Lawn Care Tips in Winter

Lawn Care Tasks in December

Neat and trim but not too short

While it is nicer to see the lawn through the winter neatly cut, it should not be manicured within an inch of its life. If the grass has still been growing through an unseasonably warm November, it may need that last cut in December, but not too short. The height of winter cut should be 20 to 25 mm for a leisure lawn, 25 mm + for a utility lawn, and 12 to 18 mm for an ornamental lawn. That will help the grass develop a good root system to combat wear.

Avoid walking on the grass if you can in frosty and snowy conditions. Note the light levels on the lawn because shade will affect its growth. Cut back anything causing shade if you can, now or in the new year. Remove debris, fallen leaves and brush out worm casts if it’s not too wet because they promote weed and moss growth. If you are planning a new lawn area for seeding or turfing next spring and the ground is not too hard, it’s a good time to deep dig, rake and level the plot, removing weeds as you go.

The winter frosts will break down the soil, making it more friable for when you come to sow seed or lay turves. Finish up by cleaning the garden tractor or mower and other tools, getting machinery serviced and stored in dry conditions ready for a new season.

Lawn Care tasks in January

The answer lies in the soil

It’s very unlikely you will be mowing the lawn this month but the mowing season is not far off, especially if the winter turns out mild. If you haven’t already done so it’s a good time to get the garden tractor or mower serviced in readiness.

There are a few other jobs needing your attention to help prepare the lawn for spring. Make a note of where any water lies on the grass after heavy rain or when snow thaws.

Lawns that are sitting on heavy clay or compacted soil are particularly susceptible to becoming waterlogged. You can relieve this by aerating using a hollow tined fork or garden fork to spike the grass. Do this at intervals of 15 – 20 cm (6 to 8 in) across the area to be treated. You can fill the holes with a mix of sharp sand and loam.

Sweeping up leaves and other debris is important for the health of the lawn and this action will also get rid of worm casts which lead to weeds and moss getting a hold.

Try to avoid walking on the lawn if it is frosty. The grass will blacken with ‘frost-burn’ damaging the cells and even causing it to die back. Keep a lookout for any signs of disease and treat the grass accordingly.

Lawn Care Tasks in February

Dressed to kill moss

It’s likely the grass has started into growth as the temperature rises and instead of stepping out onto hard ground, the lawn feels spongy underfoot. Further exploration tells you there is a considerable amount of moss choking the grass and spreading alarmingly.

Moss produces spores that are very effective in gaining new territory and they need to be stopped. Usually, the time to take action would be to use a four-in-one weed and feed at the end of March into April and that’s fine, but it is also time to consider what is causing the moss and allowing it to spread. Killing it in spring may be only a temporary solution because the root cause is what needs addressing, and that is likely to be compaction and lack of drainage on the lawn.

If the weather permits a going over with a walk behind a self-propelled aerator or one towed by the garden tractor will open up the surface to let air and water get to the grass roots. Good drainage will help overcome the sponginess, but the moss still needs treating.

If you don’t like the unsightly black mess left by moss killers there is a product we have talked about before. MO Bacter is an organic fertiliser that actually digests moss without leaving the black residue. You apply the product from the end of the month into March onwards. That will lead neatly into scarifying the lawn in spring when it has dried out enough to remove thatch and the last of the moss. Once all your preparation is done, you will be able to overseed and top dress for the best results.

Mastering Heavy Snow: Tips for Optimal Snow Blower Performance

When winter unleashes its full fury and blankets your property in heavy snow, a reliable snow blower becomes an invaluable tool.

However, getting the best performance out of your snow blower during a heavy snowfall requires more than just turning the key.

In this article, we’ll explore some essential tips to efficiently remove large amounts of snow and provide maintenance suggestions to keep your snow blower operating at its peak.

Preparing for Heavy Snowfall

Choose the Right Snow Blower

Before the first snowfall, ensure you have the right snow blower for your property. Single-stage snow blowers are ideal for lighter snowfalls, while two-stage models are better equipped to handle heavy, wet snow. Consider the size of your property and the average snowfall in your area when selecting the appropriate machine.

For more tips on selecting the perfect snow blower, check out our advice on how to choose the right snow blower for your budget.

Adjust the Height Settings

Most snow blowers come with adjustable height settings. During heavy snowfall, set your snow blower to a higher clearing height to prevent it from bogging down and clogging. This allows the machine to tackle deep snow without overexerting itself.

Overlap Passes

To efficiently remove heavy snow, overlap each pass slightly. This ensures that no snow is left behind, and the auger doesn’t get overloaded. Overlapping passes can prevent the need for multiple passes in the same area, saving both time and energy.

Take It Slow

When dealing with heavy snow, resist the urge to rush. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to snow removal. Pushing the snow blower too fast may cause it to struggle, leading to clogs and reduced performance. Maintain a consistent pace that allows the machine to clear the snow effectively.

Keep the Chute Clear

Heavy snow can quickly clog the chute, reducing the snow blower’s efficiency. Regularly check and clear the chute as you work. Use a snow-clearing tool to dislodge any compacted snow and ice to prevent the chute from becoming a bottleneck and to ensure a steady snow discharge.

Snow Blower Maintenance for Peak Winter Performance

Regularly Inspect and Replace Belts

Check the snow blower’s belts for signs of wear and tear and replace them if they show any signs of damage or stretching. Worn-out belts can negatively impact the machine’s performance and may lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

Change Oil and Replace Spark Plugs

Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil and replacing spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fresh oil and spark plugs ensure the engine operates smoothly, providing optimal power during heavy snow removal.

Inspect the Skid Shoes and Scraper Bar

Check the condition of the skid shoes and scraper bar. Adjust or replace them if they show signs of wear. Properly functioning skid shoes and scraper bars help the snow blower glide smoothly over surfaces and prevent damage to driveways or walkways.

See our top picks for maintenance accessories here .

Mastering heavy snowfall with a snow blower requires a combination of proper techniques and regular maintenance. By choosing the right machine, using the right settings, and following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to efficiently tackle even the heaviest snowfalls.

Shop our full Sno-Thro^® and other snow equipment lineup here.

Choosing the right snow blower for your budget

As winter approaches, your readiness for snow removal becomes crucial.

A dependable snow blower, fitting within your budget, is key for efficiently clearing snow from driveways and walkways.

Key Considerations for Budget-Friendly Snow Blowers

Snowfall Amount and Type: Assess the typical snowfall in your area. Heavy, wet snow requires a more powerful blower, while light snowfall might be managed with a smaller, less expensive model.
Power Source: Gas-powered blowers offer more power but need more maintenance. Electric models might be less powerful but are easier to maintain.
Terrain and Area Size: The size and slope of the area to be cleared will dictate the required blower power. Smaller, flat areas can do with compact models; larger, sloped areas might need self-propelled units.

What affects snow blower pricing?

Prices vary based on features:

Smaller Size: Smaller units are more budget-friendly, suitable for light snow.
Single-stage Mechanism: These machines are less powerful but sufficient for light-to-moderate snowfall.
Drive Type: Affordable models may be single-speed or rely on user pushing, suitable for smaller areas.

Features of Higher-Priced Snow Blower Models:

More Power: Gas motors for tackling heavy snow.
Wider Clearing Area: Larger engines clear more snow per pass.
Two-stage Mechanism: More powerful, handling gathering and throwing snow separately.
Multiple Speeds and Directions: Enhanced mobility, crucial for larger models.

Lawn Care Tips in Autumn

Lawn Care Tasks in September

When in drought…

Many a mature lawn will be suffering badly from the drought, especially the ornamental lawn comprising fine, bent grasses. Those containing fescue are likely to have more resistance but even so, once the top 10cm (4 in) of soil has dried out, the grass can stop growing and turns brown. Usually, if you have kept your lawn well maintained, it will quickly recover with the autumn rains. But the not so well maintained lawn will suffer root deterioration and become weak, allowing the weeds and moss to become established as soon as rain is frequent.

Our summers are becoming hotter and drier and hosepipe bans mean we can’t water the lawn, so it’s going to suffer even more. It’s all the more important to maintain a care regime through each season to ensure the lawn is healthy and therefore will be more drought resistant next year. Now is the time for repair and we can begin by scarifying and aerating to get rid of thatch and open up the soil to let air get to grass roots and provide good drainage. The deeper the aeration, the more the roots will push down to take up water, creating a healthier top growth.

Deeper spiking will be beneficial. Over-seeding to follow will fill areas made sparse by drought and it’s a good time to introduce deep-rooted, drought tolerant grass that will become well-established with autumn rain. Seriously badly, drought affected lawns may need areas re-turfing and this can be done from September through to March. Similarly, a new lawn can be laid using turves when the ground is dry and the area prepared.

Sowing a new lawn from seed is best done on prepared ground in late September and through October. Usually come autumn we would be feeding the lawn and applying a lawn weedkiller, or using a four-in-one weed and feed. Don’t apply these on drought-affected turf, wait until next spring.

Lawn Care Tasks in October

The patient in recovery

The long, hot summer that led to drought, brown lawns and heavy compaction was heartache for proud lawn gardeners who love their Wimbledon stripes. For many of us, hosepipe bans are still in place. But grass is nothing but resilient and the first real rains for a long time saw the lawn start to recover.

There is much we can do to help the patient and October is a good time to give the lawn a cut, then scarify to get rid of dead thatch and moss.

If you have a large area of lawn, compaction and standing water can be relieved by aerating either with an aerator driven by the PTO on the garden tractor or by hiring in a motorised walk-behind machine.

Small areas can be treated with a spiker or even the garden fork. Either way, getting oxygen to the roots and allowing drainage go a long way towards getting back that lush green sward. Bare patches can be seeded, and it’s a good time to overseed and top dress. Depending on what you use the lawn for, you can buy seed to suit your particular purpose. A drought resistant mix makes sense for future hot summers, and there are mixes that are designed for sprogs and dogs!

For top dressing, you can buy ready mixed packs such as Westland and Miracle Grow or in bulk from a supplier like Lawnsmith and Rolawn. Or you can make your own using a sandy loam to top dress lawns that are on clay, loam and sandy loam soils and loam for very sandy soils.

Ideally, a mix of three parts soil to six parts sharp sand and one part compost should be used. After the long drought, the patient will also benefit from an autumn fertiliser feed but one that is low in nitrogen.

Lawn Care Tasks in November

Less stress makes finer lawns

A lawn of fine turf grows under conditions that are not entirely natural. The winter months will subject it to stress with the cold, wet and freezing conditions, so it needs a helping hand. You will probably have scarified, aerated and treated the lawn to a fertilizer last month.

Spiking and slitting, either with a garden tractor accessory, a walk-behind, or even a garden fork, will help drainage even more and get air to the roots. A feed of low nitrogen, high potassium and iron will help combat stress, combat disease and green up the lawn if you haven’t already applied one.

Be careful though, grass is greedy and will take up as much as it can get. Check the instructions and application rates on the packaging. If you’re keen on organic an organic fertiliser such as Viano Recovery provides autumn nourishment and greens up the grass. You will find it online and in garden centres.

With mild weather once again during October, the grass has been happily growing back after the drought of summer and where the air temperature is above 5º C it will continue to do so. Which means you will still need to mow, possibly into December, on days when the grass is not too wet.

Less frequent mowing should still ensure only the top twenty-five percent of the grass is cut to keep it tidy and protect it through the winter. Clear any leaves from the lawn, brush off worm casts and when you’re finally done, put up your boots and send the garden tractor or mower for a service ready to have it running for the next mowing regime.

Side vs Rear Discharge Deck - Which is Right for You?

Up and down the lawns and green spaces, there is one topic of conversation that splits opinion: what’s better, a side or rear discharge deck?

Traditionalists will argue that a side discharge deck offers greater flexibility and quality, and now that it can be fitted or retrofitted to accommodate mulching, you needn’t look elsewhere. However, rear discharge deck disciples would argue that not only can a rear discharge deck make light work of a lawn, it’ll distribute trimmings more evenly and, as trimmings exit behind the mower, allay safety concerns. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, it’s time we settle this once and for all.

Always on your side

A side discharge deck offers a variety of benefits for the landscaping professional. Due to its design, it creates a vacuum that stands the grass up before cutting, producing a more even, quality cut across the lawn. But, that’s not all. It’s also less prone to clogging and super flexible, allowing specialists like Tom Duchesne, Owner of Top Garden Services to “mulch, pick up or collect grass with a collection kit,” making it perfect for the differing landscapes encountered on any one day.

However, with such flexibility can come additional upkeep. As it’s so adjustable, there are more parts that could require maintenance further into its use cycle, so make sure the mower is expertly constructed. Also, a side discharge deck can sometimes produce an uneven spread of clippings across the lawn as well as cause trimmings or debris to eject from the side unwantedly. This, though, is where the rear discharge deck comes in.

Always got your back

One of the rear discharge deck’s biggest strengths is that trimmings are contained behind the wheels and then deflected back onto the ground and dropped under the path of the mower. This not only means that trimmings fall uniformly onto the lawn, but they also won’t hit fences, walls or flowerbeds. This is also important from a health and safety perspective as stones or other objects won’t accidentally damage property or injure passers-by, making a rear discharge deck a safer consideration for council, local authority and amenity work, especially near roadsides or pathways. Specialists like John Ryan of John’s Lawn Mowing prefer a rear discharge deck for this type of work for that exact reason.

It isn’t all about safety with a rear discharge deck, though. A rear discharge deck can conquer tough-to-cut terrains better than its counterpart and give professionals like James Chillingworth, Owner of Wooden Fence Post Company “quicker discharge of trimmings for a faster, more efficient mow.”

Which is a cut above?

When looking at the strengths and weaknesses of both side and rear discharge decks, it’s clear both warrant their place in the garden, each being a master of its own terrain. How then can we settle this long-standing debate? Actually, it’s quite simple. Instead of arguing over which is better, decide upon the right deck for the job and focus more on mower build.

With so many varying and difficult landscaping scenarios, landscaping professionals need a mower that can get the job done on the first try, that doesn’t compromise on quality. One that has the power, durability and craftsmanship of the Ariens APEX 48R. Ariens, renowned for its industry leading side discharge mowers, is now manufacturing rear discharge mowers with its APEX 48R rear discharge petrol zero-turn mower leading the way.

The APEX 48R is designed to overcome the unique lawn challenges faced by UK and European landscapers, including the need for rear discharge where necessary. Ariens works with thousands of landscape specialists across the continent and even set up a manufacturing base in Oxford to not only produce the APEX 48R zero-turn mower but be closer to the men and women powering them.

When it comes to which deck is best, it all depends on the type of work that must be completed. If flexibility and cut quality is needed, a side discharge deck will operate better, whereas, if speed, uniform trimming discharge and safety are priorities, a rear discharge deck is a step ahead. But, no matter what deck you decide to go with, don’t skimp on quality. Put your trust in a manufacturer that, as well as having decades of experience you can rely on, expertly builds mowers that produce the results you need first time, every time.

Zero-turns cut it big in half the time

Ariens, one of the oldest mower producers, is a manufacturer that has led the way in zero-turn mowers in the US and now in Europe.

The commercial zero-turn line-up is impressive, as is the build quality with Ariens reputation for engineering excellence.

Take the Ariens APEX for example

Constructed with well-crafted components, Hydro-Gear^{^®} transaxles and a hardy deck. Its speed and ability to turn on its axis mean users can expect to cut mowing time in half. Perfect when you need to get to your next job.

The APEX 48 features an industry-leading frame design, with large formed tubular frame rails serving as the backbone to support the loads of the machine. Most important in the list of commercial-grade features is the 10-gauge welded cutting deck design. You get a highly durable 14cm (51/2”) deep deck with a reinforced leading-edge providing the airflow you need to tackle tough mowing conditions.

The APEX boasts 15 cutting positions in 0.6cm (1/4”) increments, effortlessly chosen with the vertical dial selector. Models available: APEX 48 with a 122cm (48”) cutter deck or the APEX 52 with a 132cm (52”) cutter deck. A rear discharge deck will be available for the APEX 48 this summer.

ZENITH - the professional's choice

For the professional operator, a machine that does the work in half the time of a conventional lawn tractor has to be a major consideration. This potential to increase productivity is one of the driving forces behind the growth in popularity of zero-turn mowers in the UK and Europe. The Ariens ZENITH 60 is packed with commercial features and built for durability and strength. The ZENITH’s large 152cm (60”) cutting deck also contributes to greater productivity. The foot-operated deck lift system provides effortless adjustments between 15 cutting positions, with a vertical pin selection.

The frame is fitted with a Rollover Protection System (ROPS) as standard and to keep the operator comfortable through the day the high-backed, ergonomically designed, padded seat not only reduces user fatigue, it also helps to absorb the impact on uneven surfaces. Powered by the reliable Kawasaki FX730V 726cc engine, the ZENITH has a forward speed of 8.5mph (13.7kph) for fast mowing. Cutting the grass at speed, combined with total manoeuvrability, gets you through the job faster, without compromising a quality finish.

ZENITH E - Building on the fully commercial ZENITH platform

Ariens has introduced their first commercial, all-electric zero-turn mower, the ZENITH E, for the UK and European market. It provides operators with the cutting capabilities of a heavy duty zero-turn with the benefits of low noise and zero emissions when in use. Which makes it perfect for commercial operators looking to access the growing number of ‘green’ contracts. The ZENITH E is powered by a FusionCore, lithium-ion 56v DC battery system, an exclusive technology developed by Ariens. It is designed to provide you with a continuous cutting time of up to 5.5 hours on a full charge, and coverage of up to 62,726 sq/m (15.5 acres). Fully electric, the ZENITH E’s battery system has four interchangeable, easily removable, sealed for life batteries, each with a 4kWh capacity.

You can work with minimum interruption by swapping depleted batteries with fully charged ones in seconds. There are two configurations for the 152cm (60”) deck: side discharge and rear discharge and a range of optional accessories is available including LED lights, beacon light, mulch kit, rapid charger and an off-board charger. While offering the benefits of zero-turn, the ZENITH E has all the power and performance of its petrol counterparts without the noise, vibration, and exhaust.

Ariens demonstrate confidence in their products with exceptional commercial and domestic warranties, a full dealer support network and a number of machines built in the UK for the growing domestic and European markets in zero-turn mowers.

Why a zero-turn mower?

Zero-turn mowers are rapidly growing in popularity among domestic users in the UK and in Europe.

What is leading amateur gardeners to follow the professionals away from traditional ride-on lawnmowers to the benefits of zero-turn mowing? A major factor is the speed of operation and time-saving associated with zero-turns. Are we to believe a zero-turn can chop the time spent cutting the grass by half, with effortless mowing around obstacles and tight spaces?

What is a zero-turn mower?

Firstly, what is a zero-turn mower? It may seem an odd question to ask when there are now so many working away across the UK. But with the ubiquitous garden tractor having been around for so long, to many people the term ‘zero-turn’ still may not mean a lot. Opinions are rapidly changing, led by early adopters, and the arguments for using zero-turn mowers are becoming indisputable.

Zero-turn refers to the turning radius of the mower. A zero-turn can turn on the proverbial sixpence, in other words in its footprint. Now among many professionals, this operating characteristic has been known for a long time and is one reason for the fast growth in UK sales for commercial zero-turns. The same zero-turn technology has also been built into lawnmowers to suit homeowners and their budgets. We’re seeing a shift away from the comparatively inefficient, slow lawn tractor towards growing popularity in domestic users for the virtues of zero-turn mowing. The features and benefits apply equally to the residential user and the professional operator.

How do you operate a zero-turn mower?

Driving a zero-turn mower is easy. You simply push the right steering lever forward and the left lever back to make a left turn or push the left steering lever forward and the right steering lever back to make a right turn. The steering levers allow your zero-turn to make manoeuvres in its own footprint. Slow and gradual operation of the steering levers makes the machine move slowly and gradually in any direction. Operating the steering levers quickly and more aggressively makes your mower turn more sharply and drive faster. With zero-turn mower technology, the operator has total control of the manoeuvres.

Driving a lawn tractor through rows of uncut grass is like manoeuvring into a parking space. Turn, reverse, turn again and finally straighten out. Being limited in turning radius there’s a lot of forward and backward movement on your lawn resulting in a non-uniform, messy cut pattern and extra time spent mowing.

Zero-turn mowers make tight turns at any angle and in any direction. At the end of your cutting row make a one-eighty degree turn, align your mower to the crisp edge left by the path just mowed and drive forward. This smooth motion eliminates the need for unnecessary backing and with a roller fitted to the machine you preserve those stylish stripes left behind by single-pass mowing.

Lawn tractor turning radius

Fine, we now know how to drive a zero-turn but what other benefits should drive us towards change from tradition? Zero-turn mowing is fast. You can whizz around at 5-8 mph, and at the end of the line do that one-eighty degree turn, align the deck edge with the row you’ve just cut and keep on going. You’ve reduced the cutting time by 50% over mowing with a lawn tractor. For some, whiling away the hours doing three-point turns on the garden tractor, at the end of every line, may suit on a lazy Sunday. But as our lives get busier, and time-saving becomes more critical, wouldn’t it make a difference if your time cutting the grass was halved? Increase the cutting deck size and you cut even more time off the work.

Zero-turn mower turning radius

What zero-turn feautures are important to me?

Another factor in your choice of zero-turn over garden tractor is comfort. With a zero-turn, the plush seat and armrests complement the controls that are all positioned in ergonomic and easily accessible locations, so you can simply enjoy the ride. Zero-turns are also generally more durable, built with thicker steel, and a fully welded tubular frame design, much stronger than the traditional C-channel frames of lawn tractors.* With options for deep decks made from fully fabricated steel, cutting decks are more durable and promote maximum airflow. Fabricated decks on zero turn models are aerodynamically designed so grass is pulled toward the blades and clippings are discharged evenly. The result is a superior cut quality without stragglers or clumps.

*Based on Ariens zero-turn mowers

This article by Tony Hawkins is brought to you courtesy of Ariens zero-turn mowers whose APEX and IKON X Series have become increasingly popular in the UK. You can find out more about these and the professional ZENITH 60 from nationwide Ariens dealers.