![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/white-desert-plumbago-adrianna-moya-photography-cc20.jpg\")
Phoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native plants from the dozens that can decorate our outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nThis sprawling perennial also known as plumbago scadens is showing up in more and more Phoenix gardens. The flowers, a startlingly bright white, are quite dramatic against the deep green of the foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, a deep red as new growths, then green when they mature. They return to red during the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIn Phoenix, the white desert plumbago prefers filtered or partial shade, which is pretty quirky for a native of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an easygoing plant all around: It’ll grow under trees or taller shrubs; climb fences, walls or trellises; or cascade from containers or hanging baskets. Plant them along the perimeter of your yard for an innovative and informal hedge.
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is a low-growing perennial with fragrant flowers that open at dusk, glowing white through the night, and then fade to pink and fold in the morning heat. The hairy, narrow leaves are gray-green on top and blue-gray underneath. They also fold up in the heat to retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nLike all native plants in Phoenix, the tufted evening primrose needs little water. However, if you water it moderately, you’ll be rewarded with flowers all summer. The flower’s petals are held above the base of the flower by a long tube that collects nectar. Night-flying hawkmoths love the plant. Their long, coiled tongues stretch far enough to reach the nectar.
\n\n\n\nPlant near a patio or porch so that you can view the fascinating transitions in the evening and early morning hours.
\n\n\n\n![\"Feather](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feather-bush-brian-ralphs-cc20.jpg\")
Also known as fern of the desert, the heat and sun-loving feather bush is a single- or multi-trunk tree that can reach a height of 12 to 15 feet and spreads to widths of up to 15 feet. Clusters of fragrant, creamy white puffballs bloom in early spring amid long, lacy leaves that resemble graceful green feathers.
\n\n\n\nPlant the feather bush around a pool or pond if you want to simulate an oasis, group it to create a natural privacy screen or bring a tropical ambiance to a patio or entryway. Wherever you plant it, you will be captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and foliage.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most of the year, and in some areas, all year. The striking flower is actually spiky stamens that form puffballs. The delicate leaves are a deep green composed of tiny leaflets.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an evergreen but may thin out during those very rare “cold spells” in Phoenix. But there is no such thing as “too hot.” Plant it where you’ve not been able to grow anything, such as in the full sun against a west-facing wall. You can plant it in partial shade, but you will not have anywhere near as many blooms. Hummingbirds flock to the shrub. Watch closely and you’ll also see some finches, wrens, and verdins.
\n\n\n\nThe hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent with short, spiny stems that resemble hedgehogs. All varieties of the cactus have magnificent blossoms that last five days in shades of pink or purple. They open in the morning and close at night.
\n\n\n\nOnce the flowering is complete, the plant produces edible red-orange fruit with a fleshy white pulp that tastes like strawberry. At first, the fruit looks too dangerous to pick — the stems are densely covered with sharp spines, but the spines fall off as the fruit matures.
\n\n\n\nEven though the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil, and full sunlight, it also does well indoors near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nFeature image source: Alan Levine / CC 2.0
\n","title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/107df/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/293e9/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/f2cbb/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/356ef/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/67b76/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/8df11/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/98a65/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/93f70/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"1c67d9da-a9ec-51ca-8d19-58993eb7d50a","slug":"how-to-grow-grass","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-grow-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Starting a lawn from seed can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth it. Once you establish a new lawn — or fill in bare spots — the lush, green grass is a reward in and of itself. Here is how to grow grass. When To Seed The “when” of how to […]
\n","content":"\nStarting a lawn from seed can be a daunting task, but one that is well worth it. Once you establish a new lawn — or fill in bare spots — the lush, green grass is a reward in and of itself. Here is how to grow grass.
\n\n\n\nPlanting grass seed is not as simple as it sounds. Before you start seeding, get the yard ready.
\n\n\n\nThe “when” of how to grow grass depends on what type of grass you’re planting. The time of year makes a difference in how well your new lawn will establish itself. If you’re planting in a warmer climate, like the southern part of the United States, warm-season grasses like Zoysia and Bermudagrass will work best in your yard. Plant those warm-season grasses in the late spring — late May through early June. As the name suggests, this grass type thrives in warmer temperatures better than the cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses tolerate deep freezes better. That’s not to say they will stay green through the winter, but the cold won’t kill the roots. Examples of cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. It’s best to plant this grass type in the early fall.
\n\n\n\nThe crucial part of planting grass seed is water. New grass needs lots of water, especially if you live in a drier climate, or it hasn’t rained. “As the seed germinates and seedlings begin to grow, it’s essential the new seedlings are not allowed to dry out. Continue to water the seedlings two to four times a day if the weather conditions are dry,” advises Clark Throssell, a turfgrass specialist at Purdue University. Once you get the grass seed growing, you want your new grass to grow into a healthy lawn. You may need to set your automatic sprinkler if it has a timer. If not, be sure to get outside to check on your new grass every day until its established. These rules also apply if you’re overseeding an existing lawn and trying to fill in bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/rsz_lawn-mowing-catcher.jpg\")
You can start mowing and regular lawn maintenance once the new grass gets a couple of inches high. Try to keep the soil moist and foot traffic to a minimum until your lawn has reached that stage and matured a bit.
\n\n\n\nThe exact mowing height depends on what kind of grass you have:
\n\n\n\nDon’t rush to put down weed killer right away, even if you see weeds popping up. New grass is delicate, and herbicides can do damage to even the best grass when it’s starting to germinate. Only consider putting down weed killers — whether pre-emergent or post-emergent — after you have mowed the new lawn several times. Weed control comes only after you have established your healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nGrowing grass takes time and patience — thus the cliche, “watching the grass grow.” If you’re in a hurry to establish a lawn and don’t have time to plant grass seed, consider laying down sod. This will be a little more expensive, especially if you have large areas to cover, but it won’t take nearly as long.
\n\n\n\nIt’s not a quick process, and in order to have a healthy green lawn, you will need to make the right preparations. But if you follow the recommendations that best suit your climate and your yard, you will be rewarded by the thick, beautiful lawn you want.
\n","title":"How to Grow Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7799752781211373,"src":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1789c/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/107df/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/293e9/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/f2cbb/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1789c/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/88d35/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.jpg 1440w","srcWebp":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1dd6e/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/67b76/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/8df11/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/98a65/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/1dd6e/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/83f8ac2ef88f6e4e2b221655078d2634/d6099/nature-grass-growth-plant-sky-field-932697-pxhere.com_.webp 1440w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Grow Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"80f99559-1e72-59e1-ad9c-5cdf4e6b8618","slug":"how-build-backyard-putting-green","path":"/lawn-care/how-build-backyard-putting-green/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 15th, 2019","excerpt":"So your golf game isn’t up to par, and you need to practice, practice, practice! But who has time to go to the driving range to practice their chipping? Hit the green any time you want without ever getting in your car by putting a putting green in your backyard. Adding your own putting green […]
\n","content":"\nSo your golf game isn’t up to par, and you need to practice, practice, practice! But who has time to go to the driving range to practice their chipping? Hit the green any time you want without ever getting in your car by putting a putting green in your backyard. Adding your own putting green to your landscape will make you everyone’s best friend and do wonders for your short game!
\n\n\n\nBefore you go digging up your lawn:
\n\n\n\nWhere you build your outdoor putting green will determine whether it’s a hit or a failure! Some of the things to consider are how much sun hits the area (when using real grass), slope, and airflow. Choose an area that gets full sun when using real grass. This is best for growth and performance. Stay away from spots near fences and tall trees, as these will block the sun. Shade can cause the soil to hold in too much moisture. The right amount of sun also helps prevent mold and diseases that can destroy the green turf.
\n\n\n\nSpeaking of moisture, too much of a slope can drown your green. Low, deep areas of your lawn gather water, something that’s a definite no-no for a putting green. On the other hand, a completely flat area is boring, so you may want to keep or add some small bumps. No matter where you decide to build, install drains to the green dry. These drains should be no more than 10 feet apart and allow water to drain off in all directions.
\n\n\n\nAirflow (wind) is the third component when deciding the location. The right airflow helps the grass grow and stay dry. Don’t place the golf green in a spot where fences, shrubs, and trees block the wind. But, if you live in a very windy area, you may need to find a happy medium, so your ball isn’t constantly blowing around.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HYMZ5WGK4XW_km1QRQQARj6tHSiLItYiZLopBMxjb0onSlGTk6DAhE8syvrw5v-g6wbRKkKHvY7nejpw_Xpq2P1aUi2thpuxRtWatk3DO2QlwMSTjTMh9qJVx4R6rwPKdNhjf1Ug\")
Natural grass and synthetic putting greens each have their pros and cons. Most backyard putting greens made with real turf use creeping bentgrass. It’s less expensive to install than artificial turf and gives the look of a real golf course. The surface of creeping bentgrass provides a smooth, even surface for fast putts. Keep it trimmed to a quarter-inch or less. That means a lot of mowing, not to mention fertilizer, weeding, and watering! Installing real grass is initially cheaper than installing synthetic turf, but long-term maintenance is more costly.
If you want a low maintenance putting surface, artificial turf is the way to go. Synthetic grass is more expensive to install but requires little upkeep. While you do need to keep leaves and sticks off the area, you don’t need to worry about mowing, fertilizing, or weeding. Some golfers think artificial putting greens don’t look like an actual golf course. It’s also more difficult to move the cups around on synthetic turf than real grass. Keep in mind, synthetic grass has come a long way. If you install high-quality turf, few people will know the difference.
\n\n\n\nSome golfers are extremely handy and are capable of building a PGA style backyard green in a day or two. If you find it too time-consuming to do it yourself, it may be easier to hire someone to install the surface. There are quite a few steps involved, but you may enjoy the process and feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re done. Be aware there’s more to it than just digging up the backyard and laying down turf and cups.
\n\n\n\nThe digging, hauling and cutting require a lot of effort. Of course, the size and style of your green will have an impact on price no matter who installs it.
\n\n\n\nReal grass and artificial turf both require maintenance but grass requires more. To keep it at a half-inch or less, you’ll be mowing every other day. The green needs frequent watering. You’ll also put down fertilizer and fungicide. Keeping pests from destroying your hard work is also high on the list. Clark Throssell of Purdue University’s Extension Office says, “Several insects and diseases are potential pests of creeping bentgrass greens. The first step in pest control is to produce a dense, actively growing stand of grass.” If that doesn’t work, you may need an insecticide.
\n\n\n\nA backyard putting green is an investment in your home’s charm as well as in your own leisure time. So what you put into it is a predictor of what you’ll get back.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Lotus Head, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"How to Build a Backyard Putting Green","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1789c/1280px-Golfball.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/107df/1280px-Golfball.jpg 320w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/293e9/1280px-Golfball.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/f2cbb/1280px-Golfball.jpg 800w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1789c/1280px-Golfball.jpg 960w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/356ef/1280px-Golfball.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1dd6e/1280px-Golfball.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/67b76/1280px-Golfball.webp 320w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/8df11/1280px-Golfball.webp 500w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/98a65/1280px-Golfball.webp 800w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/1dd6e/1280px-Golfball.webp 960w,\n/static/e1313e45a32c756004f18bbb48a56cb0/93f70/1280px-Golfball.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Build a Backyard Putting Green | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f6b0b0e0-da8f-59fe-a29c-72229f6dc7a9","slug":"grass-around-pools","path":"/lawn-care/grass-around-pools/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Just picture it: getting out of the pool and walking around on soft, green grass instead of hard, hot pavement. It seems like a good idea — but there are some things to think about when it comes to poolside grass. Will the pool water affect the grass? How do I keep grass clippings out […]
\n","content":"\nJust picture it: getting out of the pool and walking around on soft, green grass instead of hard, hot pavement. It seems like a good idea — but there are some things to think about when it comes to poolside grass. Will the pool water affect the grass? How do I keep grass clippings out of the pool? Can a grass installation be as low-maintenance as hardscape around the swimming pool? Here’s what you need to know about grass around pools.
\n\n\n\nThe benefit to a concrete or tile pool deck is the maintenance — or lack thereof. At most, you might power-wash the deck at the beginning and end of the pool season, and it’s an easy continuation of your pool design. It also stands up to heavy foot traffic with no problem. Grass around pools, for all its comfort on bare feet and safety, needs more TLC. Two major concerns are water and mowing — water, because pool water may have an effect on your grass, and mowing because it can make a mess in the pool. But with a little effort, you can keep the grass around your pool from getting into your pool.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf has come a long way in the last few decades, from that plastic, bright green stuff, to synthetic grass that looks real. You and your guests may not be able to tell it apart from natural grass at first glance. Fake grass doesn’t need mowing, fertilizing or watering — but it maintains the same look as real grass. And the best artificial grass will keep your feet cool and cushion any slips and falls as well.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass may also hold up better when doused by the chemicals in your pool. But keep in mind turfgrass can tolerate chlorine better than ornamental grasses and shrubs. If you accidentally spill full-strength chlorine on the lawn, you can flush the chemicals out of the soil with a heavy dose of water. The grass should bounce back without too much trouble.
\n\n\n\nSaltwater comes with different rules, and it depends on what kind of grass you have. Certain varieties, like Bermuda grass and seashore paspalum, tolerate saltwater pretty well. Seashore paspalum is used on golf courses, and watered with brackish water. But some varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues will dry out and suffocate when hit with too much salt.
\n\n\n\nToo much salt in the soil will also impact other plants as well as water features, like a koi pond, as the salt leaches into the soil. That’s something to consider if you want to change your landscape design in the future.
\n\n\n\nA concrete pool deck won’t get quite hot enough to fry an egg, but it can get up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit — definitely too hot to walk on with bare feet. That includes any hardscape surface, like pavers, that are part of your pool landscaping. Grass is a terrible conductor of heat, so it’s safer and more comfortable for you, your family, and your pets in the pool area.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a reason the lifeguards at your local public pool are always screaming at kids to “WALK!” When you add water and some oily sunscreen residue and wet feet to a concrete pool deck, you’re looking at an easy recipe for injuries. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission posted a warning back in 1974. That warning about slippery pool decks lives on today because the danger is the same as it was more than forty years ago. The CPSC says, “Many severe injuries result from falling on slippery walkways and decks and falling from diving boards and ladders.” While slipping on grass is not impossible, it’s less likely, and the landing is softer. Safety should be a major consideration when designing your pool and deck.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re installing a new pool, or making some upgrades to an existing one, both concrete and grass have pros and cons. Weigh them carefully before deciding which is best for you.
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\n","content":"\nYour sprinkler heads are easily the most vulnerable part of your sprinkler system — prone to sprinkler head damage from lawnmowers, your trimmer, freezing cold air and anything else that hits this part of the sprinkler that sits above ground. Here is what you need to know about protecting your sprinkler heads.
\n\n\n\nSprinkler donuts sound like something delicious, but they are actually a lot less fun than a donut with sprinkles. Sprinkler head donuts are a quick, inexpensive solution to damage from lawnmowers. You can choose between durable concrete donuts or plastic ones — either way, they are designed to prevent broken sprinkler heads. Keep in mind the concrete donuts may cost a little more, but they are tougher than the plastic ones, and they won’t float away in a heavy rain like the plastic donuts have been known to do.
\n\n\n\nYour local landscaper may have installers who can put them in for you, but really it’s a DIY home improvement project. Your garden center or home improvement store should have the donuts, and only common garden tools are needed.
\n\n\n\nRegardless of whether you do it yourself or hire someone, the donuts will save you the headache of replacing those lawn sprinkler heads.
\n\n\n\nThe pop-up sprinkler is actually a solution to the problems caused by permanent sprinkler heads. “Mowing around permanent sprinklers in the landscape was quite a chore. Grass had to be manually trimmed near the sprinklers and occasionally one of the sprinklers was the victim of an inattentive worker on a mower. The ‘pop-up’ sprinkler was developed to alleviate this problem,” says the Clemson Cooperative Extension Home And Garden Information Center website.
\n\n\n\nThe other big threat to your pop-up sprinkler — or any watering method, like drip irrigation or even a faucet — is freezing temperatures. If water is left in the spray head when a hard freeze comes along, you could be looking at several broken sprinkler heads. The cardinal lawn care rule when frigid temperatures come along is to drain the water out of anything vulnerable.
\n\n\n\nHere are some things to do to prepare for pipe-bursting cold temperatures:
\n\n\n\nA good sprinkler system is a significant and convenient part of lawn care, but it’s also a complicated system with a lot of parts vulnerable to damage. That damage is avoidable if you take the right measures. A few sprinkler head donuts and a good draining in the fall will help keep your sprinkler heads in good working order throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Broken,” Daniel R. Blume, CC by-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Protecting Your Sprinkler Heads","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3769363166953528,"src":"/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/f2cbb/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/107df/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.jpg 320w,\n/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/293e9/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.jpg 500w,\n/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/f2cbb/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/98a65/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/67b76/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.webp 320w,\n/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/8df11/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.webp 500w,\n/static/617cbead0fba57c271967c4b4840773f/98a65/broken-sprinkler-daniel-r-blume-ccsa20.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Protecting Your Sprinkler Heads | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"0c413d20-1209-5877-9f46-48692ed95662","slug":"lawn-mower-maintenance-need-to-know","path":"/garden-accessories/lawn-mower-maintenance-need-to-know/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"November 11th, 2019","excerpt":"Lawn mower maintenance isn’t rocket science, but ignoring it could send your yard care costs soaring. A little bit of DIY and TLC at the right time (usually the beginning of mowing season) will go a long way in making your mowing and lawn care smooth and easy, all season long. There are generally two […]
\n","content":"\nLawn mower maintenance isn’t rocket science, but ignoring it could send your yard care costs soaring. A little bit of DIY and TLC at the right time (usually the beginning of mowing season) will go a long way in making your mowing and lawn care smooth and easy, all season long.
\n\n\n\nThere are generally two kinds of lawn mowers. A push mower, which can be gas-powered, electric, or even human-powered. The gas-powered, small engine type is the most common. Riding mowers and lawn tractors are gas-powered, as well. They’re great for big yards that are either flat or have gently sloping hills. They tend to be more expensive and more complicated to maintain because they have more parts.
\n\n\n\nDirt and other debris can get into the oil and gunk things up, so you’ll want to begin every mowing season with an oil change. You will remove the drain plug, if your mower has one, and let the oil drain out. If your mower doesn’t have a cap, you’ll need to tilt the mower to drain the oil through the fill hole. Check with your owner’s manual for the best kind of oil for your lawn mower.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BNAUP_pmOc0zqnLJo0PT9jl-nCjiCDG6fUTHgY1icncyX1mEAIbRP_boHDQxETY2I0KQlGXbfJOY7EA_-WgH_SKJMPBqww6khKPQYO3hCMUGuKiYSX_ps67c1L0vy5161F5fO-Di\")
If the seal on the old plug is leaking, replace it. You’ll also need to replace the spark plugs. The spark plug wires get worn, and that will affect the lawn mower’s ability to start the mower engine. The size of the spark depends on how wide the gap is — which is at the end of the spark plug. It’s a thin piece of metal that bends 90 degrees over the end of the plug. You can clean the gap if the lawn mower seems to sputter, or you can just buy a new plug and replace it.
\n\n\n\nIf your mower engine has the accordion-style paper filters, they’re easy to replace. If you have a foam filter, rinse it with a high powered hose and let it dry.
\n\n\n\nAn essential maintenance tip includes sharpening your mower blades at least once during every mowing season. Dull blades stress your grass by ripping and tearing the grass blades, instead of cleanly cutting. You can sharpen your own blades with a metal file and vice, but you’re probably better off letting a pro do it or buying new blades.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/t0tRqPL3cVvVB2Mrsh1KaVwJIhfQK5y5uPlxdkkSyk8dvTEYgyU_U_gyqgjy92iJ9X4XHl-sjdGH2h8sOrJeTnHTzP8hP8H4wZxrmSBd4BhX0U99B7WtpcqW9caOQBVTVzq9JmuY\")
While you’re at it, get rid of all the dirt and debris in the undercarriage. The grass clippings and debris can jam your mower’s discharge chute. Disconnect the spark plug first, to be on the safe side. A wire brush will loosen or remove most of the debris. Spray the rest out with a hose. It seems tedious, but it will make a difference to your lawn. The PennState Extension office warns, “Dull, improperly adjusted and dirty equipment not only destroys the aesthetic value of the turf by discoloration and bruising of the leaf tips, but also provides more ready access for disease organisms and insects through the damaged leaves.”
\n\n\n\nIf you’re too busy to DIY, take it to a pro. If you bought your lawn mower new, the store or dealership may offer maintenance service. You can also lookup lawn mower repair shops online and see which ones perform regular maintenance. Expect to pay between $50 to $100, depending on your type of mower.
\n\n\n\nDraining the gas tank is end-of-season maintenance. One of the biggest culprits, when a gas-powered lawn mower won’t start, is old gas. Drain whatever is left after the end of the mowing season, and start with a gas tank full of new fuel. Old oil and gas lose their effectiveness over time. Be sure to dispose of whatever you have left in your gas can, as well. This will eliminate a fire hazard in your garage.
\n\n\n\nAs with any piece of outdoor power equipment, make sure your lawn mower is off before you begin any maintenance or repairs. It’s also important to check the oil level periodically, usually by using the dipstick. We’ve come a long way since lawn mowers took a lot of muscle and patience to operate. But modern machines need maintenance to be able to cut the grass season after season. These lawn mower maintenance steps should keep your riding lawn mower or your push mower in action for years — especially if you read the owner’s manual for individual brand and model details.
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