Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Robert Frost once wrote “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors,” a poem that challenges the act of following old, irrelevant ideals that have been passed down over time. Although Frost took a more philosophical approach against fences, those structures are indeed beneficial for those who have them installed.

Whether you have installed a vinyl, aluminum, chain link or wood fence, they all protect your property from intruders, animals and other unwanted guests. Vinyl is particularly low maintenance and beautifully adorns your property. This material does not have to be painted, so you do not have to worry about looking like Tom Sawyer during the summer time. These fences also do not peel, rot, warp, split, blister, corrode or rust because they do not absorb moisture. Although wood does this, it is still a wonderful addition to your home. A white picket fence has always been the ideal vision of the American dream. Wood fences can also be worked into the natural landscape of your property to give your home charm, privacy and security all at once.

Like wood, aluminum adds aesthetic appeal to any landscape. These fences look similar to traditional wrought-iron fences but does not require the tedious amount of maintenance that wrought-iron typically demands. Aluminum still provides the same amount of beauty and protection as wrought-iron. Chain link fences also offer a large amount of protection from unwanted guests. Chain link is the most economical fencing option and it still allows you the chance to see who or what is on the other side of the barrier. This fence does not block out your neighbors like the others do but it still provides you with privacy. It also allows you to have a green vinyl coating so that the fence can blend in with your surroundings.

Although all of these fences seem like a good idea, installing any of them on your own can be extremely difficult. It’s always a good idea to consult fencing technicians who have the experience and expertise in their respective field. A fence is only ever as good as it’s installation and you want to make sure that your installation will stay in place for a long time. The worst case scenario would be that it would only last five years before a large gust of wind knocked it over.

Robert Frost made a great attack against fences in philosophical sense but having a fence physically protects your property and family, giving you the safety you deserve.

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How to remove a tree stump

There are several reasons why homeowners want their tree stumps removed from their yards. Do you have them in your home but haven’t considered removing it? The reasons stated below, as well as the simple steps on how you can remove a stump, may change your mind.

Why Stump Removal?

Health & Safety: Perhaps the most important reason for it is to prevent accidents from occurring due to it. Kids who run around the yard may fail to see the stump and trip over it. A rotting tree stump also attracts insects and pests. That’s fine if they are confined to your yard, but what’s stopping them from making their way into your house?

Convenience: Tree stumps can get in the way of your daily activities. For example, when you’re mowing, you have to maneuver your heavy lawnmower every time you encounter it. Accidentally bumping into it can also damage your lawnmower, so it makes sense to avoid this and get the stump removed.

Appearance: Unless your yard follows a specific wood-related theme, it’s unlikely the decaying tree stump is adding to your landscape’s aesthetics. Now that you’re aware of what could happen when there’s a stump in your home, let’s take a look at the 3 effective ways you can remove tree stumps.

Digging

The manual way to remove tree stumps is by digging. As the method is as tiresome as it sounds, manual stump removal should be kept only for small stumps. The removal is done by digging around the tree to expose its roots. The roots are then axed off, making it easy for the stump to be levered out.

A great tool for this purpose is a mattock. A mattock have two different ends; the blunt end can be used to dig through the earth while the sharper end can cut through the roots as you dig.

Many homeowners abandon their removal and consult professionals to finish doing what they had originally started. Therefore, before you plan to dig the stump yourself, commit to the hard work that the job will take out of you.

Grinding

If you’re seeking a quicker, less labor-intensive method of stump removal, grinding is your answer. Grinding, which uses a stump grinding machine, will also be suitable for bigger tree stumps as the process does not require you to lever out the stump.

What the stump grinder basically does is that it grinds back and forth on the surface on the stump until it is reduced to a level below the ground. You can also grind the roots peeking out from the stump as well as the earth mound that gathers around it.

Another great thing about stump removal via grinding is its ability to remove stumps in all kinds of places like nearby walls and paths. Stump grinders also come in different shapes and sizes to fit in with different situations. You can rent one at your local tool rental store or hire the services of professionals who will be much more effective.

Chemically

If you are a very patient being who can withstand waiting several months to years, choose to remove stumps chemically. This approach is also the least labor-intensive method and an economical one, making it a good option for those seeking to remove many at one go.

Evenly spaced holes are drilled into the stump, which are later filled with stump remover. Over time, the chemical accelerates the rate of decay and softens the wood. This softening allows you to easily axe the sponge-like stump away and remove it completely. Do note that older stumps tend to take less time to rot than younger tree stumps.

As this method takes a fair bit of investment of your time, we suggest stumps that aren’t too big to be removed by grinding. Invest in the machinery or simply, hire professionals.

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Why you should sharpen your lawn mower blades

The key to achieving a clean cut each time you run the mower over your lawn is to have sharp lawnmower blades, and ideally you should be sharpening the blade on your mower twice during the main cutting season.

Whatever your DIY skill level, by following the advice in this guide, you’ll be able to ensure your mower’s blade is perfectly sharp and the cut of your lawn precise and clean.

Why Should You Sharpen Your Blade:

Over time as a result of general usage, the blade on your lawnmower can become blunt. If it is subjected to contact with stones, twigs or other debris the blade can also become dented and damaged.

Continuing to cut your lawn with a damaged blade, even the slightest nick, runs the risk of you damaging your lawn rather than cutting it – and this will hinder the overall look of your garden and can also lead to irreversible damage.

Sharpening your lawnmower blade can easily be done at home – whatever our DIY skill level – by following the advice outlined in this guide.

Safety First:

Whenever it comes to carrying out any repair or maintenance work on your lawnmower, it’s important to make sure it is switched off and disconnected from the mains (if an electric mower) or the spark plug is disconnected (petrol mower). To disconnect the spark plug, remove the prominent wire from it.

Removing the Blade:

Before you can begin to sharpen the blade, you’ll need to remove it from the lawnmower by…

Clean Before Sharpening:

With the blade removed from the lawnmower, it’s a good idea to make sure you give it a thorough clean. This will remove any grass clippings and grim which have become imbedded on the blade and also make the task of sharpening your blade instantly easier.

To clean your blade use a clean cloth dipped in hot soapy water and wipe the blade to remove any dirt, before using a clean, dry cloth to dry the blade as this will prevent any rust from forming.

Once you’ve cleaned your blade, give it a once over for any nicks or damage. If your blade is suffering from a few minor nicks you can continue to sharpen it. However, if there are a number of larger nicks, the blade is bent or cracked then you’ll need to purchase replacement lawnmower blades.

How to Sharpen Your Lawnmower Blade:

As already touched upon, sharpening your lawnmower blade is relatively straightforward.

Firstly, place it securely into a bench vice to ensure it doesn’t move as you begin sharpening. Once it is secure, you can use a metal file to begin the sharpening process. Simply push the file down the blade, going along the edge of the blade until you achieve a clean, shiny edge.

After you’ve sharpened one edge of the blade, switch the blade around in the vice and sharpen the other side in the exact same manner, again until you receive a clean, shiny edge. It is worth noting that your blade doesn’t need to be razor sharp in order to be effective. Sharpening it to the sharpness of a butter knife will suffice.

Tip: When filing the blade, it’s important to make sure you keep the angle that is already on the blade. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the angle of blade is the one which has been determined to be most effective for cutting the lawn and keeping a sharp edge.

Once you’ve finished sharpening the blade, before placing it back onto the lawnmower it is important to balance it. You can test the balance of your now sharp blade, by clamping a screwdriver to your work bench, so that it overhangs, before placing the blade on the screwdriver. If one side of the blade droops it is unbalanced, and you’ll need to file some of the blade off until it becomes balanced.

Reattach the Blade and Mow:

With a sharp, balanced blade achieved all that’s left to do is to reattach it to the lawnmower, by reversing the steps taken to take the blade off. Remember to check the side which you earlier marked is facing downwards once your mower is upright – as this will ensure that your lawnmower is able to achieve the perfect cut.

Taking the time to sharpen your lawnmower blade during the mowing season will help to ensure that you’re able to achieve a clean, neat cut each time you tackle the lawn. It’ll also help to ensure you continue to get the best performance out of your appliance – helping it last for longer.

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Types Of Lawnmowers To Consider

Looking for a lawnmower, but puzzled by what seems like an infinite variety of lawnmower types?

Well, here are a few pointers to help you understand and eventually select the one that’s right for you.

Push – scissor action

These are those great usually steel mowers that you push along.

In terms of technology, they would have been familiar to our ancestors a century ago. As you push the mower along, a rotating blade turns along a rotating horizontal axis. It then simply cuts the grass in a scissor-type action.

Pros

Close control cutting. Many perfectionists swear by these mowers and say you can’t get a better finish.

Cons

They’re usually quite heavy and require a bit of muscle and lung power to get them around. Perhaps not practical for large areas unless you can afford ‘staff’ to do it for you!

They can also be difficult to turn easily and get a close-to-an-edge cut.

Petrol engine ‘driven’ scissor actions

These were some of the first driven mowers around. They’re pretty much like the first category above except that you don’t need to push them up and down.

Pros

The drive saves you effort.

Cons

They can be a little difficult to get up close to edges with and even heavier to turn.

Rotary hover mowers

Here, a rotating blade (metal or plastic) turns on a vertically positioned drive axis. So, the cutting blade is at 90 degress to its drive axis. Another aspect of the technology is that the mower is wheel-less as floats on a cushion of air.

They are usually electrically powered.

Pros

They’re usually very easily manoeuvrable in all directions and with little manual effort. They can work reasonably well on slopes.

Cons

Electric cables can be restrictive and a nuisance – perhaps even dangerous if you’re not using a circuit breaker. Although easily pushed, over larger areas they can require some stamina. Some argue that the cutting action tends to drag and rip the grass and make it difficult to get a prestigious final result.

Sit on rotary mowers

Usually powered by petrol, these are very popular with people who have either limited mobility/strength or a garden area that’s so large as to make a ‘walk along’ mower impractical. They often resemble a small tractor and come in all shapes, sizes and power combinations. They need to be driven.

Pros

Minimal physical effort required even over large areas.

Cons

Can be expensive, depending upon the model selected. Bigger engines, drives and hydraulics can all imply more things to go wrong. As the rotary cutter is usually positioned mid-vehicle for stability reasons, it can be difficult to get close to the edge of grass (e.g. against a wall) for a cut.

Some can also be a little sluggish in terms of manoeuvrability and turning circles etc.

Sit on front-mounted mowers

On these devices, the rotating cutting blade is mounted ahead of the vehicle and that means it can be much easier to get close to the edge of a grass area.

Pros

Good access to edges.

Cons

Can be more expensive and they’re not ideal over uneven ground or on slopes.

Sit on zero turn mowers

Zero turn lawnmowers were once considered highly specialised and carried a price tag accordingly but over recent years they have become far more affordable.

Essentially they are typically vehicles with ‘shopping cart’ type 360 degree wheels at the front and that means they are exceptionally manoeuvrable.

Pros

They are easily turned and can reach awkward spots with ease.

Cons

They can be a little more expensive and again, not always ideal for slopes and uneven ground.

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Common Misconceptions Around Composting

Composting your kitchen food scraps and waste as well as grass trimmings is better for the environment as there is less going to the land fill. Although compost is not soil, it does act as a fertilizer by enriching the soil so you can grow hardy and healthy plants.

Before you start to compost there are a number of choices you should make. First you need to decide on what type of compost bin to use. Then you need to decide what you will put in the compost bin and the location of your bin.

Composting Helps the Environment

Composting most certainly helps the environment as well as your flower and vegetable gardens. In fact compost can eliminate the amount of waste you throw out and as well it can enrich soil for your plants to grow healthy and strong.

Composting can benefit your garden and the planet (when done on a large scale) in many ways. A lot of people may shy away from composting because of some common myths or misconceptions. Listed below are some of the most common untruths followed by the real information.

Composting is creating new dirt. Actually composting is not dirt, soil, or earth but it is humus. This is decayed matter that provides nutrients to soil.

Making Your Compost Bin Work

It takes a lot of time and effort to compost. Once you have your compost bin set-up all you will only have to add new materials and turn or rotate the piles once in a two day period.

Having a compost is too smelly. If your compost bin has a bad odor, something is wrong. You need to ensure there is enough air circulation and the right combination of green and brown foods.

If I have a compost in my back yard, animals are going to come and dig through it. If you have a cover for your compost bin and ensure a good layer of brown food (at least one inch) is on the top you will not have any animal control problems.

What to Put in the Compost Bin is Important

If I don’t measure the exact ratio of green to brown food it will not work. Composting is not an exact science. If you add more green food one week and then balance it out with additional brown food the next week that is fine. You will be able to tell with time what your compost pile is lacking or needing.

Composting is easy, environmentally friendly, and an inexpensive way to fertilize your lawn, garden, or house plants. With some time and patience your mature compost will be ready to use anywhere from one month to one year.

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Seven Simple Tips For Using Your Leaf Blower

The advent of autumn brings with it the shedding of leaves. Lots and lots of it. Using a garden rake to clear your yard of dead leaves and other debris is backbreaking work, and when the leaf blower was introduced in the 1970s homeowners and groundskeepers all over the word breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Yard clearing and cleaning need not be tedious anymore. Leaf blowers, whether electric or petrol blowers, can drastically reduce the time and effort needed to clear your yard of detritus. They also have the added benefit of preserving the fragile surface soil if used properly. Apart from removing and gathering leaves, people have also used blowers to clear grass clippings, refluff matted grass, dislodge blocked rain gutters, and dry off machinery.

All that power in such a compact device comes with a lot of caveats, however. It’s important to follow a few basic tips and guidelines to ensure proper and safe blower operation.

1 – Read and understand

Do not use the leaf blower without reading and understanding the user manual provided by the manufacturer. Check if the manual contains everything you need to know about your blower: technical specifications, safety guidelines, and usage instructions. You should also read any other accompanying pamphlets and safety warnings on the box.

2 – Leaf blowers aren’t toys

Never allow children to use or even touch your leaf blower. That restriction extends to pet animals and other people who are unfamiliar with its operation. You are personally responsible for your blower, and you might be liable for any injury or damage caused by improper usage.

Do not point a running leaf blower at the direction of people or animals. Always make sure that onlookers, even other operators, be at least 50 feet away from you. Immediately turn your blower off if you are approached.

3 – Fit to work

See to it that you are well-rested and energized before working with a leaf blower. If you feel tired, take a quick break. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t operate a blower if you feel tired or sick, have recently taken medication, or are under the influence of substances that might affect your hearing, vision, dexterity, or ability to reason.

4 – Wear proper protective equipment

Wear clothing that’s sturdy, snug, and allows free movement. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes and jewelry that might clog up the blower. Always have your basic personal protective gear ready: ear plugs or muffs, goggles, mask or respirator (for dusty environments), heavy-duty work gloves and nonslip steel-toed safety boots.

5 – Be considerate

See if there are any local laws and ordinances regulating the use of leaf blowers. Blowers are loud machines so try not to operate very early in the morning or late in the day. Be considerate of people nearby, and do not blow debris towards open doors or windows.

6 – Quick inspection

Check to see if the leaf blower is in good condition before and during use. The throttle trigger should spring back to idle mode when released and the stop switch must turn off easily. A quick inspection shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and could save you a lot of time and money down the line.

7 – Keep level

Always keep your feet on firm, level ground when using a leaf blower. Do not use a blower while standing on unsteady surfaces like ladders, rooftops and stools. For hard-to-reach areas, consider investing on nozzle attachments.

A last word

Leaf blowers help you finish faster and make your work a lot easier. Operating a blower may seem even fun at first, as you’re blowing air into objects that fly away. There’s even a sense of childish satisfaction gained from using a blower. But a leaf blower is not a toy, it is a tool, and a dangerous one at that. Blowing air may seem fun at first until someone bursts an eardrum or gets something stuck in their eye. Rules are there for a reason, and safety should always be your number one priority.

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Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips From the Pros

Mowing is one of the most important tasks that homeowners need to do in order to keep lawns clean, healthy and appealing. However, there are cases when mowing can be a difficult task due to numerous issue. For one, homeowners need to choose the right time to mow. Next, unexpected weather conditions or even seasons can make mowing tasks impossible. For instance, during winter, homeowners cannot mow the lawn since it is covered with snow. But, after the snow melts, it is now time for homeowners to do their job and mow the lawn. However, in order to properly and easily cut down grasses, it is imperative to maintain lawn mowers.

As of now, there are numerous types of lawn mowers homeowners can choose from. And, one of the most preferred type is the gas powered mower. This type of mower is very popular since it provides the best cutting power. Not to mention, parts are accessible and affordable. And, to keep your mowers in good condition, you need to consider the following tips.

Sharpen blades

First of all, it is best for homeowners to sharpen the blades. Sharpening the blades is important in order to create clean cut. This is essential since torn leaves are prone to diseases. Plus, dull blades can make tasks more stressful.

Clean or change air filter

It is also important for homeowners to clean or even change the air filter. Air filter is important in mowers to burn gas properly. This filter also helps prevent dust and other debris from entering your machine. Sadly, due to prolonged use, there are times that dust and even grass clippings can cover the filter which can affect its performance.

Change your spark plug

It is also imperative that you change the spark plug. Spark plug allow the machine to burn fuel. So, when spark plugs are dirty or even dead, the machine will not work properly. Luckily, spark plugs are quite cheap and durable that can surely help you accomplish your mowing tasks easily.

Change the oil

Finally, homeowners must also change the oil of the mower. Oil is important to keep moving parts lubricated. In addition, oil also helps keep engine working for a long period of time. Sadly, there are cases when dirt may enter the engine which can cause serious damages and expenses.

These are only some of the best ways to maintain lawn mowers that homeowners need to be aware of.

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