Benefits of Aeration
Written by Dr. Robert Shearman, turfgrass professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What is lawn aeration?
Technically speaking, aeration is the naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere. Practically speaking, aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch from the lawn to improve soil aeration. Textbooks often refer to the practices of soil aeration as soil cultivation (coring, spiking and slicing). The aeration process is also commonly called core aeration in the lawn service industry, and homeowners often refer to it as simply aeration.
What are the benefits of aeration?
Core aeration helps the lawn’s health and vigor, and it reduces maintenance requirements. The following are other benefits of core aeration: Continue reading
Brinly BS-26/36 Broadcast Spreader Assembly Video
This marks the first of our assembly videos, designed to help walk new Brinly product owners through the process of getting your new attachments set up and ready for use. In response to customer demand, we’re beginning with the tow-behind broadcast spreader assembly video.
When we receive calls about the broadcast spreader, they generally pertain to the assembly of the flow control housing. And usually, the link rod that connects the flow control handle to the gate has been installed backwards, which — at least at first — fits together just as easily as the proper direction. However, when the flow control housing is assembled and the user attempts to connect the link rod to the gate, it falls out because the hook is upside down. Note the direction of the bend in the link rod (approx. 3:41 in the video) to prevent this from happening.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or difficulty assembling your broadcast spreader (or any of our products), don’t hesitate to contact our customer service department at (877) 728-8224 or via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.org
Author: Brad Turner
From sowing to mowing, these are the high-points that will ensure that you have the most gorgeous grass in the neighborhood
- Test your soil pH using a kit from your local home improvement store or garden center. Optimum range is 6.2 – 7.2; spread lime to increase, sulfur to decrease
If you’re like most of us, you still have a few leftover leaves in your yard that took the winter months settling into place. If they’re left there too long after the last frost, the once-pretty grass underneath will die and will soon be replaced by weeds. There are several nifty tools to help get rid of them including my personal favorite (Yeah, right!), the yard rake. However, if you’re looking for a higher-octane, less-painful alternative, a turf vacuum might be right up your alley. Continue reading
Lawn Care 101: Pull-Behind Lawn Sprayers
Pull-behind lawn sprayers are used to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in either spot or blanket applications. For spot applications, most sprayers come equipped with a spray hose that allows the user to apply chemical accurately into hard-to-reach areas. Broad or blanket applications cover large areas quickly utilizing a wide perpendicular tube with multiple spray nozzles known as a boom.
Some benefits of liquid chemical application are:
1. The ability to change chemical ratios – especially in regard to fertilizers, whose NPK ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) provides a delicate balance between inadequacy (nutrient deficiency) and overload (nutrient burn)
2. Precise application – spray hoses allow the user to delicately apply chemical in tight spaces
3. Faster rate of absorption – liquids are absorbed more readily by leaves and root systems without need to “water-in” the applied chemical; also results in decreased runoff risk Continue reading
How to choose a heavy-duty garden cart you won’t regret
Many times, having the right tool is the difference between a simple task and a painful one. Imagine trying to remove a wood screw with a ball peen hammer, drive a nail with a screwdriver, or paint a room with a putty knife!
The right tool for hauling any heavy or bulky load around the yard is the tow-behind poly cart, hands down. They’re easier on your body than a wheelbarrow because they make your tractor do the heavy lifting. Continue reading
Grass Seed Planting Guide – BrinlyU
With spring only a week away, many of us are beginning to think of warmer temperatures, short sleeves, and green grass. Soon, we’ll begin the process of reviving our lawns from a long winter’s abuse. A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against opportunistic weeds and pests. Read this Grass Seed Planting Guide for the step-by-step procedure of how to seed your lawn properly. Continue reading
In order to ensure the proper application rates, we must validate our fertilizer spreader settings by accurately calibrating the spreader.
Optimum Spreading Speed = 3mph
Because most broadcast spreaders are wheel-driven, the speed at which you walk significantly affects the spread of the material. Walking slower causes the spinner to rotate more slowly, resulting in a narrow, heavy spread pattern. Walking faster causes the spinner to rotate more quickly, resulting in a wider, lighter spread pattern. Continue reading
Why do I need to use a lawn dethatcher?
Thatch is made of up old grass clippings, dead roots, leaves and other small organic debris. It builds up in layers underneath your lawn, on top of the soil. Good lawn dethatchers will clear this layer away allowing water, nutrients, and air to reach the soil.
Take a small plug of your lawn from an inconspicuous area using a hand spade. If you see more than a half-inch of thatch, your lawn could really benefit from dethatching. Continue reading