Arborvitae

One of the most popular screening plants, arborvitae is a thickly adorned evergreen that comes in a range of shapes, from dwarf globes of just one to two feet all the way up to 30-foot upright giants. Although shorter arborvitae are commonly used as foundation plants, taller ones serve as screens and hedges, providing plenty of privacy.

Arborvitae are tough, hardy plants that can withstand drought once established. Unfortunately, they’re susceptible to winter burn, i.e. desiccation due to drying winter winds. And deer and rabbits will eat up the lower portions during difficult winters. Wrapping in burlap or applying an anti-desiccant spray will help the former, while temporary fencing should alleviate the latter.

Best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.

Garden Dome Three-Pack

Walmart’s greenhouse kit sale section has tons of different types of greenhouses to choose from. If you’re shopping for just a few plants, it’s worth checking out this garden dome three-pack. These plant covers work similarly to a greenhouse—they seal in heat and protect small plants from the elements while they germinate.

The best part? You can snag three of them for only $10 after a discount of 38%.

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With more organic weed killers hitting the market every growing season, I chatted with an expert about what they are and how they work.

Meet The Expert

Heather Johnson is the lead horticulturist at Bachman’s Floral and Garden in Minneapolis, Minn., where she specializes in diagnosing and managing plant diseases in everything from turf to pine trees.

She discovered her love of gardening at a young age, which led her to a degree in plant biology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in plant pathology from the University of California-Davis. Johnson says even in her spare time, she’s consumed by plants. “I currently have over 100 houseplants and spend a little time every day tending to them,” she says.

Choosing The Right Herbicide

Whatever the time of year or the conditions,  you can treat unwanted weeds or grass in environmentally friendly ways — from preemergent to post-emergent, selective and nonselective varieties. But read labels and choose products with care.

“A lot of the organic options are burn-down herbicides, meaning the roots will remain intact and be able to regrow new shoots later,” Johnson says. “[And] salt and vinegar can remain in the soil after killing the intended weeds, which can affect the growth of wanted plants in the area later on.”

To choose what’s best for your lawn or garden, Johnson suggests you start by answering these questions:

What Type of Weeds Are You Trying To Remove?

Common weeds Johnson say most homeowners struggle to control are dandelions, creeping Charlie and crabgrass. The first two are broadleaf weeds. “If your lawn is overrun with these, it’s more likely that the health of the lawn is being impacted, and lawn care besides just weed removal needs to be done,” Johnson said.

The crabgrass problem is so widespread that companies have developed entire lines of herbicides to eliminate it. Though toxic, these can be effective when used correctly. However, Johnson says, “same as with other weeds, if your lawn is overrun with crabgrass, then there are other health issues that need to be addressed.”

How Many Weeds Are You Targeting?

In cases where weeds haven’t overtaken the lawn or appeared in large clusters, Johnson prefers hand weeding with a tool. “It allows me to dig up the entire weed without the potential of damaging the lawn,” she says.

On the other hand, if the whole lawn is overrun with weeds, she suggests “reseeding along with testing the soil to understand the health of the grass and what nutrients may be needed to amend it.”

When Are You Applying the Weed Killer?

“Some weeds are best handled preemergence, and some weeds are best handled post-emergence,” says Johnson. “Crabgrass can be handled pre- or post-emergence, with the most effective time being preemergence, in April or May, to avoid harming the lawn.”

Broadleaf weeds are best ­handled post-emergence, she says, “as long as it’s before they flower and spread.”

Earth-Friendly Weed Killers Worth Checking Out

Espoma Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food is the best environmentally friendly product for established lawns. It’s made of pure corn gluten meal, so it’s safe for children and pets to play on even immediately after application.

Besides inhibiting weed growth, this product also feeds the lawn, ensuring it stays green and healthy. Johnson says organic and preemergent lawn products are “typically a fertilizer or germination inhibitor that won’t kill already established grass but will prevent any new plants from germinating.”

For best results, apply the Espoma Organic Weed Preventer twice a year, once in early spring and again in early fall.

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A.D.I.O.S Selective Bio-Herbicide

A.D.I.O.S. Selective Bio-Herbicide is becoming increasingly popular in parts of the United States where conventional herbicides are restricted. Salt, its active ingredient, can be used against broadleaf weeds like dandelions, creeping Charlie and thistles.

A.D.I.O.S. meets all USDA organic standards and has been approved in commercial organic farming. But use sparingly. Overuse of salt-based products can negatively affect the quality of soil in the long run.

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Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer is a potent, nonselective vinegar-based product. It’s made from ethanol distilled from corn grain and a concentrated vinegar containing four times the acetic acid of traditional household vinegar.

Biodegradable and nontoxic, this Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certified formula will safely remove all types of weeds from driveways, sidewalks and mulch beds.

Most environmentally friendly weed killers must be sprayed directly on a growing weed so the active ingredients are absorbed. Johnson suggests using “nonselective sprays such as this in an isolated area, where it’s easy to target individual weeds.”

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Make Your Own All Natural Weed Killer

A mixture of vinegar, salt and dish soap can be an effective spot treatment for weeds, according to Johnson. Concentrated vinegar works because it’s stronger than the household variety, usually at near 20% acetic acid.

The salt and acetic acid present in vinegar cause unwanted plants to dehydrate, wither and die. And the dish soap enhances the effectiveness by breaking down the plant’s outer layer (cuticle).

Mix one gallon of vinegar, one ounce of dish soap and one cup of salt in a plastic bottle and spray directly on weeds. Apply the mixture on a sunny day with no wind. Because vinegar-based products are nonselective weed killers, they will harm nearby plants if you don’t spray carefully. “If used in small amounts, this shouldn’t affect the soil long term,” Johnson said.

Eliminating Weeds Without Weed Killers

If you’re still feeling uneasy about using any weed killer, environmentally friendly or not, other means are available to do the job.

Try pouring boiling water on sidewalk, driveway or patio weeds. The water scalds the unwanted weed, and any runoff will cool on the impervious surface before it reaches other plants.

To eradicate weeds from nonflammable areas like cracks in sidewalks and gravel driveways, a propane torch is another effective alternative. Weeds growing on dry or combustible materials should never be torched. Nor should poison ivy or other poisonous plants because their smoke can cause serious allergic reactions.

For large areas of your yard, or between rows of vegetables in your planter boxes, consider solarizing or smothering the soil.

To solarize, place a transparent plastic tarp over the soil. The tarp prevents water absorption while heating the soil and ultimately killing all vegetation. To smother, place layers of newspaper or old shower curtains on the soil to block the sun and moisture.

One of the most effective ways to maintain a weed-free lawn is by following a lawn care schedule. Johnson recommends keeping a lawn calendar that outlines when to do each maintenance task, like mowing, fertilizing and thatching.

“Following those tips and hand-removing weeds when they are present is a good way to mitigate weeds without the use of any chemicals,” she says. If your lawn is more than 50% weeds, Johnson said it’s best to reseed the whole lawn.

Not only does Cub Cadet offer excellent quality machines at great price points, but they also carry both electric and gas-powered mowers. Cub Cadet’s gas-powered riding mowers are powerful enough for those with large yards and fields. On the other hand, electric Cub Cadet Riding Mowers offer a battery-powered function, which means a quieter ride with zero emissions.

To decide on the best option, consider the area you’ll need to cover and the cost of gas versus electricity. Regardless of the version you choose, Cub Cadet mowers come with a best-in-class three-year, unlimited-hour warranty.

What is a Cub Cadet Riding Mower?

Cub Cadet is an American company that manufactures and sells outdoor power equipment, including riding mowers. Currently, there are three Cub Cadet Riding Mowers types: lawn and garden tractors, zero-turn mowers and electric riding mowers.

Lawn and garden tractors are the highest-powered versions of riding mowers that Cub Cadet offers. They’re best for larger areas and come with various attachments and accessories for year-round versatility and utility.

Zero-turn riding mowers allow users to get mowing jobs done 50% faster and are engineered to handle a range of terrains. They can cover up to five acres, with steering wheel options that make the user experience easier.

Electric riding mowers offer the same powerful performance with zero emissions, thanks to a powerful and convenient lithium-ion battery. The absence of a gas engine makes these machines some of the quietest on the market.

How to Use a Cub Cadet Riding Mower

Cub Cadet Riding Mowers come in gas and electric versions, meaning you will either need to charge the batteries or fill the tank with gas before using it for the first time. Electric model batteries are fully charged in four hours and last up to one and a half hours or up to two acres. On average, gas-powered Cub Cadet Riding Mowers use about three gallons of gas for every 2 hours of use.

As with any new machinery, it’s essential to  thoroughly read the user manual before use. To help you learn how to use your Cub Cadet riding mower, we recommend viewing the instructional videos and troubleshooting tips on the Cub Cadet website.

Here are the stats on some of their most popular models that will help you decide which machine is right for your job:

Cub Cadet Electric Mini Riding Mower

The Cub Cadet Electric Mini Riding Mower has a powerful 56-volt max lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet. The battery lets you mow up to one acre (or for one hour) on a single charge without power fade, and it recharges in about four hours. As with all electric machines, there’s no need for oil, filer or spark plug changes (which can become costly).

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Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Cub Cadet’s gas-powered Zero-Turn Riding Mower has a premium 23-horsepower twin-cylinder OHV engine, which boasts commercial-grade power to meet the toughest demands. The dual-hydrostatic transmissions allow for a quick 7 mph forward (or 3.5 mph reverse) ground speed that leaves your lawn with a professional-quality finish. Its 50-inch AeroForce fabricated deck delivers a signature cut with fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness.

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Cub Cadet Enduro Lawn and Garden Tractor

The Cub Cadet Enduro Series Lawn and Garden Tractor has a gas-powered, 23-horsepower Kohler 7000 Series twin-cylinder engine. It features a 46-inch stamped, 12-gauge twin-blade deck with 12 cutting positions. It also has an optimized steering system for responsive handling and a 16-inch turn radius with a zero-turn feel.

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The Best Cub Cadet Riding Mower Reviews

Five-star reviewer Clark R. says assembly of his Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower was “straightforward and painless.”

“After checking all fluids, pins, etc, some gas and fired right up,” he writes. “What use to take over an hour with the old 30 inch cutter now takes 20 minutes with far less gas consumption.”

J. Blair is on his second Cub Cadet Riding Mower (a CC30E Electric Mini Riding Mower) and says, “Cub Cadet never has disappointed. This is my second cub cadet tractor, and I believe there isn’t a better one out there.”

When it comes to using the electric version, Maeck Dude says, “The Cub [CC30E Electric] mini is amazing. It mows like a champ, even the thick stuff. The mulcher works like a charm, and the electric motor is easy to clean and lasts over an hour. I would highly recommend it for towing stuff as well. It will not mow steep hills and tends to want to slide on a steep slope but it’s really a marvel I’m so impressed with the quality of the machine.”

Where to Buy a Cub Cadet Riding Mower

You can buy a Cub Cadet Riding Mower directly from the company’s webpage, or from Walmart.

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Owning a wood chipper will save you time and money and make tree care easier in the long haul. Why wait to hire someone expensive when you could do it yourself?

What is the Power King Chipper Shredder Kit?

It’s no wonder owners call this powerful chipper a beast. The Power King Chipper boasts an impressive 14-horsepower, four-cycle Kohler engine. Plus, the heavy-duty blades can demolish lengthy limbs without incident.

With its large hopper, you can feed this hungry beast with ease. We also love the rotating shoot, which puts the finely shredded mulch wherever you want.

Perfect for homeowners with heavily-wooded or large properties, the Power King can roam your jungle (er, yard) for its next meal. This machine is easily towable with an all-terrain vehicle or small tractor. 

The Power King Chipper Kit includes an extendable wheelbase, a removable tool-free tow bar, a weatherproof cover and extra blades. Power King also offers a similar model with an electric start, but it is hundreds of dollars more.

Pros

• Easy recoil start
• 360-degree rotating exit shoot
• Removable tow bar
• Extended axle
• Comes with extra blades
• Weatherproof cover included
• 14 horsepower engine
• 3-year engine warranty

Cons

• Cannot be towed on the road

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How to Use the Power King Chipper

Safety first, please. Grab your goggles and gloves—this is a powerful machine. Place the chipper on a flat surface and adjust the exit shoot to direct the output of the pulverized material. Then, simply feed the branches with the large diameter side first. When the beast begins to chew, let go of the branch, as auto-feed should kick in.

It will be greedy for more, but don’t stuff it too full. Make sure to allow it to chew before adding additional material. With a little practice, feeding your beast will become your favorite chore. For more information, we recommend referring to the user guide for in-depth start up and maintenance procedures. 

The Best Power King Chipper Reviews 

Home Depot customer, David says, “A workhorse. Took care of everything I threw in it and then some from storm damage on 8+ acres. Towed great using the wide wheel base set up. Set up was easy but a second set of hands is needed. Solid piece of equipment.”

Ed Abel gave the Power King five stars, “Much Better than Hoped! I was hesitant to start with 2″ thick branches; I incorrectly assumed that the chipper must at least stall if the entire branch were tossed in. Whoa! It’s gone without any hesitation. At first I held onto, and slowly fed, the Juniper branches thinking that they would stall and jam the blades. The machine told me to “let go”; so I did and the chips flew out the chute. Again, no stall nor jam. Soon the 3″ and 4″ limbs were being chewed up and spit out. I could relax, ‘feed the machine’, and watch the brush pile disappear. Satisfied.”

BigDibbs echoes many user reviews, “This chipper is a beast, easy to put together and operate. I use a hand dolly with a hitch to move it around by hand and it is easy. Well balanced and easy to maneuver around. Shredded two large trees in one afternoon. Not designed for shredding smaller items but does chop it up a bit, though it prefers larger branches.”

Where to Buy the Power King Chipper

The Power King Chipper Shredder is poised and ready to help you tackle the toughest branches. Grab yours today at Home Depot or Walmart.

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Best Overall Hedge Trimmer

Senix Hedge Trimmer

The Senix Hedge Trimmer delivers gas-powered strength at a budget-friendly price. Notably, this model uses a four-cycle engine, so it doesn’t require mixing gas and oil and generates less noise and fumes than a typical two-cycle trimmer.

Its 22-inch blade cuts at 2,000 strokes per minute (SPM) with a one-inch cutting gap. The rear handle swivels, allowing you to make cuts in all directions without twisting your hand and forearm into an uncomfortable position.

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Ergonomic design
• Three-year warranty
• Four-cycle engine

Cons

• Can overheat

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Battery-powered lawn tools make yard maintenance a joy–you’ll enjoy their lightweight and quiet nature. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about dealing with gas or cumbersome cords.

Furthermore, if you struggle with replacing your weed whacker string, you’re in luck. The Ego’s cutting-edge technology makes changing the string a breeze, thanks to the push button line feed.

What is the Ego String Trimmer?

Ego makes a variety of string trimmers, and each has slight differences in line feeds and shaft styles. Trying to decide which shaft is right for you? The telescoping aluminum shaft is lightweight, while the carbon fiber shaft is strong enough for commercial use and abuse.  We’re especially impressed with the Powerload series’ intuitive technology and self-feeding line.

The Ego String Trimmer with Powerload has built-in self-loading technology. With the push of a button, the Ego Power+ Powerload String Trimmer automatically loads the trimmer line. Say goodbye to the frustration of hand-winding the line and get back to work faster.

For uninterrupted trimming, the Eco String Trimmer with Line IQ automatically senses the line feed, maintaining a 16-inch cutting swath. No need to bump it to feed it.

How to Use the Ego String Trimmer

Simply charge the battery and assemble the product using the included screws to get started. The quick telescoping aluminum shaft makes this machine adaptable for any size person or situation. Just insert the battery and push the start button.

The Ego String Trimmer with Powerload has two speeds, and the handle is adjustable, too. Flip it, and the machine doubles as a lawn edger.

The 56-volt battery is interchangeable with compatible Ego products and boasts 45 minutes of run time for large jobs.

We love the ease and versatility of these trimmers. Ego has thought about the user experience and designed an innovative product to make your chores fast and enjoyable.

The Best Ego String Trimmer Amazon Reviews

Reviewers rave about the Ego Power+Powerload Trimmer. Even hardcore gas guys are impressed with the Ego’s power and ease of use.

Amazon customer, Robert Rushia sees no reason not to go with an Ego Trimmer, “The automatic line feed works like a dream. The adjustable shaft is bonus. After a lifetime of messing with fuel mixes and pulling a cord in hopes of making a gas engine come to life, this trimmer is predictable and light and quiet.” 

George Johnson is impressed, “Powerful with long lasting battery. Best feature is the power auto line replacement. ..less than 60 second it’s done.”

Lisa says, “It is absolutely perfect. The way it is constructed allows me to position it close enough to my body that my arms do not get sore. I have about a quarter acre and was able to trim the edges with no problem for the battery. This thing has a ton of power. I used it on low for 90% of the time and it handled everything great with little blow back. Turned it on high a couple times and it ripped through. Very happy with it.”

Rick Camaro gave the Eco String Trimmer five enthusiastic stars, “Best Weed Eater, Very Light & Easy To Use, Very Easy To String, Would Never Want Anything Else!”

Where to Buy the Ego String Trimmer

Ego offers a five-year manufacturer’s warranty on the product with a three-year warranty for the battery. These trimmers are sure to save time and frustration for homeowners and professional landscapers alike. New Ego users will want to buy the cost-saving kit that includes the battery and charger.

Ego String Trimmers are available at Lowe’s, Amazon and Walmart.

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Best Overall

Sun Joe 2-in-1 Convertible Pole Saw

This Sun Joe pole saw easily converts into a handheld chainsaw, ensuring you’re prepared for pretty much any landscaping pruning project. The extendable handle allows the average user to reach branches up to 15 feet high, and the 8-Amp motor is strong enough to tackle branches up to 7.5 inches thick. It also has an impressive built-in chainsaw safety switch, which prevents the chain from activating accidentally. The plastic blade cover makes this option safe to store as well.

Pros

• Multi-functional design
• Surprisingly low price for all it offers
• Non-slip handle

Cons

• May be overkill for occasional users

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Before You Start

Adding an egress window is a big job, and it’s important to plan your project to meet the building requirements in your location. Here are the steps I took before starting to excavate:

Apply for a permit

This process could take a few weeks. My city required detailed plans of the well, the dimensions of the window and rough opening, the size of the header and a drawing of the property, including the house.

Engineered drawing

The retaining walls that made up our well were tall enough to require an engineer’s approval. I sent my plans to a local engineer who gave me a new drawing with a stamp of approval to include with my permit ­application. If you buy a manufactured well, this step is likely unnecessary, but your city’s building department makes the final call.

Call the digging hotline

When you’re digging, even just a few inches, call to have underground utilities located and marked.

Digging is dangerous if you don’t know where the utilities are. If you skip this step and hit a gas, water, or power line underground, you’ll risk the lives of yourself and others, and you’ll be on the hook for the costly repairs. So be sure to call 811 before your project. The process varies by state, so call a few days ahead of your project.

Requirements for Egress Windows

Here are the minimum requirements identified by the building code: 

• The opening needs to be 5.7 square feet.
• The minimum width is 20 inches.
• The minimum height is 24 inches. 
• The well needs to provide a clear space of 3-ft. x 3-ft. when the window is open.
• From the inside, the sill height cannot exceed 44 inches

Dig the Window Well

Following my plans, I drew the window well location with marking paint. I rented a mini excavator to make the ­digging much easier. It was well worth the $450 to avoid hand ­digging.

Have a plan for the dirt you’re removing; it will be more than you anticipate. We took the nearly 10 cubic yards of dirt to a nearby compost site.

]]> https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/best-types-of-mulch-landscape/ Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:39:16 +0000 https://www.familyhandyman.com/?post_type=listicle&p=510034 Need to add mulch to your yard? From wood chips to pine needles, discover the top types of mulch and how to use them.

But for in-ground pool owners in cold climates, partial draining is necessary for winterizing a pool. Here’s a look at when you might need to let some of the water out.

Why Should You Drain Your Pool?

Ask almost any pool professional if you should completely empty your in-ground pool, and the answer will be a resounding no.

“I never recommend a full drain of any swimming pool unless you are being advised by a pool professional,” says John Bodden, an operations support advisor for America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP). “Totally draining a pool should be done only for repairs and only a last option.”

Without the weight of the water to stabilize it, Bodden says, the pool walls could collapse, or the pool will pop out of the ground. But draining an in-ground pool isn’t an all-or-nothing task, at least not in normal circumstances.

In areas where temperatures routinely drop below 41 degrees, draining some water as part of passive winterization will help protect the structure, pipes and equipment from freeze damage. It also prevents the potential for overflow should the pool water freeze and expand.

How To Drain an In-Ground Pool

When you drain an in-ground pool for passive winterization, you lower the waterline to just below the skimmer level and flush water from the pipes. The key is not taking out so much water that you compromise the pool structure. Bodden outlines the following steps:

• With the pool system off, open your backwash valve (or drain line if you have one).
• Close off all skimmer lines with a plug or the valve(s) on the suction side of the pump.
• Ensure you’ll be drawing water from only the main drain (if equipped).
• Turn on the pool pump to begin lowering the water level.
• Once the water level is below the skimmer inlet, shut down the pump and equipment.
• Make sure to shut off all pool equipment and light breakers so low water levels don’t damage any equipment.

At this point, most cold-climate pool owners cover their pool for the winter. It can be a ready-made cover to fit your particular pool, or a heavy-duty tarp held in place with water bags. Be sure to keep snow from accumulating, melting and freezing on top of your pool cover. Remove fresh snow with a leaf blower or long-handled, wide push broom.

You can also install a pool air pillow under the cover. This creates a bow in the middle of the pool so snow will roll off instead of accumulating. Another option: A pool cover pump that activates when there’s water on top of the cover.

Bodden says before you start, check with your local municipality about where you can drain all that pool water. It may not allow chlorinated or salt pool water into flood or street drains.

And draining into your own yard isn’t necessarily a safe option. The water might harm your lawn and some trees. Not to mention, it may be bad for birds, small animals and beneficial insects that call your lawn home.

“A pool professional can advise you on these questions,” says Bodden.

How Much Does It Cost To Drain a Pool?

If you DIY, the costs are minimal. Bodden says some in-ground pools lack systems for backwash or self-draining, so you’ll need a submerged pump attached to a garden hose.

If you hire a pro, expect to pay around $115 per hour for what usually amounts to a couple of hours of work.

Geraniums

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, geraniums can be overwintered by taking cuttings, bringing the plant indoors or saving them as bare-root dormant plants. The best method depends on whether you have a suitable sunny spot indoors to put the geraniums.

Geraniums need to be near a sunny window or under grow lights. They also prefer the temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees, cooler than most of our homes. In early spring, prune back the geraniums by about half to encourage new growth before taking them back outside.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!

Make your yard extra festive for Halloween by highlight your blooming flower beds with a row of real pumpkins. This simple yet highly impactful idea from @priscillablain started with picking out pumpkins in different shapes, colors and sizes from her local pumpkin farm. Then she placed them in front of her flower beds, creating a natural border.

Introduction to Hydrangeas

Due to their versatility and ability to thrive in various zones, hydrangeas are a popular choice for home gardens.

Hydrangeas come in several varieties. Mophead hydrangeas are the most popular and come in different colors, including white. White flowers do not react to the pH of the soil; there’s no way to alter their natural color outside of actually dyeing the plant.

Pink and blue varieties, however, can be changed, and the color of these blossoms is directly related to the pH of the soil. Blue flowers indicate acidic soil while pink flowers indicate alkaline.

Plenty of other plants can be used as pH indicators for solutions, like red cabbage and butterfly pea flowers. But hydrangeas are the only plant that changes color based on soil pH. That’s important because blossom color will give you an idea of what other kinds of plants you can grow in your soil.

Before you focus on color, make sure you have enough flowers to begin with, and you’re pruning them correctly. Different varieties produce their buds at different times, and pruning at the wrong time can result in fewer blossoms the following year.

How to Change Your Soil to Get Blue Hydrangeas

To get blue blossoms, your soil needs to be acidic, ideally from 5.0 to 5.2. This pH allows the hydrangeas to better absorb aluminum in the soil. Blueberries, raspberries and other common flower varieties do well in acidic soil. So if you’re looking to plant those in your garden, blue blossoms indicate your soil is ready.

Adding aluminum sulfate to your soil will lower the pH and give your hydrangeas the aluminum needed to produce the blue hue. Lowering your soil’s pH is not an overnight fix; it takes time. If you simply want the blue flowers, consider planting them in pots where you have much more control over the soil pH.

More Alkaline Soil Will Result in Pink Blossoms

Most plants prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.3. Getting the pH to the top of this range will result in a slightly alkaline composition. This means any aluminum in the soil will be harder for the plant to absorb, and so the flowers will be pink. If your soil pH is between 5.2 and 6.0, you may end up with pink and blue blossoms.

Lilacs, garlic and asparagus all prefer more alkaline soil. Pink flowers are a good indicator the soil is ready for them. If your soil is not already alkaline, add lime to raise the pH. As with the blue flowers, if you’d rather not wait for the soil pH to adjust, consider putting them in pots rather than directly in the ground.

Whether you’re contemplating a new well for drinking water or irrigation, or as an emergency water source, you’ll almost certainly be working with licensed well pros using specialized, heavy-duty drilling or driving equipment.

Before the digging begins, you’ll have some planning to do, and you’ll probably need permits. Many municipal and county health authorities strictly regulate wells, including their location, depth and structural components. A well has to be a specified distance from neighboring wells, septic fields and sewer pipes, so the location that seems ideal to you at first may not be where you end up digging it.

In a nutshell, here’s what’s involved with the process of digging a well:

How to Dig a Well

Well pros transport drills and drivers to the well site in large trucks with booms that extend straight up for 20 feet or more. The two most common techniques are drilling with a boring bit and driving, which involves pounding a hollow, heavy pile into the ground. Driven wells are typically 30 to 50 feet deep, while drilled wells can go down hundreds of feet.

After they’ve dug the hole — or while they’re digging it — technicians feed in a casing to prevent dirt from falling into the well. It’s usually a four- to eight-inch steel pipe formed with 20-foot threaded sections.

The final step is installing the well pump. There are two kinds. If the well is deeper than 100 feet, an impeller pump goes on the end of a 1-1/2- or 2-in. supply pipe inserted in the casing and pushes water to the surface. If the well is less than 100 feet deep, a siphon pump connected to the supply pipe and mounted at ground level sucks water out of the well.

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Well?

According to 2022 data from the state of California, the national average cost just for drilling a well is $9,180, with a range from $3,750 to $15,300. Per-foot costs are from $25 to $40 for a four-inch-wide well, $30 to $65 for a six-inch well and $60 to $100 for an eight-inch well. Per-foot costs vary by depth and soil conditions.

Much more goes into a well system than just the hole in the ground. Some of the average costs for auxiliary equipment include:

• Well casing: $250 to $2,500;
• Well pump: $300 to $2,000;
• Electrical wiring and controls: $500 to $1,500;
• Pressure tank and switch: $300 to $2,500.

On top of that, permits cost from $350 to $700. And you may need extra labor and storage tanks, depending on your system layout.

Our system utilizes above-ground, unpressurized storage tanks to hold water because the wellhead is at a much lower elevation than the house, and the well is more than 200 feet deep. It would be impractical for the well pump to deliver pressurized water to the pressure tank from that far down, so we have an auxiliary jet pump to pressurize the tank.

The previous owners dug the well and installed the system, and it’s a fair bet it cost them well over $15,300. We recently spent $12,000 just to clean the casing and replace the pump.

How to Choose a Location

Contamination by surface water is a significant problem, and shallow wells are more vulnerable than deep ones. Areas that flood or are subject to heavy rain runoff are generally unsuitable. So are heavily fertilized plots of land, because fertilizer leaches into the groundwater.

To prevent contamination, the gap between the outside of casing and the ground must be well sealed. This is usually accomplished by pouring bentonite clay into the gap. A powder when dry, it absorbs water and hardens in the ground.

Be Sure to Test the Water

While shallow wells may be vulnerable to surface contamination, deep ones can have unacceptable concentrations of iron, calcium and other minerals — possibly even radioactive ones.

Besides being unpleasant to drink and possibly harmful, super “hard” water can create problems for the plumbing and may need to be filtered. Soil composition and rocks greatly affect water quality, so before digging it’s prudent to check with local soil engineers. After digging, test the water by collecting a sample and sending it to a lab for analysis.

Is a Well a Good Alternative to Municipal Water?

If there’s no access to municipal water, a well is the only option. But some property owners have a choice. If you’re one of them, consider the following:

• Well water may contain minerals, but it’s free of additives some people consider undesirable, such as chlorine and fluorine.
• There’s no guarantee the water table will stay at its current height. If the well dries up, you’ll have to dig it deeper or dig another one.
• Well water is free, but the electricity needed to pump and pressurize it isn’t. If you have a well, your electricity bill will go up.
• The well pump won’t work during a power outage. A back-up power system is highly recommended.
• The municipality maintains a municipal system. All maintenance and repairs to a well system, on the other hand, are your responsibility.

Invasives are defined as nonnative, adaptable plants that reproduce by seeds, stems and roots. These are spread by wind, deposited by birds or carried into new areas by people, pets and visiting wildlife. Left unchecked, they can spread rapidly, choking out native plants or the flowers and shrubs you’ve planted. Once invasive plant species gain a foothold, they crowd out the native plants that birds, pollinators and other wildlife depend upon.

Of course, it’s not just weeds that can be nuisance plants. Some of your favorite additions to the garden can take over and crowd out neighboring plants you’ve worked hard to grow. So if you love lilies or black-eyed Susans, but hate the way they can run wild over your garden there’s an easy to way to help control aggressive plants like that that have spreading root systems.

You don’t need much in the way of tools and materials, just a few common items that almost every gardener has on hand. In addition to a plastic pot or pail, you’ll need a spade or some kind of digging tool that you’d use for planting and a utility knife. Once you have the tools and materials gathered up, it’s time to get started.

Make sure your plastic pot or pail is at least 10-in. deep. Then, cut the bottom off of it. Set the container in the ground. Replant spreading plants inside it to hold in the roots. It will look something like this:

If you love lilies and black-eyed Susans, but hate the way they’re taking over your garden and choking out other plants, here’s what you can do:

Many plants multiply by dropping seeds and by sending out roots that establish new plants. A layer of mulch will prevent the seeds from taking root. But to stop those aggressive roots, you need a solid barrier. Replant the spreading plants inside underground “corrals.” The plastic corrals should extend at least 10 in. below ground to prevent the roots from sneaking under them. This trick won’t work with plants such as strawberries or mint that spread above ground.

I bought a bow saw, pole saw, pruners, loppers and a gas chain saw. I did much of the work myself and hired a professional tree service to take out the big ones closest to the house.

These days, I don’t use those tools much except when a windstorm knocks down a limb or two. Instead of digging out the entire tree tool collection, I grabbed the Stihl GTA 26 Pruner to see if it would work for these small and medium branches and limbs.

What Is the Stihl GTA 26 Pruner?

The Stihl GTA 26 is a compact, handheld battery-operated pruner weighing 2.7 lbs. It’s got a condensed four-inch chain saw with a quarter-inch PM3 chain to make smooth cuts with next to no vibration.

It also features an LED display, safe trigger lockout switch and a comfortable ergonomic rubber grip. The Stihl GTA 26 ships with a powerful AS 2 battery, charger, lubricating oil and a carrying case.

Like other Stihl products, the GTA 26 pruner looks and feels sturdy and well-made. It even features a tiny version of their trademark bright orange guide bar scabbard to keep it safe and sound during storage or transport.

How We Tested It

I had a single limb come down from a maple tree during a recent storm. I broke it down with the Stihl pruner and took to the county compost heap for disposal.

While I was there, I asked the attendant if I could use his 20-foot tall pile of limbs and branches to further test the Shihl GTA 26. With his approval, I got after the pile, keeping a close eye on battery life, cuts made, and overall performance on different thicknesses and types of branches.

Performance Review

Performance

With the battery charged, I began cutting the downed maple limb in my yard. The limb was nearly 17 feet long and close to five inches in diameter at its fattest.

The GTA 26 pruner had no problem with this task. It cut up the branch in no time, though it required multiple passes and one rotation on the thick final cut. Though better on branches less than 2-1/2-in. thick, it handled thicknesses up to 3-1/2-in. in a single, methodical pass.

The Stihl GTA 26 was comfortable to carry and use, producing more cutting power than I expected from a compact battery operated pruner.

The same was true at the compost heap. Again, starting with a full battery, I performed 83 cuts over 29 minutes before the battery ran out. It again worked best on branches less than 2-1/2-in. thick. Unsurprisingly, it cut through softer woods like Pine and Aspen with no problem.

Value

If you compare similar pruning products, you’ll quickly find are all roughly the same price when you include the battery and charger. However, the GTA 26 was the first of its kind in the U.S. market. Plus, Stihl is an industry leader in high-quality lawn and garden tools.

Although it may seem like you’re spending a lot on another garden tool in your collection, know that it’s a well-built and dependable one.

Reliability and durability

The reputation of Stihl tools has long been based on durability and dependability, and those traits held here. The GTA 26 looks and feels sturdy and strong. It features high quality, well-made components like the PM3 saw chain and stout AS 2 battery. If properly used and maintained, these will function for many years down the road.

Ease of Use

The trigger operated Stihl GTA 26 is as user friendly as they come. The LED display gives you up-to-the-second charge readings and tool status information.

There are also multiple safety components like a retractable chain guard and trigger lockout switch for ensuring safe operation. Even maintenance and lubrication on the GTA 26 is painless, thanks to the tool-less, single-wingnut bar and chain access.

Why You Should Buy This

The Stihl GTA 26 is ideal for light cutting around the yard. The foolproof, trigger operated pruner is lightweight, strong, agile and well-made.

The tool comes with everything you need to get it running. And it’s made by Stihl, one of the best known and respected brands in the field. Once you get your hands on one of these, you’ll never pick up your pruning shears, lopper or bow saw again.

Where to Buy

The Stihl GTA 26 pruner is available at Ace Hardware.

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Personally, I’m diligent about applying sunscreen. At least, I thought I was. But after succumbing to the dermatologist’s scalpel, I’ve learned I don’t reapply nearly as much as I should, and rarely have sunscreen available when I need more.

Because of this, I started a small collection of UV protective clothing. After noticing Dickies made a line of warm weather work wear, I ordered one of their sun shirts and gave it a try.

What Is The Dickies Temp-iQ Cooling Performance Long Sleeve Sun Shirt?

This Dickies Temp-iQ Cooling Performance Long Sleeve Sun Shirt, made of 60% polyester and 40% cotton, is built to withstand the abuse summer outdoor activities can bring. It features a built-up, raglan neckline, teamed with UPF 40+ sun protection to keep harmful rays at bay no matter the conditions.

The advanced Temp-iQ intelligent cooling fabric effectively controls your core body temperature while wicking away moisture, keeping you cool and dry. It features a comfortable hood and anchor thumb-holes to provide extra coverage for your head and hands. There’s also a appreciated chest pocket so you don’t misplace your carpenter’s pencil or ear plugs around the jobsite.

The Dickies Temp-iQ Long Sleeve Performance Sun Shirt comes in five colors and sizes from small to 4-XL.

How We Tested It

I ordered the Dickies sun shirt right before a ten-day heat wave in the middle of July. I had no specific outdoor projects in mind to test the shirt, but plenty of menial daily tasks to put it through the ringer.

Over the ten-day period, I wore the Dickies Temp-iQ Sun Shirt every time I worked outdoors — mowing the lawn, painting part of the garage, breaking down fallen limbs from a storm, splitting firewood, even removing a wasp nest. While testing the shirt, I was most interested in how well the Temp-iQ fabric protected me from the sun. I was equally interested in the shirt’s general fit, comfort, utility and cleaning instructions.

Performance Review

Initially the long-sleeved, hooded sun shirt felt warm. However, once I focused on the task at hand, my clothing became irrelevant. I quickly learned the Dickies Sun Shirt is comfortable and breathable, and the moisture wicking top notch. On two occasions I got stuck in a spontaneous rain shower only to be dry and cool minutes later.

I am also impressed by the strength of the Dickies Temp-iQ Sun Shirt. The durable fabric feels thicker and less flexible than other UV protectant shirts I’ve owned for fishing and other outdoor uses, but it’s just as comfortable. While breaking down the branch pile, I worried about the shirt tearing or snagging on pointed limb ends, pruning shears or bow saw teeth. It came through it unscathed.

The Dickies Temp-iQ Sun Shirt washing instructions are standard: machine wash on cold with like colors and tumble dry low. But something else caught my attention when reading the instructions — the UPF 40+ sun protection is only effective for 10 washes!

After doing some research, it seems the UV protection wears down slowly over time. Though your Dickies Temp-iQ Sun Shirt won’t have the full UPF 40+ protection after ten washes, it’s still better for mowing the lawn than that concert tee you picked up a few summers back.

The extra-large shirt fits well. It offers comfortable sleeves, thumb-holes, neckline and hood to accommodate a big man. I just wish the shirt was a few inches longer. Multiple times during my yard work, I picked up a stick or sprinted away after spraying a wasp nest and felt a burst of hot air straight up my back. By adding a few inches to the bottom, Dickies would have a slam-dunk product more enjoyable for the wearer.

Why You Should Buy This

If you play or work in the sun, or need extra sun protection, take care of yourself with the Dickies Temp-iQ Cooling Performance Long Sleeve Sun Shirt. It’s comfortable, durable, moisture wicking and easy to care for. No more farmers tan for your partner or children to tease you about!

Pros

• UPF 40+ sun protection;
• Breast pocket;
• Comfortable;
• Breathable;
• Great moisture wicking;
• Stout durability.

Cons

• UV protection washes out over time;
• Too short.

Where To Buy

The Dickies Temp-iQ Cooling Performance Long Sleeve Sun Shirt is available from Amazon or at Dickies.com.

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One of the most interesting camping products I’ve seen in a long time is the Zippo AxeSaw, a lightweight, well-designed multi-tool for preparing firewood. I’m a sucker for these strangely engineered niche tools, so I ordered one up to try out.

What is the Zippo AxeSaw?

The Zippo AxeSaw is a bow saw, hatchet and mallet in one.

The 15-inch stainless steel saw blade can cut limbs up four inches thick. It also features a hardened five-inch, 420-alloy stainless steel axe head and a heavy-duty mallet capable of driving tent stakes in even the hardest of soils. The durable polymer handle includes storage for multiple saw blades and a flip-over cam for self-adjusting tension.

The AxeSaw looks and feels durable and well made. The saw and hatchet blades provide top-notch corrosion resistance. And the polymer handle and dual function saw handle/safety sheath feel comfortable and sturdy in the hand.

How We Tested It

Like other multi-tools, I tested each distinctive function of the Zippo AxeSaw. I split some logs with the hatchet, broke down a pile of branches and limbs with the bow saw, and hammered several stakes with the mallet.

Because of its unique shape, I carried it in my backpack and in a pack on my dual-sport motorcycle to test its true camping mobility.

Performance Review

Out of the sheath, the hatchet blade came sharp and ready. The stainless-steel blade effortlessly tore through the log’s age dried heartwood. The AxeSaw’s nearly 18-inch handle is a joy to swing and broke the firewood to kindling in no time.

The AxeSaw’s mallet is the butt of the hatchet head. Again, the long handle provided plenty of swing force for driving stakes. But you’d better be accurate with your blows, since the mallet’s face is less than 1-1/2-sq. in. It drive stakes well, and the user’s manual clearly states that’s all you should use it for. Don’t try it with nails.

While splitting thicker logs with the hatchet or delivering arching blows with the mallet, the bow saw blade rattles in the hollow handle. The vibration makes the AxeSaw feel clunky, noisy and poorly constructed. It was more irritating than anything else.

The bow saw was the most efficient tool of the bunch; I broke down a mass of downed limbs after a storm. It easily assembled in seconds, linking the sheath with the self-tensioning cam. From there, the sharp blade did the bulk of the work, smoothly cutting branches in the two- to three-inch diameter range. The AxeSaw proved to a comfortable tool, and the self-tensioning cam effective way at handling many binding cuts.

The unsung hero of the Zippo AxeSaw is its portability. At only 20 inches long and 2.6 lbs., this tool slid easily into my camping pack on the back of my motorcycle. It’s durable, so it won’t break if you drop your pack. As long as I stored the saw and hatchet blades safely, I felt confident packing it with fragile items like a raincoat or drinking water.

Why You Should Buy This

Deep down, a multi-tool provides function in an easy-to-carry package. That’s the Zippo AxeSaw. It’s ideal for camping at a nearby state park or deep in the back country.

It’s well-made and carries a one-year warranty on materials and craftsmanship. This tool isn’t flawless, but it’s become a welcome addition to my camping gear.

Where to Buy

The Zippo AxeSaw is available from the Zippo store on Amazon.com.

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I don’t have much space to take care of, so when it was time to replace my unwieldy corded trimmer, I wanted a cordless yard tool that was also easy to run and maintain. I decided to give the Worx 12-inch string timmer a try. After all, it’s Amazon’s best-selling string trimmer with a 4.5-star rating after more than 21,000 reviews.

What Is the Worx String Trimmer?

Well, like it says, it’s a string trimmer. But it’s actually more than that, too. It converts to an in-line lawn edger with a turn of the head, which makes it easy to quickly take care of grass and weeds growing over your concrete sidewalk or other areas were you might want a crisp line.

The head tilts a full 90 degrees, and the telescoping body can be adjusted with a quick-release lever. That makes it ergonomic to use, and also lets you make necessary adjustments to run it on a hill or squeeze into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. And it weighs less than six pounds.

It comes with two batteries and a charger, which is a nice bonus for a piece of equipment that’s very reasonably priced at just over $100.

How We Tested It

I used it to trim the property around my house over the course of six weeks, so about four times thanks to some surprising summer rains that came a little early.

Right out of the box, set up is easy. It took me less than five minutes to snap the few parts together. After that, I put one of the batteries onto the charger and let it get a full charge before using it.

Performance Review

I started with a long stretch of green space between the sidewalk and the street. It’s not a landscaped section, by any means, just a random collection of Bermuda grass and desert weeds. This was the first cut of the season too, probably a week or so past due for a trim, so everything was getting a little bushy. You don’t have to have the power of a gas trimmer to take care of that space, but some of those weeds are tough enough to chew through string and get a cheap trimmer twisted up. The Worx trimmer had no problems with them. I didn’t even have to let out more string while I was cutting them.

Next, I moved over to a part of my yard where grass grows up between the large landscaping rocks. There’s not a lot of stuff to cut there, but it can be tricky for a trimmer with the stones. Again, no problems with the Worx trimmer. It got in as close as I needed it to against the rocks and wacked the weeds, without leaving me a tiny nub of string once I finished. Along the sidewalk, the in-line edger was helpful for making a nice even cut.

I’ve used it four times, at about 20 minutes per session, since getting the trimmer, and the battery is still holding its initial charge. That’s an added convenience I appreciate about the Worx trimmer.

The caveat to this is that I don’t have a lot of yard to take care of, so I can’t speak to how well this product would do for large yards or those with a particularly stubborn weed patch that’s gotten out of control.

What Others Are Saying

“Awesome little weed eater! I bought this after struggling over and over to start and restart our gas-powered weed eater,” said Aggie, a verified Amazon purchaser. “This one is so lightweight and literally starts with the push of a button!”

Kimber, another verified purchaser, had this to say: “So how does it perform? I love it. A friend stopped by the other day and complimented me on how nice the yard looked. The trimmer is lightweight, and I have a health issue that causes chronic pain at forty-something. The weight, or lack thereof, is a huge relief compared to the gas trimmer collecting dust and spider webs in the garage. I realize the batteries will lose some steam, but right now I have enough to take care of my yard. It is so easy to feed line to that a child could do it.”!

Final Verdict

This is a solid cordless trimmer that gets the job done for most yards. It might not be as powerful as traditional gas-powered string trimmer, but it’s easier to use and doesn’t require the same kind of upkeep. Its feather weight makes and adjustability make it accessible to more users too.

Where to Buy

The Worx 12-inch cordless string trimmer is available from Amazon.

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Bloodgood

“The Bloodgood Japanese maple is my absolute favorite variety,” says Knapp. “It reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, and has a crimson red broad leaf. It’s the perfect ornamental accent tree alongside a house.”

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Best Utility Compost Tumbler

With its two internal compartments and 37-gallon capacity, the axel-mounted FCMP Tumbling Composter is the no-nonsense favorite of online reviewers. Constructed of black, UV-resistant, rodent-proof plastic, it features a sturdy panel that slides off the drum to provide access to both compartments at once.

This compost tumbler has a strong steel frame, molded hand grips for spinning and aeration vents. It requires assembly, but it comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

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Each spring, lilacs are celebrated in annual festivals across the country, from Rochester, New York, to Mackinac Island, Michigan, to Spokane, Washington. Welcoming one into your yard qualifies as carrying on an American tradition.

Read on to learn how to plant and nurture your own lilac bush or tree.

When To Plant Lilacs

The best time to plant lilacs is in the fall after they’ve dropped their leaves. This gives them a chance to grow strong roots before spring, with less watering required.

Most of us will be tempted to buy lilacs in the spring, when we see them in bloom at the garden centers. It’s fine to buy them when you can see and smell the flowers and know what you’re getting. Just remember to keep them well-watered throughout the summer.

Where To Plant Lilacs

Lilacs have a few simple requirements that will ensure you get as many blooms as possible to enjoy each spring.

Soil

Lilacs prefer well-drained soils ranging in pH from neutral to alkaline. If your soil tends to be acidic, you may need to add lime for lilacs to thrive. Always determine pH with a soil test before attempting to adjust it. Check with your state’s Cooperative Extension service for soil testing options in your area.

Sunlight

Lilacs need sunlight, so place them in an area that’s sunny for at least six hours a day. Lilacs rarely flower in shade.

Temperature

Lilacs generally thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. In warmer climates, most lilacs won’t get enough winter chill to set flower buds. If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 or warmer, ask a local garden center if they have lilac varieties specifically bred for your area.

If you aren’t sure what your hardiness zone is, find it on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map.

How To Care for Lilacs

Once established, most lilacs require little attention to provide a memorable annual spring show of scented blooms.

Planting lilacs

Plant your lilacs as soon as you’ve purchased them. If you buy a lilac in early spring as a dormant bare-root plant, they’re typically sold in a plastic bag with no soil around the roots. Soak the roots in a bucket of clean water before planting.

For all lilacs, dig a wide hole and add compost or other nutrient-rich soil around the roots. Don’t plant the lilac deeper than it was growing in its nursery container. After planting, water well, then cover the ground around the lilac with three or four inches of bark mulch to keep the root zone from drying out too quickly.

Watering lilacs

If you plant your lilac in the spring, keep it well watered through the growing season. In periods when there is no or little rain, water the lilac deeply once a week during that first season until fall, when the leaves drop and the nights are cooler. Then you can stop watering.

If you plant your lilac in late fall, keep it well-watered until the ground freezes.

After its first year, most lilacs will survive any normally dry periods of the summer with no additional watering.

Pruning and deadheading lilacs

Deadheading — removing spent flowers after they’ve bloomed — helps the plant look tidier, but isn’t required to ensure blooms the next year.

Pruning helps if you’d like to rejuvenate an older lilac. You can do this without sacrificing blooms by cutting out one-third of the oldest branches after blooming. This is especially helpful with old-fashioned or common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) which can grow up to 12 feet and begin to look like a small tree. Cutting out older branches helps reduce the lilac’s size and encourages new growth.

Remember that lilac flower buds form in the summertime. So if you decide to do any pruning to shape your lilac or contain its size, do so within a few weeks after flowering. Otherwise, you may be cutting off next year’s flowers.

Fertilizing lilacs

In most home gardens, lilacs won’t need additional fertilizer, especially if they’re grown near a regularly fertilized lawn. If you choose to fertilize your lilac, choose a fertilizer low in nitrogen. Apply it in early spring before the leaves come out, or right after flowering.

Managing lilac pests and diseases

Most lilacs are pest- and disease-free. Some lilacs, especially older varieties, may get powdery mildew on the leaves. This white fungus is rarely treated and doesn’t kill the bush. If you notice any other problems with your lilacs, contact your local Cooperative Extension office to ask for assistance with a diagnosis.

Can You Propagate Lilacs?

Lilacs are generally propagated by taking cuttings of the branches in the spring before they harden into woody stems. These are called softwood cuttings. It’s not the easiest process, but if you have the time and patience, it does work.

In Minnesota, where I live, I typically mow my lawn once each week. Of course, this varies by the time of year. The grass grows much slower during the spring months, accelerating as the hot summer months roll in. During fall, grass growth slows as it prepares for dormancy during the winter.

I like to get my lawn chores done early in the day, but is that the best time? Eric Hansen, park maintenance supervisor for the City of St. Paul, Minn., says yes. “The best practice is to wait until the morning dew dissipates, but before the heat of the day,” Hansen said.

We’re curious what time our readers mow their lawns. Take our poll to see how your lawn mowing time stacks up.

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Time of day isn't the only factor that affects when we do our chores. Other considerations include work and family schedules, homeowner covenants, city ordinances, weather, where you live and a host of other things.

Early morning mowing may be frowned upon by your neighbors, but if you live in the country, does the time matter? Does neighborly etiquette shift during the winter? Is it more acceptable to fire up your snowblower at sunup than to mow your lawn at a similar time?

If we consider only the health of the grass itself, there remains some debate, but also some agreement. It’s generally accepted you should avoid mowing during the heat of a summer day. Lawns are already stressed by a lack of moisture and sustain damage more easily if you mow then.

It’s also well-known that mowing wet grass isn’t good for it, either. Wet grass clumps together in your mower and on your lawn, damaging roots and creating brown spots.

Two lawn and garden heavyweights, Scotts and Troy-Bilt, offer differing opinions. Scotts says early evening is the best time to mow, while Troy-Bilt says mid-morning is best. Both, however, agree you should avoid early morning because of wet grass, and the hottest part of the day to lessen lawn stress.

What time of day do you think is best to mow your lawn?

Aeration entails punching small holes, or cores, into the soil to allow air, moisture, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the grass grow deeper into the soil and produce a stronger, and more sturdy lawn.

In the past, I have rented a big core-aerating machine and ran it over my entire lawn, but it would be a ton of hassle, and waste of money to rent one for such a small quantity of troubled turf.

On a recent trip to my local garden center, I was thrilled to come across the Corona Yardbreather Aerator, and thought it would be perfect for the job.  So, I picked one up to give it a try.

What is the Corona Yardbreather Aerator?

The Corona Yardbreather is a sturdy, lightweight steel, manual aerator, a little over three feet long from cutting tip to handle.  It has comfortable, soft rubber handles and a slip-resistant grooves on the footplate to add stability when in use.  The aerator is designed to repeatedly cut and eject 3-1/2-inch soil plugs with each step as you cross your lawn.

At first glance, the Yardbreather seems solid, sturdy, and well-built.   The length feels like an appropriate fit to my 5-foot 11-inch frame and my large work boots fit easily inside the footplate enclosure.  With a day forecast to be the warmest Saturday of this spring so far, I was eager to get outside and give it a try.

How We Tested It

Though I believe the Yardbreather is best equipped for aerating small areas, or repairing grass patches, I wanted to see what it is like to use the Yardbreather to core-aerate my entire 1800-square-foot front yard, on top of the problematic patches I have dotting the rest of my lawn.

Performance

Wow, what a workout!  I started aerating by plunging the tool into the ground and stepping on the footplate every eight-or-so inches and worked my way straight down my 90-foot property line.  Every time I stepped on the tool, the downward motion automatically ejects the two core plugs from each side of the aerator.  On the second row, moving in the same eight-ish inch pattern, the plug cutter on the right side of the tool started to clog and not eject the core plug.  I had to stop twice in that row, and at least once in every other row in the yard to pry out the lodged plug using a twig at first, then upgrading to a flathead screwdriver, I grabbed out of the garage.  This became irritating as time went on, but in the end, the final product looked great, and the yard was ready for fertilizer.

The tool itself is very comfortable, solid, and well-built.  The Yardbreather’s tubular steel shaft stays ridged and doesn’t allow for any bending or twisting as you stomp down on the footplate during the aerating process.  Even when colliding the plug cutters into a rock our tree root, the Yardbreather stayed stable and sturdy.

After I finished, I dug into the plug blockage issue a bit more.  I learned that there are many reasons that this can happen, but its most likely culprit is moisture, or soil makeup.  Being April, it had been raining plenty before I undertook this project. That moisture still in the ground led to the plugs being muddier and softer, making them more likely to jam.  Soil makeup is another thing to keep in mind.  The Yardbreather is not recommended for use in yards with large amounts of clay in the soil makeup, specifically for this reason.  If you are unsure of your soil makeup, ask a local gardener or swing by a nearby garden center and ask.  Otherwise cutting a core sample and taking a look will be your most accurate and well-informed option.

Why You Should Buy This

The Corona Yardbreather Lawn Aerator is strong, well-constructed tool.  It’s a workout to use on large portions of grass, but ideal to tackle problem spots or small yards.  The aerator did its job well but works best if the soil has had some time to dry after a rain and is not of a clay-like makeup.  For around $30, I think the Corona Yardbreather is a fantastic addition to any garage or gardening shed and will help keep your lawn looking great for years to come.

Where to Buy

Pick up the Corona Yardmaster Lawn Aerator online or in-store at your local Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Lowe’s

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My neighbor to the west hates putting down mulch every year. My neighbors to the east use both, since they like rocks but mulch is easier for their landscaping and annual flowers. For me? Mulch.

“Rock can look nice, yeah, but once you have to dig through or move rocks, they turn from beauty to beast,” I told them both. That’s the type of chatter you hear in my neighborhood.

Unsure which is best for your yard? Here are the facts of the organic mulch vs. rock debate.

Advantages of Mulch vs. Rock

Less watering: Mulch helps soil retain moisture and reduces evaporation on the surface, so you can water less often.

More nutrients: Mulch is a natural product, and its breakdown adds nutrients to feed plants and soil.

Fewer weeds: With small pieces and a fine texture, mulch covers soil more completely to help prevent weed growth.

Just the right temperature: Mulch is a natural insulator, keeping plants warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Winter mulching is particularly common among Northern gardeners.

Easy install: If you buy bags of mulch, it’s simple to tote them around to places where you’ll spread the goods.

Mulch Disadvantages

Annual replacement: While mulch decay is good for plants, it’s bad for your purse. Mulch needs to be replaced, and it can move in heavy rains and wind.

Too much mulch: A layer of mulch more than three inches deep can stress plants.

Timing matters: Spread mulch too early and your soil won’t warm naturally, meaning late blooms. If it’s spread too late, weeds will develop.

Seeds and weeds: Spreading organic mulch might introduce new weeds to your landscape.

Advantages of Rock vs. Mulch

Low maintenance: Rock doesn’t decay and will stay where you place it for years.

Fireproof: If you live in an area with wildfires, rock can make a good fire break.

Variety: Rock gives you countless options of size, shape and color.

Low long-term cost: Rock costs more than mulch initially, but there is little to no replacement cost.

Fewer bugs: Unlike mulch, rock will not attract bugs or pests, which are drawn to decaying matter.

Erosion proof: Rock can prevent soil erosion and will stay in place on hillsides or sloped yards.

Rock Disadvantages

Too hot: Dark rock holds heat and raises ground temperatures, and light-colored rock reflects heat onto plants. Both increase evaporation; you’ll need to water more.

No benefit to plants: Rock doesn’t aid plant growth or soil health.

Messy pH: In different parts of the U.S, different types of rock will increase the acidity or alkalinity of your soil.

Weed bed: The spaces between rocks invite leaves, seeds and weeds.

Remove by hand: Moving rock, whether for replanting or new landscaping, is dreadful work.

Too heavy: Gravel is heavy, hard to transport and not DIY friendly.

There’s one unavoidable fact in gardening and landscaping: No matter how modest your task, at some point you’ll need to move large amounts of heavy stuff. Maybe you’re that rare person with the time and patience to move a pile of rocks from the driveway to the backyard stone by stone. Props. But what do you do with a one-ton load of topsoil?

The point is, if you’re going to tackle any kind of landscaping or gardening project, you’ll need a wheelbarrow to move heavy loads more efficiently. And for that, we highly recommend the Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart.

Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart is FHM Approved

Rather than wobble over the contours and around the obstacles of your yard with a single-wheel wheelbarrow, the poly garden dump cart from Gorilla Carts lets you navigate those tricky spaces with ease. With four wheels for balance and a simple steering system, it’s easy to use over hill or dale. It also holds a lot of weight and features a quick-release dump system.

What Is the Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart?

Based out of Minnesota, Gorilla Carts makes a range of garden carts. This one is from their line of quick-release dump carts. It’s available in 4- and 7-cu. ft. models. We used the 4-cu. ft. version for this review.

The business end features a 35-in. x 22-in. x 8-in. durable poly bed that holds up to 600 pounds. (The 7-cu.-ft. version can handle twice that.) It sits on a steel frame that rides high on four, 10-in. pneumatic tires, offering plenty of clearance.

The long handle and front wheels connect in a zero-turn steering system. A quick-release handle lets you dump the entire cart in one simple motion. Assembled, it weighs about 37 pounds.

How We Tested It

We put it to work for the Family Handyman backyard build project. We started off using it to haul dirt we dug out of a 6-in. deep trench, then to carry and dump pea gravel into that trench. We also moved large, heavy round stones we used for building gabions.

Performance Review

The first step is putting it together. All you need are a couple of wrenches. I used a socket wrench on the stainless steel hardware, and it only took about 20 minutes to have it ready to roll. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and the hardware needed is attached to the instruction sheet with the corresponding step — a nice touch.

A side bonus for me: Gorilla doesn’t overdo it with packing materials, so you don’t need to haul away a mound of Styrofoam and plastic.

When you put a lot of weight into a standard wheelbarrow, it can be hard to lift off the ground, even if you’re not skipping leg day at the gym. Wheelbarrows can also be difficult to steer with a quarter ton of cargo in it, especially over bumpy terrain. And dumping hefty cargo an inexact science, adding more shoveling or raking to your to-do list.

None of that is an issue with the Gorilla Cart.

The four rubber tires can navigate all kinds of terrain. I pulled it over scattered flagstones and divots, and even through a 6-in. deep trench, without a single worry that the dirt or rocks would fall out. The zero-turn steering helps a lot, too. You can bob and weave through obstacles, and easily position it to dump your load in the perfect spot.

The longer pull handle means taller people can use it without straining their back, but it’s not so long that it’s awkward for someone of average height, like me (I’m 5-9).

Loading it was a snap, too. The cart sits lower than a standard wheelbarrow, so you don’t have to throw stuff as high to fill it up. That’s also nice when you’re piling a lot into it. The poly sides flexed outward a bit with the heavy gabion rocks, but there was never a doubt about its structural integrity with the big, round stones in there.

What I liked most about the Gorilla Cart is how it dumps. There’s a spring-loaded handle that latches to the steel frame. When you’re ready to empty the cart, just reach down, pull the sturdy handle to unlatch it, and lift it up.

The handle and a pivot point in the back half of the cart let you dump even the heaviest load with one hand. And with the zero turn steering, you can line it up to put the contents exactly where you want it to go, avoiding shoveling and raking.

Anyone can use these carts. For hauling mulch to heavy duty landscaping work, this cart can get it done. I really love it. And at a little more then $100, it’s a great value. (The 7-cu. ft. model costs more, but it’s still less than $200.)

The main downside? Because it’s a four-wheeled cart, it can’t handle a path narrower than 20 inches. However, because it can roll over so many obstacles, you can use it just about anywhere. For storage, the cart style means you just tilt it up against the wall in the shed, like a wheelbarrow.

Why You Should Buy This

The Gorilla Cart makes it easy to move, dump and manipulate heavy loads. For most users, the 4-cu. ft. model will be more than enough. But if you’ve a landscaping pro or manage a lot of land, the 7-cu. ft. model might be a better fit for your needs.

Where to Buy This

The latest model of the Gorilla Dump cart is available at Lowe’s and The Home Depot.

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Fertilizing Dense Plants

To get fertilizer to the base of bushes and other dense plants, use a length of 2-in. PVC. Slide one end down to the plant base and pour the fertilizer into the pipe. Cut the top of the pipe at 45 degrees to give yourself a larger opening

“Equip Exposition is where the landscape changes, and is the place for landscape contractors, outdoor power equipment dealers, distributors, and manufacturers to connect, learn and grow,”  said OPEI President Kris Kiser. “The trade show remains the best place to connect with your peers, network, and gain a competitive business edge.”

Many aspects of the show will be retooled and expanded, with more attention paid to the educational aspects. One thing that will not change, though, is the host city. The rebrand was announced in conjunction with the opening of new OPEI offices in Louisville, Kentucky, where the annual show has been held since 2007.

“The opening of our new office shows the investment our industry has in the event and in its long-standing location of Louisville,” said Kiser. “With OPEI bringing the management of the show wholly under the association’s umbrella, it was time to re-envision the event while honoring its long history.”

Equip Exposition was the sixth largest trade show in the U.S. in 2019 with more than 26,000 attendees. The next one will be October 19-21, 2022. It is scheduled to feature a keynote speech from former pro golfer David Feherty and a concert performance from country music star Trace Adkins. You can request registration info here.

According to the bill, in 2020 SORE devices created higher levels of emissions in California than light duty passenger cars. State officials say running a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour produces the same amount of smog-forming pollutants as driving a Toyota Camry 300 miles.

The bill also requires all portable generators sold in California to be zero-emission by 2028. By banning SORE, the state hopes to dramatically reduce overall emissions and limit air pollution from gas-powered equipment.

“It’s amazing how people react when they learn how much this equipment pollutes, and how much smog-forming and climate-changing emissions that small off-road engine equipment creates,” Assemblyman Marc Berman, the author of the bill, told the Los Angeles Times.

“This is a pretty modest approach to trying to limit the massive amounts of pollution that this equipment emits, not to mention the health impact on the workers who are using it constantly.”

To help ease this transition, California has set aside $30 million for a rebate program to offset the cost of new zero-emission equipment for professional gardeners and landscapers.

While this new law only apples to California, similar policies eventually could be enacted in other parts of the U.S. California is the only state with the authority to set its own laws and regulations concerning air quality, because the state’s air quality standards predate the federal government’s. Other states lack that autonomy but may can choose to adopt California’s air quality standards.

The bill requires the California state board to develop “cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations” to prohibit emissions in new SORE products. The bill is slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2024, but the date could be delayed if certain conditions aren’t met.