Making the Cut: Signs of Lawn Mower Problems

By: RE/MAX Complete

Since summer is here and we are ALL battling the weekly lawn mowing chore, we thought these great tips on lawn mower problems might be of some help!  We came across a great article in the Deseret News on May 14, 2011 about the signs of lawn mower problems by Clint Briscoe, MCT.

Photo Credit

Lawnmowers are tough machines, but they will give some subtle and not so subtle hints that they need attention.  After a cold, wet spring, it is not uncommon for mowers to have trouble starting or to make unsettling noises and behave erratically.   All are tell tale signs that the mower is not in tip-top shape.   Look for these warning signals to determine if your lawn mower is in need of professional attentions:


GETTING YANKED AROUND

A lawn mower with a starter cord should start in less than 10 pulls.  If it takes more to get the engine to fire, then the mower should be serviced.  Continuously yanking the cord in order to get the engine to start will not only lead to extreme frustration, but it could also cause the starter cord to break.


SP-SP-SPUTTERING PROBLEMS

Sputtering engines indicate that the mower's engine is not receiving the correct blend of air and fuel.  This is usually the result of a dirty air filter and carburetor.  To help prevent this, regularly brush off the exterior of the machine to keep it clean, and also clean the mower's air filter every three to five uses.

KNOCK, KNOCK

When an engine makes a knocking noise, it is no laughing matter.  This noise can be an indication that the engine needs more oil or is running hot.  A knocking engine will lead to reduced power and if unaddressed could lead to the destruction of the engine.

THE BIG BANG THEORY

Banging noises coming from under the lawn mower usually indicate a problem with the mower's blade.  When the blade hits large rocks, roots or other debris it can become bent or out of balance, causing it to strike the mower's deck.  All banging noises should be investigated immediately.


SMOKE SIGNALS

If the lawnmower is producing puffs of black or blue smoke, it is trying to tell you something.  Black smoke is a sign the mower's carburetor is running rich and is burning too much gas.  Blue smoke means the mower is burning too much oil.  Mowers that are operating properly should not produce any smoke.

GOING NOWHERE FAST


Self-propelled lawn mowers are designed to make mowing the lawn easier, but when the propulsion systems is malfunctioning it can make mowing very difficult.  A problem with the mower's self-propel feature is often a sign the transmission is won or needs an adjustment.


Most lawn mower problems are the result of inactivity during the winter or a lack of maintenance.  Although infrequently operating, rarely cleaned and normally subjected to the harshest of conditions, lawn mowers can last for years if cared for properly.  All mowers should be serviced at least once a year, whether they are operated year round or only during the peak mowing season.  An annual service will help improve the reliability and efficiency of the mower, and it will also help extend the lawn mower's lifespan.

A mechanic that specializes in small engines is best suited to perform maintenance and repairs to lawn mowers.  A typical service from a small engine mechanic should include changing the oil, spark plugs and air filter.  It should also include a blade sharpening.  A dull blade will tear the lawn's grass rather than cut it, which stresses the lawn and can lead to damaged and diseased grass.

Collecting Rain Water–What are the benefits?

By RE/MAX Complete

Collecting Rain Water

What are the benefits?

---

Can you believe all this rain we have been getting this year?    It has been one wet Spring and the Summer seems to not be much different.  

What can you do with all this rain water that is saturating the areas around our downspouts?
  
We came across a great article that was featured in the Deseret News on May 7th, 2011, that introduced us to Rain Barrels – water conservation!    Since most of us all have gardens, lawns and flowerbeds, this article by Joe Lampil, host of “Growing a Greener World” on PBS would be of great interest to all of you.

“By collecting rain from your roof during wet months and storing it in barrels or tanks, you can create an alternative supply to keep the landscape green without depending on municipal water.   Rainwater doesn’t have the chemicals found in city water, either.   It’s perfect for lawns, flowerbeds and vegetable gardens.

Collectors can be as simple as a rain gutter, downspout and barrel.   There are complete kits available from garden-supply stores, catalogs and the internet, but you can make your own with just a few simple components.  Before getting started, always check local building codes to be sure that rain-collection systems are approved in your area.

• First, install a wire-mesh or plastic gutter screen where the vertical downspout joins the horizontal gutter.   This will help keep roof debris out of the system.  
  
• Next, select a collection barrel.   Gardening stores sell 55-75 gallon plastic rain barrels, complete with leaf screens and spouts, for $50 to $250.   If you use a recycled barrel, select one that’s been used for food storage rather than any kind of chemical.
  
• For safety, barrels must have a sturdy cover that can take the weight of a child who might climb on it.  To keep out mosquitoes and small animals, screen any openings.   During winter months, barrels should be drained or kept only three-quarters full to allow freezing water to expand.
  
• Install a heavy-duty plastic drain spigot that can be “welded” into the barrel wall with waterproof plastic cement.  Select one with common-size threads that can attach to an ordinary garden hose, and locate it as low as possible on the side of the barrel.  Place the barrel on a raised platform to make room under the spigot for a watering can or hose attachment, and you’re ready to water.

You could harvest about 500 gallons of water off a typical 1,000 square foot roof in a storm that produced even 1 inch of rain.   So what to do after the barrels are all full?   Divert the rest of the water into a rain garden.
A rain garden is just a deep depression that collects runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs and driveways and lets it soak slowly into the ground.   they’re planted with shrubs and perennials and maintained like any other landscaped are of your yard.   Place the garden at least 10 feet from the foundation, and no more that 30 feet from the downspout.   Avoid wells, septic systems and low areas that always seem wet.

A typical rain garden needs about 75 to 100 square feet of collecting area, so plan on a 10 by 8 foot flat bottomed bowl 6 inches deep.   The bottom should be fairly level, and the sides gently sloped.   Use the dugout soil to make a retaining berm on the downhill side of a sloped area.”

----If you are interested in more information you can visit: www.joegardener.com.

Showing your home--- Is it like DATING?

By: RE/MAX Complete

DRESS UP YOUR HOME WHEN SHOWING IT!

Article by:  Steve Perry in Deseret News.com  May 14,2011

We came across a great article in the Deseret News on May 14, 2011.   This article was written by Steve Perry, a principle broker.   We though you would enjoy his insight on how showing your own compares to going on a date!

*Photo Heyuguys.co.uk*

Home buying, it turns out, isn't all that dissimilar from dating.

If a potential buyer notices that your home is good looking on the outside, chances are they'll stick around long enough to see what's on the inside.

Think of your landscaping then as makeup, or nice clothing.  Dressing the part goes a long way toward making a house--or person, I suppose--attractive to anyone.  Part of that is good landscaping.

Green grass, fresh mulch and vibrant colors can bring buyers closer to the front door.  And then your updated appliances, new bathroom or smart layout can help seal the deal.

Often homeowners focus on interior accouterments like big home theaters, super-sized garages or multiple laundry rooms as big selling points and forget that the first impression your home will make is generally the one that buyers will see walking up to the front door.

It's a clever game they're playing, and you can score big if you know how to gussy up your outward appearance.

Trim bushes, maintain driveways and pick weeds.  

*Photo by Buzzle.com*

All of these seem to be no-brainers when it comes to keeping up your home, but how many times did you go out on a date and forget to brush your teeth?   It's the little things that can make a big difference.

And remember also to pay attention to the backyard as well.

If the kitchen is where friends visit first, then the backyard is where friends stay for a while.

Outdoor amenities help buyers visualize what life will be like in their new home--your home.

It's true that outdoor swimming pools and spas can be tricky when it comes to reselling, so it's best to consult US even if you're not selling your home to see if that makes sense for your price range and neighborhood.

*Photo by Prince William County of Virginia *

But adding a brick barbecue and other backyard fixtures could greatly enhance a home's appeal to prospective buyers.

* Photo Marathon Masonry *

Outdoor lighting too can help attract buyers to your home in addition to providing safety and comfort to your outdoor spaces.

When adding, taking away, or enhancing your yards, key in on architectural features of your home.

What would enhance the home rather than feel disconnected?  What's a smart investment for my neighborhood?  What kind of return can I expect when it comes time to sell?

All of these are good questions for a real estate expert to answer.

Making your home look good on the outside isn't nearly as complicated as dating, but it requires just as much preparation.

Curb Appeal—Spring Lawn Care

By Lori Cartwright

*Camp to Camp Images

 

As you leave winter behind, and look forward to warmer months, it is time to evaluate your home’s curb appeal.  This is especially important if you are trying to sell your home.  If your home looks great on the outside, potential buyers will be more excited about viewing what is on the inside. 

There are many ways to boost your curb appeal, but one of the best is beautifully manicured grass.  A nice lawn conveys the idea that your home is well-cared for, inside and out.  A nice lawn increases the amount of usable space for your home by providing an area for children to play, pets to explore, and families to gather.  A nice lawn is an invitation to potential homebuyers to take off their shoes, have some lemonade, and stay awhile…exactly what you want if you’re selling or staying yourself.

As you hear the sound of lawn mowers firing up over the next few weeks, review these tips from Better Homes & Gardens to get the most out of your lawn this year.

 
Mountain-West Lawn Care:  Spring
1.  Service your lawn mower and sharpen the blade.  Click here for a step-by step tutorial for self-
    sharpening.

2.  Apply a pre-emergent herbicide.  A good time to do this is when forsythia blooms begin to
    drop.  If you don’t have a forsythia shrub, this is what one looks like.  Now, find one that you
    can watch so you will know when the blooms are dropping…and this fall plant one of your
    own.  They are a beautiful way to announce spring and they grow well in our mountain-west
    climate.

*Forsythia image from greengardenista.com

 

 

3.  Make sure your aerate!  Hard, compacted soil is an obstacle that many Utah home owners
     live with.  Aerating will help alleviate this problem and give your grass more room to spread its
     roots. 

 

*Image from nutrilawn.com

 

 

4.    Mow your lawn when the grass is about 3 inches long; take off about 1 inch to avoid
       stressing your lawn.

 

5.   Give your lawn a light application of fertilizer just when it is time for the first lawn mow of
      the season.  Your lawn will love your for it.

 

Does this get you excited for lawn care this summer?  Well…maybe not lawn care, but doesn’t it sound fun to get out on your lawn for backyard baseball games, barbeques, sprinklers, star-gazing, parties, and all other pleasures that come from a great lawn?  We think so.  Now, please excuse us while we sharpen some lawnmower blades.