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First off: why would you ever need to know the height of a standing tree? Three reasons come to mind:
Below you’ll find some practical (and not so practical) ways of measuring a tree.
Impractical Tip #1: Ask a Squirrel
This may sound like the easiest and most enticing option, but there’s a surprising amount of legwork that goes into asking a squirrel the height of a tree. First, you’ll need to befriend a squirrel. This can take a few years. You can gain its trust by offering a steady supply of assorted nuts, letting it into your house, and allowing it to sleep in your bed.
Then you’ll need to teach the squirrel English, or at least a numerical system. Finally, you must trust that the squirrel isn’t lying to you.
Impractical Tip #2: Climb
With a measuring tape in tow, climb to the very top of the tree. Once you reach the highest point, hold on to one end of the tape and drop the other to the ground. Read the tape. That’s the height of your tree.
(While we wish you well in your squirrel-befriending endeavors, please don’t do this option.=)
Practical Tip #1: Measure the Tree’s (and Your) Shadow
This method gives you a solid height estimate using simple proportions.
You’ll need:
1. Your height
2. Your shadow length (an extra hand helps)
3. The tree’s shadow length
Once you have all three, compare the ratios.
For example, if your 6-foot height casts a 4-foot shadow, and the tree’s shadow is 20 feet long, then:
6 ft ÷ 4 ft = 1.5
20 ft × 1.5 = 30 ft (tree height)
Note: measure both shadows around the same time so the sun angle is consistent.
Practical Tip #2: Look Between Your Legs
It sounds odd, but this method—said to have been used by Native Americans—produces surprisingly accurate results.
1. Stand with your back to the tree.
2. Look between your legs at the tree.
3. If you can’t see the whole tree, walk farther away until the top becomes visible.
4. Mark this spot on the ground.
5. Measure the distance from that mark to the tree’s trunk.
You now have an oddly accurate estimate of your tree’s height.
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Practical Tip #3: Use a Smartphone Clinometer App
Many free apps can measure angles using your phone’s camera.
1. Stand a known distance from the tree.
2. Hold your phone at eye level and aim at the treetop.
3. The app will calculate the height for you, or give you the angle so you can plug it into a simple online calculator.
Fast, simple, and surprisingly accurate.
Practical Tip #4: The Stick-and-Walk Method
This classic forester’s trick is quick and surprisingly effective.
1. Hold a stick at arm’s length so that the part of the stick above your hand equals the distance from your hand to your eye.
2. Keeping your arm straight, walk backward until the stick appears to be the same height as the tree.
3. Measure the distance from where you’re standing to the base of the tree. That distance is approximately the tree’s height.
Practical Tip #5: The Yardstick Method (Video)
Sometimes it’s easier to show than tell. Here’s a quick video from a forestry professor at Stephen F. Austin State University demonstrating how to measure a tree with a yardstick:
Please note: these methods provide estimates. For exact measurements—or if you plan to cut down a tree—contact your local arborist. Happy tree measuring!
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You can’t understand why leaves change color without first understanding the role of chlorophyll and photosynthesis. In a nutshell, chlorophyll is both what makes leaves look green and allows trees to survive; it helps plants convert sunlight into energy in the form of glucose.
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But this method of producing energy isn’t sustainable year-round, because come wintertime, the days are shorter, drier, and less sunlight is available. The trees—smart little buggers that they are—use the onset of winter and less sunlight as their cue to head into a sort of survival-style hibernation mode whereby, in an effort to conserve stored energy, they drop their leaves.
“But trees don’t drop green leaves,” an interested dinner party guest may contend.
Which is true. So why don’t trees do this, and what exactly is taking place when leaves change colors?
As mentioned, when water and sunlight become scarcer during the winter months, the trees look to conserve energy and chlorophyll in any way possible, so they stop sending water to their leaves. This forces the chlorophyll—what gives the leaves their greenish color—to fade. Trees, somewhat miraculously, reabsorb and save the chlorophyll molecules in wintertime and redeploy them in spring—a process that saves them considerable energy and allows them to avoid creating chlorophyll from the ground up.
It is precisely when this chlorophyll fades and is reabsorbed by the tree that leaves “change color.” The absence of green gives other colors the chance to shine—most notably the yellow-orange-ish pigment called carotenoid (found in foods like pumpkins and carrots) and the red-purple-ish pigment called anthocyanin (found in foods like cherries, raspberries, and blueberries). While trees may produce some of these pigments in an effort to protect themselves from the sun and herbivores as they reabsorb their remaining stores of chlorophyll, it’s important to note that foliage is less about a changing of colors and more about a revealing of colors that were there all along and couldn’t be seen because of the abundance and vivacity of chlorophyll.
You’re now equipped with the knowledge and know-how to successfully woo an entire dinner party, if you so choose. But at the very least, let this information be a testament as to why we’re so attracted to foliage in the first place: it is beautiful, yes, but it’s also a magnificent sight to see the survival mechanism of trees in unison, en masse.
This post will render itself meaningless unless you understand why you should care about what kind of grass you have. Let’s take a quick look at why it matters — then we’ll dive into how to figure out what’s actually growing in your lawn. Shall we?
Why You Should Care
We sometimes think of grass not as a plant, but just as, well, grass. And truth be told, you can live a perfectly normal, problem-free life without knowing whether your lawn is Kentucky bluegrass or Bermudagrass.
But what if I told you that knowing could boost your happiness and life expectancy by 10%?
Okay, I can’t do that. I’m just a writer writing about grass, not a gosh-dang wizard.
Still, there are some very real (and a few not-so-real) reasons you should know what kind of grass you have.
Less Practical Reasons Grass Identification Is Cool
1. You’ll constantly impress—and absolutely never annoy—your family and friends with your new grass-identification skills. Imagine being at a backyard barbecue and steering the conversation toward the very Kentucky bluegrass you’re standing on. Dream big.
2. Grass identification trips make amazing vacations. Picture this: seeing Bahiagrass, turf-type tall fescue, centipedegrass, and zoysia all in one trip! (Just kidding. Please do not spend your vacation days identifying grass.)
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Practical Reasons Grass Identification Actually Matters
1. Knowing what kind of grass you have is like knowing what kind of plant you’re caring for. Different species have different needs—especially when it comes to light, water, fertilizer, mowing height, and pest control.
2. Once you understand your grass’s preferences, you can keep it healthy year-round instead of guessing and hoping for the best.
Getting Started on Grass Identification
1. The easiest—and least romantic—way to figure out what kind of grass you have is to use a plant identification app. iNaturalist, PlantNet, and LeafSnap are still solid choices, while newer tools like PictureThis, Google Lens, and ChatGPT can help too. The only catch? Many grasses look nearly identical, especially when kept short, which can lead to false IDs. If you’re using an app, a pro tip is to let a small patch of grass grow out a bit before taking photos. The longer the blades, the easier it is for the app to pick up distinct features like blade width, growth habit, and tip shape.
2. If you prefer the old-fashioned way, start by identifying your growing region. In the U.S., lawns generally fall into one of three zones: cool-season, warm-season, or transition. These broad categories often tell you which grasses thrive where, but if you’re unsure, check out the updated USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map or a grass-growing region map from a trusted lawn-care resource.
3. Once you know your region, narrow it down with a grass ID guide. If your lawn features a standout variety like fine fescue or centipedegrass, you might recognize it right away. For trickier cases, compare potential matches side by side—look at color, texture, blade shape, and how it spreads (clumping or creeping).
Still stumped? Your local cooperative extension office or county agricultural agency can help confirm your ID—and they’ll probably be thrilled that someone finally asked.
I’ve Identified My Grass. Now What?
What the heck do you mean, “Now what?”
Now you’re equipped not just with the name of your grass, but also with its preferred growing conditions! And perhaps most importantly, instead of saying “I’m going to mow the lawn,” you can now say, with total confidence: “I’m going to mow the Kentucky Bluegrass.”
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Introduction
October is the heart of leaf season. Lawns are still active, trees are changing fast, and it’s the moment when a little care goes a long way. The key jobs you tackle now—clearing leaves, feeding the lawn, tidying beds—set the tone for a great-looking property through the rest of fall and into next spring. Let’s take a look at the seven top things you can do for your yard and your lawn in October.
1. Clear Fallen Leaves Regularly
Most lawns can tolerate a light layer of leaves, but problems begin when that layer gets thick enough to block sunlight and trap moisture. Over time, the grass underneath can thin out or die off entirely, and those damp, compacted spots can also invite mold and lawn disease.
For many yards—whether it’s a small property with a few big trees or several acres of leaf cover—regular removal is the best way to protect your lawn. Keeping up with the leaves prevents die-off under matted layers and helps any seeding or fertilizing efforts work better, since air and nutrients can reach the soil. A Cyclone Rake makes this easy to stay ahead of, turning what used to be a long cleanup into a fast, single-pass job.
2. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn
If you still haven’t aerated this year, October is still a great time to do it. Aeration opens up compacted soil, letting oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots — especially helpful after months of mowing and foot traffic. Follow it up with a fall fertilizer to strengthen roots and boost color before the first frost.
Choose a slow-release or nitrogen-rich formula made for cool-season grasses. The combination of aeration and fertilization gives your lawn what it needs to stay healthy through fall and come back strong in spring.
3. Define Lawn Borders
Clean edges along driveways, walkways, and garden beds make a bigger difference than most people realize. They give your property a polished, well-kept look and help prevent grass from creeping into flowerbeds. A sharp, defined border also makes leaf cleanup easier since it’s clear where to stop mowing or vacuuming.
4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves don’t just fall on the lawn — they fill gutters too. Clogged gutters can overflow and cause water damage to siding, fascia boards, or even your foundation. It’s best to clear them out a few times during the season rather than waiting for them all to have fallen. While you’re up there, check that downspouts are directing water away from the house and that extensions are secure.
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5. Put Your Leaves to Work: Build or Refresh Your Compost Pile
Leaves are nature’s best resource — they’re full of nutrients and make incredible compost when properly managed. Composting turns what would otherwise be yard waste into a powerful soil amendment for your garden beds, vegetable plots, or even potted plants.
Shredded leaves decompose much faster than whole ones, so if you’re collecting with a Cyclone Rake, you’re already halfway there, as the impeller mulches as you collect. Mix them with grass clippings or kitchen scraps, turn occasionally, and you’ll have garden gold by spring.
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6. Plant for Spring Color: Get Your Bulbs in the Ground Now
If you want tulips, daffodils, crocus, or hyacinths brightening your yard next spring, October is the time to plant them. Cool soil encourages root growth without triggering premature sprouting.
Clear beds of fallen leaves first to give bulbs direct contact with the soil, and cover them lightly with mulch to protect against temperature swings. You can also divide and replant perennials now — most will settle in comfortably before the ground freezes.
7. Clean Up Garden Beds and Edges
As annuals fade and perennials go dormant, cleaning out your beds keeps your landscape healthy and neat. Remove spent plants and weeds, cut back perennials that have finished blooming, and spread a thin layer of shredded leaves or compost around the base of shrubs.
This simple cleanup step helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in decaying plant matter and ensures your garden is ready to burst back to life in spring.
Conclusion
October is one of those months when a few well-chosen jobs can pay huge dividends in the coming months. Keep up with the leaves, tidy the edges, and put your garden to bed the right way — your lawn (and your future self) will thank you.
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![](\"/assets/images/uploaded/Blog%20images/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2014%2C%202025%20at%2007_51_59%20AM.png\")
If you picked up a new tractor recently, you might notice that your Cyclone Rake no longer connects quite the same way. Don’t worry — getting set up again is quick and easy.
Each tractor model uses its own combination of parts — like the hitch, mower deck adapter, and hose — to connect properly. That’s why we’ve made it simple to find exactly what you need.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Find your tractor model. Check the ID plate on your mower frame or under the seat.
2. Click here!
3. Pick your connection parts. Choose the correct hitch, hose, and mower deck adapter for your new mower.
4. Add to cart and relax. Your parts ship quickly with clear instructions, so you’ll be back to collecting leaves in no time.
If you’re not sure which parts you need, our team is happy to help. Feel free to reach out to us at any time!
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September is the calm before the storm — the storm of falling leaves, that is. The air is cooler, the days a little shorter, and it’s the ideal time to get your yard ready before leaf season kicks into high gear. A little preparation now can save you hours of cleanup later and make the transition into autumn a whole lot smoother. Here are a few simple projects you can tackle this month to stay ahead of the mess.
1. Start with your tools
Nothing slows down fall cleanup like equipment that isn’t ready to go. Take a few minutes to give your Cyclone Rake a quick checkup: make sure the engine is running smoothly, inspect the impeller for wear, and look over hoses and connections so everything is secure. A little maintenance now ensures your Cyclone Rake and any other tools you may need are in top shape when the leaves really start to fall.
2. Prep your compost bin or pile
Leaves are an incredible resource for making nutrient-rich compost, but only if you’re ready for them. Clear space in your compost area, turn what’s already there, and make sure you’ve got room for the influx of shredded leaves and other fall debris. This way, you’re not just cleaning up — you’re recycling nutrients back into your soil.
![](\"/assets/images/uploaded/Blog%20images/pexels-hansmiddendorp-26827231.jpg\")
3. Check gutters early
Don’t wait until October to deal with gutters overflowing with leaves. Get a head start now by clearing out what’s already there. Best practice is to check and clean gutters regularly throughout the season instead of trying to do it all at once.
![](\"/assets/images/uploaded/Blog%20images/pexels-adrien-olichon-1257089-2663254.jpg\")
4. Mulch garden beds
Adding a fresh layer of mulch around your garden beds in September helps lock in moisture, smother late-season weeds, and give your landscape a tidy, finished look before fall plantings. It’s a small project that pays off with healthier beds and less weeding later.
5. Plant cool-season flowers or veggies
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your garden has to look bare. September is the perfect time to add color with mums, pansies, and asters, or even grow cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, and kale. It’s a quick way to keep your yard looking lively while also extending your harvest.
6. Edge driveways and walkways
Before the leaves fall in earnest, take some time to clean up the edges of your driveway, walkways, and garden beds. A crisp edge not only looks sharp but also makes leaf cleanup faster and easier once the season really gets underway.
7. Consider a Cyclone Rake!
For current Cyclone Rake owners, you already know the difference it makes. For those who don’t have one yet, a lawn and leaf vacuum like the Cyclone Rake can save hours of time and energy. It not only clears large volumes of leaves quickly, but also shreds them into mulch or compost-ready material. That means less hassle for you, and healthier soil for your yard and garden.
September is the month to get ahead of fall, not just react to it. A little prep with tools, composting, and planning can make all the difference when the leaves start to fall in earnest. With the right approach — and the right equipment — you’ll be ready to handle whatever autumn throws your way.
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Compost is that rare thing that is nearly incontestably good, and there’s good reason why gardeners alike refer to it as “black gold.”
The inclusion of compost in your yard hosts a myriad of benefits on a small and surprisingly large scale:
· On a small scale, compost acts as a soil enriching amendment that:
o Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers,
o Increases soil fertility and its ability to retain water (thus reducing the risk of erosion),
o And provides valuable nutrients for your plants while also suppressing diseases.
· On a more macro scale, composting collectively reduces our carbon footprint by:
o Reducing the amount of trash that ends up in our landfills,
o Reducing the amount of pesticides and fertilizers we use (which require fossil fuels to produce and are potentially harmful to consume).
It’s a pivotal time in the composting world because those nutrient rich leaves—a fabulous addition to your compost—are on the verge of falling. However, in the composting world, not all leaves are created equal. While most leaves will enhance compost with beneficial nutrients when they break down, others can slow the decomposition process and actually harm your plants when incorporated into your garden.
What makes a leaf good or bad for compost depends on its levels of lignin. In the composting world the lower the lignin, the better.
So what is lignin, anyway?
Think of lignin as a polymer found in the tissues and cell walls of plants. It plays a vital role in transporting water and removing waste in plants and trees. Lignin gives plants, trees, and leaves that “woody” texture, and is the thing responsible for that satisfying crunch when you bite into veggies, like, say, a carrot or a green bean.
But leaves with extremely high lignin levels can have adverse effects on your compost. For one, high lignin levels are usually associated with thicker and woodier leaves, which means they take a long time (sometimes years) to break down. Likewise, leaves high in lignin will actually steal the nitrogen away from your compost mix needed to make your plants happy. A good, easy rule of thumb is the thicker and woodier the leaves, the higher in lignin they are, and the worse they are for your compost.
Some good leaves for compost = cherry, willow, elm, ash, fruit trees, and poplar.
Some bad leaves for compost = beech, oak, ginkgo, eucalyptus, and black walnut.
So, how can you prepare? Create a plan!
1. Understand what kind of trees you have. Use a tree identification book or app to help.
2. Compile good compost leaves and bad compost leaves separately. Dispose of bad compost leaves in their own pile, and keep in mind that leaves like beech and oak can often take a few years to decompose, depending on climate.
3. For maximum results and speedier decomposition time, shred your leaves before putting them in compost. If you have a lawn vacuum, this will do the job for you! If you don’t, you can do this by putting the leaves in a sturdy trash can and shredding them with a weed whacker.
By choosing the right leaves and following a simple preparation process, you’ll turn yard waste into rich, nutrient-packed compost that benefits your garden and the environment for seasons to come.
As winter fades and the days grow longer, March is a crucial month for setting the foundation for a lush, healthy lawn. While some parts of the country are still shaking off the last remnants of snow, others are already seeing the first signs of new growth. Whether your lawn is just waking up or fully emerging into spring, tackling key yard care tasks now will set you up for a beautiful, thriving lawn in the months ahead.
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Here are 7 essential March lawn care tips to help homeowners across different regions prepare for spring.
1. Clear Out Winter Debris
Winter can leave behind a mess of leaves, twigs, and other debris that can smother grass and prevent new growth. Removing this buildup helps air, water, and nutrients reach the soil, promoting a healthier lawn.
Using a Cyclone Rake makes this job easy, efficiently collecting debris without the back-breaking work of manual raking.
2. Assess & Repair Lawn Damage
The freeze-thaw cycle, snow mold, or heavy foot traffic can leave some lawns patchy and compacted. Now is the time to inspect your yard and fix problem areas.
Fixing these early prevents weeds from taking over and helps new grass establish strong roots.
3. Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control
One of the best ways to prevent weeds is to stop them before they start. Pre-emergent herbicides form a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds—like crabgrass—from germinating.
If you missed the window for pre-emergent treatment, focus on spot-treating weeds before they spread.
4. Test & Feed Your Lawn
Giving your grass the right nutrients at the right time is key to a lush lawn all season long. Start by testing your soil pH and nutrient levels to determine what your lawn needs.
A well-fed lawn is more resilient to weeds, disease, and foot traffic, making fertilization a key step in March lawn care.
5. Check & Maintain Your Lawn Equipment
Before lawn care season kicks into high gear, inspect your tools and machines to ensure they’re in top working condition.
Proper equipment maintenance saves time and ensures your tools work efficiently when you need them most.
![](\"/assets/images/uploaded/Blog%20images/XL-K-Frame-Grass-DSC_0206.jpg\")
6. Start Mowing (If Your Grass Is Growing!)
While some homeowners won’t need to mow just yet, lawns in warmer regions may already be growing. The key to early-season mowing is cutting at the right height:
Avoid cutting too short, as scalping can stress grass and allow weeds to take hold.
7. Plan for a Successful Growing Season
March is also a great time to plan ahead for a season of low-maintenance, healthy lawn care.
A little planning now can make spring and summer lawn care much easier in the long run.
Conclusion
March is the perfect time to kickstart your lawn care routine, whether you’re dealing with lingering winter conditions or already seeing signs of growth. By tackling debris removal, soil prep, weed prevention, and equipment maintenance, you’ll set the foundation for a healthy, green lawn that thrives all season long.
Taking care of these tasks early ensures less work and fewer headaches later—so grab your gear, fire up your Cyclone Rake, and get your yard ready for spring!
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Moles are the creatures of nightmares—or at least, they certainly look the part. Need proof? Just check out a video of one in action. Their extraterrestrial appearance is matched only by their bizarre habits and way of life. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they may be among the most peculiar creatures on Earth, rivaled only by deep-sea oddities and the ever-baffling platypus.
Moles are found on every continent except South America and Antarctica. In the U.S., their burrowed tunnels have become an all-too-familiar sight, leaving lawns lumpy and uneven. But despite the telltale signs of their presence, how often have you actually seen a mole in the wild?
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The answer is probably never. If you’ve been lucky (or unlucky) enough to spot one, you might want to buy a lottery ticket. While moles do occasionally poke their heads out from their burrows, it’s only for a fleeting moment. These creatures are incredibly ill-adapted for life above ground, making their dark, subterranean tunnels their true domain.
However, much of what we think we know about moles is often misunderstood. Let’s dig into some of the most bizarre (and not-so-fun) facts about these elusive little creatures:
Fascinating Facts About Moles
1. Their diet consists almost entirely of insects—earthworms, snails, and slugs being their favorites. So no, despite common belief, moles don’t actually eat dirt. In fact, before consuming an earthworm, they will use their paws to squeeze the dirt out—which suggests they don’t care for the taste of soil.
2. As mammals, they give birth to live young, nurse them, have hair, and possess a neocortex, a part of the brain associated with higher-order functions.
Conclusion
Moles may be elusive, but their impact on the ecosystem is undeniable. While their burrowing can be a nuisance to homeowners, these little diggers also play a vital role in keeping insect populations in check and improving soil health. And as for eating dirt? They’d rather pass.
Love them or loathe them, moles remain one of nature’s most fascinating underground engineers.
Photo credit:
Before we talk about the joyful (joyless? Who’s to say, really?) task of putting up your holiday yard decorations and the implications it can have on your lawn, let’s do a quick recap of what happens to your lawn in the winter:
First off, what your lawn does in the winter depends widely on where you live. If you live in a warm climate where the temperature seldom drops below 40 degrees, your grass will likely keep trucking along as usual. But for much of the United States, winter brings chilly temperatures—temperatures that force grass to enter a period of dormancy in order to survive. This dormancy is a bit like the grass’ version of hibernation: it knows it’s going to have trouble maintaining the energy it needs to thrive, so it slows its roll and shuts down everything that is not strictly necessary for its survival—hence why grass largely stops growing and turns brown in the winter. More than anything, what’s important to remember is that your lawn is vulnerable and defenseless during the wintertime.
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Which brings us to your holiday lawn decorations. What? You mean in its poor and defenseless state grass doesn’t like being stabbed repeatedly by the feet of a ladder when you hang lights on your gutter? Nonsense. All joking aside, it is worth being at least a tad mindful when it comes to decorating your yard this year. Let’s take a look at two quick things you can do to keep it in tip-top shape:
In short, be a little mindful when decorating your yard this year. Your lawn will thank you come spring.