A little bit of service and preventative maintenance can ensure that your lawnmower, string trimmer and other implements are running efficiently and won't break down before you place them back into storage for the winter. Such machines are typically gasoline powered, so they should be serviced using the following simple steps:<\/p>
and other handheld lawn machines, which typically have two-cycle engines and run on a mixture of gasoline and oil. Four-cycle engines, common on lawnmowers, will need to be drained of oil.<\/p>
5. Clean the equipment.<\/b> Use a putty knife and wire brush to knock off accumulated grass and mud, then reattach the blade if you removed one earlier.<\/p>
6. Fill the oil tank. <\/b>If you're servicing a four-cycle engine, refill the oil tank with fresh oil.<\/p>
7. Replace the air filter. <\/b>This improves airflow to the engine, allowing it to run more smoothly.<\/p>
8. Replace the spark plug.<\/b> Although your old spark plug may still work properly, installing a new one is a cheap and easy way to ensure optimal performance.<\/p> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n It may surprise you that there's more to grass cutting than cranking up the lawnmower and pushing it across the lawn. Both mowing height and frequency are important to the health of your grass.<\/p> Though it may reduce the number of times you have to mow, cutting your grass short is harmful to your lawn in the long run. Mowing with a low blade height removes nutrients stored in leaf blades and exposes the soil to sunlight, allowing weeds to take hold more easily. Taller grass is better able to compete with weeds, thanks to a larger root system and a higher tolerance for heat. It also shades the ground, allowing the soil to retain water more effectively.<\/p> Given these benefits, it's a good idea to cut your grass at the tallest height recommended for your grass type, which are as follows:<\/p> Mow your lawn often enough so that you're only removing the top one-third of the blades. This places less stress on the grass, and the smaller clippings are able to decompose more easily. Avoid bagging these clippings; this added organic matter is actually quite good for the soil<\/p> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Once your grass is well-established, you can encourage its growth and discourage weeds by applying a combination of fertilizers and herbicides. When you should apply these substances and how much you should apply depends on several factors, like where you live and the extent of your weed problem.<\/p> Fertilizer can help your lawn grow thick and lush, but if it's not used properly, it can actually damage the grass. A slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is best, and no more than 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) of nitrogen should be spread per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters). It should be applied early in the season when the turf begins actively growing, so the timing varies among regions. Fertilizer should not be applied too early or late, however, as lingering cold or early heat can stress the grass. Check the packaging to see when and how much you should water after applying the fertilizer.<\/p> Herbicides must also be used with care, as their effectiveness often depends on when they're used. If you have a widespread weed infestation, it's best to apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn before the seeds germinate in the spring. Be aware, however, that you can't use this treatment if you plan to plant new grass, as the herbicide will also prevent those seeds from germinating. For more isolated problems, spot treating with a non-selective herbicide should be enough to do the trick. Ultimately, the best way to discourage weeds is to have a thick, healthy lawn.<\/p> \r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n \r\n How to Mow Your Lawn in the Spring <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/h4> \r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n \r\n Fertilizing Grass in the Spring <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/h4> \r\n <\/div>\r\n