Winter is Over!!

While watching the local news, Tom McNutt said we are done with accumulating snow. We all know if it's on TV, it has to be true. So, I suppose we should think about some basic lawn mower maintenance.

If you are not mechanically inclined, do not attempt ;-)

We will start with changing the motor oil. (Remember, if your mower runs on mixed gas--2 cycle engine--you do not have to change the oil separately. The gasoline and oil are mixed together.) First, start the mower and let it run for a few minutes to warm the oil. Next, shut the engine off and pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug. Now, look for the oil drain plug (usually located on the bottom of the mower, you will see a cut-out in the deck) and remove it by turning it counter clockwise. Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug (do not over-tighten) and refill with the manufacturer's recommended oil.

The next step is cleaning or replacing the spark plug. Remove the spark plug and check for wear or carbon build-up. If you see anything that does not look right, just replace the old spark plug with the manufacturer's recommended brand. (You can clean the old spark plug with a wire brush or sand paper, but I suggest replacement as new ones are fairly inexpensive and provide easier starting of the mower.) Place the new or cleaned spark plug back in the mower. (Again, do not over-tighten.)

Remove the air filter cover located on top of the carburetor and take out the air filter. If it is a paper filter, use an air pressure hose to clean it. If you cannot see light through the filter after cleaning it, it needs replaced. If your mower has a foam filter, clean it with warm soapy water. Let it dry and then add a few drops of oil to help collect dust and dirt. Now you are ready to place the filter back on the engine and reinstall the air filter cover.

Don't forget to put the spark plug wire back on or you will be wondering why your mower won't start!

If all of this seems to much for you, then give us a call and we'll take care of the mowing for you.

     Buckeye Landscape     614-866-0088      www.buckeyelandscape.com

Misshapen trunks and branches result from inadequate pruning

Get in Shape for Spring-- Even Trees Need to Shed a Little Weight!

Basically, we have two kinds of trees and shrubs: evergreens (keep their leaves and color all year round) and deciduous (leaves "fall" in the winter and new leaves grow in the spring). Each type requires special pruning to keep them looking great.

Proper pruning results in straight trunks and symmetrical canopies

Today, we'll address the advantages of properly pruning deciduous trees and shrubs.

1. Pruning reduces the number of buds on each branch which results in a more vigorous growth rate in the spring.

2. Early shaping of young trees and shrubs is important for the development of a strong and balanced structural framework.

3. It is best to remove any damaged, dead or diseased branches while there are no leaves.

There are two main techniques used in dormant pruning: thinning and heading back.

Thinning removes entire branches and heading back removes smaller branches from larger ones.

Dormant pruning is best performed late winter to early spring. This eliminates the potential for winter injury and allows the cuts to heal going into spring.

While all this seems pretty straightforward, pruning can get away from you and once it's done it's done. We can help you determine your pruning needs with professional recommendations--and results!