![\"snow](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/snow-3146420_1920-2-300x200.jpg\")
The Best Type of Shovel:Believe it or not, spring is on its way. Spring will be here in just a few short weeks…even though you still may be covered in layers of snow. What does that mean for you and your lawn? That means it’s time to start planning! Here are some things you can think about to get your property ready for spring
How are your garden tools looking?
Now is a good time to dig out your garden tools (pun intended) and see how they’re doing. It may be time to retire that trowel you’ve had for twenty years if the edges are rusty and you get a splinter when you hold the handle. The same can be said for clipping shears you use to prune your bushes and plants. Just like with kitchen knives, dull garden shears are much less effective than sharp ones. If the clippers you’re using are dull you’ll have a harder time cutting whatever plant you’re pruning. Dull edges increase the chances that the blades will slip which can cause injury to you or the plant. Unusable tools aren’t going to be any help getting your property ready for spring. If any of your garden tools are beyond repair, it’s time to schedule a trip to your local garden supply store. For more details check out our post on getting your garden ready for spring.
Are you thinking about landscape?
It’s never too early to think about how you want your property to look, even if it’s currently buried under snow. Start thinking about any landscaping projects you’re going to be taking on. Or maybe you want to start a garden and need start some seedlings indoors. Get some quotes on materials for that stone wall you’ve been dreaming of building. However you want your property to look this spring and summer, there’s probably some planning you can start now.
Is your property ready for spring too?
As the snow starts to melt you may notice you have piles that are melting slower than on the rest of your property. Whether these piles were caused by snow plows, your kids making snow forts, or just natural snow drifts, it’s important they get leveled out. Spreading out the snow into an even layer on your property can ensure every part of your lawn recovers from winter at the same time.
So, while in much of the country winter is still in full force, and spring may seem years away, it’s never too early to start planning. Start thinking about your yard To-Do list while you’re day dreaming about warm weather and birds chirping. Spring will be here before we know it.
The snow is falling. The sky is grey. And even though Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this year, spring feels like it’s a million miles away. A great way to feel like we’re getting closer to warm weather is to think about gardening. Your hands in the warm soil, fresh veggies and herbs, and the sun shining overhead…sounds lovely, right? We’re almost there. In the meantime, feel closer to spring by getting a head start on your herb garden. Starting an indoor herb garden in winter is easy and brings a little spice back to your life (pun intended).
Mint:
If you’re just getting into the herb growing business, mint is a great place to start. It’s resilient, likes a comfortable temperature range, and will make your house smell great. The easiest way to start growing mint is to get what’s called a cutting from an existing plant. This is where you take a section of stem from an existing plant and replant it. Mint is aggressive. If you plant it outside and leave it untended, it has the tendency to spread, taking over large areas. Once you have your cutting, place it in a glass of water for around 7-10 days, or until you see roots start to grow. Once you have roots you know it’s time to move it to some soil. Mint likes a wide mouth container, rather than a deep one, so it has room to breathe. Once your mint is thriving be sure to keep the soil moist. Planting your mint in a plastic container, rather than a porous clay, will help with this. Before you know it, you’ll have more mint than you know what to do with.
Basil:
Basil is great in pasta dishes, pizza, caprese salad, pesto, honestly this list can go on and on. With everything you’re able to add basil to, it’s a great addition to your indoor herb garden. To plant your Basil place moist potting mix in your pots, sprinkle a few basil seeds onto the surface, and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water, or use a spray bottle to keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Just like the rest of us, basil likes a warmer climate. During these winter months placing the basil in a window that sees lots of sun does the trick. Make sure there’s a good distance between the plant and the window if it’s leaky, or drafty. Cold temperatures, like a leaky window or a leaf touching a cold pane of glass, is a sure-fire way to kill a basil plant.
Chives:
Chives are the perfect way to add a bit of color and boost of flavor to almost any dish. Garlic and chive mashed potatoes, cheddar and chive scones, thrown in soup, salads, pasta and potato dishes…is anyone else getting hungry? No matter how you use your chives, they’re a great addition to your indoor herb garden. The fastest way to grow chives is if you can get your hands on some already grown bulbs. Simply transfer the bulbs to a pot with some moist soil, keeping the soil moist and the plant in the window, and wait a few weeks. Once the plant is accustomed to its new home, you can start snipping for your snacks. If you’re starting your chives from seeds, you’ll need to plant them about 1/4” deep, in well-draining soil. It will take about 2 weeks for the seeds to germinate (aka: grow so you actually see some chives).
Growing an indoor herb garden won’t make warm weather get here faster. But it will make you feel better along the way!
The Best Type of Shovel:The most important thing to think about when you’re choosing a snow shovel is, of course, how it feels when you’re shoveling snow. Different types of shovels are better for different types of snow and different situations. Some are better for pushing snow like a plow, chipping away at ice, and pickup up and moving heavy snow. The most important thing to keep in mind though, is how the shovel would feel to actually use it. Now, bear us here. When you’re in the store picking out a shovel, go through the motions you would when you use it. Pretend to pick up a load of snow and see how it feels. When it comes right down to it, the best type of shovel to remove snow is the one that feels best for you.
Remove Snow … the Smart Way:
If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid big snow falls so far, it’s only a matter of time. When there are 18 inches of fresh, heavy, wet snow out there, it’s important to be smart about clearing it.
Only pick up the amount of snow you’re comfortable with. Over loading the shovel can put you at risk for all sorts of injuries to your back, knees, shoulders, arms, you name it. And if you happen to be built like the hulk, maybe even pick up a little less than you can handle. You don’t want to risk breaking your shovel if the snow is extremely heavy.
Start from the bottom and work your way down. Only picking up the top layer of snow, and then coming back for the bottom layer makes moving 2 feet of snow much more manageable.
![\"\"](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/border-collie-1149417_1920-300x200.jpg\")
The Importance of Pet Safe Ice MeltWe all want the fastest way to remove snow and ice from our property, with the least amount of effort. Keep in mind that while the industrial strength, super-fast acting ice melt you’re putting down may be effective, it may also be harmful for your pup’s paws. Many ice melt products contain sodium chloride or calcium chloride. Both can be quite irritating to the skin, or harmful if they’re ingested. These days there are tons of pet safe alternatives out there. Which is the perfect way to melt the ice, while keeping the dog in your life happy.
Tired of shoveling? Too much snow on your property to handle on your own? It may be time to consider a snow blower. They’re a great way to quickly move large amounts of snow, over large areas. Do your research before purchasing as different types of snow blowers are better suited for different types of property and situations.
We know going out in the cold to move heavy, wet, cold snow probably isn’t anyone’s favorite pastime. Hopefully these tips and tricks make it just a little easier to remove snow from your property so you can get back inside to your hot cocoa. Stay warm out there!
\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","BodyOverview":"Mother nature has officially left warm breezes and summer months behind. Now that you know what happens to your lawn in winter, it’s time to start thinking about snow. More importantly, how to remove snow. We all dream of the day we can snap our fingers and snow will magically disappear from our sidewalks and driveways. Until that day, here are some great ways to think about how to remove snow from your property.","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2019-01-30T19:00:00","Tags":[],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"61dd2c93e71dd5843d20ffa4","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":null,"MetaDescription":"Learn how to best prepare your lawnmower or tractor for winter storage. ","MetaTitle":"Winter Lawnmower Storage Tips","SeName":"how-to-get-your-lawn-mower-ready-for-winter","Title":"Getting Your Lawn Mower Ready for Winter","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd38e4e71dd5843d212482_getting-your-lawn-mower-ready-for-winter_750.jpeg","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd38e4e71dd5843d212482_getting-your-lawn-mower-ready-for-winter.jpeg","Title":"Show blog post for Getting Your Lawn Mower Ready for Winter","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post Getting Your Lawn Mower Ready for Winter","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"61dd38e4e71dd5843d212482","UserFields":[]},"Body":"\r\nWe get it. You’re not ready for the snow to start (or keep) falling. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your equipment ready for the cold though. You wouldn’t head outside in winter without putting on your coat and hat, would you? Getting your lawn mower ready for winter is just as important. ( ↑ the above picture is a good example of what not to do…)
If you live in an area where you won’t be using your lawn mower for months at a time, it’s important to make sure it’s taken care of – before you put it away. The owner’s manual that came with your mower is a great resource if you have any questions about getting your specific lawn mower ready for winter. Here are some general tips to get you started.
Making sure your lawn mower is clean before you put it away will make sure you have a seamless start up when the temperature comes back up above frigid again. Making sure the deck is clear of any debris is super important before you let your mower sit. Wet grass left to sit on the deck can cause rust and corrosion over time. A good spray down with the garden hose will knock any fresh clippings away. If the debris has had a while to sit and harden, you may need to take something like a plastic paint chipper to scrape off the grass buildup.
Save yourself a little bit of time when spring comes by getting your mower ready for use now. Keeping your mower blades sharp is great practice to make sure you’re getting the best performance from your mower. If you notice some large chunks, dings, or general damage on your mower blades it may be time to replace them. If you’re not sure what you need check out our blog on Choosing Mower Blades for some guidance.
Get your lawn mower ready for winter storage:
Storing your lawn mower in winter isn’t quite as simple as finding a dry place to park it (even if we wish that were the case). Before you store your mower for winter it’s important to stabilize the fuel in the tank. Fuel that’s left to sit without being stabilized can wreak havoc on your engine. All you have to do though is fill the tank with fuel, and then add a fuel stabilizer. There are great options available at your local auto parts store, or even the big-box stores like Walmart. Check the instructions on the back of the bottle to be sure, but generally using fuel stabilizer is as easy as adding it to the fuel in your tank and running the engine for a few minutes. Quick and painless! The same general process applies to getting your Cyclone Rake ready for winter storage. Check out our aftermarket parts website for our Engine Maintenance Kit that includes fuel stabilizer.
Getting your lawn mower ready for winter is easy with these tools under your belt. Now you can sit back and relax until spring. Stoke the coals in your fire place, cuddle up under a blanket, and sip on some hot cocoa. Until it’s time to go out and shovel that is…
\r\n \r\n\r\n","BodyOverview":"Let's take a peek at the steps you should take to make sure your lawn mower stays in tip-top shape through the winter.","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2019-01-21T14:00:00","Tags":[],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"61dd38a5e71dd5843d212421","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":null,"MetaDescription":"Properly get rid of your Christmas Tree with these tips.","MetaTitle":"Christmas Tree Recyclong","SeName":"recycling-a-christmas-tree-after-christmas","Title":"Recycling a Christmas Tree After Christmas","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd399be71dd5843d212605_recycling-a-christmas-tree-after-christmas_750.jpeg","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd399be71dd5843d212605_recycling-a-christmas-tree-after-christmas.jpeg","Title":"Show blog post for Recycling a Christmas Tree After Christmas","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post Recycling a Christmas Tree After Christmas","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"61dd399be71dd5843d212605","UserFields":[]},"Body":"\r\nWith the new year in full swing and Christmas (sadly) behind us, it’s time to start thinking about what to do with the tree that’s started to wilt in your living room. Now, in the past you’ve probably just thrown your tree in the trash with the stale popcorn wreaths and tinsel. But consider the alternative. While recycling a Christmas tree may seem daunting, here are just a few ideas on what to do with your tree now that Santa has gone back to the North Pole.
Give a local farm or petting zoo a call and ask about donating your tree. Animals like goats love to snack on your left-over holiday cheer. Besides being just a fun treat for the animals, your left-over Christmas tree is a great source of vitamins and nutrients.
![\"\"](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/fir-tree-3875734_1920-300x199.jpg\")
Use it as a fire starter.Your old Christmas tree is a great source of kindling if you have an outdoor fire pit. Or, if your pit is large enough, throw the whole thing on the fire and listen to the needles pop. The liquid in the needles rapidly heats up causing them to expand with an audible pop. It’s a great way to entertain the kids, especially if you bring some marshmallows to roast over the fire.
Keep in mind it’s very important to only use your Christmas tree for outside fire pits. Burning them in an indoor fireplace or wood stove can cause the build up of a chemical called creosote, which can result in a chimney fire. Before burning outside it’s always a good idea to check with your local forest and fire agencies to make sure there aren’t any burn bans in effect in your area.
Pine needles and branches take a long time to decompose, which makes them great as a base for a compost pile. If your compost pile is outdoors a base layer of Christmas tree branches and needles can add a great layer of insulation to help keep it warm in the colder months.
![\"\"](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/recycle-29227_1280-289x300.png\")
Recycle it!Most areas have curbside pickup for your Christmas tree. All you have to do is kick it to the curb and they’ll come take it away. If you don’t have curbside pickup, there are drop off locations you can bring your tree to. Not only will they take it off your hands, but they’ll make it into mulch to reuse.
If you’re looking for a creative way to recycle a Christmas tree, the internet is a wealth of ideas. Cut the trunk of your tree into slices with a circular saw and the possibilities are endless. Make some rustic coasters, paint a wooden snowman, you name it and you can make it.
Whether you decide to feed your local goats, make some fun decorations, or start a composting pile, you’re sure to put your Christmas tree to good use. When you’re recycling a Christmas tree, the cheer doesn’t need to end with the holiday season!
\r\n \r\n\r\n","BodyOverview":"How should you go about recycling a Christmas tree? With the new year in full swing and Christmas (sadly) behind us, it’s time to start thinking about what to do with the tree that’s started to wilt in your living…","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2019-01-16T19:00:00","Tags":[],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"61dd396ce71dd5843d2125a3","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":null,"MetaDescription":"Learn how your lawn transforms during the winter months. ","MetaTitle":"Winter Lawn Health","SeName":"what-happens-to-your-lawn-in-winter","Title":"What Happens to Your Lawn in Winter?","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd3fd1e71dd5843d212afa_what-happens-to-your-lawn-in-winter_750.jpeg","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd3fd1e71dd5843d212afa_what-happens-to-your-lawn-in-winter.jpeg","Title":"Show blog post for What Happens to Your Lawn in Winter?","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post What Happens to Your Lawn in Winter?","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"61dd3fd1e71dd5843d212afa","UserFields":[]},"Body":"\r\n \r\n \r\nWe know the basic ins and outs of lawn care when the weather is warm: mow your lawn, gather your leaves, keep the gunk out of your gutters. Generally pretty simple, right? But what about winter lawn care? Do you ever wonder what happens to your lawn and grass when the snow starts to fall? Or if you live in a warmer climate, what happens during the colder months of the year?
The first thing to keep in mind is that just because your grass’ color has been leaning more towards a brown lately, rather than it’s normal vibrant green, doesn’t mean it’s dead. There’s still hope! The brownish tone to your grass just means that it’s starting to do what we all like to do in the winter: hibernate. Or more accurately, it’s going dormant. It’s not getting as much sun, nutrients, and water as it does in the warmer months. Your grass needs to conserve what little water and nutrients it does have to survive the winter. Your grass will bounce right back to the green you know and love once it gets the nutrients and water it needs.
Most of your winter lawn care preparation should actually happen before winter. Before it frosts, you’ll want to give your grass one final cut. It’s important not to cut the grass too short, or leave it too long. Cutting the grass too short can expose the crown – which is where the blades meet the root. It’s also equally important to be sure not to leave the grass too long which can lead to the grass smothering itself. When the temperature drops below 40° F the rate grass grows slows down considerably, so it’s important to get the right length before the temperature drops.
Before it snows or frosts, you’ll also want to be sure to remove any remaining leaves, branches, or other debris you may have left over from the fall. When leaves become wet and heavy they can suffocate, or invite harmful diseases to your grass. If you’re interested in a quick and easy way to remove the leaves from your property, with a product that has over 20 years’ experience, check out the different Cyclone Rake models.
If you live in a place where your lawn is being buried under snow every winter, you probably aren’t thinking too much about lawn care during those months. But if you live in a warmer climate where your grass is still going into this dormant state, but isn’t buried under snow, here are some quick tips on how to care for it.
![\"\"](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/frost-on-grass-1358926_1920-300x200.jpg\")
With these tips and tricks you’ll be able to give your lawn a fighting chance this winter. Stay warm out there as the days get colder and the snow gets deeper!
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You might want to aerate your lawn before it gets cold outside so that you do not have so much hard ground to plant. You will get much better results in the fall because the ground has been rained on so many times. The aeration only takes an hour or two, and you are much more ready for the cold season.
You must clear debris from your lawn that could get in the way when the grass tries to grow again. People who leave debris out have it compacted into the soil over the winter with rain or snow. You want your lawn to be clean so that the grass and seeds can stay in the right place and not get covered up or washed away.
Your hedges will still grow in the fall or winter because they are getting some kind of nutrition during that time of year. You should use this time to cut down the hedges as much as you can. The hedges can begin to grow again in the spring when they are cut down so low because they are trying to grow out of the long branches that were left behind.
Trim tree branches that you have around the lawn, and remember that you can use the this clear space to get more light in the lawn. You will be much more comfortable in the lawn because you will not have branches falling on you. You can keep leaves out of the house, and you might find that the lawn is much safer. The trees will not lean so much in the heavy wind of the winter, and they do not leave extra debris on the house.
You must rake the whole area because you want all the straw and spores to be removed from the area so that they do not grow if you get a sudden warm snap or prolonged period of rain. You must have a clean lawn that will simply grow in the spring. You must be certain that you have used the rake allow over the lawn, cleaned the area completely, and thrown out all the different things that you find in the pile.
You must pull up all the weeds in the yard because those weeds will cause problems in the spring when they are still there. It is smart for you to clear the lawn completely, and you will feel as though you have a lawn that has nothing in it. That means that you can start seeding and fertilizing the lawn over the course of the spring.
The lawn care that you do will prepare you for the spring by making your lawn clear and clean. You can do anything in the spring when the lawn has been prepared, and you must be certain that you have taken all these steps before expecting to have grass grow in the middle of the spring with normal watering and/or cutting.
Author Bio : Sarah works for Yourgreenpal and she loves to write about lawn care and garden.
\r\n \r\n","BodyOverview":"Your lawn look much better in the fall if you have done a few things to keep the space as clean as possible. Your lawn will recover in the spring if you have planned ahead, and you must consider what…","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2018-08-22T20:00:00","Tags":[],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"61dd4068e71dd5843d212beb","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":null,"MetaDescription":"Adjust your mowing method for summer with these helpful tricks. ","MetaTitle":"5 Tips for Late Summer Lawn Mowing","SeName":"5-best-tips-for-late-summer-lawn-mowing","Title":"5 Best Tips for Late Summer Lawn Mowing","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd4352e71dd5843d214b6e_5-best-tips-for-late-summer-lawn-mowing_750.png","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd4352e71dd5843d214b6e_5-best-tips-for-late-summer-lawn-mowing.png","Title":"Show blog post for 5 Best Tips for Late Summer Lawn Mowing","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post 5 Best Tips for Late Summer Lawn Mowing","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"61dd4352e71dd5843d214b6e","UserFields":[]},"Body":"Taking good care of your yard involves keeping your grass well-trimmed and maintained. In fact, in some communities failure to keep your lawn mowed can result in healthy fines. But there is actually far more to mowing your lawn than just keeping it looking neat and tidy. How you mow your lawn can actually have a direct effect on the health of your lawn. Here are 5 great lawn mowing tips that will help you have a thick, lush green carpet of grass all summer long.
While it can be tempting to want to cut grass as short as possible (sometimes called scalping) thinking this will lead to not having to mow it as often, you might want to rethink this strategy. Not only does this make your lawn more vulnerable to diseases, but it also offers a prime invitation for weeds to move in and take residence. Scalping your lawn exposes the soil and exposed soil allows weed seeds to burrow in and take root. In addition, a sparse lawn also allows critical sunlight to reach the weed seedlings to give them a turbo charged boost. If you don’t want a large patch of weeds in your front yard, then resist the urge to cut your grass to short. Last but not least, cutting your grass too short keeps strong root systems from developing. During the heat of the day or when you forget to water, roots can reach deep into the soil to wick up moisture. The closer to the surface roots are, the less access they have to critical moisture.
While mowing your lawn when it is wet doesn’t do any damage to the lawn, wet grass can fill up and clog a mower deck. As you mow, wet grass can also tend to fall over and clump, which leads to an uneven cut. In addition, any wet clumps that fall off the mower need to be removed or they essentially create a mulch covering that can keep the lawn under it from getting much needed sunlight. While mowing wet gras is fine, make sure that the soil underneath it is not soggy, however, or you risk creating permanent ruts in your lawn with the lawnmower.
Remember that grass is actually a plant and cutting it places stress on the plant. When you cut grass in the heat of the day, it loses more water, which causes it to recover much more slowly than if you cut it when it is cloudy, cool or in shade. The cooler it is when you cut your grass, the less water it loses and the more quickly it rebounds.
While some lawns are easiest to mow in the same pattern or direction each time, this isn’t actually best for your lawn. When you mow in the same pattern or direction each time, you risk creating ruts in your lawn. In addition, mowing in the same direction each time compacts the soil. Not only do weeds thrive in compacted soil, but compacted soil also further encourages the formation of ruts.
Leaving your clippings behind when you mow is not only better for your grass, it also saves you time and money. Grass clippings can actually provide up to 25% of your fertilizer needs, so you save on that as well as on bags and collection fees. There’s no need to buy a special mower either. You can buy a mulching blade which cuts the blades of grass finer, allowing them to decompose more quickly.
Summer lawn care is an important part of keeping your home neat, tidy and well maintained. Not only can taking good care of your lawn help keep your property values high, it can help maintain good relations with the neighbors as well.
Author Bio : Sarah works for YourGreenpal and she loves gardening and Lawn care.
\r\n \r\n","BodyOverview":"Taking good care of your yard involves keeping your grass well-trimmed and maintained. In fact, in some communities failure to keep your lawn mowed can result in healthy fines. But there is actually far more to mowing your lawn than…","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2018-08-02T20:00:00","Tags":[],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"61dd4313e71dd5843d214a1f","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":null,"MetaDescription":"Give your lawn the right amount of water for healthy growth. ","MetaTitle":"Lawn Watering Tips","SeName":"5-rules-for-a-water-wise-landscape","Title":"5 Rules for a Water-Wise Landscape","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd49e1e71dd5843d215345_5-rules-for-a-water-wise-landscape_750.png","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd49e1e71dd5843d215345_5-rules-for-a-water-wise-landscape.png","Title":"Show blog post for 5 Rules for a Water-Wise Landscape","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post 5 Rules for a Water-Wise Landscape","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"61dd49e1e71dd5843d215345","UserFields":[]},"Body":"Water-wise landscaping is designing outdoor spaces to minimize irrigation needs while also creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Also known as xeriscaping, this eco-friendly practice offers benefits including reducing the environmental impact of human landscapes, lowering water bills for homeowners, and improving the aesthetic appeal of homes, businesses, and public spaces.
Xeriscaping got its start in drought-stricken areas where lawns are impractical. Maintaining turfgrass in hot, dry heat requires massive amounts of water, driving up bills for homeowners and threatening the regional water supply. In response, communities turned to xeriscape to conserve water without sacrificing the beauty of the natural environment. However, the same principles can be applied in any climate — and it doesn’t have to mean giving up your lawn. You can create a beautiful, water-wise landscape by following just a few rules:
How do you intend to use your landscape? If you’re an older couple, perhaps you’re looking for a well-designed landscape where you can get your gloves dirty in the garden and enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio. But if you’re a family with kids, you may want open spaces and a patio with clear lines of sight. Your needs will influence the overall design of your home landscape.
Designing a landscape that doesn’t suit your land and climate is setting yourself up for an uphill battle. Make use of natural features like slopes and low points to minimize irrigation needs by clustering plantings around naturally wet zones. Consider the way man-made structures impact water flow as well; you may be able to redirect runoff from a downspout or patio toward garden beds.
Not everyone needs or wants a large expanse of lawn. And even if you do, there’s a good chance you’re not using all of the space. Most people keep activities to one area of lawn, while areas along homes, fences, driveways, and patios receive little to no foot traffic. If you want to reduce your landscape’s water impact without giving up the lawn completely, these marginal areas are a perfect place to start.
Overwatering your lawn and landscape isn’t just wasteful, it’s also bad for plant health. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, overwatering causes roots to decay and makes plants more susceptible to fungal disease. However, that’s not the only way to waste water outdoors.
How you irrigate matters. Sprinklers are less efficient than drip irrigation because they water everything in their reach, including weeds. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the planting area and nowhere else. Using sprinklers also increases water loss due to evaporation, although this can be avoided with early morning or late evening waterings.
Drip irrigation can be hidden by burying it under mulch. This is not only more attractive, but mulch also helps retain moisture to further reduce irrigation needs. It’s also important to improve soil over time; healthy, rich soils hold water better than poor soils.
Finally, choose plants that thrive with natural rainfall. Consider both the amount of rain and when it falls. Rainfall that’s dispersed throughout the growing season is easier to work with than rainfall that’s concentrated in one season.
The simplest way to choose water-wise plants is by purchasing native plants. Since native plants are adapted to your specific region, they’ll grow with minimal fuss. Regardless of where your plants are from, be sure to hydrozone them. As eXtension explains, hydrozoning is grouping plants together based on water needs. Set irrigation controls accordingly, so low-water plants are watering less frequently than high-water plants.
Water-wise landscaping is great for the environment and it’s also a great way to stand out in a sea of lawns. However, creating a gorgeous xeriscape isn’t just a matter of putting plants in the ground. If fine-tuning an irrigation system and constructing hardscapes is out of your DIY wheelhouse, let the pros step in to ensure your landscape lives up to your vision.
\r\n \r\n","BodyOverview":"Water-wise landscaping is designing outdoor spaces to minimize irrigation needs while also creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Also known as xeriscaping, this eco-friendly practice offers benefits including reducing the environmental impact of human landscapes, lowering water bills for homeowners, and…","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2018-04-16T20:00:00","Tags":[],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"61dd49cae71dd5843d215204","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":null,"MetaDescription":"Get your garden ready for spring.","MetaTitle":"Preparing Gardens for Spring","SeName":"how-to-get-your-garden-ready-for-planting-this-spring","Title":"How to Get Your Garden Ready for Planting This Spring","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd43d4e71dd5843d214e9c_how-to-get-your-garden-ready-for-planting-this-spring_750.jpeg","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/61dd43d4e71dd5843d214e9c_how-to-get-your-garden-ready-for-planting-this-spring.jpeg","Title":"Show blog post for How to Get Your Garden Ready for Planting This Spring","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post How to Get Your Garden Ready for Planting This Spring","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"61dd43d4e71dd5843d214e9c","UserFields":[]},"Body":"As the winter season finally subsides, you should prepare your garden for new growth. Spring is the perfect time for new plants due to the temperature becoming warm once again. To ensure that there won’t be any hurdles to optimal growth, check out our guide on how to get your garden ready for planting this spring.
![\"cleaning](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cleaning-lawn.jpg\")
Tidying Up
It isn’t just the winter season that can wreak havoc on your lawn — debris can pile up as early as fall. There will certainly be a lot of fallen leaves, twigs, branches, and other natural debris, so get your rake and remove them all. This is always the first step in preparing for a spring planting. By keeping your garden beds and rows free from debris, you reduce the chances of accidentally stepping on seedlings.
Pruning
Both shrubs and trees should be pruned. In particular, flowering plants that will bloom in summer should be pruned early in spring. These shrubs include beautyberry, smooth hydrangea, butterfly bush, crape myrtle, and vitex. Don’t worry about accidentally removing any of the buds that developed last year — the impending blooms will rely on woods that will form this spring.
As for spring flowers including lilac, viburnum, azalea, and rhododendron, it would be best to prune them once they have bloomed. For the other trees and shrubs, you should check if they have been damaged back in winter. Some branches might have been broken or were damaged by storms. The cold winter could have also led to some of your evergreens suffering from tip diebacks. Thus, you should remove these tips immediately.
See if any of your perennial flowers such as veronicas, Russian sages, blanket flowers, and asters have any dead and discolored foliage. Remove these leaves to encourage new leaf growth. Likewise, you should cut away any overgrown parts that come in contact with other plants. This helps your plants to grow without any obstructions. Of course, pruning and shaping also improve their visual appeal apart from keeping them healthy.
Here is a video of pruning perennials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pirdi5Klnc
![\"\"](\"https://www.cyclonerake.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/garden-tools.jpg\")
Clean Your Gardening Tools
It’s essential that your cutting tools are sharp. Any dull blades won’t lead to clean cuts and they can expose the foliage to diseases. Sharpen these blades or consider replacing them altogether. Moreover, any dirt on the tools must be rinsed away using soapy water. Apply any paint thinner or mineral turpentine on the wooden parts to limit the risk of having splinters.
Conduct Repairs
The structures that will support both mature and new plants should be kept stable. The board used for a raised garden bed could be unbalanced after winter. This is due to the wooden stakes becoming rotten in the cold and wet soil. Repairing the planter is as easy as replacing the rotten stakes and realigning the planter after digging up the soil around it. Consider using screws or nails to firmly attach the stakes to the board.
Prepare the Garden Soil
Good soil ensures that the root systems of your new plants will be firmly established. First, get a rake to turn your garden soil over. Remove any pesky weeds that you see using the same tool, or you can pull them with your bare hands. Ensure that the roots are also pulled up to prevent further growth. Removing weeds in the summer is more difficult since the soil will likely be dry and compacted.
Afterward, improve the organic content in the soil with an application of well-rotted manure or compost. Do this some several weeks before your spring planting to prevent the compost or manure from damaging the developing roots. On a similar note, using fertilizer can be tricky in spring, but you can do it properly with proper timing. Wait for the ground to be completed thawed. This means that no snow and ice have remained in the soil. Use a granular fertilizer for your garden beds.
In conclusion, preparing your garden for spring planting involves several activities. For one, you should keep the area clean through raking. Similarly, pruning trees and shrubs alike will provide enough space for new plants to grow and receive sunlight. Lastly, prepare your garden soil by removing weeds and making it fertile. We hope that our guide helped you out. Feel free to send us a comment if you have any queries.
Image Sources:
https://pixabay.com/en/rake-rob-raking-foliage-autumn-2876079/
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