Mowing the Lawn
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-168 -- More Projects »
Home-maintenance expert Mike Ferrara offers some advice on the care and use of a lawn mower.
- A stand from an old TV tray makes a great accessory when cleaning the yard. Just remove the tray, slide a plastic garbage bag over the stand (figure A), and the bag stays open at a convenient height.
Establish a regular maintenance routine to ensure good performance from a mower. Keep the mower's blade sharp with regular touchups from a hand file. Also clean the underside of the mower deck after each use, and use a frozen dessert stick to clean the cooling slots on the mower's engine (figure B).
If grass grows right up to trees, there's a danger that the mower could bang into the tree trunks and damage the bark. As a safeguard, slip a pair of inexpensive plastic car-door edge guards onto the edges of the mower deck to keep the trees healthy (figure C).Lawns grow better, with deeper root growth, when they're not mowed too short. Set a mower to trim grass to between 2-1/2 to 3 inches in northern climates, and 1-1 /2 to 2 inches in the South.When putting in new seeds, mix them with sawdust. When spreading seeds mixed this way, it's easy to see any missed spots.Use spreading annuals such as petunias instead of grass to prevent erosion on slopes.To provide a foot cushion when using a shovel, slip a piece of old garden hose over the shoulder of the shovel (the part of the shovel where the foot is placed to dig).Wear golf shoes or spiked shoes (available at most garden centers) when mowing the lawn. They simultaneously provide good traction and aerate the soil.
Guests Mike Ferrara
The Lazy Homeowner / Lawn-Care Expert, Axiom Productions
Toll-free: 888-917-3716
E-mail:
lazyhomeowner@axiomcom.com
Website:
www.lazyhomeowner.com
Also in this Episode
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