When planting a new lawn, take the time to fix any existing grade problems (after removing the old turf and before adding amendments to the soil). For minor grading problems, small versions of earth-moving equipment are often available to rent or buy. You can also use a landscaping rake for working topsoil to the proper grade. To make minor grade adjustments use a landscape rake. Water the area. Later, fill where…
The first step to lawn restoration is to remove any thatch buildup. Thatch is un-decomposed stems and roots that accumulate near the soil surface. Dig up a small, triangular-shaped plug of turf several inches deep. If the spongy layer above the soil is more than ¾- to 1-inch thick when you compress it, it is time to have your lawn dethatched. The best time to dethatch is when your lawn…
You have put a lot of work into creating a new lawn, so don’t forget the most important step. Plan for watering needs before you plant your lawn. Insufficient water and overwatering are the leading causes of new-lawn failure. Take precautions to prevent damage. Minimize play and foot traffic on new and sodded lawns for at least three weeks. Do not fertilize new lawns for at least six weeks. After…
When planting a new lawn, the first step is to kill and remove any poor-quality turf. This process can be accomplished through several methods including solarization, heavy mulches, hoes or sod cutters, and herbicides. When selecting your method, keep your lawn and climate conditions in mind, as some methods may be a better fit for your lawn than others. Solarization: Cut the old lawn as close to grade as possible before you begin….
The best time to assess your turf’s state of health is before mowing. As you pick up fallen twigs or remove other items from the lawn, you should take a careful look at any areas that appear wilted, off-color or stand out from their surroundings. If you do note changes, it might not be disease. For instance, brownout of a cool-season grass during high summer is likely just summer dormancy, which…
Do not buy seed on impulse! Choosing the right grass for your lawn can make the difference between having a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly lawn versus one that is susceptible to diseases, pests, and weeds. The type of seed you choose depends on several factors: What do you want your lawn to look like? Grasses vary in color, leaf width, habit (characteristic appearance), and density. Grass color and texture vary by species and…
Most outdoor power equipment was not built, designed or warranted to run on fuel greater than E10, and using higher ethanol blends can damage or destroy it. In fact, using any fuel that contains more than 10 percent ethanol is illegal to use in outdoor power equipment. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute encourages you to “look before you pump” to ensure it is the right fuel for your outdoor power…
It’s easy to stripe your lawn with the Toro 30” lawn striping system. It’s made specifically for the Toro 30” Timemaster mower. Easy to attach, fill with basic clean sand and you’re ready to stripe your lawn. Create beautiful ball-field designs.
Using a mower that recycles your clippings doesn’t just make mowing faster and easier. Toro actually developed a completely different cutting system to do the most good for your grass… and the environment. On Toro Recycler mowers, the shape of the cutting chamber was designed to keep the grass clippings airborne. And it’s got these deflectors that “kick” the grass back through the specially designed blades. Now this is key…
Learn how to sharpen lawn mower blades easily with these instructions for Toro TimeCutter zero-turn riding lawn mowers. Mower blade maintenance helps ensure a clean cut and reduces grass shredding or tearing. Prior to sharpening, make sure to review safety information in the operator’s manual. To repair small dents in a Toro TimeCutter blade, safely remove the blade from the mower deck and secure the center of the blade, as…