Lawn Care

Instructions Step 1: Lay the pipes Lay pipes in the trenches according to your layout; connect them using PVC solvent and the appropriate 1/2-inch fittings. At each sprinkler head location, use a T fitting with a threaded center opening. At the end of each section, use a 90-degree elbow joint with threads in one opening; …

Instructions Step 1: Survey the area Consider what you want to water and its distance from the faucet at your water source to determine how many pipe routes, or stations, you need and the sprinkler locations along each station. Then, mark the ground with a pick to map out the trenches for your sprinkler system. …

Instructions Step 1: Use a pre-emergent fertilizer Use a pre-emergent fertilizer early in the spring — before the outdoor temperature reaches 65 degrees — to kill crabgrass seeds before they can germinate. Step 2: Mow the lawn low Mow the area that has the crabgrass using your mower’s lowest setting. Collect all the clippings, and …

Instructions Step 1: Cut down stump Cut down the stump as much as possible with a chainsaw. Step 2: Remove roots Dig around small, shallow rooted stumps with a grub hoe or shovel to expose the roots and then cut them with a root cutter. Keep digging and cutting until you have removed the stump. …

Instructions Step 1: Look up Stand in the spot where you want to plant the tree and look up. Make sure nothing is in the way — Autumn Blazes can grow to be 50 feet tall. Step 2: Look for shade Look for shade that still allows some sunlight. The tree will grow better in …

Instructions Step 1: Consider location Consider your location in the United States. An October Glory maple tree does best in the Eastern and Northern climates, but can tolerate the Southern climate with proper care. Step 2: Look for others nearby Look for other October Glory maples nearby. If the area has a considerable population, avoid …

Instructions Step 1: Buy or find rocks Buy rocks that complement your yard’s color scheme at a garden store, or gather rocks from the outdoors to lay a garden border. TIP: Install landscape rocks with an audio feature to add music to your garden. Step 2: Rake Rake debris, including weeds, rocks, and sticks, from …

Instructions Step 1: Don’t rake Put off raking. You can mow over your leaves and bag them — or mulch them if you have a mulching mower — well into the fall season. TIP: Don’t mow just to get rid of leaves. When your grass becomes dormant, it’s time to address the leaves. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Pull weeds and rake leaves Tour your lawn. Pull any remaining weeds, and then rake away leaves and other debris. If you have a sprinkler system or other automatic irrigation system in place, shut it down for the winter. Step 2: Apply fertilizer Apply a winter lawn fertilizer with a high potassium …

Instructions Step 1: Adjust blade height Adjust your mower’s blade height to 2 inches, so that you cut only the top one-third of the grass blade. Step 2: Check blades Check the mower blades to make sure they are sharp. Have them sharpened at least twice a year to keep them in good condition. TIP: …

Instructions Step 1: Look at the foliage Look at the plant’s foliage. The leaves should be green and should not show signs of stress. Signs include yellow or faded leaves, leaves that are wilting, or — in general, leaves that are unhealthy in appearance. Step 2: Choose compact plants Choose compact plants. Plants that are …

Instructions Step 1: Plant the tree Plant the dwarf palm where it will get full sunlight in soil that drains well. TIP: If you plant the tree in a container, use a soil mixture of one part vermiculite, one part peat moss, and one part potting soil. Make sure the container allows water to escape …

Instructions Step 1: Hide with ground cover Hide your tree stump with decorative and easy-to-grow ground cover that features attractive foliage and flowers in the spring. Step 2: Use as a platform Use the stump as a platform to display a decorative birdbath, gazing ball, or statue. TIP: Make sure the top of the stump …

Instructions Step 1: Consult owner’s manual Consult the owner’s manual for specific maintenance suggestions, warnings, or tips. Step 2: Purchase replacement plugs Have replacement belts, spark plugs, blades, and filters for your mower on hand. Step 3: Replace the spark plug Replace the spark plug at least once a year. Spark plugs often need replacing …

Instructions Step 1: Get a soil test Break out the garden implements and mower once winter ends. Get a soil test in the spring with advice from your local nursery to determine your lawn’s pH level. Fertilize with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium — but don’t overdo it. TIP: Fertilize 4 times a year: in spring, …

Instructions Step 1: Shave the sod Soak the area where you want to plant your tree with water from a garden hose to make digging easier, and then shave the sod by cutting it with your shovel and peeling away the pieces. TIP: If you’re planting in your yard, make sure you don’t plant below …

Instructions Step 1: Use proper tools Use sharp pruning or lopping shears on young trees and a pruning saw for mature trees. Step 2: Train young trees in summer Train young trees in the summer. Eliminate upright branch angles, which can cause limbs to break under a heavy fruit load. Step 3: Prune while trees …

Instructions Step 1: Identify the urine stains Identify the spots in your lawn that are urine stains. Look for regular circles that start as yellowish and turn brown. Step 2: Use a urine-neutralizing spray on spots Use a urine-neutralizing spray to cover the spot and slow the decay. Sprays are available in pet supply or …

Instructions Step 1: Select the plot Choose a quiet, isolated setting for your Zen garden. Step 2: Define the site Define the garden’s shape and size. A raised, wooden rectangle creates a structured garden box, and a free-flowing stone border gives a more organic form. Step 3: Build the garden Place plastic sheeting inside the …

Instructions : Do not use electric trimmers in wet conditions. Blades and electricity can both be very dangerous. Step 1: Use the proper tools Use a small hand trimmer if you are doing only minor manicuring. For larger jobs, use an electric or gas trimmer. Step 2: Lay down a drop cloth Spread a drop …

Instructions Step 1: Research Ask around or search the internet to find which brands and features are appealing to you. Stick to brands that are known for quality. Step 2: Budget Figure out how much you can afford. Mowers with more power and features generally cost more. Step 3: Consider power source Decide if you …

Instructions Step 1: Consider options Consider growing dwarf trees in containers, which must be at least 15 inches in diameter. Dwarf trees can also be grown against a structure, such as the side of a building, or interwoven in a series of wire. Step 2: Get rootstock Purchase dwarf rootstock, making sure your rootstock and …

Instructions Step 1: Put log on sawmill Roll the log up the ramp on to the bed of the portable sawmill. Lock the log in place so it is secure. TIP: Cut the logs when they are wet. Dampness will make them easier to cut. Step 2: Cut the top Elevate the log so that …

Instructions : Use caution when cutting down a tree. Wear gloves and safety goggles, and warn bystanders to stand out of the way. If the tree is very old, very large, or dead, call a professional. Step 1: Observe the obstacles Put on your gloves and safety goggles. Observe any obstacles in the area around …

Instructions Step 1: Pick a spot Choose a level, open spot for your maze. Step 2: Choose the type of maze Decide what type of maze you want. A unicursal maze has a single twisting path that leads from start to finish with no dead ends; a branching maze has several paths, but only one …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare the soil Check the soil. The ground should be moist but not soggy; if it’s dry, pour water on the area and let it soak in. The soil should also be loose. If it’s compacted, use a gardening fork or trowel to dig around the weed. TIP: Using scalding hot water …

Instructions Step 1: Prep the land Till your soil with a garden hoe and remove sticks and stones. Consider a power garden tiller if you have a lot of land. Then, apply starter fertilizer with a lawn spreader. Step 2: Test the soil Test your soil to find out what nutrients it needs. Garden centers …

Instructions Step 1: Determine your lawn’s water needs Determine how much water your lawn needs. The general rule is one inch of water per week, but different grasses require different amounts. Ask your local gardening center, or contact an area Cooperation Extension Service. Find it on the USDA’s web site. Step 2: Calculate your watering …

Instructions Step 1: Pick the right grass Pick the right variety of grass for your area. Your local garden center can tell you which grass will thrive in your climate. TIP: Don’t buy grass seed that is ten months or more past its test date. Age may affect its germination rate. Step 2: Start with …

Instructions Step 1: Test your soil Test your soil to find out what nutrients it needs. Garden centers often sell do-it-yourself kits, or you can arrange a test through the Cooperative Extension System, a national agriculture network. Find a nearby Extension office on the USDA web site. Step 2: Fertilize carefully Don’t put too much …

Instructions Step 1: Test your soil Test your soil to find out what nutrients it needs. Garden centers sell do-it-yourself kits, or you can arrange a test through the Cooperative Extension System, a national agricultural network. Find a nearby Extension office on the USDA web site. Step 2: Get your fertilizer The soil-test report will …

Instructions : Clear away any debris before mowing, and always wear ear and eye protection, plus sturdy closed-toe shoes. Do not allow children to operate or ride on mowers. Step 1: Trim the edge Cut the edges of your lawn with a special edger or a regular trimmer before you begin mowing. If your lawn …

Instructions : Clear away any debris before using a power edger, and always wear ear and eye protection, plus sturdy closed-toe shoes. Step 1: Start with a pavement edge Begin edging along any stretches of pavement, like a sidewalk or driveway. Whether you have a manual or power edger, simply slice a clean straight line …