trimming your grass too closely will look almost as bad-or worse- as not trimming it at all, as you’ll end up with areas of lawn that are cut much closely than the areas where you mowed. Remember the same ‘one third’ rule that applies with mowing applies to cutting, too.



Similarly, be careful when edging your lawn that you don’t accidentally end up running your edger into the lawn itself-it’s important to ensure you stay flush with the edges of the lawn, so that you don’t cut out chunks of the lawn itself.

Choosing Edging and Trimming Equipment



Choosing the right equipment for the job is fairly simple, as the type of equipment you need depends mostly on your budget, the size of the lawn you’ll be using your equipment on, and how frequently you plan to edge and trim your lawn. For example, if your implements will see frequent use, or if you have a large lawn, the more powerful implements may suit you best.



If your lawn is small and does not require much time spent edging, a pair of vertical cutting shears will do a great job, at less expense. However, if you have more than a quarter acre of lawn or plan to edge frequently, you’ll benefit from purchasing an electrical or gas-powered edger.



One of the biggest budget-busting decisions you’ll make when purchasing these tools is choosing between electric and gas-powered models. If you’re able to reach all corners of your lawn using implements that you connect home electrical outlet, you’ll be able to use an electrical trimmer and edger. Most of these implements typically reach to a distance of 100 to 150 feet from an outlet.



However, if you’ll need to extend beyond that distance, you may need to invest a little more in a gas-powered tool. These are also good to use if you have a large lawn that requires a great deal of trimming, as gas-powered units tend to be smaller and more mobile than their electrical counterparts. The downside is that gas-powered tools require more maintenance, and are often more noisy than electrical models.



If you’re planning to buy both an edger and a trimmer, you may be able to save money by purchasing a horizontal trimmer that can be used for edging as well as trimming. This can be achieved simply by turning the trimmer at an angle that allows it to cut horizontally. You won’t achieve as clean an edge when you cut using a trimmer, but if you’re planning to buy gas-powered implements you’ll save anywhere from $100 to $300 by choosing a tool that can cover both tasks.