Spruced up for Spring 2013

Well, not literally. No spruces needed here, but the lawn could use a makeover in general. I've been researching some simple ways to improve the lawn before spring arrives and it will be enjoyable again. Not a big overhaul or anything, just wanting it to look greener, more lush, maybe sprinkle in a little color too. Below are 3 timely solutions for the lackluster lawn dilemma so many of us are facing on the heels of spring.

1. Rent an Aerator Seeder. Use it like a lawn mower on your grass, driving it around and letting it do the work. It can go up to 8 mph, generally. The aerating process helps to improve drainage and allow breathability for the soil, and is recommended annually for most types of grasses. A seeding attachment will also allow for new grass to be sewn and will fill in the bare spots just before the height of the season. Cost wise, this is the most effective way to quickly transform your lawn.

2. Plant some perennials! They are so low maintenance and also long lived. Even the brown thumbed will find that perennials will stick with you through the hard stuff. Get them in the ground at any time this spring and you can count on colorful blooms all summer long. For inspiration, see this list of some of the best perennials to plant.

3. Don't over-water. Hyper saturation of grass lawns encourages fungal growth and disease. Also, weed growth is promoted by frequent, shallow sprinklings. All things considered, it would be better for your lawn to be a little thirsty than to be drowning and dead. Water as needed, just don't be too liberal.

Privacy trees: 3 questions you should answer before you start digging

The addition of privacy trees is a great way to add definition and diversity to your yard, with the further benefit of increasing home value. There is a great selection of trees you can choose from according to taste, maintenance preferences, and budget. It’s an easy process to install privacy trees yourself but it does take planning. Here are just a few considerations you should examine before you break ground. 

1. How much time do you have?   If the answer is not much, you can consider hiring a landscape contractor, but it will cost you. And really, how boring is that? As an alternative, most nurseries can deliver larger plants to your residence. You can rent your own backhoe and excavator and plant the trees yourself in an afternoon- for a fraction of the cost.

Mature Douglas Fir

2. How much yard space are you willing to sacrifice?  The size of your yard will have significant bearing on the type of trees you should chose. Those with smaller yards should keep their privacy trees smaller in proportion to their yard.  A mature Emerald Green Arborvitae will have a modest width of 2-3 ft, but you can expect the width of a Laurel of the same height to be at least five times that. Those with more spacious outdoor dwellings have more freedom to erect the regal size trees of their choice (the Douglas Fir, for example).

3. How much money are you willing to spend?   Trees come in all shapes and sizes... and costs. The most cost effective trees will be the ones that take the least time grow, i.e. reach mature height. If you are planning a project with the future in mind, you can opt for the less mature saplings at a cheaper cost. If you are looking to spruce up your yard before an open house (pun intended), in which case spending more will lead to a greater payoff, consider the Excelsa Cedar. This cedar is already full in body at half maturity (12-14ft) with a sharp growth rate.

When it does come time to start digging, you'll need to figure out what you'll be digging with. Renting equipment for your tree installation is the easiest, most cost efficient way to complete your project. You can visit Compact Power Equipment Rental at your local Home Depot where they will load and attach everything for you, all you need is the trailer hitch. For pricing on backhoes and excavators, see the Compact Power Equipment Rental website and calculate your final project budget.

References

http://www.nurserytrees.com/instant%20privacy--selecting%20the%20right%20tree.htm

Why is heavy equipment rental simple at The Home Depot?

Are you considering a landscape overhaul this Spring? Big changes to the sacred yard space can be exciting and intimidating. Unfortunately, the average landscaper spends an average of twice as much time and resources than what is initially budgeted before a project is fully completed. One of the downfalls of the frugal gardener (and even the prodigal one) is the hesitance to enlist help. Labor is expensive and oftentimes the task just isn't done right unless you do it yourself. Coincidentally, the help you need isn’t a person, but a machine, and it comes at a fraction of the cost. 

If you have a trailer hook up, and you live within decent proximity to a The Home Depot (Locations), then you’re in luck.  Most do-it-yourselfers frequent here because they know that all their home improvement needs can be fulfilled there at low cost. But get this- you can also rent heavy equipment from The Home Depot at their Compact Power Equipment Rental. The equipment is already on the trailer, ready to take to your project destination. Heavy equipment tools can significantly decrease the time it takes to do a project and do it well. Why shovel for days when you can excavate in minutes? In the end, renting equipment is the most cost effective and time conscious way to do your project and do it right. This knowledge comes from the council of not one, but many landscape contractors who have utilized Compact Power Equipment Rental for their equipment needs.

Want to know what equipment is available at your local Compact Power Equipment Rental? Visit their site to see equipment and  pricing, and to see if they are located at The Home Depot near you. Make sure to take note of their seasonal “Rent 3, get 4 days free” specials. Finding deals like this will also significantly cut costs for your project budget as you gear up for the 2013 spring season. 

Have you ever rented heavy equipment before? If so, what was your experience like? Answer in the comments.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent Heavy Equipment From The Home Depot? Here's The Skinny.

When deciding on a budget for a project, it's crucial to know what you should expect to pay for the heavy equipment involved. This figure can be the difference between a modest landscaping budget and a small home loan. Renting equipment and doing the work yourself provides a cost-effective alternative for the weekend warrior on a budget. Fortunately, your local Home Depot offers competitive prices for heavy equipment rental. Here is what you can expect to pay for the Home Depot’s four most commonly rented pieces of equipment. 

1. The Kubota BX25 Tractor Loader Backhoe. From landscaping to small scale demolitions, this tool will suit a variety of project needs. You can expect to pay between $160 and $1,732 for the Kubota, depending on the duration of your project. 
   The best value found for most projects is the rent 3 get 4 free deal.  For less than the price of a 3 day rental, you can keep the machine all week.
   
   
   
2. The Terex PT30 Compact Track Loader. This versatile piece of equipment will cost between $167 for 4 hours and $1,808 for the entire month.
   
   
3. The Z-Plugr Aerator and Seeder. The Z-Plugr can have your lawn looking luscious and healthy with less than a day’s worth of work. It will only cost you $139 for a 4 hour rental.
   
   
4. The Boxer 320 Compact Utility Loader. The Boxer will make the smallest dent in your budget, costing only $97 for a 4 hour rental.
   
   

Visit their website to find Compact Power Equipment Rental locations in your area.

For pricing on all other equipment, from backhoes to chipper shredders, check out The Home Depot’s heavy equipment rental partner, Compact Power. What are some of your upcoming projects? Comment below!