(Newswire.net — August 8, 2021) — You mow the lawn every week; pull weeds regularly; and tend to the flower beds without fail but your yard still looks dumpy compared to the neighbors. Is it time to find a landscape contractor? Or do you resist because of the high prices and the fact that you enjoy doing your own yard work? This is a common predicament for homeowners. Happily, there is a solution that enhances the appearance of your property while maintaining sovereignty over your turf. It may involve some upfront investment but the outlay will pay economic and aesthetic dividends in the years to come. You need the right equipment.
#1: Lawn Edger
There is a difference between short grass and a breathtaking lawn. The latter is sculpted and shaped to fit the contours of houses, patios, fire pits, gardens, and pools. A lawn edger creates a neat and clean trench, or boundary, between the grass and that which it abuts. Sometimes called an edge trimmer or edging tool, the lawn edger operates either manually or by the motor. The manual version is either spade-based, hand shear-simulating, or roller-based. Motorized edgers, on the other hand, come in single-wheel, multi-wheel, or string trimmer (think weed whacker) models.
#2: Chain Saw
Many people, of course, have chainsaws. Still, in an overwhelming number of instances, these are used mainly for making logs for firewood and cutting up fallen branches after a hurricane or other violent storm. Few can appreciate the application of the chainsaw to improving landscape appeal. Just as a lawn looks better with shaping, so too do bushes, hedges, and other shrubs. Overgrowth of this vegetation tends to degrade the appearance of the property. Even a modest trimming makes all the difference. DIY-ers are well-advised to observe all safety and operating guidelines.
#3: Hose Nozzle
Believe it or not, the kind of nozzle used will affect the look of the landscape. Brass nozzles are favored by many for their endurance and corrosion resistance. Those dipped in rubber coating material offer extra protection. Most nozzles offer multiple settings and users should understand the purpose of each. For example, the shower setting is optimal for gardens and potted plants whereas the flat setting is best for seedlings and young plants. More volume is supplied by the cone setting — perfect for a pre-fertilized lawn — and soak, a setting purposed for large shrubs and trees.
#4: Sweeper/Blower
Post-mowing grass clippings, as well as fallen leaves, can actually stain the masonry and driveway if not dispatched right away. To be exact, a sweeper differs from a blower in that the former works like a simple broom while the latter performs as a push broom. In general, a blower is better at heavier-duty jobs but the sweeper is more efficient on hard surfaces. When selecting any piece of landscaping equipment, property owners do well to evaluate the performance of the tool against the needs of the landscape. An established equipment dealer fields a staff of competent sales advisors who can help answer any questions.