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    Introduction


    July is a crucial month for gardeners, marked by intense summer heat and the need for extra care to keep plants healthy and productive. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, this guide will provide you with essential tips to ensure your garden thrives. We'll cover the most important considerations for your garden in July, the best plants to grow, and additional tips to help you overcome the challenges of summer gardening.



    Key Considerations for Your July Garden


    1. Watering Wisely: With high temperatures and increased evaporation, efficient watering is crucial. Water early in the morning to reduce water loss and allow plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation.
    2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or compost, works best and also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
    3. Pest Control: Summer heat often brings an influx of garden pests. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation and take prompt action. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps.
    4. Pruning and Deadheading: Remove spent flowers and dead or diseased plant material to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of disease. Pruning also helps improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
    5. Feeding Your Plants: Fertilize your garden to provide essential nutrients that may be depleted by frequent watering. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost to nourish your plants throughout the month.




    Best Things to Plant in July


    1. Heat-Tolerant Vegetables: July is an excellent time to plant heat-loving vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and squash. These plants thrive in warm temperatures and are known for their abundant harvests.
    2. Succession Planting: For continuous harvests, practice succession planting. Sow quick-growing crops like lettuce, radishes, and beans every few weeks to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce.
    3. Herbs: Herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are well-suited for summer planting. They are relatively drought-tolerant and add wonderful flavors to summer dishes.
    4. Flowers: Brighten up your garden with summer-blooming flowers like zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers, and cosmos. These flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators to your garden.


    Additional Tips for a Successful July Garden


    1. Climate Considerations: Be mindful of your local climate and adjust your gardening practices accordingly. In hotter regions, provide shade for delicate plants using row covers or shade cloth. In cooler areas, take advantage of the longer daylight hours to maximize growth.
    2. Harvest Regularly: Frequent harvesting encourages plants to produce more and prevents overripe fruits and vegetables from attracting pests. Check your garden daily and pick ripe produce promptly.
    3. Prepare for Fall Planting: Start planning your fall garden by sowing seeds for cool-season crops like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Starting these seeds indoors or in a shaded area outdoors will give them a head start for the cooler months ahead.
    4. Stay Hydrated and Safe: Gardening in July can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous due to the intense heat. Take breaks, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid working in the garden during peak sun hours.


    Conclusion


    These tips are meant to ensure your garden remains vibrant and productive throughout July. Adapting your gardening practices to the summer climate and paying close attention to your plants' needs will help you achieve a bountiful and beautiful garden.

     

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    Introduction


    As the summer heat intensifies, keeping your lawn lush and green becomes both a challenge and a priority. With higher temperatures and increased evaporation, it's crucial to adopt lawn hydration methods that are effective and water-wise. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of strategies to keep your lawn well-hydrated, discuss the best practices for efficient watering, and share tips on how to conserve water while maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn.


    Understanding Lawn Hydration


    Proper lawn hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy grass, promoting deep root growth, and preventing drought stress. During summer, lawns typically need more water due to higher temperatures and increased evaporation. Here are some effective methods to ensure your lawn stays hydrated:


    Effective Methods for Lawn Hydration


    1. Deep and Infrequent Watering: Water your lawn deeply but less frequently. This encourages deep root growth, making your grass more drought-resistant. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
    2. Water Early in the Morning: The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 6 AM and 10 AM. This allows the water to soak into the soil before the heat of the day causes evaporation.
    3. Use Sprinklers Efficiently: Ensure your sprinklers are watering the lawn evenly and not wasting water on sidewalks or driveways. Adjust the sprinkler heads and use timers to control the duration and frequency of watering.
    4. Aerate Your Lawn: Aeration helps improve soil structure and allows water to penetrate deeper into the ground. Aerate your lawn in late spring or early summer to enhance its ability to absorb water.
    5. Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, like grass clippings or shredded leaves, to your lawn. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and keep the soil cool.
    6. Monitor Soil Moisture: Check the moisture level of your soil regularly. Use a soil moisture meter or simply dig a small hole to see if the soil is dry beneath the surface. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.


    Water-Wise Tips for Lawn Hydration


    1. Choose Drought-Resistant Grass: When possible, opt for grass varieties that are more drought-tolerant, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, or Buffalo grass. These types require less water and are better suited for hot, dry conditions.
    2. Install a Rain Barrel: Collect rainwater using a rain barrel and use it to water your lawn. This is an eco-friendly way to conserve water and reduce your water bill.
    3. Utilize Smart Irrigation Systems: Invest in smart irrigation systems that use weather data and soil sensors to optimize watering schedules. These systems can significantly reduce water usage by ensuring your lawn gets just the right amount of water.
    4. Adjust Mowing Height: Keep your grass a bit longer during the summer months. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and promoting deeper root growth. Adjust your mower to a height of 3 to 4 inches.
    5. Water the Right Way: Avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow roots and make your lawn more susceptible to drought. Water your lawn only when needed and focus on high-traffic areas that may require more hydration.


    Conclusion


    Maintaining a healthy, hydrated lawn during the summer doesn't have to be a water-intensive task. By following these effective and water-wise methods, you can keep your lawn green and thriving while conserving precious water resources.


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    Ticks have always been a concern for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts, but in 2024, the situation has become more challenging. In many parts of the country, increased precipitation and higher temperatures are contributing to a rise in tick populations. These climatic changes create ideal conditions for ticks to thrive, making it more important than ever to understand their current status and learn how to protect your yard and family from these pests.


    The Status of Ticks in 2024


    Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. There are two things to remember about the status of ticks in 2024:


    1. A Warming Climate: Warmer temperatures and milder winters have extended the tick season, allowing them to thrive in regions previously unaffected.
    2. Expert Predictions: Experts predict 2024 to be similar to the tick season in 2023. Newsflash: Some experts called 2023 the worst tick year on record.


    Ok, tick season will be bad and may extend longer than usual. What can we do?


    How to Keep Your Yard Safe from Ticks


    Creating a tick-free yard requires a combination of landscaping techniques and preventive measures:


    1. Regular Lawn Maintenance: Keep your grass short and trim back overgrown shrubs. Ticks thrive in tall grass and dense vegetation.
    2. Remove Leaf Litter: Fallen leaves provide a perfect hiding spot for ticks. Regularly rake and dispose of leaf litter. (Note: nothing does this as efficiently as Cyclone Rake!)
    3. Create a Barrier: Consider adding a 3-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas. Ticks are less likely to cross dry, open areas.
    4. Tick-Repellent Plants: Plant tick-repellent varieties such as lavender, sage, and rosemary around your yard.
    5. Keep Wildlife at Bay: Use fencing or other deterrents to keep deer and rodents, which carry ticks, out of your yard.
    6. Spray Treatments: Organic or chemical tick treatments can be effective. Apply them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, focusing on areas where ticks are likely to hide.


    Photo Credit: James Gathany Content Providers(s): CDC/ Michael L. Levin, Ph. D.

    How to Keep Humans Safe from Ticks


    Protecting yourself and your family from ticks involves being vigilant and proactive, especially during outdoor activities:


    1. Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks when venturing into tick-prone areas. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
    2. Use Tick Repellent: Apply EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin to your skin and clothing.
    3. Conduct Regular Checks: After spending time outdoors, check your body, pets, and gear for ticks. Pay special attention to hidden areas such as underarms, behind knees, and the scalp.
    4. Shower After Outdoors: Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help wash off ticks before they attach.
    5. Proper Tick Removal: If you find a tick attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.


    Additional Tips


     

    Conclusion


    Staying informed and proactive is perhaps the most effective treatment in our battle against ticks. Taking a few extra measures to prepare your yard, your family, and yourself can save yourself from a nasty and annoying Lyme Disease-ridden headache.

     

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    Introduction


    Ensuring your Cyclone Rake is stored correctly can extend its life and keep it in optimal working condition. Whether you're putting it away after each use during the active months or preparing it for winter storage, proper care is essential. In this blog post, we’ll cover general storage tips for when your Cyclone Rake is in use, detailed winter storage advice, and the benefits of our Wall Mount Kit to help protect your equipment from pests and damage.



    General Storage Tips for Cyclone Rake

     

    1.  Clean After Each Use: After every use, make sure to clean your Cyclone Rake thoroughly. Remove any leaves, debris, and dirt from the collector bag, impeller, and hoses. Keeping it clean helps maintain performance and prevents build-up that could cause damage.

    2.  Dry Completely: Always let your Cyclone Rake dry completely before storing it. Moisture can lead to rust and mildew, so make sure all components are dry to the touch.

    3.  Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect your Cyclone Rake for any signs of wear or damage. Address any issues promptly to avoid larger problems later. Check the hoses, impeller, and collector bag for any tears or blockages.

    ·       Lubricate Moving Parts: Before winter, we recommend applying lubricant to any moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation when you take it out of storage.

    4.  Use a Fuel Stabilizer: Add stabilizer to fresh gas, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it, or run the engine dry to prevent fuel buildup. This is essential when storing in the off season.

    5.  Storage: Store your Cyclone Rake in a sheltered location like a garage or shed. Protecting it from the elements will prolong its life and ensure it’s ready for use. Many folks choose to leave their Cyclone Rake assembled and ready to go at a moment’s notice, whereas others may want to take advantage of folding it flat (Cyclone Rakes fold flat for storage in 5 minutes!). If folding flat, we recommend ensuring the collector bag is elevated off the ground—our collector bags make nice homes for pesky rodents! This is especially important in the winter months, when critters look for warm places to nest.

    6.  WD-40 Pro Tip: We've found WD-40 to be very effective against repelling curious mice (they hate the strong scent). Simply spray a small amount around the areas where you store your Cyclone Rake to help keep these pests at bay.

     


    The Cyclone Rake Wall Mount Kit for Optimal Storage


    The Wall Mount Kit by Cyclone Rake is designed to make storing your Cyclone Rake even more convenient and secure.



    Benefits:



    How to Use the Wall Mount Kit

     

    1.     Fold Flat: The Cyclone Rake is designed to fold flat for easy storage in just five minutes. Follow the instructions in your user manual to fold your unit.

    2.     Mount the Brackets: Install the wall brackets in a sturdy part of your garage or shed. Make sure the brackets are level and securely fastened.

    3.     Hang the Cyclone Rake: Once the brackets are installed, simply lift the folded Cyclone Rake and hang it on the brackets. Ensure it is stable and secure.

     

    Conclusion


    Proper storage of your Cyclone Rake is essential for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. By following these storage tips during both in-use months and the winter season, you can ensure that your equipment stays in top condition, ready to tackle yard work whenever you need it.

     

    Curious to see how easy it is to store the Cyclone Rake? Check out this video!



     

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    Introduction


    Maintaining a beautiful yard often involves dealing with an abundance of yard debris. Leaves, sticks, pine needles, and grass clippings can quickly accumulate, turning your pristine lawn into a cluttered mess. Properly managing this debris not only keeps your yard looking neat, but also contributes to its health and vitality. 


    While there are a number of ways of dealing with yard debris—such as curbside pickup through your local municipality, controlled burning, and landfill drop off—the most efficient and environmentally friendly option is to mulch and compost your debris, which allows nutrients to be recycled back into your yard. This process not only enriches soil, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and support plant growth, but also reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills. What’s more, by composting and mulching, you minimize the need for chemical fertilizers and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem.


    Cyclone Rake stands as the most efficient tool for clearing your yard, transforming bulky debris into valuable mulch for composting and other garden uses. Let’s take a peek at the most effective ways of managing your yard debris with Cyclone Rake.


    Effortless Yard Cleanup


    With the Cyclone Rake, you can easily handle the toughest yard cleanups. Its powerful mulching and shredding capabilities reduce the size of debris, making it easier to manage and dispose of. The effect of this is twofold: 1) it simplifies the cleanup process significantly (a Cyclone Rake does what a rake or leaf blower does in a fraction of the time), and 2) Cyclone Rake shreds and mulches lawn debris for composting, accelerating the breakdown of organic materials (in other words, compost piles love Cyclone Rake).


    The Magic of Mulching


    When you use your Cyclone Rake, the combination of the Miracle Impeller and your mower blades reduces the size of the debris significantly. This size reduction is crucial for composting, as smaller pieces of organic matter break down faster. Whether it's spring, summer, or fall, your Cyclone Rake can handle various types of yard waste, transforming it into valuable mulch for your garden.



    1.   Spring and Summer Mulching: During these warmer months, your Cyclone Rake can be used to mulch grass clippings and pine needles. These materials are perfect for starting your compost pile. The shredded grass and needles decompose quickly, providing a green, nitrogen-rich component that helps to balance your compost pile when mixed with brown, carbon-rich materials like leaves.

    2.   Fall Leaf Mulch: Come fall, your Cyclone Rake shines in its ability to handle large volumes of leaves. By shredding the leaves, it creates a fine mulch that can be easily incorporated into your compost pile. This leaf mulch adds essential carbon to your compost, creating a balanced mix that speeds up the decomposition process.


    Creating the Perfect Compost


    To make the most of your Cyclone Rake's mulching capabilities, follow these composting tips:





    Utilizing Your Compost


    Once your compost has turned into rich, dark, crumbly soil, it’s time to put it to use. Here are some ways to enrich your garden with your homemade compost:



    Conclusion


    By using the Cyclone Rake, you’re not just clearing your yard—you’re transforming waste into a valuable resource. The finely shredded debris accelerates composting, providing you with nutrient-rich material that can enhance your garden’s health and vitality. Whether you’re tidying up in the spring, summer, or fall, the Cyclone Rake is your go-to tool for efficient yard maintenance and sustainable gardening.

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    Introduction


    As technology advances, the gardening and landscaping industries have seen a surge in battery-powered equipment. While the idea of battery-powered technology is no doubt appealing, it faces several challenges. In this article, we explore the current state of battery technology, how it translates to user experience, and the associated costs. We also delve into the specific challenges faced by battery-powered leaf vacuums compared to other battery-operated garden tools.


    Current State of Battery Technology


    The development of battery technology has come a long way in recent years. Modern batteries, particularly lithium-ion (Li-ion), offer significant improvements over older technologies such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and lead-acid batteries. Li-ion batteries are lighter, have higher energy densities, and exhibit less memory effect, making them the preferred choice for most portable power tools and equipment.

    However, despite these advancements, battery technology still faces limitations, especially when applied to devices like leaf vacuums. The energy required to operate a leaf vacuum is substantial, as it involves not only sucking up leaves but also shredding. This process demands a high and consistent power output, which can be challenging for batteries to maintain over extended periods.


    How This Translates to User Experience


    The performance of battery-powered leaf vacuums significantly impacts user experience. Here are some key aspects:



    1. Run Time and Charging: One of the most critical factors for users is the run time of the equipment. A typical battery-powered leaf vacuum may offer only 20-40 minutes of operation per charge, depending on the battery capacity and the workload. This limited run time can be frustrating for users, especially those with larger properties. Additionally, charging times can range from 1 to 3 hours or more, leading to potential delays in completing yard work.
    2. Power Output: Unlike electric or gas-powered leaf vacuums, battery-powered models often struggle to maintain consistent power, particularly when dealing with dense, wet, or heavy leaves. The variability in load can cause the battery to drain faster, reducing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
    3. Weight and Ergonomics: While Li-ion batteries are lighter than their predecessors, they still add weight to the equipment. This can impact the ergonomics and maneuverability of the leaf vacuum, making it more cumbersome to use for extended periods.
    4. Durability and Lifespan: Batteries degrade over time, leading to reduced capacity and run time. Users may find themselves needing to replace batteries every few years, adding to the long-term cost of ownership.


    Cost


    The cost of battery-powered leaf vacuums, as of now, is a significant barrier for consumers. In addition to having a more expensive up-front price tag, consumers will also have to consider things like the cost of battery replacement and charging equipment—both of which can be substantial. Why the rise in cost? One reason pertains to battery and oil supply chains.

    Oil, as a single product, benefits from a robust, globally integrated supply chain that has been refined over decades, ensuring consistent availability and cost efficiency. In contrast, the supply chain for batteries is nascent and complex, involving multiple critical components such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other rare earth elements. The extraction and processing of these minerals often involve significant environmental and ethical concerns as well, further complicating the supply chain.

    The Unique Challenges of Leaf Vacuums


    Leaf vacuums are subject to more intense and variable loads than other garden tools, such as lawn mowers. While a lawn mower's primary task is to turn blades at a consistent speed, a leaf vacuum must handle varying volumes and conditions of leaves. Wet, dense, or compacted leaves require more power to suction and shred, placing greater demand on the battery. This variability in load can lead to faster battery depletion and inconsistent performance, making it a more significant challenge for battery technology.




    Cyclone Rake's Commitment to Battery Innovation


    Despite these challenges, Cyclone Rake is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the lawn care industry, and we’re closely monitoring trends such as power management, environmentally friendly materials, and smart connectivity to monitor battery health and system performance. Technology advances quickly, and we are dedicated to leveraging these innovations to further advancing Cyclone Rake’s capabilities.

     

     

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    Introduction


    The onset of fall means pumpkin spiced lattes and sweater weather, but it also brings the inevitable (and often dreaded) task of leaf cleanup. Make no mistake: fast and efficient leaf cleanup is an art, and knowing a little bit about each cleanup method will help you decide the best approach for your yard. In this post, we’ll aim to dissect the three main leaf cleanup methods: raking, leaf blowing, and leaf vacuuming. We’ll lay out the pros and cons of each to help you understand which method is best for you and your property.


    Raking


    When it comes to easy leaf cleanup, raking doesn’t often come to mind. While it can be great to get outdoors on a crisp autumn day, raking can also be quite labor-intensive. However, it remains a popular method for many homeowners.





    Pros:



    Cons:



    Disposal Methods:



    Best for:



    Leaf Blowing


    Leaf blowers offer a faster and more efficient way to handle leaf cleanup compared to raking. While leaf blowers are incredibly handy and versatile, they are not without their challenges. Let’s look at the pros and cons of leaf blowing to see if it might be a good option for your yard.




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    Leaf Vacuums


    Leaf vacuums work by sucking up leaves and debris and then mulching them into a collector bag. It’s worth noting that there are different kinds of leaf vacuums. The SPS-10, for example, is a walk-behind unit great for small yards. Larger yards, conversely, may benefit from leaf vacuums that attach to your ride-along lawn mower, like the Z-10. Regardless, leaf vacuums stand as the most efficient and comprehensive solution for easy leaf cleanup.




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    Conclusion


    Easy leaf cleanup will depend on your type of yard and leaf coverage. While raking, blowing, and vacuuming each have their merits, the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

    Curious to see how a leaf vacuum could transform your yard? Take a look around the Cyclone Rake website, peruse our models, or give us a call at 888-531-7253 (Yes, we are old fashioned like that!)

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    If you spend any time outside chances are you’ve had the unpleasant experience of running into a tick. Whether they’ve found their way onto you, your kids, or your pets, they’re never fun to deal with. They can even be carriers of very serious diseases. Rather than trying to fight them when you find them, let’s beat them at the source. Here are 5 tips to keep your property tick free.

    1) Keep your property clean.


    Taking away there hiding spots is one of the best things you can do to keep your property tick free. Just like us they like cozy warm spots to curl up in. Keeping piles of leaves, sticks, and other brush on your property will encourage the ticks to make a home there. By clearing them out with, say the Cyclone Rake, you’re leaving them with less places to hide. The same also applies to tall grass, keeping the grass short will limit hiding places for ticks.


    2) Create physical barriers.


    Just like back in the day with a moat around a castle, creating a barrier around your property can keep ticks out. Ticks will be less likely to migrate into your territory if you put down a strip of gravel or wood chips between your lawn and any wooded areas. Ticks have a hard time traveling over gravel and wood chips and can’t survive in it for long. Your “moat” should be at least three feet wide to be the most effective.


    3) Sun is your friend!


    Ticks are not fans of the sun, which means it’s a great natural tool for you to use to your advantage. Keeping things like play equipment, patio tables, and fire pits in the sun will reduce the possibility of you running into a tick. Just be sure to protect yourself from the sun as well while you’re out there.


    4) Keep deer off your property.


    Keeping deer off your property is a great step towards keeping your property tick free. Ticks like to hitch a ride on deer. The simplest way to keep deer off your property is to build a fence. Just like with ticks creating a physical barrier between your property and the deer will keep them at bay. There are also various deer repellent sprays on the market that can help keep the deer, and subsequently the ticks, away.


    5) Try a different tactic.


    You may find it’s time to spray your yard if other tactics aren’t ridding your property of ticks. The use of pesticides works similarly to the physical barriers we mentioned before. Spraying the perimeter of your property will make it harder to the ticks to cross over. Keep in mind that these are chemicals, so be sure to read any and all labels before use to make sure it’s right for your needs. You can also check in with your local health or agricultural officials to see what the best product and time to spray for your area is.




    Now that we've covered how to prepare your yard, let's take a look at 4 quick tips to ensure you're protecting yourself when you go outdoors:


    • Wear Protective Clothing: Dress in long sleeves and long pants, preferably light-colored so ticks are easier to spot. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots to create a barrier against ticks.
    • Use Tick Repellent:
      • Apply a tick repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin to your skin and clothing. Permethrin-treated clothing offers longer-lasting protection.
    • Perform Regular Tick Checks:
      • Frequently check your body for ticks, especially after spending time in grassy or wooded areas. Pay attention to hidden spots like underarms, behind ears, and around the waist.
    • Stay on Trails:
      • Avoid walking through tall grass, dense brush, and leaf litter. Stick to the center of trails to reduce the likelihood of picking up ticks.

    Check out the CDC’s page on Ticks for more information on the types of ticks, how to treat them, as well as a a ton of other helpful information.

     

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    Clean up. The dreaded part of every spring thaw. As the snow on your property melts it reveals all sorts of things the winter months had hidden away. Fallen twigs and branches, leaves left over from last year, bare spots in your grass, and maybe even the occasional land mine from the family dog. No matter what you find as the snow melts, now is the time to take care of it. Here are some spring cleaning tips and tricks to bring your property back to life.

    Clear the debris from your lawn.

    Whether you have 10 acres to clear or just a couple hundred square feet, no one likes raking. Clearing the debris off your property that has sat under snow for months is a pain. But doing it will make your lawn look infinitely better in the months to come. Clearing the leaves from your property allows the grass underneath to breathe. This will make it so the grass is able to spring back (pun intended) to life without trouble. The more the grass has to fight against when growing, the harder it will be for it to bounce back. Check out our article about snow mold to see the importance of removing the leaves before winter too. If you’re looking for a way to effortlessly remove the debris for your yard, check out the different Cyclone Rake models we have available. They’ll make liberating your grass easy.

    Prep your flower beds.

    Now’s the time to check out your flower beds to see what survived the winter. While you’re spring cleaning, pull out any annuals that may not have made it through the cold months. This will make room for fresh, new plants in your garden this season. While you’re at it make sure to pull out any dried, dead parts of your perennials. This will promote a healthy regrowth this year.

    Plan out your property.

    If you’re planning to rearrange you garden, or rework the landscape a bit, now is the time to do it. Draw a sketch of your property so you have a visual of what you’re working with and go from there. Decide if it’s something you can do on your own, or if you may need to work with a professional. Starting with a sketch makes your property seem easier to handle.

    Add a fresh layer of mulch.

    One of the best things you can do to add life back into your gardens is adding a fresh layer of mulch. Not only is it helpful in helping to keep the weeds at bay, but it also just looks nice.

    We all like it when spring comes. It brings with it warmer days, brighter sunshine, and melting snow. Unfortunately, it does also bring spring cleaning. With these spring cleaning tricks, it doesn’t need to be a pain.

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    Maybe you’ve heard the birds chirping more than usual outside. Or noticed the crisp winter air is slightly less chilling than it was a few weeks ago. This all means that spring is right around the corner. If the snow on your property has started to melt and you notice a web-like mold on your grass…. don’t freak out. It’s probably just a touch of snow mold.


    So, What is Snow Mold?

    Snow mold is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a type of mold, or fungus, that grows on your turf under melting snow. It’s the perfect environment for fungus to grow when snow starts to melt, and the grass underneath is constantly damp and cool.

    Grey Snow Mold

    It may look rather terrible, but it doesn’t actually do much damage. Most of the damage done to your grass by grey snow mold is only to the blades themselves, which is a more cosmetic damage. This means that the damage doesn’t go very deep, your grass can bounce back with a little bit of love. With regular mowing and fertilization your beloved green grass should recover all on its own.

    Pink Snow Mold

    It is a bit more worrisome. While it grows the same as its grey counterpart, under wet, melting snow, pink snow mold sinks a bit deeper. Unlike the grey variety that only interacts with the blades of your grass, pink snow mold will reach down and infect the crown and root of your grass. This makes it much harder, if not impossible, for your grass to bounce back with simple maintenance. You may find that you need to apply a fungicide to fully treat it.

    Preventing Snow Mold:

    When it comes to snow mold, prevention is your best line of defense. Remove anything on your property where it could make home before the snow even starts to fall. This means raking away any leaves, grass, or other debris that can add to the cover that snow provides. If you’re working with a large property where hand raking isn’t an option, check out our different Cyclone Rake models. They’ll allow you to effortlessly clear away the different debris on your property that allow snow mold to grow in those damp months.

     

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