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American Lawn Mower SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit $13.99 The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower sharpening kit is an easy way to keep reel blades in top cutting form. This do-it-yourself kit allows users to sharpen their own mowers at home. The kit contains everything you need for safe and effective sharpening, including a detailed instruction manual, grinding compound, application brush, and a special back-lapping crank. The kits is designed for us... |
Four Things You Must Do For Your Lawn This Spring
Spring is fast approaching and if you live in the Midwest or points North, your lawn will soon begin to awaken from winter slumber.
This winter has been a long and especially harsh one, and your turf will need a little help if it's going to look lush and green in time for early Summer picnics and horseshoes.
Here are 4 "must-dos" in regards to your lawn this March:
Aeration
I recommend every lawn be aerated in mid-March (assuming ground is thawed) to help manage thatch levels and loosen hardened and compacted soil. Thatch is the layer of dead grass, leaves and other organic material that collects just above the soil line.
Some thatch is necessary to keep turf root systems shaded and reduce soil erosion and water runoff. However, too much thatch (more than 1") can block water absorption and create shallow rooting in the lawn.
Aeration will manage the thatch layer properly without completely eliminating it like a power-raking or de-thatching would do. I DO NOT recommend power raking except in extreme cases.
You can rent an aerator for about $60 per day and I'd recommend running across your lawn twice. (north and south and then east and west) If this is a bit steep in price for you, consider getting your neighbors to pitch in and share the time. It's well worth the effort.
The Spring Cleanup
Your lawn probably has all kinds of garbage and litter strewed around after winter storms and winds. If you have big trees, you no doubt will have limbs and leaves scattered about.
Limbs have to be picked up by hand (don't hit them with your mower and ruin your blade!) but leaves can be mowed over and sucked up in the bag.
This initial cutting should have the height adjusted one setting lower than your normal cutting to help rejuvenate the turf. (normal cutting height is 2.5-3" ... initial cut should be between 2-2.5") Always bag the clippings on this intitial cutting.
Starter Fertilizer
One you've completed the above, it's time to hit the lawn with a nice dose of fertilizer to start the growing process off right.
If you're going to use synthetic fertilizer (like Scott's or K-grow) you need to grab the 20-20-10 or 20-10-10 (also know as 'starter fertilizer'). The first number represents nitrogen and should be the largest number of the 3.
If you want to use a more natural option this season, I'd recommend a hybrid formulation that contains 50% naturally derived products and 50% synthetic. Natural fertilizers break down slower in the soil unless temps are above 55 degrees. This does not happen much in March in the Midwest.
If you go with a hybrid blend, you will get some good release now, and some later.
Seeding
Notice that we have not put down any weed control or crab grass preventor yet? That's because we'll address those problems in April.
Because of this, it's a great time to introduce some fresh cultivars of grass seed into the lawn. A general overseeding directly after the aeration is recommended to help the overall thickness of the turf.
A rate of 1-pound seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn is going to be plenty. Also, since we're in the Spring season, the rains will do the trick in keeping the seed moist.
In addition, don't buy cheap seed. Look at the label on the back and see the percentage of "noxious weed seed" or "inert material." Both of those together should be less than 3% of the total contents.
You'll be safe adding Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass to most lawns, however, I am a fan of turf-type-tall fescue blends as they tolerate drought better.
If you implement these 4 simple steps in early-to-mid March this year, you'll be off to a great start and be able to enjoy your lawn that much sooner.
About the Author
Al Haneson has 20 years experience in the Green Industry. He is author of a lawn care blog for homeowners and DIYers: Life and Lawns
Quick Look at my new Scotts Classic 20" Reel Mower
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American Lawn Mower SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit $13.99 The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower sharpening kit is an easy way to keep reel blades in top cutting form. This do-it-yourself kit allows users to sharpen their own mowers at home. The kit contains everything you need for safe and effective sharpening, including a detailed instruction manual, grinding compound, application brush, and a special back-lapping crank. The kits is designed for us... |
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Scotts Lawn Starter Mulch $23.95 Scotts Lawn Starter Mulch The Scotts Lawn Starter Mulch grows new grass thicker and quicker. It accelerates root growth of new grass plants and existing lawn. The mix will improve the lawn's ability to absorb water & nutrients. It is kid and pet friendly, and will not burn the lawn. . Safe for the lawn . Designed to give newly seeded areas a strong start . Encourages thick turf and vigorous root system development . Establishes new grass plants faster, reducing watering requirements . For New Grass Plants & Seedlings . High phosphorus content Item Specifications: Weight: 3.5 lbs Directions to use: . Set spreader to appropriate setting for best results. Spreader settings can be found on back of bag or on Scotts.com . Follow the color coded map to ensure your lawn receives the right amount of fertilizer . Fill spreader and apply over newly seeded area or over entire lawn for root development boost . To keep lawn products from reaching storm sewers, sweep or blow stray particles back onto lawn . Return unused portion of fertilizer to original container . Run any remaining product out of spreader over lawn . This product does not require watering in . However, watering is the critical step to seeding success . Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings reach 2 inches high Caution: While there are no restrictions on reentering the lawn with this product, we recommend watering the product in and waiting until it is dried before going back on the lawn Ships Quickly! Manufactured by Scotts: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company was founded in 1868 by O.M. Scott as a premium seed company for the U.S. agricultural industry. In the early 1900s, the Company began a lawn grass seed business for homeowners. In recent times, a significant milestone was the merger of Scotts, the leading lawn care brand, with Miracle-Gro, the leading gardening brand, in 1995 to create The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. |
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Scotts Lawn Fungus Control $27.95 Scotts Lawn Fungus Control The Scotts Lawn Fungus Control prevents and controls major lawn diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot and red thread and suppresses summer patch diseases (summer patch, Fusarium blight, and necrotic ring spot). The mix does not contain fertilizer, covers 5,000 sq. ft., and contains 2.3% Thiophanate-methyl as an active ingredient. . Prevents and controls major lawn diseases including brown patch, dollar spot and red thread and suppresses summer patch diseases (summer patch, Fusarium blight, and necrotic ring spot) . Does not contain fertilizer . Covers 5,000 sq. ft . Apply anytime during the season when disease activity is present in the lawn . Cures lawn diseases and prevent new ones Item Specifications: Directions to use: . Apply with a drop-type or rotary spreader . Do not apply by hand or hand-held spreader . For best results, with a rotary spreader, apply during a calm period of the day . If necessary to apply when a breeze is blowing, move in the direction of the wind to prevent material from blowing toward the operator . Apply to dry or moist foliage at the preventive rate when disease activity is noted or suspected . For cure of these diseases when symptoms indicate advanced stages, apply at the normal rate and follow with the preventive rate within 2-3 weeks . Suppressing turf grass diseases . Apply to dry foliage at the normal rate every 30 days (beginning in late spring to early summer) . Water-in immediately after application and keep turf from becoming drought stressed by watering (1 inch) weekly . Three to four applications may be necessary for season-long suppression Ships Quickly! Manufactured by Scotts: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company was founded in 1868 by O.M. Scott as a premium seed company for the U.S. agricultural industry. In the early 1900s, the Company began a lawn grass seed business for homeowners. In recent times, a significant milestone was the merger of Scotts, the leading lawn care brand, with Miracle-Gro, the leading gardening brand, in 1995 to create The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. |
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Scotts Lawn Pro Fall Fertilizer $27.95 Scotts Lawn Pro Fall Fertilizer The Scotts Lawn Pro Fall Fertilizer grows new grass 5% thicker than normal native soil. This starter fertilizer provides essential nutrients for early grass development and gives your plans a strong root system. . Provides fall lawn feeding . Prepares lawn for winter . Great results . Easy to use Item Specifications: Size: 16.8 lbs Coverage: 5000 sq ft Directions to use: . Apply Tomato-tone in a narrow band around single plants or along each side of a row . Keep Tomato-tone at least 3" from stem . Potted Plants: Apply evenly over soil and gently mix in . Water thoroughly after feeding Ships Quickly! Manufactured by Scotts: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company was founded in 1868 by O.M. Scott as a premium seed company for the U.S. agricultural industry. In the early 1900s, the Company began a lawn grass seed business for homeowners. In recent times, a significant milestone was the merger of Scotts, the leading lawn care brand, with Miracle-Gro, the leading gardening brand, in 1995 to create The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. |
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Automated Lawn Mower LB2110 $2299 Fully-Automated Lawn Mower Designed to Mow By Itself! The LawnBott LB2110 is the most trouble-free and reliable robotic lawn mower on the market. If you are thinking about long-term cost, for most lawns, the LawnBott LB2110 robotic lawn mower is by far a better bargain than lawn services, riding lawn mowers, push lawn mowers and other robotic lawn mowers on the market including those within the LawnBott line. Bonus Points: Eco-Friendly mower Installation DVD & Manual Weather resistant and can operate in rain Perimeter wire signal check: if interrupted, the robot stops immediately Changes direction without ever repeating the same movement Keeps on working until its job is done Specifications Features Coverage: 25,000 sq/ft Working Time: 2.5 hours Dimensions: 22"L x 16.5"W x 10"H Charging Time: 2.5-3 hours Cutting Width: 12" Battery Type: Lead Acid Cutting Height: .75-2.5" Hill Capability: 12 degrees Weight: 35 lbs Cutting Disc: 4 blades Rain Sensor: Yes Software: Includes (updates online) Auto Recharge: Yes Noise Level: Noiseless Alarm: No Assembly: Fully Assembled Low Price Guarantee! |
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Automated Lawn Mower LB2150 $2599 Fully-Automated Lawn Mower Designed to Mow By Itself! The LawnBott LB2150 is the most trouble-free and reliable robotic lawn mower on the market. If you are thinking about long-term cost, for most lawns, the LawnBott LB2150 robotic lawn mower is by far a better bargain than lawn services, riding lawn mowers, push lawn mowers and other robotic lawn mowers on the market including those within the LawnBott line. Bonus Points: Eco-Friendly mower Installation DVD & Manual Weather resistant and can operate in rain Perimeter wire signal check: if interrupted, the robot stops immediately Changes direction without ever repeating the same movement Keeps on working until its job is done Specifications Features Coverage: 25,000 sq/ft Working Time: 3 hours Dimensions: 22"L x 16.5"W x 10"H Charging Time: 2.5-3 hours Cutting Width: 12" Battery Type: 1 Lithium Ion Cutting Height: .75"-2.5" Hill Capability: 27 degrees Weight: 21 lbs Cutting Disc: 4 blades Rain Sensor: Yes Software: Includes (updates online) Auto Recharge: Yes Noise Level: Noiseless Alarm: No Assembly: Fully Assembled Low Price Guarantee! |
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Spyder Lawn Mower LB1200 $1399 Fully-Automated Lawn Mower Designed to Mow By Itself! If you have been waiting for a robotic lawn mower that does not require perimeter wire, this is it! The LawnBott LB1200 Spyder robotic lawn mower represents a new beginning for robotic lawn mowers. It sports new technology that is entirely revolutionary (and patented) for robot lawn mowers Bonus Points: Eco-Friendly mower Installation DVD & Manual 100% waterproof No perimeter wire, so no perimeter wire check Changes direction without ever repeating the same movement Keeps on working until its job is done Specifications Features Coverage: 5,500 sq/ft Working Time: Varies on yard conditions Dimensions: 19.2"L x 19.2"W x 10.6"H Charging Time: 2.5-3 hours Cutting Width: 10" Battery Type: Lithium Ion Cutting Height: 1.75-3" Hill Capability: 27 degrees Weight: 18 lbs Cutting Disc: 4 blades Rain Sensor: No Software: Includes (updates online) Auto Recharge: No Noise Level: Noiseless Alarm: No Assembly: Fully Assembled Low Price Guarantee! |
