Lawn Mower Tune-Up: Essential Steps for a Smooth Running Machine

Key Takeaways

Lawn mower maintenance ensures:

• Enhanced Performance: Regular tune-ups increase efficiency, prolong lifespan, and save money by preventing costly repairs.
• Improved Cutting Quality: Sharp blades and proper maintenance contribute to an even and healthy lawn appearance.
• Optimized Engine Health: Changing the oil and replacing spark plugs and air filters ensure the mower runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Maintaining your lawn mower is crucial to achieving a healthy and green lawn. A well-maintained lawn mower not only increases the efficiency of the machine but also prolongs its lifespan, saving you money in the long run. Regular maintenance checks can help ensure your lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently, keeping your lawn looking its best. This blog will discuss the essential steps required for a smooth running machine. From understanding the importance of regular maintenance to getting started with your tune-up supplies, we cover it all. We will also walk you through each step of the process, including replacing the air filter, spark plugs, blade maintenance, and oil replacement. Read on to learn how to keep your lawn mower in top shape and achieve a beautifully manicured lawn.

The Importance of Regular Lawn Mower Maintenance

Regular lawn mower maintenance is crucial for a smoothly running machine and prolonged lifespan. Neglecting it can lead to costly repairs, while regular upkeep optimizes fuel efficiency and minimizes the risk of sudden breakdowns. By prioritizing preventive maintenance tasks such as blade sharpening, oil replacement, and air filter cleaning, you can ensure your lawn mower operates at its best. This small investment in time and effort pays off in the long run.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Your Mower

Consistent mower maintenance ensures efficient cutting, consistent power, and reduced engine strain. Proper upkeep, including tune-ups, enhances cutting performance and delivers an even grass cut. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent costly repairs and maximize fuel efficiency. Neglecting maintenance can lead to sudden breakdowns, which can be avoided with a small investment in easy maintenance tasks.

Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Machine

Consistent maintenance safeguards the mower from unnecessary damage, protecting it from premature wear and extending its overall lifespan. Regular tune-ups prevent the need for frequent replacements, making it a wise and low-tech investment. By preserving the engine components, proper maintenance reduces the need for costly repairs and keeps the mower running efficiently. This easy maintenance ensures optimal fuel efficiency and minimizes the risk of sudden breakdowns.

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Getting Started: Gather Your Tune-Up Supplies

Before beginning, gather the required tune-up supplies to ensure a smooth maintenance process. Effective maintenance is crucial, and having the right tools and materials is essential. These supplies are vital for conducting a thorough tune-up and facilitating efficient lawn mower maintenance. Proper tools and materials are crucial for effective maintenance, ensuring a smooth and efficient tune-up process.

Tools and Materials Required

To perform a successful tune-up, essential tools like a spark plug wrench and socket wrench are required. Necessary materials include engine oil, a new spark plug, and an air filter. Safety gear, such as gloves and goggles, is crucial during maintenance, along with additional supplies like an oil drain plug, putty knife, and wire brush. Using the right tools, materials, and safety gear ensures a safe tune-up process.

Safety Considerations

Before conducting maintenance, prioritize safety by disconnecting the spark plug wire and letting the engine cool to avoid burns. Use gloves and protective eyewear, and ensure the mower is on a level surface. Always adhere to the manufacturer's safety guidelines for a safe tune-up. Safety must be the top priority during lawn mower maintenance.

Understanding and Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter's role in maintaining engine performance cannot be overstated. Proper air intake for the mower engine is ensured by a clean air filter. Neglecting it can lead to reduced power and efficiency. Consequently, replacing the air filter is crucial for optimal mower performance. Understanding this component's function is key to effective maintenance.

Why is a Clean Air Filter Important?

A clean air filter plays a crucial role in preventing debris and dirt from entering the engine, ensuring proper air filtration to prevent engine damage. It also promotes efficient fuel combustion and enhances the longevity of the engine. The air filter's job is to ensure the engine receives clean, debris-free air.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replace the Air Filter

Start by identifying the air filter housing within the mower engine. Carefully remove the air filter cover to access the old filter. Thoroughly clean the filter housing before fitting the new air filter securely, ensuring proper seating. Reattach the air filter cover, making sure it is firmly fastened. By following these steps, you can effectively replace the air filter in your lawn mower, promoting optimal engine performance and longevity.

The Role of Spark Plugs in Lawn Mowers

Spark plugs play a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture within the engine, ensuring consistent performance. Neglecting spark plug maintenance can lead to engine misfires and hinder optimal fuel combustion. Understanding this vital component is essential for effective mower maintenance, making it necessary to regularly maintain and replace spark plugs as part of lawn mower maintenance practices.

The Function of Spark Plugs

Spark plugs play a critical role in igniting the air-fuel mixture within the engine, essential for the combustion process. They receive electrical current from the ignition system through a spark plug wire. Regular maintenance and replacement are necessary for efficient performance. Changing spark plugs can notably enhance fuel efficiency. Understanding the function of spark plugs is crucial for optimal lawn mower maintenance.

How to Replace a Spark Plug

To replace a spark plug, start by disconnecting the spark plug wire. Then, use a socket wrench to remove the old plug and check the gap of the new spark plug before installation. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads and reconnect the spark plug wire. This ensures proper ignition and consistent engine performance.

Blade Maintenance for Optimal Performance

Regular maintenance of blades is crucial for achieving an even cut and maintaining a healthy lawn. Blunt blades can lead to uneven, ragged cuts, while sharp blades reduce mowing time and effort. Additionally, proper blade maintenance extends the life of the mower engine. This includes safe removal and sharpening techniques to ensure optimal performance and prevent grass blades from tearing, promoting a well-manicured lawn.

The Need for Sharp Blades

Maintaining sharp blades is essential for a healthy, attractive lawn as they create a clean, fine cut on the grass blades. Dull blades not only damage the grass but also make it susceptible to disease. Regular blade sharpening ensures the mower's cutting efficiency, reduces mowing time, and minimizes the risk of damaging the mower engine. Sharp blades contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the lawn.

Safe Removal and Sharpening of Mower Blades

Before performing any maintenance, always ensure the mower engine is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. Use a putty knife to clean the underside of the mower deck, removing any grass build-up. Secure the blade in place before sharpening using a bench grinder or a file. Don't forget to balance the blade before reattaching it to the mower deck for optimal operation.

Oil Replacement for Smooth Operation

Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining mower engine performance. Fresh oil reduces friction, preventing excessive wear and potential overheating. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for oil type and volume to ensure optimal lubrication. Additionally, don't overlook the oil filter during changes, as it contributes significantly to smooth operation. Neglecting oil maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even engine failure.

The Impact of Fresh Oil on Mower Performance

Proper lubrication of engine components is ensured by fresh oil, extending the mower engine's lifespan. Clean oil leads to improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. Additionally, it maintains the engine's cooling capabilities. Regular oil changes are essential to achieve these benefits. Consistent maintenance tasks, including oil replacement, contribute to optimal lawn mower performance and should not be overlooked.

How Often Should I Change My Lawn Mower's Oil?

For optimal performance, it's important to change your lawn mower's oil regularly. Check the manual for recommended intervals, which can be influenced by factors like mowing season, frequency, and engine model. Consider changing the oil at the beginning of the mowing season and always drain the used oil when the engine is warm. Dispose of old oil at a local mechanic or recycling facility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your lawn mower in optimal condition. It not only enhances the efficiency and performance of your machine but also prolongs its lifespan. Gathering the necessary supplies and following the step-by-step process for tune-up is crucial. Remember to replace the air filter to ensure clean air intake and replace spark plugs to maintain proper ignition. Additionally, sharpening the blades regularly promotes a clean and even cut. Lastly, don't forget to change the oil at recommended intervals to ensure smooth operation. By following these essential steps, you can ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently, providing you with a well-maintained and beautiful lawn.

How Often Should I Water My Lawn During The Summer?

Key Takeaways

Optimal lawn watering techniques:

• Watering Timing: Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and fungal growth.
• Frequency and Depth: Less frequent, deep watering encourages deeper root growth and drought resistance.
• Adapting to Weather: Adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature to prevent overwatering or drought stress.

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If you live in Reno, Nevada (or any other semiarid climate location), you know how hot and dry the summer months are. Some families choose stone and gravel landscaping due to the extremely dry temperatures, and others want the look and feel of a traditional grass lawn.

This brings us to the question: how often should you water the lawn during the summer? There are a few factors to consider when deciding how often and how much to water your lawn. 

What Type of Grass Do You Have?

Knowing what type of grass you have to begin with is essential. If you are just starting to plant new grass seed, you will want to research to determine what type of grass will thrive. Cool-season grasses are typically found in Northern Nevada, including Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Cool-season grasses have adapted to thrive in areas with extreme seasonal temperature changes (cold winters, hot summers). 

Time of Day

Living in a dry climate means that water restrictions may be put into place for when you can and cannot water your lawn. Your local water utility company can provide you with your assigned water days. 

When it’s time to water, doing so during the cool summer mornings means that more of the water will reach the roots before evaporating. Then, as the sun comes out and the air warms up, the newly watered grass will slowly dry out over the course of the day.

If you only water your lawn during the afternoon's peak, then a lot of that water will evaporate immediately and never actually reach the root system of the lawn.

If you cannot water in the mornings, early evening is the next best time. Remember, in Reno/Sparks, we can have strong afternoon winds, which may blow the water away from the areas you are trying to reach. So check weather conditions before turning on those sprinklers. Additionally, leaving the lawn damp during the nighttime hours can promote possible disease. Be mindful of the potential hazards of watering the lawn at night.

How Much and How Often?

A general rule of thumb is to water your lawn one inch of water per week. You can use a rain gauge to measure an inch of water or grab a can and place it in the yard. Be sure to place the rain gauge (or can) in a shaded part of the yard so that the water does not evaporate in the sun. 

An early sign of stress to the lawn is noticing the grass turning from rich green color to more of a dark and dull green before it starts to lighten up and go dormant/brown. Additionally, if you notice that you do not need to mow the lawn as often as previously, there could be a problem with how much water it receives. 

These are signs that you may need to water your grass for more extended periods or check to ensure that your sprinklers are reaching all lawn areas. 

What Type of Sprinkler Should You Use?

The best sprinkler system is a programmable irrigation system. This allows you to set the days of the week, times of day, and length you want to water your lawn. An irrigation system provides you with the best coverage and ensures even watering. In addition, you can ensure your lawn is watered when you leave for vacation. 

If you don’t have an irrigation system, your best choice for an established rectangular lawn is an oscillating sprinkler. This will give you even coverage for a large area. 

If your lawn has lots of objects around it (sheds, a pool, decks, etc.), you will want to use an impact sprinkler. These sprinklers go around in a circle, spraying a continuous stream of water. You can set up impact sprinklers in different places around your yard to hit the grassy areas without soaking others areas of your yard.

The Best Lawn Care Service In Reno & Sparks

Are you looking to spend time on your favorite things and skip the grueling yard work?

Cory’s Lawn Service can help with that. Whether for general cleanup, weekly mowing, aeration, or fertilization and weed control, we're ready to help you get your weekend back. Our team has provided quality, expertise, and gets-done-right-the-first-time lawn care services since 2006, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. So reach out to us today for a free consultation!

Grass Mowing 101

mowing grass

Key Takeaways

Grass mowing essentials:

• 1/3 Rule: Never cut more than a third of the grass length to prevent damage.
• Optimal Height: For cooler climates, maintaining a grass height of 2-3 inches is ideal.
• Bag or Mulch: Mulching is recommended for regular mowers as it naturally fertilizes the turf.
• String Trimmers: Use carefully around tree trunks to prevent damage.

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If you are like me, the very first time you started to cut your grass you had absolutely no clue what you were doing. Just as it is dangerous to give a sharp knife to a baby, it can be dangerous to our lawn to give a man a mower without proper knowledge of how to use it. Since the grass is just starting to grow this season, you should consider when it's the right time to pull out the dusty old lawn mower and give the grass its first haircut.  But while lawn mowing seems simple enough, most people don't know that there are actually a few basic things to keep in mind to ensure the best health of the lawn.

Use the 1/3 rule:

You never want to cut your grass more than one third of its current length. Cutting any more than this can be damaging for the turf. If you skipped a week of mowing and now the height of your lawn is excessive, make sure to raise up the height of the mower before you cut, then mow a few days later with your normal mowing height.

Length of Grass:

Since Reno is considered a cool climate consisting of mainly Kentucky Blue Grass and Fescue, our mowing height is going to be slightly longer than that of warm climate grasses. In general, around 2-3" is a good height for our region. Do keep in mind that during the hotter summer months you will want to keep you grass a little longer to help protect your turf.

Bag or Mulch:

If you are a home owner and are on a consistent once a week mowing schedule, I would suggest mulching your grass clippings. Clippings are actually a natural fertilizer for your turf as long as it is mowed properly. If you mow your lawn once a month and ignore the first two suggestions, then the clippings are not small enough to break down to become fertilizer for the soil and will actually damage your lawn if left in larger clumps. If you have large clumps of grass after mulch mowing, then make sure you rake those up before calling it a day.

damaged tree

Side Note for String Timmers:

If you have a string trimmer and want nice edges around your grass, or to clear the grass from around the tree trunks, be careful! It might seem like tree trunks are durable enough to take the abuse of a small amount of string, but after weekly beatings the string will actually break down the bark of the tree and kill it. Check out this BLOG for more information about how to protect your trees for string trimmers and mowers and just be careful.

Turn Me On (Irrigation)

irrigation activation

Key Takeaways

Irrigation timing insights:

• Early Activation (3/20-4/10): Ideal for those prioritizing a green lawn early, with risks of pipe damage.
• Mid-Season Activation (4/10-4/30): Balances greenery timing and system safety, avoiding late frosts.
• Late Season Activation (5/1-5/20): Saves on water bills, potentially stressing the lawn for deeper root growth.

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The Reno climate really makes it difficult to answer the question "when is the appropriate time to activate the irrigation system." Although Reno's climate promotes the grass to go dormant during the winter, the lack of rain and snow this winter, along with warmer temperatures, has people wondering when they should activate their water. Truthfully, there is no single answer to this question. However, depending on what type of person you are, there are a fe suggestions as to when you want to activate your water.

Early Activation (3/20-4/10)

This time is usually when most lawn care companies will activate their water, for both commercial and residential sites. This is normally done at this time because faster growing grass means mowing can be done sooner, which equals more money. At this point in time, the weather should be done with the hard frost, the ground should have thawed out, and freezing pipes SHOULD be out of the question. However, there is still a chance that a really cold night could leave you with a cracked pipe in the morning. If you want to be the first person on the block with a green lawn and believe this is better than possibly having a cracked pipe - then go for it, just be aware of the possible repercussions.

Mid-Season Activation (4/10-4/30)

This is the point in time where most people probably activate the irrigation system. Although you will not be the first on the block with the green lawn, you won't be the last. During this period, observe when the forecast no longer shows sporadic nights in the 20's, then have the piece of mind that nothing will break in the night. By waiting this long you have saved on your water bill for just a bit longer, and no damage has been done to the grass or the irrigation system. The downfall of waiting until this point is that many companies have already started to aerate, and if your lawn has not had a good soaking before the aeration process you might not get good cores out of your lawn. For more information about this, check out Lawn Aeration Part 2.

Late Season Activation ( 5/1- 5/20)

Unfortunately, the downside to waiting this long is that you will most likely be the last person on the block to have a green lawn, and after a winter like we just had this might be pushing the sustainable drought period of your lawn. The only benefit in waiting till this time is the amount of money you will be saving on your water bill. However, a period of drought for you lawn may actually encourage the roots in the lawn to grow deeper, as they try and find water further down in the soil. This is a good thing. Just make sure that you are not stressing your lawn out too much if no amount of rain has accumulated throughout the previous months.

Ultimately, you want to decide what type of person you are when it comes to activating your irrigation. Weigh out the pros and cons to these time periods, and figure out what works best for you and your property.

Watering your Lawn 101

funny watering lawn

Key Takeaways

Effective lawn watering insights:

• Optimal Timing: Watering between 4am and 10am reduces evaporation and wind interference.
• Proper Quantity: Ensuring your lawn receives 1" of water weekly can be measured with a simple can test.
• Addressing Brown Spots: Before assuming disease, check for poor sprinkler coverage as a potential cause.
• Regulation Compliance: Adhere to assigned watering days to avoid fines and support water conservation.

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Now that we are a few weeks into the mowing season and the weather is warming up, many people are wondering how much they should water their lawn using a programmable irrigation system. I wish that there was a single answer like, "water these three times and I guarantee you will have a green lawn," but, unfortunately, it is not that easy. However, there are some watering times that are better than others, and some basic tips to see how much water your lawn needs, so let me help you with your lawn watering questions in the Reno area. When Should I Water?

After reading this you will realize this is common sense for the Reno area, but we live in a desert. During the summer, from early afternoon through late afternoon it normally gets hot and windy. If you water in the late afternoon you will most likely experience a higher evaporation rate, as well as water blowing into the streets instead of your lawn! Considering this, I recommend loading up and watering your lawn between the hours of 4am and 10am.

How much should I water?

This is where things get a little tricky, but the rule of thumb is to make sure your lawn is getting 1" of water a week. Some gauge this by placing a tuna can in the middle of the yard and measuring the water accumulated throughout the week. If you perform this test, realize that some areas of your lawn are probably exposed to the sun for longer periods of time throughout the day, so set up the can in a shaded spot as well as a sunny spot for a more accurate measurement.

bad watering

What To Do If You Have Brown Spots:

Most people assume that if their lawn is developing some dead spots it is due to some type of lawn disease, but this might not always be the case. Normally, brown spots are due to poor sprinkler coverage. If you have some dead spots you should check the sprinkler coverage before jumping to any other conclusions. All you have to do is turn on your water and see if the brown spots are being reached by the sprinklers. You will be able to quickly tell if the sprinkler heads have been knocked out of place or broken.

Are There Days I Can't Water?

The answer to this question is "yes." Here is Reno, we have assigned watering days set by Truckee Meadows Water Authority, which states:

- Even Address: Watering Days = Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

- Odd Address: Watering Days= Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Anything Else?

The good news about the Kentucky blue grass that is mainly grown in Reno is that it is able sustain a rather long drought period, like the ones we see during the winter when the lawn goes dormant. So, if you have brown spots, forgot to activate the irrigation system, or went on vacation and your water was shut off, then there is a good chance your turf will be able to withstand this period of drought. Also, make sure not to starve your lawn by under watering it, and make sure to water on your assigned TMWA days or you might end up with a fine for failing to follow the rules.

Tips for Perfect Sod Grass Care (Guest Blog)

sod install

Key Takeaways

Optimal sod care offers:

• Watering: Essential for root establishment and soil moisture, even for low-water varieties.
• Fertilization: Various types support root strength, disease resistance, and grass growth.
• Mowing: Regulates growth capacity and, depending on the grass type, may require immediate clipping removal or not.
• Additional Care: Includes irrigation to build roots and using pesticides to protect against pests.

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So you’ve planted your sod grass and now have to maintain it. There are a number of ways to properly keep your newly sodded lawn from becoming dried out. Take a look at these steps and follow them closely to have your lawn looking its best.

• Water - Even if the type of grass you’re growing does not need lots of watering, you still have to give it some for proper growth. The best recommendation is to water your lawn daily but only if recommended for your type of grass. Water is essential for anything to grow, it aids in the root establishment and gives the soil moisture.

• Fertilizer - You want your lawn to look healthy, especially as you have invested money and time into this project and want it to be perfect. Fertilizers help this task by giving the grass all the vital nutrients it needs to grow and look its best. There are several different fertilizations that make sod grass grow well:

  • Phosphorus Fertilization - This type helps strengthen the roots.

  • Potassium Fertilization - Its main objective is to build a defense against harsh climate changes and diseases.

  • Nitrogen Fertilization - This one is not long-lasting, but aids in the advancement of grass.

  • Mowing - An easy and effective way to keep your grass growing to its fullest potential is to mow it. This helps maintain the right level of growth capacity. Some sod grasses do require that the clippings be bagged or raked immediately after mowing. Cut grass left on your lawn may suffocate the new grass and prevent it from growing. Others types do not need to be raked. This is related to their ability to feed off of the cut grass, which provides it with nutrients. Research which type of grass you choose to plant first.

Things that should be used at a later date to keep a healthy lawn:

• Irrigate - Like watering your lawn daily, you will also need to irrigate it. This will help in building the roots up and is done by literally poking holes in your new yard. You can do this with the use of cleats like professional athletes wear. Walk around your newly planted grass, then water. This will help get moisture into the soil and aid in the winter months when the ground tends to get hard and brittle.

• Pesticides - You may lose your lawn if it is not properly cared for. Insects and other animals such as gophers tend to feed off of grass. A good way to avoid this damage is to spray your yard with a pesticide. These are made to keep insects and animals from feeding off of your lawn. Some of the new pesticides on the market are safe for use around children and harmless to family pets.

If you've failed to maintain a healthy lawn, you can always start over by getting sod laid by a professional if you click here. These are surefire ways to keep your lawn healthy and maintained. Proper care is needed when planting grass at first. You will need to tend to it daily to ensure its fullest potential before being able to enjoy it.

Central Park

central-by-grandcanyon-freedotfr

Key Takeaways

Central Park insights:

• Vast Landscape: Encompasses 843 acres with diverse amenities like softball fields, lakes, and a zoo.
• Extensive Flora: Home to 24,000 trees and extensive lawns, primarily Kentucky Blue Grass.
• Conservation Efforts: Maintained by the Central Park Conservancy with a $34 million annual budget.

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I had the pleasure to check out and explore Central Park for the first time. In the heart of New York City lies ones of the largest and most spectacular city parks in the United States. The park consists of 843 acres which includes several softball fields, open meadows, bridges, carousels, lakes, ponds, zoo, etc. The park consists of 24,000 trees and 843 acres of land and water that is all maintained by the Central Park Conservancy. Central Park has a $34 million dollar annual budget and was established as a National Historical Landmark in 1962. The list could go on and on about this place and all I have to say is don't miss the opportunity to visit central park while in Manhattan. While at the park I had a unique opportunity to take a quick video to share what I had experienced in the short time I was able to explore. Since Central Park consists of 250 acres of lawn I found it appropriate to find out about some facts of the lawn by calling the Central Park Conservancy while I was was there. Although New York is on the east coast, they are also considered to be a cool climate region like Reno, NV. After talking with the staff from the Central Park Conservancy I found out that the parks lawns are predominantly Kentucky Blue Grass like we have in Reno due to their similar year round climate. According to a study in 2008, the park uses approximately 5.28 million gallons of water a year to water all the lawns in Central Park. If you have a chance to go to New York City, plan on spending a full relaxing day to explore this amazing area and don't rush to take in the amazing scenery and lakes this place has to offer.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGvPye5cqUU[/youtube]

How to Mow Straight Lines on Large Yards

Key Takeaways

Mowing techniques offer:

• Visual Appeal: Straight lines enhance the lawn's aesthetic beauty.
• Efficiency: Methodical patterns reduce time and effort.
• Health Benefit: Consistent mowing direction promotes grass health.

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While training new employees I have found that mowing straight lines in larger yards is not something that comes easily for some people. It almost seems inevitable that if you are using a walk behind mower and traveling a longer distance your first line is going to be crooked. This is problematic because it's the line used to base the rest of the mowing pattern off of. I have created a brief video to show how I used a crooked first line as a means to develop straight lines. Although this might seem basic to some people, I have seen many home owners and lawn care companies mow entire yards based off of an initial crooked line, ending up with a wavy pattern in the grass.

The video below demonstrates how to produce straight mow lines after starting off with an "S" shaped line.

Once the crooked first pass has been completed, look for the section of it that has the straightest line. In this case, the beginning of my first pass had the straightest point, so I lined the wheel up with the wheel pattern of the first 50' or so and overlapped the end of my first pass. Now, after two passes, I have corrected the latter half of the first line.

I complete my third pass by repeating what I did with my second line, overlapping the final portion that remains crooked. After three passes I now have two straight lines as well as a straight reference point from which to mow the rest of the lawn.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/3uKQSYX_UDU[/youtube]

Golf Course Review 1 (Grizzly Ranch)

full golf photo

Key Takeaways

Grizzly Ranch offers:

• Exclusive Location: A hidden gem in the Sierras, providing a secluded and picturesque golfing experience.
• Value for Money: Competitive rates for exceptional course quality, despite occasional coupon disputes.
• Course Conditions: Impeccably maintained greens and fairways, offering a challenging yet rewarding play.

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One of my favorite hobbies is golf. I freaking love golf. Although I do not have a registered handicap, I normally shoot in the mid to high 80's and get the pleasure of playing many different courses in northern Nevada. So I am going to blog about the courses I play to offer an opinion on two things: 1.) The condition of the course itself, and 2.) the "bang for your buck" experience at the course. While it seems that many courses can charge whatever they want because people will pay it, I have watched three courses in my area close down in the past five years. It seems like golf courses have not adjusted their strategies to fill up tee times and still insist on charging an arm and a leg rate. In my golf review blogs, I intend to give my 2 cents worth to people who enjoy playing nice, fun, challenging courses without sacrificing their first born for the cost of 18 holes. I also hope to speak with some grounds keepers to get some of the ins and outs of golf course maintenance. I'm a lawn guy, I care to know how some of these courses stay in such great condition.

GrizzlyRanchLogo

This week, a few friends and I had an amazing opportunity to play Grizzly Ranch Golf Club. Most people have never even heard of this place because it is tucked away in the Sierras near Portola, CA, but it is one of the most beautiful golf clubs around.

It is well worth the short 50 minute drive from Reno to play this beautiful mountain course if you can find a good rate that the club house will honor. I say "honor" because Grizzly Ranch recently offered a text message coupon for a 2 for 1 round (which would equate to $40 per person), and my foursome planned to use two of them.  They only accepted one.

The stipulations were that you had to text the coupon that said "share with friends" to your friend, then show it at the club house.  However, they denied one of our discounts because we did not send the text message until after we arrived on site, rather than before we got there. We debated the club house attendant over this unstated detail, but we lost.

After all the time spent driving we did not want to turn back to Reno, so we just sucked it up and paid three rates between the four of us, which came out to $60 a piece. I do have to say, however, that unlike other courses that charge $60.00 Grizzly Ranch is still a great deal. (Their peak season rate is $109.00). Still, we were pretty pissed because no matter how nice your course is, you honor an advertised coupon to draw first time players back. Their stubbornness left a bad taste in our mouths.

grizzly ranch

After our club house debacle, we teed off with only 10 other players on the course for the whole day. While this is amazing for the players, this shows why courses like Grizzly Ranch need to find better ways to attract mid-week golfers when no members are around. The course conditions were near perfect and had little to no evidence of wear from the dry winter, like many of the courses in Reno are experiencing, but there was virtually no one there.

The greens were in great shape but were very slow due to the morning dew, as well as the fact that they had not been cut in a few days. The course was challenging and in such great shape that I would go back with another discounted rate. Their twilight rate of $89.00 is too rich for my blood, but I would recommend taking the time to drive up there and play if they offer another coupon. If you do go with a coupon, just be prepared to read the invisible fine print before you make the drive.

Dethatching Lawns in Reno

thatch

Key Takeaways

Dethatching in Reno offers:

• Seasonal Timing: Typically performed in Spring to coincide with aeration, enhancing root system access to nutrients, air, and water.
• Thatch Management: A light layer is beneficial, but excessive thatch from Kentucky bluegrass needs removal to prevent damage.
• Proper Technique: Unlike aeration, dethatching should not be done on wet lawns to avoid turf damage and ensure thatch is effectively removed.

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Dethatching is something that is normally done in the Spring and often coincides with the aeration process. Just like lawn aeration, dethatching is done in to allow nutrients, air, and water to have better access to the root system. Areas of the country consisting of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass do not have to worry as much about a heavy thatch layer build up, but unfortunately Reno consists of mainly Kentucky blue grass, which does tend to have a quicker build up of thatch growth. A small layer of around 1/2" thatch growth can actually be beneficial for your lawn because it can help protect the turf from the hot summer sun, help prevent weed germination, as well as reduce water evaporation. Although there are some great benefits to dethatching, it is important to make sure that if you hire someone to "power rake" the lawn it is not done right after the lawn has been watered. Unlike lawn aeration, which normally gets better core penetration just after a good soak, dethatching a wet lawn can leave you with damaged and ripped up sections of turf. Another important factor after power raking is to make sure that the loose thatch is properly raked up instead of left on the grass or mowed over. Some companies attempt to just mow over the loose thatch, but this will mulch up the dead stems and roots and put them right back into the lawn. The other day, we took a minute to shoot a quick video to show you just how much thatch is pulled up after dethatching a single 30 foot strip. From a distance this lawn does not look like it has a thick thatch layer, but once the power rake gets rolling you can see just how much dead stuff has been removed. Check out the video to get an better idea of what dethatching is and whether or not your turf might need it done. [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3eLWyVjoDI[/youtube]

The Secrets to Ballpark Turf Perfection

Reno Aces

Key Takeaways

Ballpark turf perfection offers:

• Year-Round Dedication: Maintaining perfect turf requires full-time, year-round effort to ensure quality and consistency.
• Visual Consistency: The goal is achieving a field appearance that looks equally impressive regardless of the season.
• Early Season Readiness: Techniques enable the turf to appear vibrant and green even when other lawns are still dormant.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

Nothing other than "perfection" can describe the Reno Aces baseball field. Whether it is the checkerboard mowing patterns everyone wishes their front lawns had, or the ideal shade of green turf, the Aces ballpark is as good as it gets.

I had the extreme pleasure to meet up with Head of Grounds Eric Blanton to briefly discuss what it takes to keep this ballpark looking as good as it does. Eric assured me that it takes more than just showing up a couple hours before game time a few days a week to mow and fertilize - it takes a full time job year round to ensure a quality field for players and fans. Eric said, "Our goal is for someone to take a picture of the field and not be able to tell if the photo was taken in February or August."

Aces

The picture above was taken on April 3rd during the Aces vs. UNR game, just two days before a snowy season opener. It was this photo made me wonder "how do they make it look so good so early in the season?" While every lawn and golf course in Reno is still dormant, the Aces ballpark has completed their mission to make it look like this image was taken in August. In the video below, Eric and I spend a few minutes discussing some of the ins and outs of maintaining Aces ballpark, along with what it takes to become an award winning Head of Grounds for a minor league baseball team.

Fall Fertilizer Helps Spring Growth

fall fertilizer

Key Takeaways

Fall fertilizer promotes spring growth:

• Root Strengthening: Fall fertilizing is crucial for root fortification, setting the stage for robust spring growth.
• Early Green-Up: Lawns treated with fall fertilizer green up more quickly and vigorously in spring.
• Visual Benefits: Despite dormant periods, fall fertilization results in noticeable visual improvements when the growing season begins.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

Now that the grass is growing it is obvious to see what lawns were taken care of during the off season. What does this mean? There are some lawns that just green up right away and others that take weeks to even show signs that the turf is still alive. So what is secret? Fertilizer! Many people like to skip the final application of fertilizer in the fall because they know that their lawn will go dormant shortly after, so why fertilize if there is no visual benefits? The reason fall fertilizing is very important is because it helps strengthen the roots and will prepare the lawn for the next spring.

Below is a quick video of one of our customers who has the greenest lawn in the neighborhood. Fred has appropriately fertilized which has encouraged his lawn to spring up quickly and look amazing this early in the season.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMHppHg7jpo[/youtube]

Irrigation Disaster: Do it Right!

Licensed and insured

Key Takeaways

Irrigation insights:

• Professional versus Amateur: Opting for a professional ensures your irrigation system is installed correctly, avoiding costly mistakes.
• Cost of Errors: Amateur installations can lead to significant issues, such as leaks from improperly joined pipes.
• Quality Assurance: Hiring licensed professionals can prevent future complications and ensure the system's longevity.

Check out our irrigation services.

Dilemma: Where should we draw the line when deciding to hire a professional or save money and hire an amateur? This question is simple if we are talking about who to go to if you have a broken arm, or even who to hire to build your house, but at what point does the grey area come into play where you might be more focused on getting a job done, rather than getting it done right?

Broken PVC pipe

Quick Story:

I pose this question because when I activated my irrigation system the other day I noticed I had a leak. This was not just any leak, it was coming from about 3' underground in a very random place that should never be damaged. After an hour of digging I was expecting to find some cracked PVC pipe, but to my surprise I simply found that the pipe had separated from its joint. Whoever installed the system forgot to use any glue on this small section, which basically means it was being held together like two pieces of Legos. This was just one of many issues that have come up with my irrigation since we moved in, so it's clear that whoever installed this system took many shortcuts and installed things incorrectly.

Solution:

So just as you might be ready to hire anyone to install your irrigation system, think about being in this situation in the future. I have had several customers ask me to fix underground piping issues that have broken or were installed incorrectly, and although I know how to do it I normally direct them to call someone who is licensed for this type of work to make sure it is done right. I can fix my own irrigation - but I am no expert.

Ask yourself this question - Does fixing my irrigation fall within the grey area between hiring an amateur and hiring a professional? Before you go with an amateur, think twice about the consequences and possibly spend the extra buck to have the job done right.

5 Steps to Activate Your Water

anti siphon valve

Key Takeaways

Efficient watering methods:

• Step-by-Step Activation: A methodical approach ensures optimal water system functionality.
• Seasonal Adjustment: Tailoring water usage to seasonal needs promotes lawn health and saves resources.
• Inspection for Leaks: Regularly checking for leaks prevents water waste and protects the system.
• Professional Consultation: Expert advice can enhance system efficiency and lawn vitality.

Check out our sprinkler services.

The most basic way to tell if you need help activating the water is determine if you know what the picture to the left is? Not a clue? Then yes you might need help turning your irrigation back on after a Reno winter. If this is something you want to be able to do yourself and have a similar system than these directions and video should be able to help you out. 1.) Tools:

To activate your water you will need a small to medium size flat head screw driver and a irrigation key that can be purchased at your local Home Depot.

2.) Test clocks:

This is where the flat head screw driver comes in handy. The two smaller valves that stick out of the back pressure system have spot where you will use the flat head screwdriver. During the winter these slits should be in parallel with the valve, but you will now want to close the valve by turning the screw driver a quarter turn until the slits are perpendicular with the ground.

3.) Open the valves:

Now you will want to turn the two large valves to be parallel with the pipe. In the picture above they are currently perpendicular with the pipe, so by using the picture as a reference you would want to twist both valves a quarter turn until in parallel with the pipes.

4.) Close drain valves:

In the video we are dealing with a two drain system. Your system might have more drain valves so you will want to make sure all drain valves are closed before activating the system. To close the drain valves you will need to use the irrigation key to turn the drain valve clockwise until it stops. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.

5.) Activate the System:

Finally you will need to use the irrigation key one last time, but just like in the video below you want to turn the key counter-clockwise until the valve is fully open. At this point you should hear all the water fill the pipes and pressurize. If there are no leaks and all drain valves have been closed then this your system is good to go!

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlZZsU8nD7o[/youtube]

Help Me, Help You

lawn agreement

Key Takeaways

Efficient lawn care enhances:

• Communication: Prompt and clear communication fosters better service customization.
• Preparation: Pre-service preparation by homeowners, such as providing access and addressing pet concerns, ensures smoother operations.
• Feedback: Constructive feedback post-service allows for continuous improvement and personalization.

Check out our lawn care services.

It has become evident to me that in the lawn care industry there is a much better approach to make money, but I am not sure if the hard economy would allow people to be open to the idea.  What is it?  Help other businesses make money. Yes, I know that owning and operating a small business in this country is rather cut-throat, but there are some very effective ways that lawn care and landscaping professionals could help each other make money.

After talking today with a fellow friend and landscaper Joe Colacurcio, owner of Hillside Landscape in Reno, it became very obvious that we had an opportunity to help each other make money. Joe, being very experienced in the landscaping and snow removal realm, had heard that this previous year I was contacted by Cabela's in Reno for a snow removal contract. Since our business is not equipped to take on such a large contract, I simply told them "Thank you for contacting us, but we are currently not able to provide service for you." After the discussion with Joe today, I realized that I had a potential gold mine for someone that could handle a contract like this.

light bulb

Joe and I generally work in the same field, but we have two completely different business models. Joe focuses on high end landscaping jobs while my business mainly focuses on the weekly lawn maintenance contracts. However, each of our businesses get calls for both types of work because the public does not always know the difference between our companies. At this point in time I was reminded of Steve Carrell's character from the movie Despicable Me saying, "Liiiiiiggght buuulllllb!!!"

Whats the Solution?

This is when I realized that so many lawn care companies stretch themselves thin by trying to serve homes/businesses all across Reno. We each find our niche in a specific part of town that allows us to cut down on drive time (and therefore gas), enabling us to complete more jobs in a shorter period of time. So I propose, "help me, help you." I honestly don't want to be driving to Sparks or south Reno to do a lawn maintenance job just as some companies believe that the NW area is out of their way. If we are able to refer business to each other it would allow us to offer lower rates, drive less, and in the end provide better service for our customers! In my opinion this is a win win situation for both the business and the customer.

3 Steps That Got Our Business Recognized

social media

Key Takeaways

Innovative strategies enhance visibility:

• Website Creation: Establishing a basic online presence via a user-friendly website.
• Google Places and Yelp: Utilizing free platforms for increased discoverability.
• Encouraging Reviews: Actively seeking customer feedback to improve online reputation.

"Check out our lawn care services."

The benefits of social media have become more and more evident since our business jumped on the bandwagon last year. Because of this, our marketing focus has changed from trying to blast people with unwanted messages and forcing discounts, to discussing and connecting with others about lawn care tips, tools, and tricks through social media. While it has taken a lot of time and effort to improve our overall search engine optimization (SEO), there are a few quick things we did to get our name on the front page of Google in a moderately untouched market. If you are not quite ready to commit or spend money on social media marketing, here is what I did with limited knowledge to get my brand name recognized on the web. 1.) Get a Website:

Before I had enough money to hire a webmaster to create my website, I did some searching and ended up creating an intuit website. This was not great, but it at least created a home base for people to find me. Depending on your situation I would probably suggest creating a wordpress blog instead. The great thing about both of these is they are user friendly, practically free, and create a hub spot for people to find you.

2.) Get your business on Google places and Yelp:

Another FREE tool, Google Places, is where you maybe noticed first if your competition has not flooded it yet. When we signed up for this, Reno area Lawn Services had swamped this tool, but since this was all they had done Google had no reason to put them higher up on the search engine list. In a key word search now you will find Cory's Lawn Service somewhere between letter A-D on almost any search for "lawn service" or "snow removal." Is it because we're a huge business? NO! It just because we utilized some of the tools the internet had to offer.

Google Places

3.) Get 5 start reviews:

I can't give away all our secrets to how we landed 13 five star reviews on Google places, but I can say this is easier than it looks. Don't wait for your customers to review you on their own because you may not like what you see when they actually do (many post because of a bad experience, rather than a good one). Ask your loyal customers to help out, maybe offer 10% off, or a buy one get one free if they go review you on Google. It is much more likely for a random person to try out your business if they see 5 star reviews, as opposed to the company that gets 3 stars.

I am no type of social media expert, and I am honestly just learning how to use social media marketing as well, but these were the first 3 things I did to get Cory's Lawn Service some type of visibility on the web that actually had people calling to get more information about our services. Try them out!

Lawn Aeration Part 2 (get it done right)

Coreaeriation

1333397797611

Key Takeaways

Lawn aeration benefits:

• Optimal Timing: Aeration is most effective when performed after lawns are thoroughly watered, allowing for deeper soil penetration.
• Equipment Type Matters: The choice between a self-propelled drum aerator and a piston-driven aerator can affect the aeration quality and timing.
• Quality vs. Speed: Rushed aeration, often due to low-cost services, may result in insufficient soil aeration, emphasizing the importance of choosing quality services.

Check out our aeration services.

Over the past two weeks I have seen several lawn care companies doing all the prep work they possibly can before the lawn mowing season starts. Starting all the way back in the first week of March, I began to see different companies in town start their services to commercial and residential properties, which includes lawn aeration. Although aeration is one of the single best things you can do for the health of your lawn, if it is not done right you may be wasting your money. In Reno, water activation is normally done around the first to second week in April due to the freezing temperatures during early spring nights. The best time to aerate is normally after a lawn has been soaked throughout the night.  This enables deep cores to break through the thatch layer and allows water and nutrients to penetrate all the way through to the soil. The problem with aerating your lawn so early in March is that the ground can still be frozen and has not had a chance to be watered. Due to Reno's extremely dry winter this year, many of the lawns that were aerated before the irrigation had been activated have produced very minimal soil penetration, which results in extremely small core removal.

Since I have not activated my water yet, I just went outside and attempted to aerate my lawn to show exactly what I am talking about. The cores that were removed are extremely small compared to the picture above and have hardly even penetrated through the thatch layer. Since most companies, including myself, use a self propelled drum aerator, it is necessary to have moisture in the lawn so as to get deep core penetration and the maximum benefit for the time, money, and effort.

What should I do?

If you have already had your lawn aerated and your cores are small because the irrigation had not been activated yet, you can either: 1) get it done again, or 2) just wait until the fall to get it done right. If you hire a company to aerate your lawn, ask if they use a self propelled drum aerator or a piston driven aerator. If the company uses a piston driven aerator, then the aeration process can be done at any time, as long as the ground is not frozen.

Finally, you get what you pay for! A neighborhood boy this year went and rented an aerator for a day and was only charging homes $20.00 to aerate their lawn. Due to the amount of people that signed up for this cheap rate, his aeration jobs resulted in very few plugs being removed because he was in a rush to return the aerator by the end of the day.

Just make sure when you aerate this season that the process is done right!