Landscaping

Having used a Stihl brush cutter for 8 years, we can wholeheartedly recommend the FS85 model. It has been an integral part of the maintenance on our organic coconut farm in Brazil.

A general beginner's guide to the most cold-hardy palms for planting in USDA zone 5, 6, and 7 gardens. Read on to find out how one can expect the plant to perform after a complete winter.

You see a fish swim past and it has a leech attached. What can you do to rid your pond of leeches without destroying other wildlife? Here's our trick for safely destroying leeches with a chemical-free trap.

Few things are as cozy on an autumn night than gathering around a fire pit. Even when the weather isn't chilly, I can’t wait to get the kids outside to just relax around a fire.

Prior to any leaves unfurling onto the branches of our redbud tree each Spring, suddenly it is ablaze with the color pink. Learn how to care for this beauty of a gardener's delight.

A presentation of different solutions to hillside erosion and approaches to landscaping these areas, with a focus on plants that sustain wildlife.

Are you looking for a commercial zero-turn mower? Compare reviews of the best ones. These reviews will help you decide which is best based on power, comfort, speed, and price.

Ten benefits of replacing your front lawn with a front yard garden.

Unused outbuildings can be the perfect place to put a sauna. Here is how my family converted a small outbuilding into a sauna, with step by step descriptions.

String trimmers, also known as line trimmers, weed eaters, weed whackers, and strimmers, can be troublesome garden tools. Difficulty in starting is often due to an issue with the carburetor.

Rhododendrons are plants with large and beautiful flowers that have a wide variety of colors. Both cultivated and wild species of the genus Rhododendron exist. The genus includes azaleas.

The best formal hedge plants are twiggy and grow back quickly after pruning. Get an overview of the most popular and versatile hedging plants in the US.

Homeowners frequently take pride in a good-looking lawn and for good reason. A healthy lawn doesn’t occur without effort, but it doesn’t need to be as labor intensive as some people make it out to be.

I accidentally locked my poultry in their house with a hawk for a night, yet my chickens survived. Here's how they all survived.

Here is how I removed a tough layer of grass and weed from my yard and converted the muddy clay soil underneath into a nice, fluffy garden plot for planting. I did this without power any power tools; just my own labor, and sturdy equipment.

Sooner or later, power failures hit every pond. For koi, a fish species dependent on electricity, the situation could turn deadly. The best solution is preparedness, before this kind of emergency destroys years of hard work.

When you apply the three pillars of sustainability in your landscape design––ecological, economic, and social––you prepare your landscape to survive hard times and thrive in your natural locale. How is your garden doing?

Most lawn grasses in the U.S. come from Europe, but weather in the U.S. is different. How do we grow grass lawns in our country to make them lush and attractive year round?

Are you looking to replace your fence or install a new one? There are many types of fencing materials out there, and each has its pros and cons. Decide which type of fence is right for your home.

Before you plant, first think about why you want to plant and get involved with yearly sago palm care and maintenance. A total guide to the "Cycas revoluta" and its problems.

In the past, it was necessary for people who lived out in the country to know how to split fence rails out of logs for the purpose of building fences to protect their crop fields, their property boundaries, or to contain their livestock. But what's the point in knowing how to do it today? Well, check out this article—maybe I can convince you to give it a try!

Learn to build and maintain a reflecting pond by following these 12 easy steps. Includes picture-by-picture examples, tips, and helpful links.

Irrigation controllers direct the timing of your sprinklers. When you program them correctly and attach weather sensors, you can improve your landscape health and lower the water bills too.

A guide for Southern homeowners who choose St. Augustine grass as a ground cover.

Plants which grow on walls include stonecrop, valerian, campanula and Maidenhair spleenwort. Find out how to get plants to grow on walls and what makes a suitable plant for growing on a wall.

Learn how and where to locate used grain bins. You can use them for grain storage or even for housing. I'll let you know how to tell a good quality bin from one of poor quality.

I wanted to replace my elderly Yardworks grass trimmer. Black & Decker’s LST540, which comes equipped with a 40V Max battery, appeared to be the best candidate.

These two plants are often found together in nature, but one is poisonous and the other is edible. This article helps you identify and differentiate these two in every stage of growth. Many photos are featured here!

These low-maintenance ground covers grow thickly and spread quickly to choke out weeds.

This article includes beautiful photos and factual information about Mimosa trees as well as the ground cover called mimosa strigillosa, also known as mimosa powderpuff, or mimosa sunshine.

If you are looking to save money and help save the environment, think about mowing your grass with a reel mower like the Husqvarna Evolution.

The worn wooden porch and deck on my 100-year-old house were in need of refinishing and repainting. Here's how I accomplished this "do it yourself" project.

You don’t need to have a backyard the size of the one at Versailles Palace to create a French garden. The same balance and eye appeal are easy to achieve, even on a limited budget.

A how-to with photos and discussion, showing how to take down your old grain bin for moving or complete removal. Be sure to check out the comments for further discussion and advice.

This guide provides some tips on what to look out for when buying walk behind push lawn mowers. It covers topics such as lawnmower type, horsepower, width of cut and deck type

Having a small yard does not mean that you can't plant trees. Many trees grow no larger than 30 feet, and many shrubs can stand in for trees. Here is a list of small trees and tall shrubs for your landscaping.

Many robotic lawnmowers (cheaper models) are limited to single zoning a lawn (boundary wire). I briefly explain what single zoning is and its limitation and finally give a step-by-step guide to a simple and inexpensive method for multi-zoning your lawn by using a 2-way switch to create 2 circuits.

If you love a beautiful garden, there's no reason not to extend its beauty all year long. Create interest in the winter landscape by planting these trees and shrubs that offer visual appeal even in the coldest months.

A pole hedge trimmer is the perfect tool for taller and bigger hedges. Which is best: cordless, electric, or gas? Should you buy or rent? Find the best models here.

My neighbor, who is an excellent carpenter and all around handyman, designed and built this chicken chateau and greenhouse duplex. Here are instructions to help you build one, too, with photos to guide you.

Moss in a lawn competes with grass, looks unsightly and can make mowing more difficult. Fortunately it is easy to get rid of, and measures can be taken to prevent it

If you can make a mud pie, you can make an oven from clay, sand, and a bit of labor. Here's my account of building a low-cost wood-fired oven using easy-to-find material. Pizza, bread, and fun!

Create your own waterfall meditation pond. Relax to the soothing sound of water cascading over rocks. You can build your very own private zen garden, a place to escape.

Trees are beautiful additions to any landscape and yard. However, not all trees are created equal. Many beautiful trees are prone to shedding not only leaves, but branches, nuts, cones, or other debris throughout the year. Here are five trees that require a lot of maintenance.

Complete instructions and tips for how to plant and divide hardy water lilies for bigger blooms.

Here are some tips on where to locate the pond, how to keep it clean, and information about pond liners, plants, and aeration—all important factors to consider when planning a pond.

To summarize my review of the DR Lawn and Leaf Vacuum, I would have to give it an A. I think it is built very well and will last a very long time. It is easy to use and is a huge time saver! Read my review to learn more.

DIY step-by-step instructions with photos for how to sharpen your lawn mower blade. Save money by sharpening it yourself.

Most people hate crabgrass. Advertisers teach us to when they promote their many products for killing it. Although it has benefits and farmers love it, homeowners would much rather be rid of it.

In this article, I teach you how to make your own latex mold for garden ornaments. It is fairly simple to do and does not require any fancy equipment.

Mowing, weeding, and fertilizing ushers in lush, green grass to yards and landscapes. In Ohio, lawn grass needs constant care to keep turf healthy.

If you've been to a cemetery to visit a loved one, you probably noticed many stones, especially older ones, in desperate need of repair or at least a good cleaning. There are specific to dos and not to dos when cleaning a headstone. The steps provided here will take you through cleaning a stone.

Learn about starting a mower properly, solving fuel, oil and ignition system problems, carburetor fault finding and lots more troubleshooting tips.

This article shares a bit about scythes; why I like mowing with one, and why you might like it, too.

These are step-by-step instructions on how I built an outdoor, wood-fired sauna by taking advantage of an existing small outbuilding and an old fireplace insert.

Learn how to build a greenhouse with plastic bottles. Reuse recycled soda bottles to build a structure to house seedlings and overwinter plants in your garden.

Cities across the nation are passing ordinances that make gas-powered leaf blowers illegal to use. This is a boon for those of us who work from home, but what are the alternatives for gardeners?

Here's how I gave new life to an ancient apple tree destined to be chopped down. Apple tree care includes pruning, mulching, and pest control.

Rocks, trees and a slope didn't stop us from building an unconventional garden pond. And the results were worth the effort!

Growing a living den or playhouse for your child is easier than you might think. This article will guide you through the process and even show you how you can make it an exciting project to get your children involved in.

Dethatching or removing thatch buildup from your lawn is a simple process. An improved appearance and healthier lawn is the result!

Changing the oil in your mower helps to reduce wear and prolongs the life of the engine. Anyone with a small amount of technical aptitude can learn to do this, and few tools are required.

Removing broken glass from a yard or lawn can can cause nasty cuts. Here are some safe ways to clear up glass splinters and shards.

Does your trimmer line get tangled, snap off and wind you up? Read on for tips on how to wind the spool properly and use a trimmer like a pro...........

The Amur maples are tolerant and mostly free from pests, but they are still sometimes prone to pests and other diseases which if not looked after can even kill the tree.

Find the best tree saw for any job around your backyard or garden. Pruning, tree cutting, clearing fallen branches or just keeping...

Shrubs offer privacy and can screen unattractive house foundations. Shrubs add color and texture to your view. This article, complete with photos and helpful links, will teach you how to choose the right shrub for your area.

Find out how the top string trimmers match up in power, weight, and amenities. If you use or are buying a string trimmer, this comparison will help you know which string trimmer to buy.

Find out how three of the best commercial zero-turn mowers fare when compared to each other. These zero-radius mowers offer some of the best that the commercial zero-turn market has to offer.

It's frustrating when you go to do your cutting and the brush cutter won't start. Here are things you can do that will get your string trimmer working again without taking it in to a repair center.

Planting native plants is a great way to support a healthy earth, but it can look messy and ugly if you don't use basic design principles. Here we discuss color, texture, scale, and line.

Learn what to consider when designing a plant bed near your swimming pool. This can create a lush, luxurious environment for lounging and enjoying your poolside retreat for seasons to come!

Splitting firewood by hand can be really fun, and it's a great source of exercise. Read on to learn about five different types of hardwood trees and how they stack up to one another in terms of heating, "split-ability," and more.

Water leaks can cost you thousands of dollars on a large landscape, so they need to be discovered and fixed as soon as possible. This article will teach you how to find irrigation leaks.

How and when you prune your lilac bushes has a direct impact on the number and size of springtime blooms. This article tells you everything you need to know.

Think twice before cutting the lower limbs from evergreens. Limbing up the trees may seem like a good idea at the time, but it may introduce problems.

Let me show you how to make a beautiful goldfish pond that will give your property such added beauty and be such a wonder for you, your family and friends to enjoy for years to come!

A common outdoor shed can be turned into your very own sanctuary for gardening, relaxing, crafting, and entertaining.

Residential landscaping doesn’t require a ton of money. You just have to be creative and put some thought into your choices. Find out how your yard can be the envy of the neighborhood without draining your bank account.

Plant a rain garden to catch runoff from rainfall and melting snow. Our rain garden captures runoff from our house and landscape and channels the excess water into our rain garden.

If you want to build or create a fishing lake, this article will tell you virtually everything you need to know to ensure your project is successful.

An electric start feature makes mowing so much easier and convenient. Here is my top 3 list regarding the best electric start lawn mowers currently available.

Backyard projects like terracing can be intimidating, but if you take it step by step, you can save money by doing it yourself.

Looking for a top notch cordless garden trimmer or weed whacker? This article gives some recommendations on power requirements, models and the best brands to check out.

A brief overview of the John Deere 318 lawn tractor, including: a review, information about attachments for it, where to find one for sale and what kind of price tag you'd be looking at.

All about mesquite trees, sometimes called the Devil Tree. Lots of photos and a video of what those mesquite thorns can do.

Help save endangered species by making a beautiful frog pond! This easy-to-follow guide will show you how.

Well-planned landscapes have an overall "look" to them that can be classified as a style. This article introduces native styles from around the world that are considered exotic in other locales.

There are some excellent reasons to avoid using too much fertilizer on your lawn. Here, you'll find a discussion of optimum lawn care and practical environmental stewardship.

This is a basic sprinkler system troubleshooting and repair guide for the homeowner. Follow these easy step-by-step diagnostic instructions to simplify most common irrigation system problems.

Fruit trees do not need to be pruned to produce fruit. That said, there are many reasons to do so. Read on to learn how to prune your fruit trees!

Fire is elemental. We are drawn to it in many forms. This article explores various ways to bring it into your home landscape. It also goes over some general practices and guidelines to consider to make it safe and enjoyable.

Wheelbarrows get old, but that doesn't necessarily mean they must be replaced. Here's how one common model was rejuvenated instead.

Whether you choose to install a scarecrow to protect your plants from pesky critters, or just want to decorate your yard (or porch) for autumn, building a scarecrow is easy! All you need are a few simple supplies.

A how-to guide for avoiding garden problems in the future by planning in advance. Suggestions have been included to assist you in making wise choices for your landscape design.

A guide to help central Florida homeowners with lawn pest infestations. Insect damage can quickly give a green lawn unsightly brown spots. Luckily a healthy lawn normally recovers quickly after detection and treatment of the pests.

In this article, I cover the work I did to rainscape; working the landscape to direct rainwater, at Grace Community Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The Japanese maple tree is famous worldwide for its beauty and elegance. In Japan itself, the maple tree—or kaede—is one of the nation's most famous trees, especially during fall. This tree has a significance attached to it that goes a little bit beyond aesthetic beauty, and this significance is something not a lot of Westerners are aware of. This hub explores the meaning of the Japanese maple tree to the Japanese people, and its place in society and culture.

Make your own engraved stone monument house sign with these easy-to-follow directions. It's an easy job that will require only a few hours and look great in front of your home.

Do you have an unsightly bare spot under your bird feeders? Most of us do, but there are options for making that area as pretty as the rest of your yard. Discover my 8 easy solutions for transforming the space under birdfeeders.