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A little lawn care math goes a long way.
Quick, how many square feet in an acre? Any turf manager worth their salt will immediately know that there are 43560 square feet in an acre. It's usually the first step in any calculations regarding applying anything to a lawn. The number comes up a lot.
...Buying a string trimmer with so many to choose from
String trimmers are the right-hand-man of the lawn mower, cleaning up along fence-lines, around trees and other places mowers can't get to. String trimming a typical yard is a relatively small job but they are also used to clear larger masses of overgrown plants so depending on their expected use, string trimmer models can vary greatly.
...USDA updates Plant Hardiness Zone Map
This is interesting, the United States Department of Agriculture has updated their Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the first time since 1990. Unlike years past, the government agency will not be sending out posters instead making the online map interactive and downloadable. Perhaps a sign of shrinking budgets the site helpfully explains that "state, regional, and national images of the map can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes and resolutions." In other words, make your own poster.
...Grass seed germination can take longer than you think
Sometimes it seems like it takes forever for seed to germinate, and sometimes it almost does. Often the true length of germination isn't noticed because seed blends often include perennial ryegrass which is notoriously quick to sprout. Perennial ryegrass is used as a "nurse" grass, providing shade and protection to developing seeds of other grass species.
...The amazing world of lawn mowers
Lawn mowers are entrenched in the fabric of our lives, as ubiquitous as the automobile or even lawns themselves. Lawn mowers instantly conjure up images of weekend chores and the smell of fresh cut grass. Lawn mower styles run the gamut from the aging motorized beasts of yesteryear, to modern zero turn mowers, or the classic, pollution free reel mower.
...5 Easy DIY Lawn Care Projects
This is it! This is the summer you're going to get your lawn in shape. No need to hire a lawn care company, no need to spend thousands of dollars. It's time to recruit a few friends or family members and knock off one or two of those projects you've been meaning to attend to.
...Lawns are good for the environment - if managed properly
I'm not sure if it's my recent lack of scouring the internet but it seems the vitriol towards lawns has eased up a bit lately. Some other righteous cause must have emerged amongst the blogging lawn haters. Regardless, it's time for my annual blog post in defense of the oft persecuted lawn.
...Where's the snow?
Well here it is, the 11th of January and not a snowflake in sight. Sure there was the early season storm of late October, there has even been a dusting or two - most recently this morning, but other than that nothing! We experienced a rather brown Christmas but who am I to complain about the extended period of unseasonably mild weather? Except that snow removal is a big part of my job and every week that passes is another week with no overtime. Let it snow already.
...Managing a lawn in times of drought and water shortages
Many parts of the country have been experiencing extended periods of drought and water restrictions that have caused us to rethink our use of water for everything from washing our beloved cars to watering our beloved lawns. Faced with shrinking reservoirs and a lack of rainfall, municipalities have enacted water restrictions and all out bans on domestic water usage for non-essential reasons.
...Any plans to use a lawn care company this year?
Is 2012 the year you finally hire a lawn service to take care of the lawn? Are you unhappy with your current lawn service? One thing is certain, there are plenty to choose from. Everyone's competing for your dollar from the big nation-wide companies, to the smaller outfits who seem to be around every corner and parked in every cul-de-sac. Just remember, all lawn care services are not created equal.
...Art and science collide beautifully with botanical illustrations.
I love scientific illustrations, especially those exploring the intricate workings of flora and fauna. The detail, and in many cases color, surpass even photographs when it comes to aiding in identification and studying the subject. Truly the crossroads of art and science.
...What's in store for 2012?
I started thinking about 2012 a while ago as I was "putting the lawn to bed" for the season. I tend to worry needlessly about almost everything. Probably more-so because it's not just my lawn, it's my livelihood.
...Book Review - Lawnscapes: Mowing Patterns to Make Your Yard a Work of Art
Being a lawn guy always qualifies me for lawn related gifts during the holidays, most recently was the book Lawnscapes: Mowing Patterns to Make Your Yard a Work of Art by David Parfitt. Anyone who has seen a professional golf tournament or a major league baseball game on television, knows that a striped lawn can truly be a thing of beauty. With Lawnscapes: Mowing Patterns to Make Your Lawn a Work of Art, it is now possible to learn the techniques involved with intricate lawn striping and even do it yourself.
...Zero turn lawn mowers mow a lot of grass in little time
Zero turn lawn mowers have been all the rage for a while now but what is it that sets them apart from other mowers? In short, maneuverability and speed put the zero turn mower into a class all it's own. They are especially popular with lawn care companies where time literally equals money, the quicker a piece of property can be mowed, the quicker you can get to the next account.
...All ice melt is not created equal
There are so many ice-melt products on the market, it's enough to make your head spin. Not only do they all claim to work the best, they all claim to be "greener" than their competitors. Many of these claims of being green are nothing more than a marketing technique. When companies claim their product is "green" when it's not it's called "green-washing".
...Consider the reel mower
Reel mowers are making a bit of a comeback lately. No longer are they thought of as that rusted relic in the back of the shed, reel mowers are now sought after for their ease of maintenance and environmentally friendly power source - you.
...'Tis the season for snow and ice removal
As the temperature keeps dropping it becomes more and more clear that winter is indeed arriving. There's no snow here yet , but that's not the case in many other parts of the country. Keeping your sidewalks clear of snow and ice should be a primary concern to most residents of northern climates. Not just as a demonstration of good neighborliness but also to avoid any lawsuits that can result from someone injuring themselves in front of your home.
...How to Spot and Control Lawn Diseases
Dying patches of grass are usually what gets people interested in lawn diseases. A dying patch of grass after all, might very well be a lawn disease.
Most lawn diseases are fungal in nature and attack the lawn when it is stressed and the weather conditions are suitable for the disease. Hot humid nights or extended periods of rainfall are periods when lawn diseases become active.
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...Affordable Christmas gifts for the lawn care enthusiast in your life
Looking for a unique gift for someone who loves to spend time improving the lawn? Here are a few reasonably priced gift ideas for the lawn lover in your life.
Organic Lawn Care Manual by Paul Tukey - Easily my number one recommendation. One of the best lawn care books period. Organic or otherwise, the information in this book is comprehensive, easy to understand, and well laid out. Around $20.
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