Archive for the tag 'Lawn'

Episode #15 - Green Lawns

User ImageThe Handyguys May 1st, 2008

 
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The Handyguys talk about keeping a green and weed free lawn.

The good a bad of lawns

Soil Test Kit

Now that you have your mower ready for the new season (after listening to show #14), it is time to discuss proper lawn care. Anyone can hire a lawn service, but the Handyguys prefer the DIY method. Get down to the home center, buy your weed and feed, and start fertilizing before the summer heat strikes. Listen to the podcast for all of the details.

Before beginning your lawn care program (or even if you have already started), it is good to conduct a soil test to determine that status of your soil. The results from a soil test will reveal what nutrients your lawn requires and whether you need to add lime or sulfur to achieve the proper pH.

You can add specific ingredients in your fertilizer plan or just follow a seasonal plan from a company like Scotts or Vigoro. These products should be designed for your region of the country.

Some folks prefer more organic methods of lawn care. More information on organic products can be found here:

Dirt Doctor

Richsoil

The fertilizer programs will only address weeds and nutrients. You may also have specific pests or disease. A healthy lawn is the best defense against lawn disease. Lawn pests include moles, grubs and even mold. Controlling grubs will eliminate a food source for the moles. Watering properly will prevent mold and fungus.

Broadcast SpreaderBoth Handyguy Brian and Handyguy Paul recommend a broadcast spreader for DIY fertilizer applications.

 

Rain guage with sprinkler gauge So, how much should you water? The Handyguys, and their expert advisers, recommend about 1” of water per week. This means watering the entire inch at one time in early AM or late afternoon. Do not water at night as this can promote fungus. How do you determine you have applied 1” of water? You can use a rain gauge, a fancy timer, or you can just put out a soup can when you water and when it has an inch of water in it you are done. The rain gauge in the picture is only $1.99 in our store and comes with a separate sprinkler gauge. Just click here for the rain gauge. Don’t forget to factor in the water from the rain. A deep soak like this will help promote deep root growth.

What is the proper height to mow for a health lawn? It depends on the type of grass. Generally speaking you want to mow at 3” and never cut more than a third of the blade at one time.

But if you really want to get lawn care right… listen to our podcast.

Please note an error in the podcast: Paul incorrectly states that your second fertilizer application should occur before “Labor Day”. He meant to say “Memorial Day” and that is what he thought he said… but I guess recordings don’t lie!

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Episode #14 - Getting that Mower Going!

User ImageThe Handyguys April 24th, 2008

 
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The Handyguys discuss annual spring maintenance for your lawn mower

For many of us in the northern parts of the USA, it is that time of year when we get the lawn mower out for the first time. Most of us probably use tradition walk behind mowers with combustion engines. Like our cars, these tools require maintenance to keep them humming along from year to year. The Handyguys discuss how you can handle these basic maintenance items yourself:

We start off by talking about mower safety and some crazy mower stories before we get into the basics of spring mower tune-up.

Basic Spring mower tune up consists of checking and maybe replacing the spark plug, cleaning or replacing the air filter, sharpening your blade, cleaning the deck and changing the oil.

This is an example of a bad sparkplugChanging the spark plug – The spark plug only needs to be changed if its black, burnt, or damaged. If it looks clean when you remove it only replace it if you are having trouble with the mower running smooth or not starting. This picture is an example of a badly fouled plug that needs replaced.

This filter could likely be cleaned with compressed air or a brush. I chose to just replace it.Replacing an air filter – make sure you get the correct air filter. There are many sizes and styles. The filter can be cleaned with compressed air or a brush. If its really bad just go ahead and replace it. Some filters are foam and can be washed in warm soapy water. Do not re-install a washed filter until its completely dry.

Sharpen your mower bladeSharpening a blade – You can use a file or a grinder to sharpen your blade. Make sure you use the same angle as the previous sharpening. Handyguy Brian got this heavy duty grinder for only $25, including the stand, at an auction. An inexpensive grinder will be fine for this task. A Dremel tool or even just a plain old file will do the trick as well. A sharp blade makes a better cut and helps keep your grass healthy.

Clean the grass and removing the mower bladeCleaning the mower deck – Sorry I don’t have an after picture. Use a scraper and a wire brush to clean up the mower deck. This is especially important for mulching mowers. If you have rust, sand that and hit it with some primer and paint.

Changing the oil – Do this every year. Make sure you use the proper oil and the correct amount. Most mowers will use SAE 30 oil. Do not use 10W-30, its different and will likely void any warranty you may have. Regardless – Check your owners manual first for the correct oil.

Learn more by listening to this installment of the Handyguys Podcast!

And remember – You can always ask The Handyguys a question about your DIY or home improvement project by calling us at (615) 676-0877 or using the contact form.

We respond to all questions and may use your question in a future episode.

Our podcasts are made possible through revenue at our store. Our store is a partnership with Amazon. Some of our favorite tools are listed here


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