Michael Dobry, of Slade Industrial Landscape, offers some tips for keeping your lawn neat. If you're using a gas-powered edger (the kind with wheels), first familiarize yourself with it: check to see that the oil and gas levels are okay, then check the belt and blade. Don't forget safety: - You may want to use a face shield instead of safety glasses because of flying debris, such as snails, rocks and dirt.
- It's also a good idea to have some kind of ear protection.
- Make sure that when you are edging you are aware of things behind and around you: people, cars and windows.
- Remember to keep the edger blade about 1" to 1-1/2" deep (figure A).
- Never use power edgers on plastic edging.
Note: - Power edgers are great for long, straight runs. There are also electric and hand-push models for smaller jobs. String trimmers, or weed eaters, are also used around trees, lights, rocks and fences (figure B).
- Inspect the trimmer, your safety equipment and your surroundings.
Tip: - Keep both ends of the string to the edge of the guard.
- Always try to walk forward while using the string trimmer, and watch out for trees and shrubs. Since one of the major problems with tree growth is string-trimmer damage to the tree's cambium layer, a good solution is either to remove 6" to 12" of turf or to create a planter around the tree. If you use rocks, some hand edging may be needed.
Gadget Dude: Hose Reels and Pots The Gadget Dude demonstrates several ways to keep your garden hose neatly rolled -- and even totally hidden -- when it's not in use. - Hose pot (figure C)
- Hose reel (figure D)
- Hose caddy (figure E).
Web site resources for edging and string-trimming a yard: Trimming Tips A Properly Edged Lawn Can Save Lawn Care Time
GUESTS :
Michael Dobry
Slade Industrial Landscape
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