Nick Heidfeld is a Commercial and Domestic kerbing specialist working in the industry for 15 years. He specialises in innovative ways of kerbing and edging.
Lawn Leveling Tips – How do you Level Lawns
The key to achieving a clean, even placement of a lawn lies in the preparation of the site on which the grass is to grow on: no rubble, no protruding large stones, no holes or crevices on the ground that may twist one’s ankle, hide tiny objects, even creatures, that inadvertently roll onto lawn grass, and will make the task of mowing the lawn difficult.
The first step to level lawns – is to clear the area of unwanted objects like tree stumps and large stones. This is done by digging or by using a Rotavator. If there are weeds or unwanted vegetation growing, a systemic weed killer may be sprayed onto the soil to discourage the further growth of weeds. After clearing, the soil is raked to improve soil structure. This also facilitates the leveling process.
The next step is to do soil patching to further even out the surface area and to create a planting surface that is acceptable to the roots of the plants. This can be done by dragging topsoil from one area of the lawn to the other in order to create an even planting surface. Well-drained, sandy loam makes the best topsoil for a lawn. It should be free draining, but at the same time be able to retain a certain water level that can prevent plants from completely drying out. Sand may also be added to the topsoil to level the soil but it can turn cement-like when dry and can cause soil drainage problems. Used alone, sand is not a good surface to grow grass on.
To achieve a uniform level for the planting area, mark the desired soil height using string that is drawn taught on pegs. These pegs are evenly plotted on the area, creating a uniform grid that will guide the distribution of the soil. Adjust the soil level to the marks indicated by the lines. Repeat the digging, raking and leveling processes until a level surface is achieved. The soil is then firmed down.
Cover the whole area with topsoil, preferably 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) deep. Tread evenly over the ground to test if the soil is evenly firm. Take care not to over-compress so that the soil won’t get compacted or water-logged. No activity should be undertaken on the soil surface within the next 4-6 weeks to allow the soil particles to settle down naturally. Lightly fertilize; water the soil thoroughly a few days before putting the grass in.
If lawn ruts or uneven spots appear after the grass has been allowed to grow, patch the soil with an equal mixture of sand and dry topsoil, evenly spreading the mixture, but not entirely covering up the growing grass underneath. Compost may also be added to the patching soil mix for a richer planting medium.
That should be it, keep an eye on the lawn but over time, this uneven spot should eventually level out. These are the simple steps in lawn leveling, it’s not as difficult as it seems. You can save on professional fees. But more importantly is the fact that you will derive much satisfaction in doing your own lawn leveling
Categories: Lawn Care Tags: GARDEN, Grass, Green, Lawn, lawn leveling, lawns, leveling lawns, Mowers
Garden Must haves
Remember plants and dogs are just like babies you need to look after them like that. Just like you would pamper you child from time to time, you should take give your garden a facelift as well. If you don’t have the time or resources for that make sure you have a few garden basics.
Garden Tools
Every one needs a good gardening kit. It should have all the basic tools like garden scissors, pitch fork, garden hoe, plough, rake and fork. These are just the basics; you can also upgrade to lawn aerators, lawn sweepers and blowers.
Lawn Mower
Trimming the grass is essential for it to grow well and look lush. Having a lawn mower makes everything easier and much simpler. It s blades make sure that the grass is cut evenly. The type and capacity of the mower depends on the length and growth of the lawn. You can choose between reel mowers, rotary movers, electric cord and cordless mowers and riding mowers.
Water feature
You can have a pond constructed and have the most beautiful lotuses and other water plants in it. How about a waterfall? They look beautiful and are not difficult to install. If you are worried about water wastage you need not worry as you now have water fountains that use the same water that doesn’t need to be changed from time to time. If you are looking for something smaller you can install a bird bath. They look beautiful, the children will love it and so will the birds!
Garden Edging
This is an aesthetic feature that has many benefits. Edging frames the garden and segregates the grass from the plant area. This way you can trim the plants easily, protect the plants from weed and ensure that there is no erosion. Garden edging adds a special touch to the space. Edging is available in wood, plastic, metal and concrete. You can opt for various colours and styles. Once installed it will change how your garden looks or how you see your garden!
You can also consider installing a sand box for the children in the garden corner so they can enjoy the garden as much as you. We also suggest lights along the edging or flower bed. It will look beautiful and make your home come alive in the night. You must construct a garden shed to store all your equipment and manure. Last, but not the least, consider some garden furniture to add to the space for Sunday morning breakfasts!
For more on garden essentials and garden edging you can visit www.hillskerbs.com.au.
Categories: Electric lawnmowers Tags: GARDEN, haves, Must
The 2007-2012 Outlook for Rotary Mower Decks for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment in India
This study covers the latent demand outlook for rotary mower decks for consumer riding lawn, garden, and snow equipment across the states, union territories and cities of India. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 4,300 cities in India. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it’s state or union territory and of India as a whole is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow t…
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Categories: Electric lawnmowers Tags: 20072012, Consumer, Decks, GARDEN, Lawn, Mower, Outlook, Riding, Rotary, Snow
Are You Hungry? Its World Food Day
Poverty and hunger go hand-in-hand. And recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization show results that there are more than 1 billion people around the world who suffer from hunger everyday. Not only as this report is alarming but also disheartening to think that while some of us waste food on the table, a huge number of people have nothing on their plate.
And today, World Food Day is being celebrated across the globe. Rev. David Beckmann, the President of Bread for the World, recounts some important events with hunger and poverty. He relates that in 1980, 17 cents per $1 aid from developing nation is allocated for farmers living in poverty and for developing agriculture industry around the world. And twenty six years after that, the allocation has fallen to less than 4 cents. Another point that Rev. Beckmann stressed is the fast rising of the number of hungry people. His accounts show that there are over 1.02 billion people who are undernourished. Among the severely affected are children and women who are subsistence-level farmers who only depend on their small fields to feed their children.
This startling facts and agonizing situation among impoverished nations is the main concern of Rev. Beckmannâs Bread for the World Foundation. His first foreseeable solution is investing in agriculture especially in developing countries. He stresses that policies should be formulated to increase agricultural products, thus also increasing food security. Itâs instability with foods and other agricultural crops that spurred riot among 30 nations. He also said that the report of FAO in State of Food Insecurity in 2009, should serve as a wake-up call to take a closer look with hunger and poverty. Another factor is the high-priced crop commodities like sorghum, wheat, corn and rice. And his offered solution is always being prepared to address price instability.
And perhaps another topic that can be of help in fighting hunger is educating the parents and the community as well with responsible parenting. Though the Church and the state have disagreements with it, itâs worth a try to educate and liberate the people.
While most of us worry about the meals to be prepared or maybe the lack of kitchen help like a Bosch mixer and other handy kitchen gadgets, take time to think of those who are suffering from hunger. And while youâre thinking about when is the next Bosch universal sale, also take time to ponder on how you can help even in littlest way. Say no to hunger!
For Tricia, the home is the best place to be.
Taking Care of Grass
Many people feel that the grass is always greener on the other side, but what if for you it is literally true? It can be frustrating to look across the street and see your neighbor’s green grass practically glowing in the sunlight. You may be taking care of your grass and wonder what you are doing wrong. There are a few landscaping tips that may help you discover what you can do right.
Taking Care of Grass
First, when it comes to watering the lawn, less is more. Too much water can cause damage to your lawn. In fact, brown patches on the lawn can be caused by over watering. Most lawns only require approximately 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Over watering can actually leach valuable nutrients from the soil. These nutrients are essential to making your lawn a lush, green color.
Another important tactic for keeping your lawn green is to ensure that you are mowing it properly. Cutting your grass too close to the ground and cutting with a dull blade can both cause problems. For example, ripped grass is more vulnerable to pests.
Pests that can damage your lawn can be divided into two categories – soil inhabitants and thatch inhabitants. Examples of soil inhabitants are mole crickets, white grubs, and billbugs. Examples of thatch inhabitants are spittlebugs, clinch bugs, and sod webworms. It is best to figure out what kind of pest you are dealing with before spending any money on the problem.
Weeds can also deteriorate the beauty of a lawn. It is best to nip a weed problem in the bud before it gets too serious. Weeds can spread quickly throughout your lawn. A liquid spray weed killer would be best to spot treat weeds on a lawn. However, it is important that you read the label and do not purchase a weed killer that will do damage to your grass as well.
Then there is the issue of fertilizer. Most experts recommend using a fertilizer on lawns but they may disagree on how often. The frequency of fertilizer use and what type of fertilizer to use can depend on climate. The best option would be to ask your local lawn care supplier for his or her advice on the matter.
If you are still not satisfied with your lawn after changing your landscaping techniques, then sod is always a possibility. Laying sod takes a little work but it is not difficult. It would require you to rip up your existing lawn to make room for the new one. The process of laying sod generally takes two or three weeks. Sometimes putting your current lawn out of its misery might be the better option than continuing to watch it struggle.
There is obviously hope for even the worst lawns. Changing your lawn for the better is often just a matter of figuring out if you are doing something wrong or if there are other forces at play. It could be a problem with how you are watering your lawn or maybe it is just an unknown pest that has invaded. After some research and some changes, your grass can be among the greenest on the block and you’ll need to get the best lawnmower you can.
The 2009-2014 Outlook for Rotary Mower Decks for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment in Japan
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for rotary mower decks for consumer riding lawn, garden, and snow equipment across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it’s prefecture and of Japan is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a …
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Categories: Electric lawnmowers Tags: 20092014, Consumer, Decks, GARDEN, Lawn, Mower, Outlook, Riding, Rotary, Snow
The 2009-2014 Outlook for Attachments for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment Excluding Snow Throwers, Carts, Wagons, Dozer Blades, … and Rotary Mower Decks in the United States
This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for attachments for consumer riding lawn, garden, and snow equipment excluding snow throwers, carts, wagons, dozer blades, rotary tillers, and rotary mower decks across the states and cities of the United States. Latent demand (in millions of U. S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P. I. E. ) estimates are given across some 11,200 cities in the United States. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of i…
Buy The 2009-2014 Outlook for Attachments for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment Excluding Snow Throwers, Carts, Wagons, Dozer Blades, … and Rotary Mower Decks in the United States at Amazon
Categories: Electric lawnmowers Tags: 20092014, Attachments, Consumer, Equipment, Excluding, GARDEN, Lawn, Outlook, Riding, Snow
Finding The Best Lawn Mowers For Your Garden
Lawn movers make the garden look neat and tidy hence they are a requirement for all houses that have a garden. There are various types of lawn movers in the market and while some people consider gas mowers to be the best lawn mowers others consider electric movers to be suitable machines. This article will elaborate on 4 of the best lawn mowers in the market. If you are looking for a reasonably priced lawn mower then you should consider opting for the self propelling Toro Recycler 20333. This simple yet efficient garden mower is good at removing grass and bagging it. Two of the useful features in this machine include the side discharging feature and the blade brake feature. The easy to use recoil start makes this machine one of the best lawn mowers in the market. This machine is perfect for people who want the option to switch from bagging to mulching with the switch of a single button. If you prefer a cheaper mower and you are fine with push garden mowers then you should consider opting for the Craftsman 38905. This gas based garden mower provides value for money since it has an easy to change bag, trustworthy recoil starter and side discharge feature. This particular machine has been rated well in most lawn mower reviews due to its powerful 190cc Briggs and Stratton engine. Most retailers provide a two year warranty on this powerful and efficient machine. If you are looking for a luxurious lawn mower and price is not the top concern for you then you should consider opting for the Honda HRX 217 K2 HMA. This self propelled fuel efficient machine doesn’t make a racket and is very durable. This machine is considered as one of the best lawn mowers since it is CARB certified. One of the best features of this powerful machine is that the user can opt for various cruise control speeds. Since the blade brakes stop only the blades and not the engine many lawn mower reviews have given a good rating to this Honda mower. If you are looking for an efficient and reasonable electric lawn mower then you should consider opting for the Black and Decker MM875. This quiet and efficient electric garden mower is perfect for people who want a machine for a year years. Since the cost of this machine is below $250 many people feel that this machine is useful for 5 – 7 years. The makers of this machine have provided a lifetime warranty on the polymer deck since they have tried to create one of the best lawn mowers in the market. This multifunctional machine can not only mulch but it can also bag. An option for side discharge clippings is also provided with this machine. There are many excellent garden mowers in the market but the machines mentioned above provide value for money and they are worth buying. While buying a good mower it is recommended to buy the best machine according to your budget since these machines can last for a very long time.
For more information on the best lawn mowers, you can log on to lawn-mowers-review.com; In addition to this information, you can also find some lawn mower reviews that can be advantageous to you.
A Few Simple Steps to Make your Garden Look Great
The reason that I enjoy gardening so much, not only for myself, but working in other people’s gardens is the transformation that can be done, sometimes in a relatively small space of time. As such offering garden services to others is a pleasure and not a chore.
The main reasons for people calling in someone to look after their garden is because they simply don’t have the time but also because they lack the knowledge that is required to transform a basic ordinary garden into a colourful and tidy place that you can lounge and relax in on those hot balmy days during the summer months.
I am often called into gardens that have let nature take over, the main structure of the garden is in place, but the beds and borders have been swamped by weeds. The lawn is growing into the beds as well; they have lost their way and need redefining. Garden Lawn Care
The lawn will need to be cut, preferably with a good rotary or cylinder mower. Hover mowers are great if you have banks and slopes to contend with, but a rotary or cylinder mowers will give your lawn the nice cut that is required. Rotary mowers have an advantage over the cylinder mower in that they are simpler to use and generally the ground does not have to be 100% even. They are also easier to maintain than a cylinder mower. A cylinder mower is generally used if you want a bowling effect lawn, which most people do not. To finish the lawn off you must always cut the edges. If the edges need redefining then use a lawn-edging tool. Garden Beds and Borders
Always ensure the beds and borders of your garden are kept tidy by regular weeding. This can be achieved using a long handled hoe. Although this can seem a bit of a chore it will later pay dividends. The main structure of the planting should be created using shrubs. Then you will have your perennial plants and finally for that splash of additional colour through the gardening calendar summer bedding, spring bulbs which can include snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, tulips and many more. Also ensure that any shrubs are kept in check by pruning at the required times. For example spring flowering garden shrubs need to be cut and tidied after they have flowered. This will ensure new growth during the summer for flowers the following year. Be sure to place plants in an environment in which they will feel at home in. Patio Cleaning
Patio areas need to be kept clean and tidy. This can be undertaken by the professional using specific patio cleaning equipment or by pressure washing. There are also many chemical cleaners on the market. Patio paving can cost a client large sums of money to have installed so it is worth looking after this area for longevity. Additional sand and cement mix brushed in between the paving may be required after either of the above processes. Gravel Areas and Pathways
Keep any gravel areas free from weeds either by using a systematic weed killer or getting down on your hands and knees and removing the garden nuisances by hand using a trowel for example.
Barbara has worked in the gardening arena for many years and has enjoyed a life long interest in all things garden related. For more information regarding garden maintenance services or patio cleaning please visit acresgm.co.uk
The 2007-2012 Outlook for Attachments for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment Excluding Snow Throwers, Carts, Wagons, Dozer Blades, … and Rotary Mower Decks in the United States
This study covers the latent demand outlook for attachments for consumer riding lawn, garden, and snow equipment excluding snow throwers, carts, wagons, dozer blades, rotary tillers, and rotary mower decks across the states and cities of the United States. Latent demand (in millions of U. S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P. I. E. ) estimates are given across some 10,800 cities in the United States. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of it’s state …
Buy The 2007-2012 Outlook for Attachments for Consumer Riding Lawn, Garden, and Snow Equipment Excluding Snow Throwers, Carts, Wagons, Dozer Blades, … and Rotary Mower Decks in the United States at Amazon