Green tips for tackling fall lawn cleanup

[The Patriot]

Green tips for tackling fall lawn cleanup

11-21-2011 03:46 AM

Published:
Mon, 2011-11-21 11:39


Green tips for tackling fall lawn cleanup


Heather Joy


feature_story_photo:
Photo courtesy of ARAcontent






Green tips for tackling fall lawn cleanup

Every fall, the wind picks up, the leaves fall to the ground and the grass gets a little browner. It's the time of year when the weather is unpredictable and storms can make even the neatest yards a mess.

Remington, a leading manufacturer of battery and electric power tools, has some tips to help make your fall cleanup greener and easier:

Clearing leaves from your yard can be a daunting task, but it's an important one to keep your yard alive and green come spring. Using an electric leaf blower or blower vacuum versus using a rake or a heavy gas blower can help reduce the effort. While electric leaf blowers are limited in mobility, they require less hassle.

If you find more than just leaves in your yard after a storm, you may consider doing most of the cleanup yourself using a chainsaw, such as the RM1415A Limb N Trim, a 14-inch chainsaw that's ideal for cleanup of fallen branches and logs less than 13 inches in diameter. Keep in mind there are many safety concerns to take into account when using a chainsaw to clean up the mess. Here are a few tips on how to use a chainsaw to help keep you safe this season:

* First, read the operator's manual and follow suggested guidelines to remove fallen trees.

* Ensure the saw's chain is properly tensioned before each use and all fasteners, controls and safety features are functioning properly.

* Make sure the bar and chain are always lubricated to prevent the saw from wearing out or cutting poorly. Check the bar and chain oil reservoir frequently to make sure it's full or it will ruin your chain.

* Start the saw while standing on the ground and always hold the handle securely.

* Clear debris and small tree limbs from the chainsaw's path, and beware of nails and other metal before cutting.

* Avoid saw "kickback" to prevent a serious chainsaw injury. Never let the tip of the bar come in contact with anything. Always reference the operator's manual for proper chain saw operation.

Here are a few other tips to prepare your yard for fall:
* Cut your grass short right before the season ends.

* Don't forget to water. Early in the morning is the best time in order to avoid evaporation and disease development.

* Fertilize in order to maintain root health and replenish the nutrients that were lost during the hot summer.

* Once the watering season is over, make sure to drain and store your garden hose and turn off the water supply to keep your pipes from freezing.

* If you use a battery-powered mower, make sure to remove the battery before putting it away. Also, store the battery on the charger to keep it from slowly draining over the winter, which can damage the battery over time.


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