The Green View

Robotic Lawn Mowers - The Advantage is Yours.

      Robotic lawn mowers are now available in sizes suited for any lawn size and there are quite a few advantages to robotic mowing aside from the obvious fact that you don’t need to push or drive them.

      One of the most important advantages is that they are environmentally friendly. Government studies have shown that a gasoline powered lawn mower can belch out more emissions than a typical SUV. In addition, spillage of gasoline and improper motor oil disposal is in the millions of gallons every year. By comparison, robotic mowers run on electricity and most use about as much juice as a 100 watt light bulb. A larger unit, capable of handling more than five acres, will use about as much as a standard refrigerator.

     Tired of all the noise ruining your little corner of paradise? Robotic mowers produce little noise and are even quiet enough to run at night without upsetting your neighbor.

     These robotic wonders also provide advantages related to the health of your lawn. One of the things that cause the most stress on a lawn is cutting it. The accepted rule of thumb is that no more than one third of the blade length should be removed with each mowing. To stick to this rule, most people would have to cut more than they do now which is not very appealing. With a robotic mower, you can set it to cut as often as you like and it will be happy to do so.

     The Belrobotics Bigmow and KA LawnBott series are designed to run daily and just trim the tips of the grass. This maintains the lawn in a way that would make a golf course manager green with envy.

     The Robomower acts more like a traditional mower in that it has three mulching chambers that reduce clippings to a very small size. It can handle the “one third rule” without leaving any turf smothering clumps. If you are the type of person that likes razor straight stripes, you would have to learn to do without. All of the units cut from different angles with each mowing. Fortunately, this is the recommended mowing method for healthy grass and the results will appear more as a sea of green than that of a baseball field.

     If you want a beautiful lawn with less effort, robotic mowing just might deserve a look.

Probotics provides a robotic lawn mower selection guide that may help you decide.

How to Choose a Spreader

Most people use a mechanical spreader to distribute lawn treatments to their property.  These come in two sorts – a Drop Spreader and a Rotary Spreader. Both of these models require that you fill a hopper with material and push the spreader over the lawn.  For most homeowners, the biggest problem is knowing how far the spreader is depositing the nutrients. 

With a drop spreader, the device will have an opening in the base of the hopper that runs the width of the hopper.  When a trigger is pulled, the slot cover is pulled back and the material runs through the opening onto the grass.  As you walk, pushing the spreader ahead of you, the material is spread across the lawn.  The biggest problem with these spreaders is that for a large area of grass, you need to walk up and down numerous times. The swath of lawn fertilized for each run is limited to the width of the spreader, and probably no more than eighteen to twenty four inches.  The advantage is that when you have smaller areas, or areas close to walkways and flowerbeds, the chemicals are dropped right below the spreader and not onto surrounding areas.

With a rotary spreader, the material is placed into the hopper in the same way as for the drop spreader.  The prime difference is that the opening drops material onto a segmented dish, with only a small amount of material going into each segment.  When you walk behind this device, the dish rotates and flings the material onto the surrounding areas, thus covering a much wider area than the drop spreader.  Getting even coverage with this type of machine is more difficult, so make sure that you know how far the material goes and adjust your aisles accordingly.

For both spreaders, it is recommended that you cover the lawn in one direction, spreading one half the fertilizer.  Then cover the lawn a second time but in the perpendicular direction, using the second half of the fertilizer. 

Adjust the settings on the spreaders according to the label on the bag so that you get the appropriate amount of material spread evenly on the lawn.  If you are using Greenview products, and your spreader is not listed on the label, use our handy Spreader Setting Tool to find the appropriate spreader setting for your Greenview Lawn Care Products.

Author - Kate Copsey can be reached at KTCopsey@aol.com.

Father Mows Best Competition

I mentioned the Memorial Day Makeover contest sponsored by a Michigan radio station in my last post. Well, somebody at that station must really be into lawn care because they are also sponsoring the Lowe's Father Mows Best Competition on June 18th from 3-6pm at Lowe's in Grandville, Michigan.

The winner will receive $500 in power tools of his choice for the lawn.

Outdoor Sheds

Are you in the market for an outdoor shed or storage unit to store your lawncare and gardening tools and implements? Aaron's Home and Gardening Blog offers some helpful suggestions when considering such a purchase.

The site outlines the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing either a plastic/vinyl, wood, or metal shed. Plastic sheds, he says, are durable. Metal are lightweight and easy to assemble, and wooden ones have aesthetic value.

I believe he said he was getting a metal one. Oh, and one other piece of advice, watch backing into it with your car!

Lawn-care in Robotic Age

I've done one post on this topic before, but since we are living in the age of robots, felt it was worth another post...and maybe more.

Robotic lawncare might at one time been the stuff of science fiction, but no longer. It is fast becoming a practical reality. The robotic mower known as Robomower is really catching on across the pond in the UK, but it's also beginning to cut a wider swath (pun intended) here in the US as well.

I'd like to hear some feedback from some of you who are using this device. Is it worth the hype now being associated with it? Or, is it more trouble than it's worth? Enquiring minds want to know!

Leaf Blowers and Vacuums

If you're anything like me, saving time doing lawncare is a premium. We've all got more to do than we have time for. Plus, I tend to be a bit on the lazy side when it comes to keeping up the lawn.

Having the right tool for the job is one way to achieve that goal. One such tool is a leaf blower/vac. While I know that implement is primarily used in the fall, unless you use a mower with a bagger once you cut your grass you inevitably have to clean the sidewalk and driveway.

Here are some tips to help you find the right blower/vac for your needs:

• Many people assume that gas powered leaf blowers are more powerful than electric models. In most cases this isn't true. You can find just as much, if not more power in an electric model. And by purchasing an electric model you won't have to worry about messing around with gas and oil.
• Look for a leaf blower/vac that is powerful enough to fit your needs. Will you be using the machine only to sweep up a sidewalk or deck, or will you be using it to take on the carpet of leaves your oak trees have left in the back yard?
• Knowing how you will use the blower/vac will help determine how much power you need. Many models come with variable speed features - perfect if you have both light and heavy-duty chores to tackle.
• Another key feature to look at is the machine's vacuum capabilities. For example, is it easy to change from blower to vacuum mode?

For more tips on choosing the right blower/vac for you, visit the Yardcare.com website.

Gardening Tools Grow More Sophisticated

"Man is a tool-using animal. Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all," --Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle in 1833.

Compare the lawncare and gardening tools your grandparents used with those of today. My grandmother's front yard had very little grass in it, but instead several flower beds. What grass was there was often cut away with a garden hoe.

Conversely, the tools in use today are becoming every more sophisticated, saving the homeowner time and back-breaking work. For example, one company has put together a heavy duty set of 18-volt battery-operated garden tools that includes a rechargeable string trimmer, hedge trimmer and broom/hard surface sweeper. Included with the set is a unit to charge all three batteries at the same time. They can be left in the charger, ready whenever you need one.

String trimmers have become more heavy-duty and easy to use - though I never can seem to keep from the getting the line untangled so that it automatically extends itself. Even still, think of having to trim areas of the lawn the mower can't reach by hand or edge the lawn using a garden hoe or some other less technologically advanced implement.

These "new-fangled" lawn care devices may cost a bit more, but they are certainly worth it in terms of time saved and muscles strained.

Consumer Reports Home & Garden

Each week we're going to recommend a lawncare-related website to you which you may want to consider bookmarking. This week, in addition to the Greenview Online site of course, I want to recommend you pay the Consumer Reports Home & Garden site a visit.

As you know CR provides unbiased reports on all types of products. If you want an objective opinion, Consumer Reports is likely where you'll find it. They offer an entire section devoted to the home and garden. Whether it's recommendations on a new lawnmower, or on a gas grill for your deck, CR will have it.

Lawnmowers at Target

For some reason this struck me as odd. I don't know why necessarily. But, did you know you can buy a lawnmower at Target?

I know Target has become the "cool" place to shop, so maybe that's it. But I didn't know they carried lawnmowers. Like I said, just struck me as odd.

Oh, btw, Target offers my favorite mower, the RoboMower with docking station, for a mere $1,800.00!

Riding Lawn Mower Advice

I remember an episode of Home Improvement where Tim Allen maximized his mower. Turning it into a mini NASCAR. So these words of caution from Yardcare.com are warranted.

Tractors Fit into Four Categories. 1) Zero Turning Radius Mowers 2) Riding Mowers 3) Lawn Tractors 4) Garden Tractors

"The engine is the heart of every quality tractor. Engines on bigger machines can go up to 23hp. For reduced maintenance and a prolonged life, choose engines with a high efficiency oil pump and filter, and a cooling fan to reduce engine stress."

"Safety features are a priority for tractor consumers. Make sure your tractor choice features a seat shutoff switch, which instantly kills the engine if you leave the seat while the wheels or attachments are moving. Make sure the gasoline tank is separate from the engine and battery. Spilling a little gasoline is common, and it could ignite on a hot engine or from a battery spark."

A Power Tool Resource Center

Since it's Friday and you're rushing out to the store to buy the latest power tools and toys for the lawn and garden. I thought I'd bring you the Cyberlawn, yes even the Internet has a lawn. Actually, the site focuses on lawn mowers, power blowers, spreaders. It's sponsored by the OPEI or the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.

They have a really good power equipment resource center. Have fun surfing and shopping for all those new power toys.

Fertilizer Spreader Types

In his diary post earlier today Rob mentioned two types of fertilizer spreaders, hand-held and drop. Are there also other types, and which is preferable?

Essentially, there are three types: hand-held, drop, and broadcast.

Hand-held spreaders are just what the name suggests, a hand-held spreader. These are useful for smaller areas, but don't have the capacity to cover an entire lawn. If you have a hillside you need coverage on that may be too steep for a drop spreader, these would be the ticket.

Drop spreaders are ones you push. They can easily cover straight lines with little waste, but they must be used with care. Since the material drops straight down in a width equal to that of the hopper, striping can occur if the entire area is not covered equally. Striping is the distinctive pattern created when you miss or overlap rows.

Broadcast spreaders (also called rotary spreaders) cover a lot of acreage quickly. The material drops from the hopper onto a spinning disc that disperses it over the lawn. Overlap the coverage to avoid missing any spots – the further away from the spreader the material is thrown, the lighter the coverage. What you gain in coverage you may sacrifice in control. That same spinning disc can also scatter the material into a neighbor's yard or into the street.

If you have a small yard, a hand-held spreader may be all you need. If you want complete control, think about getting a drop spreader. If you have a large area to cover, a broadcast spreader may do the trick.

Buying Used Lawn Equipment

Thinking about buying used lawn equipment? I checked out Ebay.com, which like its cousin Amazon.com is its own economy, and found tons of lawn care equipment. They have over 6000 mowers to choose from, 71 mulchers, 133 hedge trimmers, over 450 string trimmers, plus hundreds of other items. Heck, even the local garden supply superstore doesn't carry that kind of inventory! And, there are many new items in there, not just used stuff.

One thing I've learned about purchasing products on eBay is that they are real particular then sellers not mis-represent a product. If there's a problem with it, that best be mentioned in the description. If the item has a ding or a nick, there better be a photo.

Personally, I've had good experiences buying items on eBay, though I must admit I've never bought a lawnmower. (A car, yes, but not a lawnmower.)

Buying Lawn Care Equipment at Amazon.com

Believe it or not, Amazon.com is a good place to buy lawn care equipment including lawnmowers, spreaders, edgers, and other such items. In fact, they've got everything from Aerators to Watering Equipment.

I've always used Amazon to purchase books, CDs, and gift items. It never dawned on me that you could buy lawn care equipment too.

While I was trolling the site, I wondered if they carried Greenview fertilizers? Well, no they don't, but Amazon does carry some of our Preen products. Very cool!

A New Mower

From a Landscape Management press release. Exmark has launched a new toy... err, mower. 

It promises the: "new E-Z Rider dedicated stand-on comes with a QuickMount tools-free installation system so it attaches quickly to Exmark walk-behind mowers. It can also be folded up and latched to the mower's engine frame."

"The operator platform has raised footguards and a two-position wheel height so the operator can customize stand-on settings. The E-Z Rider's 11-in. diameter caster heel reduces turf compaction and gives the operator a more stable ride. The semi-pneumatic tire design contributes to operator comfort and virtually eliminates flat tires. The caster wheel assembly features sealed, greaseable spherical bearings which offer reduced maintenance needs compared to other sulky systems."

I'm so excited.

Buy Used Lawn Equipment

This is an interesting way to find good used lawn tractors and other equipment. It's a website, sponsored by John Deere, that contains a database of thousands of piece of equipment, from heavy duty to that designed for lawn & garden use.

Landscape Management

I ran across Landscape Management a magazine for the green industry, the website is quite useful. It's for all the people that want to know everything there is to know about lawn care.

It talks in depth about the lawn service industry from legislation to events that affect it. They also talk about tools of the trade like mowers and weather natural gas prices will change the price of fertilizer.

They also keep the professional informed about recalls such as the Log Splitter. Yes, I know this is exciting stuff but someone's got to tell you about it.

I'll be culling this site often to find out new developments in legislation that will affect your lawn care professional. After all it's important to be informed as a consumer.

Feeding and Maintaining Your Lawn

Finish this sentence: The grass is always greener...

If you're answer was "your neighbor's lawn," it doesn't have to be. With proper feeding and maintenance your lawn can be as green and full as anyone's on the block.

There are two types of implements you'll want to consider for fertilizing your lawn. One is a spreader, which as its name implies, spreads seed, fertilizer, or soil amendments key to the health of your lawn. They are available in hand-held, push wheel, or tow models.

The other item is a sprayer used for dispersing fertilizers and pesticides. They usually come in two types: hose-end and tank sprayers.

Of course, feeding your lawn is only part of the solution. You must maintain it as well, and nothing does that quite like a good rake, and the bigger the better so far as I'm concerned. They're are two types of rakes as well. One style is suited for leaves and another for thatch (a layer of decaying organic matter, the tartar of your lawn).

Basic Lawn Care Equipment

Your yard is an extension of your home, maybe even your personality, and as such, should reflect well on you. Taking care of your lawn requires dedication. Only you can decide how much time you can spare and how much effort you want to exert.

How much equipment to buy will vary. Here's some questions to ask yourself: How much work I want to do myself? How much storage space do I have? How much money I want to spend?

Here's a basic check list of equipment most homeowners will need to have:

1. Lawn mower
2. Trimmer (also called "weed eater")
3. Water hose and sprinkler
4. Spreader to fertilize your lawn
5. Rake

Choosing a Lawn Mower

For lawnatics, mowing the lawn isn't a chore, it's a joy. For those of us less enamored with lawn care (perish the thought), lawn mowing doesn't have to be quite the chore we might imagine.

Selecting the right lawn mower for the job can alleviate some of the strain involved, and there are a number of things to consider when doing so such as yard size, budget and your preference in power.

For example, the size of your lawn has bearing on the size of the cutting deck you choose. Terrain is another factor. If you live in a hilly area, a self-propelled mower is almost a must. That is, unless you're using lawn mowing as an aerobic excecise!

Let me recommend this handy buyers guide that might help you in making the best decision for you and your lawn.

Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Your lawn mower does the dirty work taking care of your lawn, and the lawn mower blade really works hard. Blade care and maintenance is relatively easy, but a lot of people just don't do it frequently enough. Here are several online resources to help you learn when and why to sharpen your blade:

• How To Sharpen a Mower Blade by eHow
• How (and Why) to Sharpen Your Blades by About.com

The best advice comes from the About.com page:

The reason for sharpening lawn mower blades is that dull blades have a tendency to rip grass blades instead of cutting cleanly, leaving grass susceptible to diseases.