Fire Ball Seedless® Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Everyone loves the fiery red intensity of the foliage in fall, but burning bush is considered a pest in some areas. Enter Fire Ball Seedless, a new cultivar that is seedless, sterile and, most importantly, non-invasive. Developed by the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station in North Carolina, this burning bush cultivar is part of the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® collection. It has the durability and infernal-red autumnal foliage of burning bush without the risk of it spreading into wild areas and out-competing native plants.

Named 2025 Professional’s Choice Green Thumb award winner, Fireball grows 5 to 6 feet tall and wide and makes a fine screen or backdrop for a mixed border. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Paisley Pup® Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana)

This underappreciated species goes by several names, including drooping leucothoe, fetterbush and mountain doghobble. Whatever you call it, you’ll appreciate this broadleaf evergreen for its handsome foliage and the array of green, cream, white, bronze and yellow hues. And as if that weren’t enough, it also features arching stems holding racemes of fragrant white flowers to delight both people and pollinators alike.

Paisley Pup is a low-growing cultivar, just 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, so it can be used as a midrange plant in a mixed bed. It is shade-tolerant and deer-resistant. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Oso Easy En Fuego® Rose (Rosa spp.)

Oso Easy landscape roses have a reputation for living up to their name, for they are oh-so-easy to grow! En Fuego keeps the proud lineage going with its beauty, plus its adaptability to cold and hot climates and built-in disease resistance to black spot and powdery mildew. The large, intensely colorful flowers, set off against glossy dark green foliage, start out yellow and red before opening fully to an electric orange.

Part of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® collection, En Fuego matures at 3 to 4 feet tall, 18 in. wide and makes an excellent addition to a perennial garden or dwarf conifer bed. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Kodiak® Jet Black™ Diervilla (Diervilla x ‘SMNDSN’)

The Kodiak Diervilla line of Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs has gained fans for its easygoing nature and ability to accept different lighting conditions. Homeowners also like the fall foliage and the bright flower clusters, although the latter are sometimes hard to see against the summer foliage.

Enter Kodiak Jet Black Diervilla, which features contrasting burgundy-black foliage that remains strikingly dark all season long, helping the small yellow flowers stand out. Kodiak Jet Black Diervilla grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide and makes an excellent addition to shrub borders or to surround a deck. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Autumn Moonstruck® Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid ‘Roblezf’)

A repeat bloomer is always appreciated, but one with eye-catching foliage as well. It seems Encore® Azalea has hit another home run with Autumn Moonstruck, the first in this popular series of reblooming azaleas to offer variegated foliage. The emerald and chartreuse variegation has enough charm to carry the show all season—with or without the double white blooms, which appear in spring and then sporadically after that in summer and fall.

This azalea likes the sun, too, so it can be massed as a colorful hedge. It grows to 5 feet tall, 4 feet wide or kept smaller and grown in a pot. USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Photo courtesy of Encore Azaleas.

Golden Child® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Mirjam’)

This is one arborvitae that refuses to blend into the background. This Monrovia introduction not only grows in the garden, but it also glows in the garden with finely cut foliage in bright hues of yellow and yellow-green that resist scorching in the sun. In winter, the foliage takes on a light bronze cast for even more variety. With a slow growth rate and compact mature size of 18 to 24 in. tall and wide, this globe-shaped evergreen makes a well-behaved addition to the garden. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Chateau® de Saumur Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Minsyanlav02’)

Like its other rose of Sharon brethren, this shrub is fast-growing and full of colorful flowers in late summer. However, there is one major difference: this is the first in Monrovia’s popular Chateau series to feature fluffy, peony-like blooms with frilly center petals. The large violet-pink flowers cover stems from top to bottom for a long blooming season into fall.

Chateau de Saumur grows 5 to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and makes an excellent informal hedge or backdrop for shorter plants. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Seaside Serenade® Pebble Beach Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘SC-04-20’)

The newest member of Monrovia’s Seaside Serenade hydrangea collection, Pebble Beach boasts large mophead flowers—purple in acidic soil, raspberry pink in alkaline—spring through summer. Blooms, which have a hint of bright green color for an intriguing twist, are held on sturdy, dark red stems to resist weather.

Like others in the Seaside Serenade series, Pebble Beach has a compact, bushy growth habit, growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It works well as a focal point in the garden, massed as an informal border or even grown in a container as an accent plant. Also, the blooms make excellent cut flowers in a vase. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

Violet Mist® Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)

With a mature size of just 3 to 4 feet in height and width, Violet Mist from First Editions® is more compact than other varieties and can fit neatly into many smaller landscapes. It also reacts well to pruning and, since it blooms on new wood, can be trimmed back in spring to keep an even tighter habit—without jeopardizing the season’s floral show.

Speaking of which, the flowers on Violet Mist are a pollinator magnet, appearing in profusion in early summer and showing off their attractive blue-purple hues. Deadheading encourages reblooming. USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9. Photo courtesy of First Editions.

Bloombux® Blush Rhododendron (Rhododendron hybrid)

Here’s a colorful alternative to boring boxwood—and one less prone to winter damage, too. Growing just 18 to 24 in. tall, it’s a perfect option for an elegant low hedge. But rather than settling for a long season of greenery, Bloombux Blush offers something extra with a floral show worthy of rhododendrons.

The large, 3 to 4-in. wide blooms on this Bloomin’ Easy® introduction have a blush-pink hue when they appear in spring and are sure to please the eye while satisfying pollinators. USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9. Photo courtesy of Bloomin’ Easy.

Spice Cowboy™ Snowball Bush (Viburnum carlesii ‘SMNVCST’)

Spice Cowboy Snowball Bush combines visual appeal with fragrant blooms and seasonal color changes. This versatile shrub, available through Jackson & Perkins®, grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, so it can be shaped into a small tree or grown as a dense hedge.

Large clusters of snowball-like flowers boast a spicy-sweet scent in spring, so consider placing the shrub near a patio, deck or other spot in the garden where you can appreciate this feature. Come fall, you can look forward to seeing the foliage turn fiery orange-red as a final act. Spice Cowboy is highly adaptable, thriving in most moist, well-drained soils. It is also deer-resistant. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Li’l Annie Oakleaf™ Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Oakann1588’)

Here’s a downsized version of the classic oakleaf hydrangea that’s a great fit for gardens of all sizes. While the North American native species grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, Li’l Annie oakleaf hydrangea has a more compact reach of 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, making it more suitable for use as a foundation plant or midrange addition to a mixed bed.

Available from Star® Roses and Plants, the shrub has large, white flowers that age to pink and host many beneficial pollinators. As a bonus, the green foliage eventually turns burgundy for added drama in the fall garden. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

Suntastic™ Pink Abelia (Abelia hybrid ‘Pink’)

This new and improved abelia from the Southern Living® Plant Collection is a compact shrub that adds oodles of color and texture without making a gardener raise a sweat. The brightly variegated foliage is a treat throughout the year, and the plant itself matures at just 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, so it’s perfect for borders, foundations or even containers. Moreover, this water-wise beauty is heat tolerant and thrives in full sun. USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10. Photo courtesy of PlantHaven International, planthaven.com

Mop Top™ Butterfly Bush (Buddleia alternifolia)

With its weeping branches and compact growth habit, Mop Top brings a touch of elegance and grace to a garden. It’s not lacking in color, either, as this new shrub is full of fragrant lavender flowers from mid-spring to mid-summer, much to the delight of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Mop Top stays manageable at 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, offering versatility for small garden spaces. This low-maintenance shrub, available through Jackson & Perkins®, has excellent drought tolerance and enhanced cold hardiness. It’s also sterile, so it won’t cause concern over self-seeding. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

The post Take Your Lawn to the Next Level With the Coolest New Shrubs appeared first on Family Handyman.

Snap Lines on the Sand

You can stretch a string between stakes to create a layout line for setting bricks, but simply snapping a chalk line in the sand is quicker, plus you don’t have a string in the way. With layout lines snapped on the sand, laying bricks is faster and easier. The chalk won’t stick to dry sand, so you may have to mist the sand with water before snapping lines. Then, snap layout lines directly on the sand using a standard carpenter’s chalk line reel.

Simple Lawn Edging

To edge your lawn, garden, or flowerbed, lay down a 2×6. While holding the board with your foot, drive a flat spade along its edge. Move the board as needed to create a clean, straight line.

Save Your Back with Dollies

Roll Heavy Stones Over PVC Pipe

Move really heavy stones by rolling them over lengths of PVC pipe, much like the ancient Egyptians did.

Plant-in-a-Pot Landscaping Design

Ever wish you could reorganize your garden after seeing how the mature plants look? Here’s a clever way to do it. You’ll need a bunch of pots of the same size so they’ll nest in each other. Put your plants in doubled pots, and then bury them at ground level. Whenever you want a change, lift out the top pot and put in a different one. This method is also really slick for bringing plants indoors over the winter. This method is great for quickly changing out seasonal plants and allows for easy experimentation with the color and placement of plants and flowers.

Cover Your Grass With Plywood

Keep Sand in the Cracks

Dry sand tends to get washed away or swept out of paver brick and stone patio joints. One solution is to use special polymeric sand that binds together when wetted. You can buy the polymeric additive and mix it with dry sand yourself, or you can buy premixed bags of sand. Premixed sand is the most convenient solution. A bag covers about 120 sq. ft. on paver bricks. Check with landscape suppliers and home centers. Make sure there is no sand on the surface of the brick or stone before you wet it.

Easy Mulch Spreading

Getting mulch up close to flowers and bushes is easier if the mulch is in a small container. So, I place buckets and pails in my wheelbarrow and fill them up with mulch. It doesn’t matter much if the mulch misses the bucket and lands in the wheelbarrow. Once you’re done dumping the buckets, dump what’s left in the wheelbarrow in an open area and spread it out. — Eric Swartz

Apply a Stabilizing Sealant

Invest in a Heavy-Duty Tarp

Nothing is quite so useful in landscaping projects as a durable tarp. It’s excellent for moving leaves, weeds, soil, and small rocks (among other materials) quickly and safely when working in the yard. You can also use it to cover plants or landscaping materials on a truck bed when transporting them or to protect projects from a fierce storm. Just don’t leave a tarp lying out on the lawn for too long, or it will kill your grass.

Spray Water to Keep the Dust Down

Hardscape with Permeable Materials

Inexpensive patio pavers set in a grid and surrounded by trap rock make an elegant, simple and environmentally friendly courtyard. Patios, walkways, courtyards and other hardscape elements add a bit of magic to any yard and reduce landscaping chores. Choose materials and designs that allow rainwater to permeate the soil to irrigate plantings, minimize erosion and prevent runoff. These include organic mulches, gravel, stone and permeable pavers.

Save Your Fingertips with Athletic Tape

Use Polyurethane Adhesive

Mortar is traditionally used to secure the top courses of stone on a wall. However, polyurethane adhesive does the same thing without the hard work and mess of mixing mortar or the skill needed to trowel it on. Also, polyurethane stays flexible, so it doesn’t crack and fall out like mortar does. Combine stone chips with the adhesive to shim stones to keep them steady until the adhesive cures. Polyurethane adhesive is available at home centers and is at least as strong as dedicated landscape adhesives.

Pack Gravel in Layers

Depending on the type of soil, most paths, patios and walls require an 8- to 12-in.- deep compacted base of gravel. But if you just dump 8 in. of gravel into a trench and run a plate compactor over it, only the top few inches will be fully compacted. The uncompacted gravel will settle later, creating waves in the wall or path. For a fully compacted base that won’t settle, add the gravel in 2- or 3-inch-deep layers and run the plate compactor over each layer before adding the next one.
If you want to make your backyard even more exciting, you can add a basketball court to the gravel base!

Build in Drainage for Long-Lasting Walls

Water-soaked soil is the worst enemy of retaining walls because it exerts enormous pressure behind the wall. Adding good drainage behind block or stone walls is crucial for long-lasting, bulge-free walls. Start by laying perforated plastic drainage tubing along the base of the wall slightly above ground level so it can drain to daylight. Slope the tubing about 1/4 inch per foot.

Add Drainage Outlets Every 16 Feet

The post 17 Easy Landscaping Secrets To Transform Your Backyard appeared first on Family Handyman.

Required Tools for these Walkway Ideas

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

• Bucket
• Drywall saw
• Garden rake
• Spade
• Wheelbarrow/Dolly
• Tamper
• Garden trowel

Mulch and Gravel Garden Paths

This winding gravel path reflects the informality and ease of maintenance of the garden. Mulch and gravel are the cheapest pathway materials you can buy for rock walkways, and they make construction simple, too, making them two of our favorite walkway ideas. All you have to do is remove the sod, roll out landscape fabric and spread the mulch or gravel.

Mulch and gravel paths can be meandering, wood chip–covered trails or carefully planned designs, and they range from casual to formal depending on the design and edging material. You can choose from a wide variety of loose materials including coarse bark, decorative mulch, washed stones and crushed gravel or shells.

Mulch garden path

As stated above, the three common types of mulch suitable for garden paths are wood chips, cocoa bean and cypress bark. Since these path materials are lighter than stone, they’re easier to haul and spread. Mulch is also a bit cheaper than gravel or stone pebbles. Remember, though, that organic paths decompose over time, so you’ll have to rejuvenate them every two to five years with new material. Also, don’t use bark, wood chips or mulch for paths that run through areas with poor drainage or that are wet. It’ll lead to a soggy path.

You’ll find bags of mulch at home centers, but for the best selection of organic materials for a path, check your local nursery or landscape supplier. Depending on how big your path is, it may be cheaper to have bulk material delivered than to buy bags. Plan on a 3-in.-deep layer of mulch about 3 ft. wide as an alternative to grass. Call the public works department at your city hall or check with local tree trimming services. They often have piles of wood chips or mulch that are free for the hauling.

Gravel walkways

Several types of inexpensive landscaping gravel are available for paths. Common types are: crushed gravel, crushed limestone and pea rock. For a path that’s more formal or longer lasting than a mulch path, consider washed gravel, crushed stone or crushed shells. These materials last indefinitely and only need occasional weeding to look their best. If you want to run a wheelbarrow or lawn mower along the path, choose crushed stone rather than smooth pebbles. The jagged edges of crushed stone lock together to form a firm surface. Crushed stone is also less likely to get kicked out into the yard.

Gravel for paths is sold by type and size. Smaller stones, averaging under 1/2 in., are best for paths because they offer more comfort underfoot and pack together better. Visit your local nursery or landscape supply specialist to see what’s available in your area. Gravel is usually sold by the ton. Measure the length and width of the path. Take these measurements to the supplier and ask for help to figure out the quantity of gravel you need. Unless your path is very short, it usually makes sense to have the material delivered. Gravel for a path 3 in. deep and 3 ft. wide will cost about the same as mulch.

Gravel paths do have a few limitations, though. The stones can get tracked into the house, so don’t use them near entries. And gravel paths are a bad choice in areas where you have to shovel snow off them. The gravel can end up in your lawn or flower beds.

Tips for making mulch and gravel garden paths

• Rent a gas-powered sod cutter to remove grass if the path is long. For short paths, use a garden spade to slice off the sod.
• Set edging so it ends up about an inch above the fill material.
• Use a spacer stick cut to the width of the garden path as a guide when you set the edging or border. You won’t have to keep pulling out the tape measure to make sure the edges run parallel.
• Cover the soil with landscape fabric to deter weeds and prevent the fill material from mixing with the soil. Don’t use plastic. It’ll catch water and create a soggy path.
• Have gravel delivered, especially if you need more than a half ton.
• If you want a path that’s firm enough to roll a wheelbarrow on, use crushed stone and tamp it after leveling it. (Pea rock or other rounded stone won’t compact.) Use a hand tamper for short paths. Rent a vibrating-plate tamper for long paths.

Garden Path Borders and Edging Ideas

Gravel or mulch paths require some type of edging to keep the material from spreading out onto your lawn or flower bed. You can also add a border or an edge as a design element. Here are some common types of edging you can use for walkway landscaping:

• Plastic landscape edging is cheap. And it’s fast and easy to install. If you object to the look of the rounded top edge, hide it with a border of plants.
• Steel or aluminum edging forms a crisp edge that gives the path a neat appearance. It costs more than plastic, though, and is less forgiving on sloped terrain. It also keeps gravel or mulch from overflowing into the yard or garden.
• Brick, stone or paver borders are attractive and versatile, but they’re more expensive and a lot more work to install.
• Concrete edging is less expensive than brick or stone but has the same advantages. Newer types that look like random pieces of tumbled stone are a great lower-cost alternative to a real stone border.
• Landscape timbers are an economical alternative to stone or brick borders. They’re especially useful for building shallow steps on gradually sloping terrain.

Stone Paths

Stepping-stones are the fastest, easiest way to build a path, and another one of our favorite walkway ideas. There’s very little digging involved. And although the stone is heavy, a little goes a long way. Since there’s distance between the stones, you don’t have to worry about leveling them with one another. Stepping-stone paths also cost less because you’ll cover more distance with less stone. Stones that are flat and about 18 in. across and 2 in. thick are ideal. Check your local landscape supplier or quarry to see what’s available. If you’re building a short stepping-stone path, you can usually pick the stones you want from the pallet or pile of stones on hand at the supplier. For longer paths, ask for help to figure out the quantity and have the stone delivered. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with naturally occurring outcroppings of stone, you may find stepping-stones free for the hauling.

You can also make attractive stepping-stone paths using 12-in. square or round concrete patio blocks. These are available in a wide selection of colors and textures from home centers, landscape suppliers and masonry dealers. Search online for “patio blocks” to see the variety.

How to build a stone path

• Arrange stones so the distance from the center of one to the center of the next one is 20 to 24 in.
• Set the stones in place and cut around them with a spade or rock saw. Then lift the stone and dig out the grass and a little soil.
• Spread a 1/2- to 1-in.-thick layer of sand under the stone if you want to make leveling the stones easier. Sand is easier to work with than soil. A 60-lb. bag of sand is enough for about four to six stones.
• Set the top of the stepping-stones about 1 in. above the soil level. This will give you a dry place to step while still allowing you to run a lawn mower over the path.

Using Ground Cover Plants with Stone Paths

Ground cover attractively fills the space around and between pieces of yard stones such as flagstone. Including ground cover plants in your garden path makes a stone walkway easier in two ways: First, you can skip the thick, compacted gravel base underneath. That eliminates the backbreaking digging, plus the hauling and compacting of gravel. Without the solid base, the stones will shift and become uneven, but the plants will hide that. The second advantage is that you don’t have to spend extra time laying the stones perfectly. The plants will hide wide gaps.

There are quite a few perennial plants that can withstand foot traffic and will grow between stones. Check with your local nursery to see what’s available that will grow in your area. Here are some ground cover plants that can tolerate some foot traffic: Creeping Thyme, Blue Star Creeper, Brass Buttons, Creeping Mazus and Sedum.

The post Garden Path Ideas That Are Easy, Cheap and Low-Maintenance appeared first on Family Handyman.

While these 2-in-1 tools sound like they’d be a major investment, they can be pretty affordable. Case in point: The Toro Ultra Blower Vac is a model you can pick up for around $100. We took this budget-friendly blower vac into our Testing Lab to see if it’s up to the task of a fall cleanup. Here’s everything you need to know about this model.

What is the Toro Ultra Blower Vac?

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac is an electric leaf blower that also functions as a leaf vacuum. It has a 4-inch cord and a detachable leaf bag you wear on your shoulder while vacuuming up leaves and debris. In our studio, this blower weighed in at 7.45 pounds. Between its lightweight design, two handles and easy-to-use power knob, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.

In blower mode, its motor produces a velocity and air volume of up to 340 cubic feet per minute (CFM), shooting air out at 260 miles per hour (MPH). In vacuum mode, it operates at an impressive 405 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and mulches everything it sucks up. While the manufacturer doesn’t specify the bag’s capacity, it had no trouble sucking up the 30 gallons of leaves we spread out. Once you’re finished, simply empty the contents into a disposable bag and you’re free to go about the rest of your day.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of the Toro Ultra Blower Vac’s features and to find out why it’s one of our budget-friendly picks.

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Affordability, performance and ease of use make the Toro Ultra Blower Vac a worthy addition to your tool collection.

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126.996% OFF$118.93 at Amazon

Toro Ultra Blower Vac Features

Versatility

As mentioned above, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac functions as both a leaf blower and leaf vacuum. To switch between functions, simply attach the vacuum tube and bag and press the fan inlet cover into place. No tools required!

Mulching Capabilities

In vacuum mode, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac’s metal impeller shreds debris into mulch and deposits it into the bag. According to the manufacturer, this machine shreds leaves and reduces their volume by a ratio of 8:01. Though still fairly fine, our testers noted that the mulch produced by this blower is larger than that produced by some other models.

Variable Speed Knob

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac has one knob which starts and stops the unit. This knob also adjusts the air speed in both blower and vacuum mode.

How We Tested It

The Product Testing Team, led by associate product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer, took the Toro Ultra Blower Vac into the Testing Lab to see whether it could meet the demands of a fall cleanup. They carefully assessed its assembly and setup, as well as its performance as both a leaf blower and leaf vacuum. Of all the units they tested, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac’s user manual was their least favorite. Unclear instructions made assembly more difficult, especially when it came time to attach one piece in particular. “There’s a detached ‘bottom inlet cover’ that needs to be attached, and the directions that supposedly explain how to do so are very poor,” explains Kaz.

Once they finished their initial assembly, however, the team was impressed by the unit’s ergonomics, noting that the two handles are nice to hold and the built-in cord management system is well designed and secure.

To test the Toro’s performance, our team scattered dry leaves around a yard, then blew them into a designated 4×10-foot area, evaluating the blower’s directional control, ease of use and noise level. According to our testers, this unit performed best when kept at exactly the right angle. “Blowing capabilities are a lot weaker,” notes Kaz. “You need to be at a pretty low angle to get the best performance from this one’s blowing function. Dylan was bent over much of the time when using this machine.”

After they finished blowing the leaves, Fischer and Kaz set out to test the vacuum function on the Toro Ultra Blower Vac. To convert the machine from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum, they had to swap the blower tube for the vacuum tube and press the fan inlet cover into place. While it seemed easy enough, it required a bit of elbow grease from Fischer. “It was a little finicky to convert the blower to the vacuum. The plastic fittings were not smooth, which made us wonder if we were doing something wrong,” explains Kaz. “We referred back to the user manual several times while using and it took both of Dylan’s hands to press this fan inlet cover into place—it was very stiff.”

To test the Toro’s vacuum capabilities, the team spread roughly 30 gallons of leaves across two rectangles of grass. One rectangle they covered in dry leaves while the other had damp leaves which they’d misted with a hose. Our testers timed how long it took to suck up each rectangle’s leaves while evaluating the machine’s ergonomics, maneuverability, noise level and more. According to Kaz and Fischer’s report, it took just under three minutes to suck up all of the dry leaves and about one minute to suck up the wet ones. Fischer and Kaz agree that it was much easier to use the Toro Ultra Blower Vac as a leaf vacuum than as a leaf blower.

Despite some setbacks, our Product Testing Team recommends the Toro Ultra Blower Vac to anyone shopping on a budget. Given its low price point, vacuum performance and maneuverability, it’s a great value overall. “The placement of the grip handles allow for solid maneuverability, which ended up being very useful as we had to bend over to get the best performance out of the blowing function,” says Fischer.

Pros

• Under $100
• Lightweight
• Two grip handles enhance maneuverability
• Versatile power-adjustment knob
• Sturdy metal impeller

Cons

• Weak blowing performance
• Cumbersome to alternate between functions

Why You Should Trust Us

Our editors and testers on the Product Testing Team have years of experience in the commerce space. Many of us are also homeowners or renters with yards of our own to keep clean. We’ve tested dozens of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums including the best backpack leaf blowers and cordless leaf blowers in order to help you make informed decisions before you buy.

FAQ

How does Toro Blower Vac work?

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac pushes out air at a speed of 260 miles per hour (MPH) in order to blow leaves and other debris away from your house, garden and driveway. In vacuum mode, it sucks leaves and other debris in through the main tube. It then finely mulches leaves through a sturdy metal impeller and deposits them into the attached bag. When you’re finished, simply empty the mulched leaves into a disposable bag or compost pile.

How do you turn the Toro Ultra Blower Vac into a blower?

Once assembled, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac is a blower by default. It has a fan inlet cover which is held in place by a quick-release latch. This cover must be attached or detached in order to switch between blower and vacuum functions.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac has over 5,650 five-star ratings on Amazon. Here’s what real users have to say about it.

After six months of use, five-star reviewer Gabriel’s Dad calls the Toro Ultra Blower Vac a must have for yard work. “I used this in the fall to vacuum up and disintegrate the leaves that were all over my yard. This thing did it wonderfully,” he raves. “A big pile of leaves piled about 3 feet tall was reduced to a dense pile of pieces that barely came halfway up one of those paper lawn yard-waste bags. Amazing.”

Another Amazon customer and verified purchaser calls this an amazing tool. “As a leaf vacuum and mulcher, it’s a huge time saver. We have two large trees in our front yard and we usually spend six man hours raking and packing leaves every fall. I also run the mower at different times during the fall to mulch smaller leaf drops. I did the whole yard by myself in about three hours, and collected some 400 lbs of leaves,” they write. “The bag looks like it could get heavy, but by the time it’s full, it’s rarely more than 10 or 15 lbs. The leaves are chopped up pretty well.”

And five-star reviewer Lar P swears that in their 60-plus years, this Toro Ultra Blower Vac is the best they’ve ever had. “This thing moves leaves—and here is a big tip with this Toro, don’t impede the speed with any of the end nozzles—just let this thing blow unabated, and do the work for you,” they write.

Product Comparison

Our Product Testing Team tested a total of six blower vacuum combos, including the Toro Ultra Blower Vac. They crowned this unit the best budget option for its affordability, maneuverability and performance. Other corded styles we tested were double the price of the Toro. Of course, you could opt for a gas-powered leaf blower or heavy-duty machine like the Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum, but expect to pay upwards of $200.

Final Verdict

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac offers a fast and inexpensive way to keep your yard free of leaves and other debris. This versatile blower vac is lightweight, easy to maneuver and gets the job done. But most importantly, it saves a ton of time, leaving you free to enjoy your days off however you please.

Where to Buy the Toro Ultra Blower Vac

According to the manufacturer’s website, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac retails for $80, though we’ve found it closer to $100 across stores. It’s currently available at Walmart, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Amazon.

On Sale

VIA MERCHANT

Lowest Price in 30 days

we tried it

Toro Ultra Leaf Blower Vac

Affordability, performance and ease of use make the Toro Ultra Blower Vac a worthy addition to your tool collection.

Shop on Walmart

Shop on Ace Hardware

Shop on Lowe's

126.996% OFF$118.93 at Amazon

The post The Toro Ultra Blower Vac Is the Budget-Friendly Tool to Keep Your Yard Clean All Season appeared first on Family Handyman.

One of our favorite leaf blowers that also functions as a leaf vacuum is the Craftsman backpack leaf blower. It’s powerful, easy to use and budget-friendly. In order to see how well this Craftsman backpack blower stands up to a mountain of leaves, we sent it to our testing lab for close inspection. Here’s everything you need to know about this model before you add it to your arsenal of lawn equipment.

What is the Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower?

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower is an electric leaf blower. It has a 12-inch cord and is a true backpack-style lawn tool with two straps, making it less cumbersome than a sling bag. This leaf blower boasts a powerful 12-amp motor with a velocity and air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM). When it comes to speed, this tool can shoot air out at 260 miles per hour (MPH).

At under 12 pounds, this Craftsman backpack blower is lightweight and incredibly easy to use and maneuver, thanks to its user-friendly handles. But that’s not the only reason we love it so much. This Craftsman blower also functions as a leaf vacuum.

“Vacuums are effective when cleaning up smaller spaces and tight areas. For example, cleaning leaves in bushes,” explains Francisco Fuenmayor, a handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook. “A leaf blower won’t be able to blow the leaves out of there, while blowers are better for quickly moving large amounts of debris across bigger spaces.”

No tools are required to switch this from blower to vacuum mode. In vacuum mode, it sucks up and mulches up to 55 liters of leaves into the backpack. Once the bag is full, simply open it up and dump all of the mulched debris out. Yard work has never been so easy! Keep reading for a full breakdown of the Craftsman backpack blower’s features and to find out why it’s one of the best backpack leaf blowers we’ve tested.

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Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower also functions as a leaf vacuum for quick and easy cleanup.

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Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower Features

Versatility

As mentioned above, the Craftsman backpack blower functions as both a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum. In order to switch between functions, all you have to do is switch the tubes and twist open the fan cover. The fan cover is attached to the machine so you don’t lose it, and no tools are required.

Engine Power and Blowing Force

The Craftsman backpack blower is pretty powerful given its size and price point. Its 12-amp motor allows it to clear tough debris like wet leaves and pebbles. It moves air at 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM). “A strong blower with good CFM is great for cleaning hard-to-reach corners and gathering debris from garden beds into neat piles on the lawn,” explains Fuenmayor. Additionally, the Craftsman backpack blower blows air at up to 260 MPH. A higher MPH increases the distance you are able to clear.

Mulching Capabilities

In vacuum mode, the Craftsman backpack blower’s plastic impeller shreds debris into mulch and deposits it into the backpack. According to the manufacturer, this machine shreds leaves and reduces their volume by a ratio of 12:01. During testing, our testers noted that this blower mulched the leaves very finely.

Warranty

The Craftsman backpack blower is covered by a three-year limited warranty. This means that for three years following the date of purchase or date of delivery of the product (whichever date is later), this machine is warrantied against defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is extended only to the original end-user purchaser of the product. Read more about Craftsman’s warranty policy here.

How We Tested It

The product testing team, led by associate product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer, took this Craftsman backpack blower into our testing lab to see what it’s really made of. They looked at how easy it was to assemble and how well it performed as both a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum.

Assembly

Our testers ran into some initial hiccups during the assembly process, noting that the plastic pieces didn’t click into place as satisfyingly as they would have liked. However, they describe the process itself as pretty straightforward. Once it was assembled and ready to go, our testers especially liked the ergonomic handles which allowed them to get a good grip before they started blowing.

Leaf Blowing

To test the Craftsman’s performance as a leaf blower, our team scattered dry leaves around the yard, then blew them into a designated 4-by-10-foot area before vacuuming, evaluating the blower’s directional control, ease of use and noise level. Our testers were really impressed by the power behind this blower. However, it was a bit too powerful at times. “It would be nice if there were multiple speed levels, because the one will blow your pile all around as you get closer to it,” says Kaz. Additionally, this leaf blower registered 106.5 decibels. In other words, it’s loud! Ear and eye protection are strongly recommended.

Vacuuming

After they finished blowing the leaves, our testers set out to test the vacuum function on the Craftsman backpack blower. To convert the machine from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum, Kaz and Fisher had to swap the blower tube for the vacuum tube and twist open the fan cover, which is attached to the machine so you don’t lose it. Though easy in theory, Kaz and Fischer struggled a bit here, noting that the tubes don’t really click into place. But after double-checking the user manual, they were back in business.

For this test, our testers spread roughly 30 gallons of leaves across two rectangles of grass. They covered one rectangle in dry leaves and the other had damp leaves, which had been misted with a hose. Our testers timed how long it took to suck up each rectangle’s leaves while evaluating the ergonomics, maneuverability, noise level and more.

According to Kaz and Fischer’s report, it took just under three minutes to suck up all of the dry leaves and just over one minute to suck up all of the wet leaves. Upon emptying the bag, they noted that the leaves had been very finely mulched.

Comfort

As for comfort, Fischer points out that the unit itself gets pretty heavy to use for an extended length of time. Luckily, the overall backpack design helped. “The backpack is nice on this one because it’s a full backpack that goes over both shoulders,” he says. “It provides a lot of relief from the weight.”

Overall, our product testing team highly recommends the Craftsman backpack blower. It was a top performer in the lab and is both easy and comfortable to use. “The two-strapped backpack-style bag works amazingly well and should be the standard for all these handheld vacuums. It’s a great way to equally distribute weight and goes a long way to mitigate fatigue,” raves Fischer.

And for less than $100, you simply can’t go wrong.

Pros:

• Functions as a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum
• Two-strapped backpack provides relief from the weight of the unit
• Powerful performance
• Finely mulches leaves and debris it vacuums
• Under $100
• Ergonomic handles

Cons:

• Not cordless
• Plastic pieces don’t readily click into place

Why You Should Trust Us

Our editors and testers on the product testing team have years of experience in the commerce space. We’ve tested dozens of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums, including the Husqvarna Backpack Blower, Stihl BR 600 Backpack Blower and the Ego Leaf Blower. And we don’t plan on stopping there! Currently, we are testing more leaf blowers and leaf vacuums to ensure we help you make informed decisions based on real-life testing before you buy.

To further discuss the benefits and uses of leaf blowers and vacuums, we also enlisted the expertise of Francisco Fuenmayor, a handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook.

FAQ

What kind of gas does a Craftsman backpack leaf blower take?

This Craftsman backpack blower is electric and does not take gas.

Why won’t my Craftsman backpack blower start?

First, make sure your Craftsman backpack blower is plugged in. The cord on this model is only 12 inches long, so an extension cord may be required.

If that doesn’t work, check the fan cover. “Initially, you have to turn the cover to lock it into place in order for the machine to turn on,” explains Fischer. “We didn’t realized this, so the machine wouldn’t start after several tries. Finally, after about five attempts and referring to the user manual, it seemed that whatever was hanging it up resolved itself and we were able to click the cover into place.”

What kind of oil goes in a Craftsman?

This Craftsman backpack blower does not require oil.

What Other Reviewers and Experts Had to Say

Five-star reviewer Robert T Kennedy appreciates how well this unit cleans his yard without sucking up expensive decorative stones. “I liked the multiple options for the leaf blower,” he writes. “One piece of equipment keeps my lawn, garden, walkways and driveway clean with its powerful motor. Definitely worth the reasonable price.”

Micray, another five-star reviewer, calls the Craftsman backpack blower a back-saver. “This has been such a lifesaver trying to clean up. My backyard had hundreds of those little bitty gumballs, and this has made picking them up so much easier,” they write.

After running into some of the same issues as our product testing team in regards to getting the pieces into place, verified user Girly Gamer is happy to have figured it out. “It ended up working beautifully on the vacuum part which is all I wanted. Great power, bag is comfortable and holds A LOT! It is fairly heavy, but with the two handles, it’s not too bad,” they write. “Saved me big time from raking and bending over to pick up piles of pine needles which had been building up for a year! Even mulched pine cones and twigs fine…”

Product Comparison

Our product testing team tested a total of six blower vacuum combos including the Craftsman backpack blower. They labeled this unit the best overall for its performance, two-strap backpack style and good value. We also tested the Toro Ultra Blower Vac, another corded model which functions as a blower and a vacuum. The Craftsman and the Toro are both similarly sized and priced, there was a significant difference in performance.

The Craftsman backpack blower has a velocity and air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and expels air at 260 miles per hour (MPH). The Toro, on the other hand, has a velocity and air volume of 340 CFM in blow mode and 405 CFM in vac mode. And though the Toro boasts the same 260 MPH as the Craftsman, our testers found the Toro’s blowing performance to be much weaker than the Craftsman backpack blower.

Additionally, the Craftsman backpack blower has a two-strapped backpack-style bag which makes it easy to tote around the yard. The Toro has one strap which you can sling over your shoulder. Though not uncomfortable, it’s not as convenient as the Craftsman backpack blower.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to keep your yard neat and tidy, you can’t go wrong with the Craftsman backpack blower. This versatile blower is comfortable, easy to use and powerful enough to get the job done. In short, you can expect your lawn to look like a million bucks all autumn long thanks to this handy backpack blower.

Where to Buy the Craftsman backpack leaf blower

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower is a steal at under $100. You can shop on Amazon where it’s available with free two-day Prime shipping. You can also shop at Lowe’s where it’s available for in-store pickup or delivery.

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Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower

The two-strapped backpack equally distributes the blower's weight.

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The post This Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower Is Two Tools In One, And It’ll Clean Up Your Yard in No Time appeared first on Family Handyman.

Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to not only make them even safer but also more comfortable and, dare I say, attractive. Modern work boots claim to be safer, lighter and better fitting—and can be worn all day. Could it possibly be true?

Keen Utility’s Evanston boot is one of those new-era utility boots that challenge misconceptions. I tried them to see if they could withstand my everyday tasks and meet industrial standards. I was thrilled with these boots, so read on to hear why.

What is the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot?

Keen Utility designed the Evanston work boot to meet the needs of many professionals. However, I found it practical for any application where comfort and safety are paramount. Keen Utility states that the work boot is great for assembly line workers, electricians, the aerospace industry and light manufacturing.

The boots tick all the boxes for standard work boots, with safety and meeting standards being the highest priorities. They’re a six-inch high waterproof boot suitable for many manufacturing and construction situations. Durable leather offers the wearer protection and makes the boots visually appealing.

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Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

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Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot Features

The Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot stands out with a suite of high-performance features designed for durability and safety. This boot is not only oil, slip and heat resistant, but also boasts a carbon-fiber toe. This makes them a lighter alternative to traditional steel toes while maintaining robust protection. Rated for electrostatic discharge (ESD), the boot ensures safe use in environments where static electricity is a concern.

The boot’s six-inch ankle height provides essential protection and stability, a crucial aspect both industrial settings and demanding work environments. The heat-resistant outsole further enhances durability, allowing the boot to withstand high temperatures without compromising performance or comfort.

The Keen Utility Evanston is equipped with Keen.ReGEN technology, a proprietary sole designed to offer 50% more energy return compared to standard foam soles. This technology helps reduce fatigue and increases comfort during long hours on your feet. Additionally, the boot features a 90-degree heel (half an inch) that contributes to its stability and balance.

The eyelets are constructed from plastic rather than metal, minimizing the risk of marring highly finished surfaces—a thoughtful detail for professionals working with delicate materials. The boots also have reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

The leather used is barnyard resistant, meaning it effectively withstands the detrimental effects of common livestock-related hazards like oleic acid and urea.

Furthermore, the Leather Working Group certifies the leather as “environmentally preferred,” which ensures that the tanneries adhere to rigorous environmental standards, including waste management and greenhouse gas reduction.

As an extra bonus, the boots are PFA-free and contain no “forever chemicals.”

How We Tested the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

The boots arrived by mail in terrific packaging—a sturdy boot box that I’ll be reusing. The boots were pre-laced and ready to use, so I put them on my feet around 8:30 a.m. As someone who dislikes wearing shoes and only wears them as a necessity—something I equate to foot prison—I didn’t even think to take these brand-new boots off my feet for almost 12 hours!

I wear a Euro size 39 with a narrow-to-normal width foot and received a U.S. women’s 8.5 medium boot. The fit was perfect, and Keen’s signature roomy toe box was a welcome relief for my claustrophobic toes and the real or imagined widening of my foot as I age. The cushioned part around the ankle felt comfy and didn’t give me that restrictive feeling I get when I revisit my early 90s hipster days and wear my heavy, black ankle boots.

I wasn’t going to test the carbon fiber toe for safety as they did once on Myth Busters (anyone else see that episode?), but the toe was clearly fortified. I felt confident that my tootsies were in safe hands and opted out of dropping a toolbox on my foot. Another welcome surprise was that the composite toe was not even noticeable, even as my toes were bent, which is something I’ve struggled with in other steel-toed boots.

I spent the remainder of the day doing various chores in these boots. I weeded, ran the string trimmer, cleaned gutters and dug up volunteer lemongrass that was invading my flower beds. I walked on grass, mud and mulch. I even took my daily multi-mile walk on asphalt in these boots because it didn’t occur to me to change my shoes.

Keen Utility boasts that the heel design of these boots helps secure the foot in place on ladders. While climbing the ladder to clean my gutters, I felt absolutely confident. While digging with a shovel and on the ladder rungs, the sole’s sturdiness did not cause discomfort or fatigue. As the day went by, I was so very surprised that my ankles also did not feel any chafing or excessive pressure.

Pros:

• Certified for safety standards and ESD
• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Environmentally preferred leather
• Reflective
• Chemical and biological resistant leather
• Multiple widths

Cons:

• No color selection for women
• Limited sizes in both men’s and women’s styles

Why Trust Me

I’ve been wearing work boots for most of my adult life. I’ve lived and worked on an organic farm, worked as a land surveyor in many regulated environments, owned a landscaping company and done gobs of contracting work in painting and basic carpentry. Nothing makes my work easier than comfortable and practical footwear.

As a professional product reviewer, I am committed to considering my needs and those of others when evaluating products. The boots are no exception, and I considered many factors in order to give a fair assessment. I looked at both my personal needs and those of people of different sizes and in various industries.

FAQ

Are Keen boots good for work?

There are many types of work boots that are certified for certain industrial uses and safety issues. Many Keen utility boots are approved for these uses and, therefore, are excellent work boots. Keen also has hiking boots and casual boots that may be suitable for certain work environments.

Are Keen shoes good for your feet?

They’re certainly not bad for your feet! In fact, with the arch support, protection and roomy toe box, your feet are getting the royal treatment as far as footwear goes. Keen utility boots come with a 30-day trial, so if you find that they are not meeting your needs, you can return them.

Are Keen boots waterproof? 

Some Keen boots are waterproof. The Evanston boot reviewed is rated as waterproof and is indicated for wet and dry use. If waterproof boots are a must, be sure to check the manufacturer’s stated uses and capabilities.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

LaRita B. gives a 5-star review on Keen’s site, saying, “Wide enough!!!!! Yes, finally, Keen listened! These safety-toe boots are wide enough to fit my foot. Thanks, well done.”

Vicki Rose, owner of SPC Specialty Products, a woman-owned business serving the manufacturing and energy sectors, says, “I wear industrial boots daily for work. This boot meets all the safety requirements, looks good, and even comes in a women’s 5, which is perfect for me.”

“Best boot ever,” says Jade P on Keen’s site. “I bought these off of a recommendation from a coworker. So comfortable, even without another insole! My blisters I got from my other boots went away, and because of the composite toe all my ankle pain is gone (because my old boots were too heavy). Seriously the best purchase I’ve ever made.”

Keens vs. Red Wings

I compared these boots to a pair of Redwing steel-toed boots that I used to wear for work and found the Keens have far more support and cushioning. The carbon fiber toe was not even noticeable on the Keens, as opposed to the discomfort inflicted on my foot by the old-school steel toe.

I also compared the Keen to a newer pair of steel-toed Red Wings side-by-side and found the comfort and styling to be somewhat equal, but the Keen was significantly lighter.

Final Verdict

The extensive listing of safety ratings on this boot makes it viable for almost all work conditions. The wonderful support and comfort allow for all-day wearing without the need to break them in. It’s stylish, too. I was unable to come up with really any criticisms of this boot, so I 100% recommend it. There’s nothing to risk thanks to Keen’s 30-day return period, so try out a pair for yourself.

Where to Buy

You can find Keen Utility’s Evanston boot on Amazon and Zappos for around $150. The sizing is accurate, and with Keen’s 30-day return policy, the risk of buying shoes online is minimized.

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Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

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The post Keen Utility’s New Work Boot is the Perfect Boot for Almost Everything appeared first on Family Handyman.

Residential users are switching from traditional gas-powered lawn equipment to electric ones. Why? Battery-operated tools are quiet, require no gas or oil and almost always “start.” Battery power and longevity have improved over the years, so what’s not to love?

But have you ever wondered if cordless string trimmers work as well as gasoline-powered string trimmers?  I tested the popular battery-powered Ryobi string trimmer for the past three months, and I have the answers you seek.

What is the Ryobi String Trimmer?

The Ryobi string trimmer is a 40V, 15-inch cordless string trimmer that retails for under $200. For context, the Ryobi brand is The Home Depot’s economical lineup of tools. Geared towards residential homeowners, this string trimmer tackles lawns of almost any size, depending on the battery you use. Plus, it’s part of Ryobi’s “expand-it” collection, which enables the attachment of tools other than the string attachment that was tested in this review.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Ryobi String Trimmer

Shop Now on The Home Depot

$117.50 at Amazon

Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer Features

The Ryobi 15-inch 40V string trimmer includes a straight shaft string trimmer attachment, a 4-amp-hour battery, a charger and a 0.080-inch line (which can also accept up to 0.095 inches). Ryobi’s 40V batteries come standard with LED status lights, and the 80-watt charger should charge the battery in a little over 2.5 hours. A 70-minute run time is advertised.

The tool utilizes a “bump feed” mechanism to advance the line, which is pretty standard across string trimmers. As mentioned above, the bump head trimmer can be removed and replaced by a bladed, serrated head and the entire lower shaft can be removed and replaced by tools such as a pole saw using the quick change coupler system. The string can be adjusted from 13 to 15 inches, and Ryobi boasts that it reloads in under 60 seconds with its “speed winder.”

The trigger is variable speed, and the straight shaft is sturdy carbon fiber. While the tool carries a 5-year warranty, the battery only carries a 3-year warranty. A brushless motor powers the tool.

How We Tested the Ryobi String Trimmer

I’m testing many string trimmers and comparing them against the same criteria. The first thing I consider is the packaging, assembly, and instructions to get started. I started the battery charging while I assembled and read and noted that the battery took close to three hours to charge, which is something to keep in mind if you’re eager to get trimming.

The bump head was already loaded with string, but I needed to attach it to the power head. I struggled a bit with this seemingly simple task as I had trouble getting the lower shaft to slide into the upper shaft. I managed to get it to attach, but then it went too far into the upper shaft, and you may already be guessing that I struggled to pull it out…and yes, of course, it came all the way out. My next attempt was successful, and the quick couple system only required a half turn to lock it into place—a nice update to Ryobi’s older attachments, which relied on winding and hand tightening.

The battery was easy to attach, but as I was attaching it, I noticed it felt quite heavy and wondered if it was my imagination. I headed to the scale, and it weighed in at just under 3 pounds, which seemed innocuous until I weighed a few more 4-amp-hour batteries, and they came in at 1 and 1.5 pounds. Please note that the battery is a bit heavy.

I started trimming and tackling weeds growing through the paver cracks and around tree stumps. The power was ample, and while the 0.80 string broke easily against the pavement (not unexpected), the trimmer chewed through the weeds and grass with ease. The deflector did not block a good amount of the grit and grass, but I’ve never met a string trimmer that doesn’t leave my shins coated in dirt and weeds.

Turning the tool to the edge was awkward but doable, and the straight shaft was well-balanced. I experimented here with the variable speed trigger since I like to move a little slower when edging, and it helped with my aim, as I’m a bit of a zig zagger with a string trimmer. The brushless motor had the familiar “scratchy” noise and was a tad louder than some cordless string trimmers, but the battery still showed a 75% charge after approximately 20 minutes of use.

For my final act, a string change was in order, and my history with spooling string trimmers is not marked as successful. Having used many Ryobi string trimmers over the years, I knew the drill using their loading tool. The great thing about their method is that it works! You slide about 10 inches of string through the center of the bump head without worrying about direction, multiple layers of spooling or remembering how to re-attach the head and wind with the provided tool.

With that successful winding experience, I must caution users based on my previous experiences. The winding tool does not attach or “stay with” the trimmer, so you need to know where the tool is in your garage or shed. If you can’t find it, then you are not going to be able to re-string your trimmer until you buy a replacement or figure out a clever way to wind the head. I now keep mine tied to the handle.

Pros

• Long-running battery
• Fast reloading
• Takes fixed blade heads
• Interchangeable attachments
• Large cutting area
• Long shaft for tall users

Cons

• Heavy battery
• Tool required for reloading
• Not ideal for short users

FAQ

How do you put the line in a Ryobi string trimmer?

Reloading is relatively easy on Ryobi’s string trimmers. Unlike most string trimmers, Ryobi uses a proprietary tool to wind the string. To “reload,” all you need to do is insert the string through the holes in the head and wind. This can be done without removing any parts from the head.

How does the Ryobi trimmer auto-feed?

The Ryobi trimmer uses a bump feed mechanism. To advance the line, you “bump” the head on the ground while the trimmer is at full speed. If the line does not advance, you can manually press down on the head (while it’s not in use!) and pull on the line.

How do you remove the string head from a Ryobi trimmer?

This gets a little tricky. You need to pinch the sides of the trimmer and rotate the padlock symbol to the open padlock symbol. My hands aren’t big enough to do that, so I use some huge channel locks to squeeze and then another pair of channel locks to rotate. Once the symbols are lined up, the head pops right off.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

Check out what a few other Ryobi string trimmer users have to say about this affordable tool:

“Just as good as gas,” remarks customer Frank on The Home Depot website. “My neighbor has this model and I have the gas powered head. After trying his I bought one for myself. I already had most of the attachments. The battery last long enough for me to trim, edge and blow my grass before I have to recharge. It is so quiet I can start earlier in the morning and not wake the neighbors. No gas smell, exhaust smoke or heat.”

“Carbon fiber is for real,” five-star reviewer Mike explains. “I have the “original” 40V brushless weed eater, which I have been using it heavily for 2-3 years now for brush clearance. I finally destroyed the head of the string trimmer and decided to give the carbon fiber a shot. The carbon fiber is significantly lighter than the old version and it makes a big difference. In terms of power, it truly does have gas-like power. The battery lasts long enough to trim a yard. If you’re trying to clear a large area, you’ll need a few batteries.”

Ryobi String Trimmer vs Other String Trimmers

The Ryobi string trimmer stacks up nicely compared to other cordless string trimmers. The high-capacity battery is a standout, though, as I mentioned earlier, it adds as much as two pounds to the total weight. Another standout is the easy reloading mechanism, with the downside being that a proprietary tool is required to reload the string.

As for power, it was right up there with other cordless and gas string trimmers. The straight shaft was great for extended reaching but not as comfortable as a curved shaft. The noise level was slightly louder than my Ego trimmer, but not by much. The cost of ownership is a little less than that of other cordless string trimmers.

Final Verdict

Based on my testing, the Ryobi 15-inch cordless string trimmer gets a definite vote of yes. The factors influencing my decision lie primarily in the easy winding, high capacity battery and economical price. If you already own other Ryobi 40V tools or interchangeable attachments, this trimmer is a shoo-in for your collection. Another bonus is that parts and add-ons are easily found locally at The Home Depot.

Where to Buy

You can buy a Ryobi string trimmer with battery and charger for under $200 on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Ryobi String Trimmer

Shop Now on The Home Depot

$117.50 at Amazon

The post I Tried the Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer and Will String Out the Details for You appeared first on Family Handyman.

If you’d like to cut pavers without a saw, using a hammer and masonry chisel is the simplest, most low-tech way to do it. Use this method to cut concrete and stone pavers, but know that it will provide a somewhat ragged edge. “This is a great option for homeowners doing a small project who don’t want to spend a lot on tools,” Laterreur says.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles and a dust mask.
• Place a masonry chisel onto the line and tap with a hammer. The goal is to create a mark that is 1/16 inch deep. Do not use excessive force — light taps will suffice.
• Repeat this step along the marked line until all of the line has a 1/16-inch score.
• Place the chisel in the center of the scored line.
• Deliver several strong blows to the chisel with the hammer to split the paver.
• Clean up any ragged edges with the chisel and hammer.

How to cut pavers with a circular saw

Although circular saws are not designed to cut pavers, you can use one with a diamond cutting blade. It will be a dry cut, though, producing a lot of dust. Always wear at least an N-95 mask when dry-cutting concrete pavers, as silica dust is harmful when inhaled. Circular saws can produce straight and curved cuts.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Set the paver on a stable work surface and use clamps to keep it in place.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Set the blade depth to 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
• Start the saw and allow it to get up to full speed.
• Apply steady pressure and guide the saw through the paver.
• Use multiple passes, increasing the blade depth each time until you reach a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch.
• Use a chisel and hammer to split the paver at the cut line from the saw.

How to cut pavers with a wet tile saw

A wet tile saw includes a stationary diamond blade and table with an integrated water spray system to minimize dust. Used for cutting porcelain, stone, ceramic and marble tile, tile saws can also be used to cut straight or curved cuts in concrete pavers. Most tile saws will not be powerful enough to cut stone pavers. This is my preferred method to cut pavers, as I already own a tile saw, and it is quick and easy to make cuts.

• Make sure the water reservoir is full.
• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Place the paver on the saw table and match the marked line to the blade.
• Start the saw and let the blade get up to full speed.
• Grasp the paver on each side and guide it into the saw blade until the cut is complete.

How to Cut Pavers with an Angle Grinder

Angle grinders are versatile, powered hand tools that cut, grind and polish materials. With a diamond cutting wheel, you can use an angle grinder to cut concrete pavers, and a diamond blade meant for stone can be used to cut granite blocks.

Most angle grinders cut dry, but some wet-cut models connect to a hose.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line.
• Set the paver on a stable work surface like a workbench and clamp it in place.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask. “And always keep the guard on the angle grinder,” Ricalde says. “It helps keep dust out of your face and protects your hands.”
• Turn on the angle grinder.
• Direct the blade onto the paver at the marked line to begin cutting.
• Lightly score the length of the line across the paver face. “This way, you won’t lose track of it,” Ricalde says.
• With long, back-and-forth movements, guide the blade across the paver.
• When the blade has reached its maximum depth, turn off the angle grinder.
• Hold the paver and hit the side you intend to discard with the hammer to finish the cut.
• Clean up any ragged lines with the angle grinder.

How to cut pavers with a masonry table saw

Like a wet tile saw, masonry table saws have stronger motors and bigger blades to cut harder materials like stone, concrete, pavers and bricks.

Masonry table saws are useful for cutting straight and curved lines. “We use a table saw on most jobs,” Laterreur says. It’s fast and can make different types of cuts.”

• Fill the reservoir with water or connect a water source to the saw.
• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Start the saw and let the blade get up to full speed.
• Place the paver on the table with the line matched to the blade.
• Guide the paver into the saw blade until the cut is complete.

How to cut pavers with a block splitter

A block splitter is a manual tool that uses hydraulic power to split pavers, bricks and blocks. This method is a quick way to split pavers for a straight cut. Rentals are available at home centers and hardware rental centers.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles and a dust mask.
• Place the paver on the tray below the blade.
• Set the marked line underneath the top blade.
• If your splitter has a blade adjustment, adjust now for the paver thickness.
• Pull the splitter bar toward the ground to bring the blade to the paver.
• Continue lowering the splitter bar to increase pressure on the paver until the paver splits.

How to cut pavers with a demolition saw

A demolition saw, also called a cut-off saw, is a handheld, gas-powered saw used to cut masonry. While often used during demolition projects, these saws can also quickly cut pavers in straight and curved lines.

Ricalde recommends renting one, as they’re easily available at any home center.

Demo saws do not have a dust management system, so they produce a lot of dust. Consider using a helper to direct water onto the paver to reduce dust. “It’s a motorized saw, so you can safely use water to keep the dust down,” Ricalde says.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles, hearing protection and a dust mask.
• Start the saw and let the blade get up to full speed.
• While your helper directs a stream of water onto the paver, begin cutting at the edge of the marked line.
• Apply steady pressure and guide the saw through the paver.
• Use multiple passes for thick pavers.

Pro-tip: To save time, Ricalde recommends laying your walkway or patio and leaving the edges uncut. Then, mark your cuts and walk along the edge with the demo saw to cut them in place. “This way you don’t have to cut each individual piece,” he says.

About the Experts

• Ricky Laterreur is the owner of Laterreur Landscapes and Gardens in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He offers hardscaping and landscaping services and has over fifteen years of industry experience.
• Paul Ricalde creates home improvement videos on his YouTube channel, Paul’s Toolbox with over 360,000 subscribers. He has over thirty years of experience in construction.

The post 7 Ways to Cut Pavers of All Kinds appeared first on Family Handyman.

Many of us love gardening and yard grooming, but few would say they love pulling weeds. Weed management is a nearly constant, labor-intensive activity that typically requires bending, stooping and kneeling to reach the weeds. The end result is usually a sore back, sore knees or both.

As human innovators, we will always find ways to make difficult tasks easier. Knee pads and weeding chairs help. Specialized digging tools are often handheld and aid in getting underneath roots. Stand-up weeders take things to the next level by allowing you to perform weeding from the standing position.

I tried out the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder and put it through a series of tests to access its capabilities. Is it really a good option for sore backs (and pesky weeds) everywhere? Let’s dive in.

What is the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder?

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder merges dreams with reality. It enables root digging and weed pulling from an upright position using a unique system of claws and leverage. This stand-up weeder might change how you feel about the onerous task of weeding.

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We Tried It

Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder

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Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder Product Features 

The Fiskars stand-up weeder uses four claws to stab weeds and has a 39-inch ergonomic handle shaped like a walking cane. The claws are serrated, and there’s a weed ejection mechanism built into the handle. It’s best suited for getting at weeds such as thistles and dandelions since those weeds have a clearly identifiable root location.

While the claws are steel, the rest of the weeder is made of sturdy plastic, which keeps it lightweight, around 2.5 pounds, and easy to work with for extended periods of time. The tool has an extra-long foot presser that allows for use with work boots or large feet. Weed releasing is performed by sliding the handle toward the base and returning.

How We Tested It 

First, I looked at the packaging and assembly. This tool arrived in a single box and required no assembly. The instructions are printed on the tool, so there was no need to read directions. So, I headed to the yard to get weeding.

I located clumps of crabgrass since it was easy to identify where the roots originated. I centered the four claws over the weed, pressed down on the extremely handy large foot lever and the serrated claws easily sank into the soil. Using the cane-shaped handle, I tilted the tool back against the lever and heard one of the most satisfying sounds one could hear—the sound of roots being pulled completely free. I was so satisfied with my feat that I examined the root system up close before easily sliding the handle to release the weed.

I carried on with the crabgrass patch and was able to clear about two square feet in a couple of minutes. Then, I headed into the yard to ensure the claws could dig through the turf. Again, the claws went right through the tough ground with very little pressure being applied to the foot lever and the weed was easily ejected, thanks to the extractor enclosing all four claws.

After weeding, I checked the claws for damage, and there was none. In fact, the claws’ design indicates that they will stay sharp and capable for a very long time. I washed the dirt off, and the tool still looked brand new.

Pros

• Non-corrosive components
• No bending
• Superior weed release
• Dandelion destroyer
• Lightweight

Cons

• Only works on large-rooted weeds
• Leaves a divot in the ground
• Digs only a few inches

FAQ 

How to use Fiskars stand-up weeder?

1. Aim the tool at the root by peering through the foot platform.
2. Press down on the foot platform to dig the claws into the soil around the weed.
3. Lean the tool toward the foot platform to use the ground as leverage and the weed is extracted.
4. Slide the ejection mechanism located on the handle to remove the weed from the prongs.
5. Repeat the steps on the next weed.

Does a stand-up weeder work?

Stand-up weeders do work and can be a great asset to your gardening tool collection. However, they are not going to solve all of your weeding needs. Most stand-up weeders that use prongs excel at pulling thick-rooted plants like dandelions and thistle. There are other types of stand-up weeders that shine at digging or hoeing. Few stand-up weeders can do it all, and despite the benefits of stand-up weeders, you’re still going to have to hand-pull some weeds.

How does a stand-up weed puller work?

It depends on the weeder, but most stand-up weeders have four components. The first component is a method for penetrating the soil around the weed—claws, blades, or prongs. The second component is a foot lever for pressing the tool into the soil. The third component is a method for grabbing the weed and pulling it—claws close in on the weed usually by tilting the tool so the lever gets leverage from the ground. The final component is the weed release mechanism—usually by the claws opening or a mechanical pushing of the weed.

Are there replaceable parts on the Fiskars stand-up weeder? 

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder does not have replaceable parts. However, it is designed to withstand regular usage and should the need arise, Fiskars offers a lifetime warranty.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say 

A five-star reviewer on Amazon says, “Simple to use, worked better than I expected. (Everything is made of flimsy plastic these days) I watered first, and after an hour went outside to try it. I did the entire yard in less than a fourth of the time it took to hand pick weeds.”

“Very pleased with this product which came ready to roll. It saves countless “bending over” and “day-after-weeding-back-pain-time”. It works nicely on most individual weeds and dandelions, pulling the whole root out. Release works well. Perfect for someone with a few beds,” says a verified purchaser on Amazon.

Comparing the Fiskars to Other Stand-Up Weeders

When it comes to stand-up weeders, there are lots of comparisons I can draw. The Fiskars weed ejection mechanism really stood out compared to other weeders. The Fiskars tool encloses each claw, as opposed to simply pressing from the center of the claws. I found center pressers often left the weed still attached to the tool and required hand removal.

Another noticeable aspect of the Fiskars weeder is its weight. Its plastic components make it lighter than tools that use all steel construction, and the plastic will not rust.

Of note among stand-up weeders that use a mechanical action (as opposed to gravity) to release the weed is the Fiskars handle-mounted release. I found that pressing a plunger located on the top of some stand-up weeders could be challenging. Sliding the release mechanism on the handle of the Fiskars was a comfortable and natural motion.

Where to Buy the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder is available for under $60. You can find a deal on Amazon or pick one up at The Home Depot, Walmart or Ace Hardware.

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Fiskars Deluxe Stand Up Weeder

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The post I Tried the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder and It Didn’t Break the Bank or My Back appeared first on Family Handyman.

For context, a hedge trimmer is the best tool for shaping and maintaining landscape foliage with frequent trimming. In contrast, a hedge cutter—the hedge trimmer’s cousin—is a more powerful cutting tool for tackling thicker branches and overgrown, neglected hedges in dire need of significant shaping.

However, many homeowners tend to supersize their outdoor equipment needs, believing a tool featuring more power and added functions is ultimately better. This mindset isn’t always accurate, says Brandon Barker, a seasoned landscape professional with more than ten years of experience as general manager of Cleveland-based J. Barker Landscaping, a family business serving clients throughout Northeast Ohio for five decades.

Barker says DIYers should be leery of overkill equipment or purchasing landscape tools that are too powerful or overly complicated. “This rule of thumb goes for many types of power tools, not just hedge trimmers,” he says, explaining that operators should always want to maintain control and full functionality of the tool in their hands.

Barker advises homeowners to consult with their local professional outdoor power equipment dealer if they have questions or concerns about matching the correct hedge trimmer to their landscape needs. Knowledgeable equipment pros can explain the advantages of hedge trimmers’ various blade lengths and cutting capacities and whether a corded, gas- or battery-powered model is the right fit for the landscape challenges at hand.

With many of these points in mind and based on my nearly 20 years of writing about landscape products and topics for the professional contractor market, I would strongly suggest that homeowners seeking a practical off-the-shelf option look closely at Black and Decker’s cordless hedge trimmer. Following my first-hand experience using and testing this trimmer in my yard, I’ve concluded that Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is a testament to great things in small packages. This hedge trimmer is a prime example that being labeled “minimalistic” doesn’t mean it lacks power or capability. Rather, it’s a tool that delivers on its promises.

What is the Black and Decker Hedge Trimmer?

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We Tried It

Black+Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer

High performance from a cordless tool.

$180.49 at Amazon

Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is a cordless, battery-powered tool for trimming hedges, shrubs, and brushes around an average-sized residential landscape. It utilizes a 40V Li-ion rechargeable battery to power a 22-inch, dual-action cutting blade with a ¾-inch cutting capacity, sufficient for manicuring modestly sized greenery.

Right out of the box, I found the LHT2240 to be a no-frills hedge trimmer lacking some of the features and functions of competitors’ similar models. However, after taking it through its paces throughout a spring afternoon, I found the LHT2240 offers an impressive quality of cut, ease of use, a lightweight design, quiet operation, and a rather attractive price point (around $130). The Li-ion battery alone, if purchased separately, runs around $100.

How I Tested It

After donning work gloves and safety glasses, I tested Black+Decker’s cordless hedge trimmer on various shrubbery and hedge-cutting tasks around my and a neighbor’s residential landscape on a sunny May afternoon. During testing, I paid particular attention to the LHT2240’s cut quality, cutting capacity, ease and comfort of use, overall balance, and how the trimmer’s design impacted my fatigue level. I also noted any deficiencies I observed during its operation.

For example, did it vibrate excessively under strain (I found it did not), was it loud (no more than I expected it would), were the safety features sufficient (yes, but I felt the LHT2240 would benefit from a blade sheath when not in use), and was it durable (it did survive a couple of accidental drops unscathed)? Finally, after concluding my afternoon of field testing, I took a deep dive into consumer feedback to compare and contrast my performance experience with others’ observations and experiences with the LHT2240.

Black+Decker’s LHT2240 hedge trimmer is designed for grab-and-go ease, ideal for homeowners who want to tackle trimming tasks without hassle. After I ran the LHT2240 through its paces, here are the features I believe made me take notice:

Battery-Powered

Forget tangled chords or managing oil and gas mixes with a small engine. Black+Decker’s LHT2240 battery-powered engine offers the user freedom of movement throughout the landscape. When I engaged the LHT2240 in normal trimming sessions, I found a freshly charged 40V Li-ion battery provided me with around 45 minutes of runtime.

The LHT2240 is part of the Black+Decker 40V Max system, allowing users who own other 40V Max Black+Decker tools to interchange batteries across multiple products. Lastly, being battery-powered enables the LHT2240 to operate at a much lower decibel level than its gas-powered cousins. I found this beneficial, contributing to a more peaceful trimming experience.

Maneuverability

At only 6.8 pounds, the LHT2240 is easy to maneuver, and it was comfortable to hold for extended trimming sessions, giving me greater control and precision while cutting. This is a big plus compared to heavier hedge trimmers that can quickly fatigue shoulders and wrists, especially when engaged in overhead work.

The LHT2240’s wrap-around handle provided me with a safe, secure, and comfortable grip at any trimming angle I engaged, further reducing the strain on my hands and arms. A soft grip further enhanced my comfort level during extended cutting sessions.

Quality of Cut

The LHT2240’s 22-inch dual-action blades provide a precise, clean cut. In addition, I found the blade tackles branches up to ¾-inches thick, which is enough to accommodate the various Forsythia, Boxwood, Arborvitae, Barberry, and Yews around my typical residential landscape.

Maintenance

Aside from fully charging the battery, the LHT2240 was essentially ready to go out of the box. After a few hours, I field tested the Black+Decker’s LHT2240; I didn’t have the opportunity or need to perform maintenance on my hedge trimmer. However, Black+Decker designed the LHT2240 for easy upkeep, requiring only seasonal lubrication of the blades’ moving parts, more often if excessive use occurs.

Pros

• Out-of-the-box usability
• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Quiet, low vibration
• User-friendly and intuitive
• Good quality of cut
• Cordless convenience
• Powerful enough for the average residential landscape
• Solid battery life (around 45 minutes between charges)
• Minimal regular maintenance
• Attractive to the price-conscious consumer

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
• Does not include a rotating handle
• Battery and charger not always included
• Did not include a blade cover/sheath

FAQ

Can you sharpen Black+Decker hedge trimmers?

While Black+Decker indicates the blades can be sharpened and even replaced, I strongly recommend and encourage the average homeowner to allow an experienced power equipment professional to manage this task.

Do you need to oil the Black and Decker hedge trimmer blades?

Black+Decker designed the LHT2240 for easy upkeep, requiring only seasonal lubrication of the blades’ moving parts, and more often if excessive use occurs to prevent sap from gumming up the blade action. Owners can purchase a silicone-based lubricant spray, which won’t attract dirt and debris as much as a 3-in-1 machine oil lubricant.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

Homeowners and DIYers who have used the Black+Decker LHT2240 report many of the same findings I observed during my field testing. Overall, I found consumers offer favorable reviews of the LHT2240. Many users praise the hedge trimmer’s ease of use, lightweight and comfortable design, and quiet operations. There were very few mentions of quality control issues, questionable design, or functional breakdowns.

Numerous users report that the 40V battery charges quickly and provides ample runtime to trim hedges and bushes around an average-sized property on a single charge. However, some users, and I concur, suggest investing in a second battery to accommodate longer operating times. However, purchasing a battery and charger separately could be expensive.

Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer vs. Craftsman Hedge Trimmer

To provide greater depth and perspective, I leveraged my first-hand insights with actual user experiences on trusted websites like Amazon to comprehensively compare the Black+Decker LHT2240 with the Craftsman CMEHTS8022 hedge trimmers.

Both the Black+Decker and the Craftsman are lauded for their user-friendly design. Reviewers consistently praise their lightweight construction and maneuverability, making them comfortable to handle for extended trimming sessions. Additionally, both trimmers seem well-built, sturdy, and resilient to accidental damage. From my first-hand experience, I found both the orange-and-black Black+Decker and red-and-black Craftsman hedge trimmers were constructed with the homeowner/DIYer in mind.

Both seemed well-built and solidly constructed, and their wrap-around handles felt comfortable in my hands. While both felt well-balanced, Black+Decker’s 6.8 pounds (with the battery attached) was slightly heavier than Craftsman’s 5.6 pounds. Although I did find Black+Decker’s trimmer had noticeably lower vibration when engaged with greenery, an observation other consumers also noted. Some users found the Craftsman trimmer on the loud side. However, I did not discern a noticeable difference in decibel levels between the two units.

Both models’ 22-inch dual-action blades made quick work shaping topiary throughout my and my neighbor’s yards. While the Black+Decker’s 40V battery supply provided unrestricted freedom of movement around the landscapes for around 45 minutes, Craftsman’s 3.8 Amp motor offered uninterrupted power bound only by the limitations of an extension cord’s length and an available power outlet.

Craftsman’s integrated limb cutter on the end of its reciprocating blade provided the CMEHTS8022 clear-cutting advantage over the LHT2240, an assessment many online reviewers agreed with. Craftsman’s nifty, saw-toothed tool could tackle small branches up to 1.25 inches thick, which the Black+Decker model would struggle against, leaving some users to conclude was a potential lack of power.

The Craftsman CMEHTS8022 corded hedge trimmer is a solid, affordable cutting tool that offers the DIYer a unique set of advantages for around $100. However, if you’re a homeowner who prioritizes maneuverability and all-around ease of use, then the Black+Decker LHT2240, at a price point of around $140 (less during sales and special promotions), is a clear choice. Remember, consider your needs and preferences, including hedge amount and size, how often you intend to trim, and budget as components of your due diligence before purchasing.

Final Verdict

For the average homeowner, I found the Black+Decker’s LHT2240 40V MAX Lithium-ion 22-inch cordless hedge trimmer offers a compelling combination of convenience, user-friendliness, cut quality and sufficient power for most landscape tasks. While competitors may offer extra features, I found Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is balanced, well-designed and easy to use for operators at any experience level.

The cordless design eliminates the hassle of extension cords, allowing me freedom of movement and making it convenient to accomplish various trimming tasks around my landscape. Best of all, it’s attainable at an attractive price point. If you’re a do-it-yourself homeowner seeking a reasonable and effective means to maintain your hedges, shrubs and bushes, Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is a strong contender to consider.

Where to Buy the Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer

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We Tried It

Black+Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer

High performance from a cordless tool.

$180.49 at Amazon

The great news is that it’s not difficult to acquire Black+Decker’s LHT2240 hedge trimmer. I found most big-box retailers, like Walmart, carry the Black+Decker brand of outdoor power tools, as well as online retail giant, Amazon.

The post Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer Review: We Tested This High Performance Cordless Tool appeared first on Family Handyman.

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This Craftsman pruner is powerful and economical, making it our overall favorite pick. It uses Craftsman 20V batteries, so if you already have tools that use this setup, you know what to do! The 1.5-amp-hour battery with a power meter provides ample cutting time and allows you to see how much juice it has left.

It’s the lightest of the larger electric pruning shears tested, making it easier to work with for extended periods. The standard safety mechanism is fairly easy to use, and the blade opens and closes quickly. The handle has a soft and comfortable grip.

The high-speed steel blades held their edge through dozens of cuts of wet and dead wood. The cutters ate through small branches and could nibble their way through branches over 1.5 inches in diameter. The battery did not seem to lose any power and I felt no fatigue during my test of the Craftsman pruner.

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Best Budget

Ligo 7.2V Cordless Pruning Shears

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$49.99 at Amazon

Thse Ligo pruning shears are an affordable choice for those on a tight budget. The 7.2V battery with 2 amp hours is enough power to work through most pruning. While this tool will not act as much of a lopper, I was able to work through branches of one-inch diameter, sometimes with two attempts. That is despite the manufacturer stating that the tool could only cut branches up to a half-inch in diameter.

All of the tools tested required holding the trigger down while the blade closed and then releasing the trigger in order to return the blade to the open position. The way this tool is designed made that operation a little more challenging. Once I had the hang of it, I was moving my way through, cutting a bunch of suckers off my willow trees. This tool excels in the realm of pruning as opposed to lopping.

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Best Splurge

Dewalt 20V Pruning Shears

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103.8014% OFF$89 at Amazon

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DeWalt electric pruning shears are one of many tools that can be used with the brand’s 20V battery packs. This makes selecting the DeWalt a no-brainer for those with a collection of DeWalt’s 20V tools (which includes everything from drills to mini chainsaws).

Once the battery was charged, the tool was ready to get to work. These shears have a large cutting width of 1.5 inches with high-speed, round-point, bypass-style blades. You can operate this tool with one hand, but ithas an additional handle for stability.

When put to the test of shearing and lopping, this tool was a beast. The blade opens and closes quickly and makes waste of fairly large branches. I was able to cut branches larger than 1.5 inches in diameter using a nibbling technique and was very impressed with this tool’s capabilities.

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Best Multi-Battery Option

Dragro Electric Pruning Shears

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$128.99 at Amazon

The Dragro ships with two 2-amp-hour 21V batteries, which makes it ideal for those who don’t want to run out of power midway through a job. It also has a nice plastic storage box to safely stow your tool when you’re not using it.

The tool utilizes a high-carbon steel blade and a straight shaft for easy one-handed operation. It uses a strange safety mechanism that involves moving a switch to the “on” position and quickly pulling the trigger two times. It wasn’t ideal, but it did work. After that, the tool requires just a trigger pull, so be sure to watch your fingers. Thankfully, it “times out” after about a minute of disuse.

The blade is fairly large for a straight-shaft handheld, and while it didn’t move as quickly as the larger tools, it did move quickly enough to easily go through branches of about one inch in diameter. The trigger on this tool is some distance for from the grip and is best for those with larger hands. The molded finger holds on the handle were in just the right position for me.

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Best Straight Shaft

Worx Nitro 20V Pruning Shear/Lopper

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$129.99 at Amazon

The Worx Nitro pruning shears and loppers arrived assembled and ready to use. The tool weighs in at under three pounds due to its use of titanium blades, and is small. The grip is easy to hold regardless of your hand size and the trigger is very reachable. The Worx battery has a gauge on it so you can see how much juice you have left, which is nice for monitoring during various jobs.

This tool was so easy to use that I could have pruned for hours. It almost felt no different than holding a pair of hand shears in my palm. It slices through one-inch branches like its larger counterparts, has a fast blade and is really easy to maneuver in “twiggy” locations.

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Best Oversized

Black+Decker 20V Max Pruning Shears

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$189.78 at Amazon

The Black+Decker 20V Max pruner kit is a large shear with high-speed steel cutting blades and toolless blade changing. The blade quickly opens and shuts, taking less than a second to snip.

This pruning shear utilizes the standard three-part safety mechanism: You fold down a lever with the lower part of your hand, press the lower button, and pull the trigger. Though this is a fairly heavy tool, the handle is comfortable and easy to hold, so making the sequence of button presses was seamless. As will all the shears tested, the trigger is pulled to close the shears and released to open the shears.

The Black+Decker shears easily cut through twigs and branches with a one-inch diameter. I made about 20 cuts on a large, live branch and it quickly cut through the limb without losing any power or dulling the blade. The battery and tool remained cool.

What to Look for When Buying Electric Pruning Shears

Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love, points out that the type of pruning shears you need can vary depending on the plants you have. “Electric pruning shears can be very helpful,” he says, “especially with thick branches, or if you have a difficult time with the physical demands of manual pruning.”

Before you buy, consider the following:

Length of Time

The length of time you plan on using the shears plays two important roles. First, it will help you determine how much battery power you need. The longer the run time needed, the larger the amp-hour battery you will need—or you may need more than one battery.

Second, it helps you decide on the weight of the tool you select. Suppose you plan on using the tool for more than 30 minutes at a time. You may want to consider your ability to handle the tool for an extended period. Though most electric pruners come in at or under three pounds, that weight can feel like a block of lead after a while.

Branch and Twig Sizes

Most electric pruning shears can cut branches up to one or 1.5 inches in diameter. If you plan on using your shears more for twigs and less for lopping, then you might want to consider one of the smaller shears. The smaller shears don’t weigh or cost as much. Plus, they are easier to maneuver around tangles of twigs and small branches.

Space

Sometimes, you just want to get twigs deep into your shrubs. Maneuvering a large pair of shears can be trying. If that’s your main goal, then a smaller tool might be just what you need.

Some other things to consider are the blade type and the ability to change the blades. Most blades are high-speed steel, a great choice for this type of tool. One of the shears tested was titanium and others appeared to just be steel. They all work well. Titanium is known to be more corrosion-resistant than steel but is not as strong and some believe not as capable of keeping an edge.

Most shears allow blade replacement and some even offer tool-less changing. However, you can sharpen the blades and with typical usage of the blades only on wood; most will hold up for quite some time.

How We Found the Best Electric Pruning Shears

We select tools to test based on brand recognition and reputation, user needs, popularity and price. A group of electric pruning shears was gathered to test tools of varying strength and sizes. Each user’s needs are unique, and we aim to review tools that are efficient, well-constructed, budget-conscious and capable of being used by a variety of handlers.

For this roundup, we considered multiple potential electric pruning shears and tested each tool according to its capabilities.

We also sought input from industry experts. For this article, we spoke to Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love, a company which provides mowing and lawn care service across the nation.

We Sheared Our Way to Perfectly Trimmed Plants

We looked at each set of electric pruning shears out of the box. Did it come fully assembled? Was the packaging sturdy?

From there, we charged each tool’s battery, noting the battery’s size and charging time. Once we were up and charged, we started shearing.

We’d be remiss not to note that electric pruning shears are capable of causing grave damage to human fingers. Therefore, manufacturers employ several safety mechanisms to prevent users from accidentally pruning something not intended for pruning.

What this meant for us as testers is that we looked at each tool to determine if the manufacturer had found the happy medium between being safe and not excessively challenging to operate. All these tools require at least two things to be done at once in order to operate. Some even require a partial third safety. This can be challenging at first, but with some practice, pressing the right “buttons” becomes easier.

We sheared small twigs in tight spots to test how easy or difficult it was to get into tight spaces (and press the magical sequence of levers simultaneously). We sheared medium-sized branches to ensure each tool could adequately cut the “average” sized limb.

Then, we moved on to the large branches and even branches bigger than the tool was designed for. After that, we made about 30 cuts on medium-sized branches to ensure that the battery could withstand the usage and that the blades did not dull unexpectedly early.

FAQ

What is the difference between pruning shears and a lopper?

Most of the time, pruning shears refer to a tool that you can hold and squeeze to make the cut. A lopper typically has the same style blade as pruning shears but adds long handles so that you have more leverage, and thus can make a stronger cut against larger material. Some loppers even add a ratchet-type mechanism so less leverage is needed.

What type of pruners are best?

All of the pruners in our test would be considered bypass pruners. For handheld pruners, you also have the option of an anvil pruner, which offers more leverage. In the case of electric pruning shears, the extra leverage is unnecessary since they are power-operated.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a product reviewer for Family Handyman, I dedicate my time to diligently putting equipment such as chainsaws, power washers and electric pruning shears through standardized tests. They are rated against the same facets using tests we’ve designed to ensure buyers get factual information about the tools we test. As a former landscaper and the owner of more yards than I can hardly manage, I thoroughly test each tool. I evaluated each tool against base criteria so that I could deliver a fair review of the products.

The post 6 Best Electric Pruning Shears, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Family Handyman.

Although pavers are known for their durability, pressure washing may damage them if you’re not careful or use the wrong equipment. Conversely, properly maintaining and washing pavers keeps them looking good for years. “Pavers are durable but do need some light routine maintenance to keep them looking clean and fresh,” Joe Raboine from Oldcastle APG says. Read on to learn how to clean your patio pavers without a pressure washer with pro tips from Raboine and Ryan Farley from Lawnstarter.

Safety Precautions

Wear gloves and protective glasses if using harsh chemicals. Pavers can become slippery when wet, so wear sturdy, non-slip footwear.

When to Call a Pro

If stains are too severe for a DIY cleaning job or your pavers are starting to wear, contact a professional for an assessment.

How much does it cost to hire a pro?

There are many factors to consider, but expect to pay between $1 and $2 per sq. ft. to have your pavers cleaned, sand replaced and sealed.

Remove objects and debris

• Remove furniture, plants and all other objects from the patio.
• “Sweep off your paver patio to remove dirt, debris and leaf buildup,” Raboine says.
• Remove weeds from between pavers with a weeding tool. Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.

Saturate pavers with water

• Spray pavers with water, making sure you don’t miss any areas.

Mix cleaning solution

Depending on the condition of your pavers, you may need to follow mixing directions for light or heavy stains. Location will also dictate how often you will need to wash your pavers. “If your pavers are in a wooded, shady area and you keep things swept often, you should only need to perform a thorough cleaning annually. If your pavers are in a sunny location, you may only have to clean them every few years,” Raboine says.

For light stains:

• Fill a bucket with warm water.
• Add a tablespoon of liquid dish soap per gallon of water, says Farley.
• Mix until the water turns sudsy.

For heavy stains:

• Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin from the vinegar.
• Farley says to mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bucket. Only use white vinegar, as other types can stain your pavers. Also, remember that vinegar is acidic, so only use this method on tough grime.

Pro-tip: Raboine suggests tackling stains with a specially formulated cleaning solution when needed. If your pavers harbor organic stains from leaf buildup, spray on a solution specifically for those kinds of stains. He suggests this Organic Stain Remover for moss, mildew and dead leaves, following the manufacturer’s directions. I’ve also had good results applying baking soda directly to organic stains.

Clean pavers with a push broom

• Dip the push broom into the solution.
• Scrub all the pavers thoroughly with enough pressure to remove dirt and grime.
• Continue dipping and scrubbing until you’ve cleaned all the pavers.

Let the cleaning solution sit

• Skip this step for light stains.
• For heavy stains, allow the cleaning solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Rinse pavers and air dry

• Rinse the pavers with a hose to remove all the soapy cleaning solution. If using the vinegar solution, rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving acidic residue on your pavers for too long.
• Let the clean pavers air dry naturally before putting any objects, plants or furniture back onto the patio.

Replace sand

Raboine says if there’s joint sand between your pavers, you may have to brush in more after you’ve finished your cleaning. Be sure to add sand similar to what’s currently in the joints. If it’s polymeric, add polymeric; if it’s standard joint sand, use that. Keep the sand type consistent.

• Deposit sand onto paver surface.
• Use a push broom to sweep it into cracks from several different directions to ensure full coverage.
• If using polymeric sand, use a broom or leaf blower to remove sand from paver surfaces. Activate the sand by misting with water from a garden hose.

Seal pavers (optional)

Consider sealing your pavers to prevent future stains and protect the color and finish. Sealing only needs to be done once every three to five years. Choose between two types of sealants: film forming, which creates a wet, glossy look, and non-film forming for a matte finish. If you prefer glossy, try Techniseal’s WL4-Seal High Glass Wet Look. For a matte finish, try Techniseal’s NS Paver Sealer Natural Look Finish.

FAQs

Can you clean pavers with bleach?

Yes, you can clean pavers with bleach. Mix one part bleach with three parts water to remove mold and stubborn stains. Always test it on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t discolor your pavers.

Can you clean pavers with muriatic acid?

It’s not recommended to clean pavers with muriatic acid because it is a strong chemical that can damage pavers. It’s best to avoid.

Can you clean pavers with vinegar?

Yes, you can clean pavers with vinegar. Diluted with water (50:50 ratio), vinegar can be an effective cleaner for tough paver stains.

About the Experts

• Joe Raboine is the vice president of design at Old Castle APG, a leading supplier of building materials and products in North America. He has over 30 years of industry experience.
• Ryan Farley is the co-founder of LawnStarter. a modern lawn care service provider that connects homeowners with qualified landscaping professionals. He has 10 years of industry experience.

The post How To Clean Patio Pavers Without a Pressure Washer appeared first on Family Handyman.

When concrete surfaces start to deteriorate, it’s called “spalling”. When you notice concrete flaking, chipping and cracking, that means your surface is spalling. It’s more common in colder climates, where the freeze-thaw cycle accelerates the process.

What Causes Spalling Concrete?

Spalling concrete is often caused by an installation mistake. Common mistakes include adding too much water to the mix to make it easier to pour, sprinkling the surface of the concrete with water to extend the finishing time, and not curing the concrete properly after installation.

It can also result from freezing. Concrete is porous, so when water seeps into the surface and freezes, it expands, causing the concrete to crack and flake. Deicing salts can also cause the concrete to deteriorate, leading to spalling.

How to Prevent Concrete Spalling

• In addition to proper installation, it’s important to seal your concrete surfaces with a waterproof sealant.
• Repair concrete cracks and other damage immediately. Cracks and holes in your concrete will expand rapidly as more water seeps into the surface, so grab some concrete crack filler at your nearest home center.
• The safest deicers for concrete are calcium chloride (the most popular deicer), magnesium chloride and potassium chloride.
• Use concrete-safe cleaners.
• Use low-permeability concrete, which will help prevent spalling by reducing the amount of water a surface can absorb.

How to Fix Spalling Concrete in Your Driveway

Resurfacing your driveway, patio or basement floor with a 1/2-in. concrete overlay fixes the problem. Enlist a couple of helpers and overlay the concrete surface one section at a time. A section is an area about 10 x 12 ft. that is defined by the existing control joints.

Before starting, remove any loose areas of spalling concrete so a sound, solid surface remains. Then, power wash the entire surface and brush it with a stiff broom and a cleaner/degreaser concentrate available from the hardware store.

The technique we show below can also be modified for resurfacing concrete patios and basement floors.

Stake 1×2 furring strips along the edges of the driveway or patio, keeping them 1/2 in. above the existing surface.

“Picture frame” the section along the control joints by securing 1/2-in. plywood strips to the concrete with concrete screws.

Always wear a dust mask or respirator, impervious gloves and eye protection when working with Portland cement. Mix one part Type 1 Portland cement and one part fine sand by volume. Add water until the mixture is the consistency of thick paint, then brush it on the damp concrete.

Before that dries, mix three parts fine sand and one part Portland cement in your wheelbarrow with enough water to make the mix the consistency of thick oatmeal. Shovel the mix into the formed area and level it with a straight 2×4 spanning from one side of the forms to the other.

Smooth the surface with a bull float, round the edges along the forms with an edger, and finish the surface with a finishing broom. Timing is the secret to getting a nice finish. Use the bull float immediately, but wait until the concrete stiffens before using the edger and broom. All the tools you need are available at most rental stores. Cover the finished concrete with plastic for five days or spray it with a curing compound.

Repeat this process for the remaining sections of your driveway, floor, walkway or patio to provide a uniform height across the surface.

The post How to Fix Spalling Concrete in Your Driveway appeared first on Family Handyman.

This high quality leaf blower is comfortable to wear, easy to operate and has an affordable price tag. Here’s everything you need to know about the 150BT backpack blower.

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Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

An ultra-powerful backpack leaf blower, perfect for homeowners

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349.9920% OFF$279 at Amazon

What is the Husqvarna Backpack Blower?

The Husqvarna 150BT is a gas-powered backpack leaf blower with the features and affordability of a residential blower but with the power of the best commercial leaf blowers on the market. The 150BT is a staple in landscaping because of its affordability and reliability. Let’s take a look at some of the specifications.

Starting with the engine make-up, this blower is a 2-cycle, 51-cc or 2.16 HP X-Torq engine that pushes out 765 CFMs of air. For those looking for a reference point, the strongest and most expensive electric blower I’ve ever used is about 765 CFMs of air. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and measures the volume of air that is leaving the blower. High CFM generally means more force, whereas MPH (miles per hour) refers specifically to the power of the stream. High CFMs and high MPH are the best indicators of raw power.

Fortunately, the Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower has both, with upwards of 270 MPH of air speed coming out of the blower nozzle. At 270 MPH, wet leaves and grass do not stand a chance against this blower. The combination of high CFMs and high MPH makes this blower a lethal weapon for debris of all types.

How We Tested It

The Husqvarna 150BT got the classic whole-lawn testing gauntlet from me. Over one month, I used this backpack blower in every situation I could think of on my lawn. I started with the timeless mow, blow and go challenge, approaching my lawn like a typical landscaper would coming to do their weekly mow.

After leaving grass clippings along my driveway and the street, I busted out the Husqvarna to get them back into the lawn. It made light work of the grass clippings. Next up was the debris challenge. I have a tree on my lawn that always drops little branches and fragments of tree bark. I took the 150BT to the base of the tree and got to work–making sure to go after the big, dead branch fragments. Surprisingly, it scooted them along the driveway and right into the grass–not bad!

Lastly, I took this blower through the most important challenge: leaf cleanup. Using this on dry leaves was unfair. The blower eviscerated the dry leaves and pushed them across the tall fescue of my backyard with extreme ease.

I used this blower exclusively in my backyard week after week. Each week, I was more impressed by how easily it started up and how quickly I could clean up my yard in a classic mow, blow and go style.

Pros

• Extremely powerful at 765 CFM
• 2.16-HP X-Torq engine helps cut back on emissions and fuel consumption
• Air purge system removes air from carburetor and fuel system for trouble-free starting
• Ergonomic design
• Comfortable harness system
• Relatively inexpensive
• Husqvarna’s best-selling backpack blower

Cons

• Loud
• Requires routine maintenance

Husqvarna Backpack Blower Features

Many of the features on the Husqvarna 150BT were designed to make both residential and commercial use easy. For example, the X-Torq engine on this blower can reduce emissions drastically, which is excellent for commercial landscapers who share air with the fumes all day. It also has a more fuel-efficient engine that can increase runtime by nearly 20%. The longer runtime helps landscapers and residential users use less fuel and move from job to job quickly while taking fewer costly breaks.

The Husqvarna 150BT also comes with a super comfortable design. Padded straps, a hip belt and a load management system that shifts the weight around on you using suspension are all perks. On the handle, the 150BT has a cruise control system that lets you “set it and forget it” when you have settled on the right speed for the job. The features designed around comfort are all about making the job more enjoyable when compared to other blowers.

Lastly, at just under 22 pounds, the Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower is super lightweight, making the job less taxing. The last thing you want is a massive tortoise shell of a leaf blower weighing you down for eight hours daily. Using a backpack leaf blower as a landscaper is a bit like hiking. Hikers walk miles per day with a backpack full of equipment. Landscapers also walk many miles daily with a backpack blower and cannot afford unnecessary weight additions on the tool itself.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

With more than 2,000 other reviews that I found for this blower, the folks who purchased it in the past had a lot to say. Many buyers who left reviews had owned the blower for over five years, which should tell you something about the reliability and longevity of the product right away. Others wrote about the surprising comfort of the blower and how they enjoy walking around their lawn with the blower. A few other reviews talk about how easily the blower starts–generally within one to two pulls of the starter cord. And, of course, the most important piece that just about every reviewer states, is the blower’s power and ability to get the job done quickly.

Husqvarna Backpack Blower vs Stihl Backpack Blower

Husqvarna and Stihl both make amazing backpack leaf blowers. The Husqvarna 150BT and the Stihl BR 600 are two of the most popular backpack blowers in the space. The BR 600 is similar to the Husqvarna 150 BT in many ways, starting with power. At 677 CFM, the Stihl BR 600 has nearly as much power as the Husqvarna 150BT but falls short of the Husqvarna’s whopping 765 CFMs.

Both blowers have built-in comfort features–adjustable support harnesses, cruise control and more. The BR 600 takes the cake when it comes to additional features, with a one-touch adjustable blower tube that can change the width of the nozzle without the need for attachments. Changing the nozzle width transforms this blower into a highly versatile lawn tool.

Lastly, the price comparison isn’t particularly close. The Husqvarna 150 BT comes at about $250 cheaper than the Stihl BR 600. The Husqvarna backpack blower has more power for less money.

Final Verdict

After testing and experiencing the Husqvarna 150BT, I am convinced it is one of the highest-value leaf blowers. Its comfortable operator experience and affordable price tag make it a top backpack blower. Husqvarna is known for unrivaled power and making high-quality lawn tools built to last, and they certainly knocked it out of the park with the 150BT backpack blower.

Where to Buy the Husqvarna Blower

On Sale

VIA MERCHANT

Lowest Price in 30 days

I Tried It

Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

A gas-powered backpack leaf blower with an ergonomic design

Shop at Husqvarna

Shop on Walmart

Shop on Lowe's

349.9920% OFF$279 at Amazon

The Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower is available at Walmart, Lowe’s and Amazon for around $300. Husqvarna also carries it in its online store, or you can find out more by visiting a local Husqvarna dealer.

The $300 price tag on the Husqvarna 150BT is best-in-class for the quality and power combination a backpack leaf blower offers.

FAQ

What kind of gas does a Husqvarna backpack leaf blower use?

The Husqvarna backpack blower uses a mixture of regular gasoline and two-stroke oil. To mix, simply include 2.5 ounces of two-stroke oil for each gallon of gas.

Is CFM or MPH more important with a backpacker blower?

Both are equally important to a blower’s performance. High CFM means that the blower can push out air; however, it is meaningless without a high speed, measured by MPH.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Family Handyman, we have personally tested dozens of leaf blowers. We’ve covered everything from the best backpack leaf blowers to cordless leaf blowers. We’ve even assessed the best leaf vacuums. And while testing products is a pretty cool job, there’s more to it than just checking out the greatest equipment. Since you can’t always try before you buy, our ultimate goal is to help you make informed shopping decisions based on our real-life testing. We cover the good, the bad and the ugly and will never recommend a product that does not meet or exceed our expectations.

The post I’m a Professional Landscaper, and I Tried Husqvarna’s Backpack Leaf Blower appeared first on Family Handyman.

Rock Surround Plunge Pool

Hardscaping and plant life work together to create magic around a plunge pool. This pool from @soakepools has a river rock surround for a rustic look that blends well with the natural surroundings. Soake Pools also include a fully tiled interior, a salt water sanitation system, and an LED color-changing pool light.

What We Like About It: “A Soake Pool is a hybrid between a traditional pool and a hot tub because it can be used year-round and heated to hot tub temps in cooler weather,” says Larson.

Inground Plunge Pool with Deck

Plunge pools can be made of concrete, vinyl or fiberglass. This fiberglass plunge pool from @bostockpools is durable and flexible, so unlike concrete pools, it won’t crack. The pool is surrounded by a stained wood deck for a seamless transition and a beautiful finish to the pool area.

What We Like About It: The simple plunge pool and deck design helps even the smallest yard reach its full potential.

Modern Plunge Pool

This sleek plunge pool by @tinypoolsnz features sandy travertine pavers and a refreshingly light turquoise interior. Along with the modern white fencing and tropical potted plants, the overall pool area has a relaxing resort-style look.

What We Like About It: This chic pool design is the perfect example of how to create your own mini-oasis even when you don’t have a large outdoor space to work with.

Small Backyard Plunge Pool

When planning your plunge pool project, there are a lot of components to consider outside the pool. This design from @leisurepoolsau includes both wood decking and grass, providing an impactful look with high contrast. The pool itself is the centerpiece, creating a stunning focal point for the small rectangular yard.

What We Like About It: To pull off a successful finished look like this one, Larson says, “Keep an idea board to finalize a design aesthetic that can be maintained and reinforced through the duration of the project. This includes everything from the color of the interior pool tile to external materials—stone work, patio, grasses, and plantings!”

Round Plunge Pool

A cute little plunge pool like this one from @caba_cottage might be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. A concrete precast plunge pool (this one is manufactured by All Cast Plunge Pools) is delivered to your doorstep completely tiled and finished, saving time and money. Simply hook up plumbing and electricity, and you’re ready to swim!

What We Like About It: The pool transforms this corner of the yard into its own retreat. Because of their small size, plunge pools are great for unused or awkward sections of your outdoor space.

Semi-Inground Plunge Pool

When designing their plunge pool area, @jimmyandtam wanted a midcentury Palm Springs vibe—and they definitely achieved it! A semi-inground installation is more affordable and gives a better aesthetic than a fully above-ground pool. It also puts that stunning white mosaic tile on full display.

What We Like About It: Every element of this design helps achieve the modern Palm Springs look, from the funky lounge chairs to the tropical plants. Don’t overlook the details!

Tiled Plunge Pool

This plunge pool from @plungeplus demonstrates the high-end look you can achieve with a small pool. The 7-ft. by 13-ft. design is compact yet elegant, with a gray tile deck and interior. It can also be converted into a hot tub for year-round enjoyment.

What We Like About It: The built-in benches are perfect for a refreshing lounge after a long day.

@texastinypools 🔹 Eastside Al Fresco 🔹 This is a perfect example of what a Tiny Pool is all about! We tucked this 10'x12' between the main home and ADU in this East Austin neighborhood. It's partially above-ground to match the elevation of the adjacent deck. Featuring an extended ledge entry step and bench seating with spa jets, this heated Tiny Pool will get lots of use all year! The durable Tahoe Blue mini pebble interior looks great and is built to last. The UV and Ozone systems help to keep the water crystal-clear while using less chemicals. Despite some challenging circumstances (tight access, existing utilities, and tree considerations), we pulled it off and we know that our amazing clients (and their family) will enjoy their Tiny Pool for years to come! ❣️ Specs: 🔹 Size: 10' x 12' 🔹 Depth: 3'8" to 4'7" 🔹 Plaster: StoneScapes Mini Pebbles – Tahoe Blue 🔹 Tile: NPT Mix 1×1 Series Sandy Beach Blend 🔹 Coping: Lueders Stone (Charcoal) 🔹 Features: Heater, Spa Jets, UV, Ozone 🔹 Landscape Design/Construction: ADLA Studio #tinypool #plungepool #spool #cocktailpool #pooldesign #smallpool #custompool #poolbuilder ♬ original sound – ray marco

Square Plunge Pool

At 10-ft. by 12-ft., this plunge pool from @texastinypools isn’t perfectly square, but the squarish shape helps it fit in the tight space. Despite its small size, this pool has all the extras, including an extended ledge entry step, bench seating and spa jets. It’s also heated for year-round use.

What We Like About It: The mini pebble interior gives the water a lovely blue color and is extremely durable.

@plungeplus This sleek modern hideaway is a showstopper!! ☀️✨ #plungepool #smallpool #pool #plungeplus #plunge #swimmingpool ♬ A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey

Automatic Plunge Pool Cover

Watch the automatic cover in action as it extends onto this plunge pool from @plungeplus. Automatic covers are operated with a flick of a button to protect the water from debris when not in use, plus it fully retracts and stays hidden, ensuring your pool always looks great.

What We Like About It: An automatic cover will cost you a little extra, but the convenience and clutter-free look makes the upgrade worth the price.

About the Expert

• Karen Larson is the co-founder of Soake Pools located in New Hampshire. Karen and her husband Brian created the company from the ground up in 2014 after discovering there was no affordable, high-quality option for plunge pools in their area. Soake Pools proudly offers revolutionary, space-saving pools that combine the best of a pool and a hot tub, and provide year-round enjoyment.

The post 9 Plunge Pool Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

An open trench holds back the adjacent grass better than a trench filled with mulch. But if you prefer a more finished look, fill it with mulch. You’ll have to redig the trench once in a while to keep it neat and to hold back the lawn, but it doesn’t take long and you can add the trimmings to your compost pile.

Digging a Planter Edging Trench

Dig a trench 4 to 6 in. deep and about 4 in. wide with a straight spade. Angle the sides outward at the top. Next, fill the planter edging trench with wood chips or other organic mulch for a more finished look and to deter weeds.

Benefits of Landscape Edging

Landscape edging not only makes your yard look sharp with neat lines around garden beds and pathways, but it also keeps everything in place, preventing soil erosion and stopping pesky plants from taking over where they shouldn’t. Plus, it makes yard work like mowing and weeding a whole lot easier, giving you more time to kick back and enjoy your outdoor space.

The post Ditch Plastic Landscape Edging for Natural Mulch appeared first on Family Handyman.

A good broadcast spreader can apply just the right amount of product. The key is to choose a model that has an adjustable spread rate setting to deliver the product uniformly and in accurate amounts to the left, center and right while applying the recommended volume for your lawn size.

Broadcast spreaders are reasonably priced and widely available from garden and home centers. Here, we’ll show you how to use your grass seed spreader more effectively to save time and make your lawn more attractive.

What Is a Broadcast Spreader?

Also called a broadcaster, these devices use a spinning wheel to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer, salt, etc. over a wide area. They work best for covering large areas, yards larger than 4,000 sq. ft.

How Does a Broadcast Spreader Work?

One of their wheels is geared so that as you push the broadcaster, the drive wheel turns a whirling impeller plate with several fins on it under the hopper that catches and throws the payload. When the shutoff plate is open, the impeller broadcasts the material in a 180-degree arc 7 ft. to 11 ft. wide (depending on the product’s granular size and your walking speed).

Broadcast Spreaders vs. Drop Spreaders

What’s a drop spreader?

Drop spreaders lay a trail of material the width of their hopper (less than 24 in.). They work best on small lawns and in yards with numerous flowerbeds, sidewalks or patios where you need to control the spread pattern carefully. Unless you’re meticulous about lining up adjacent passes, the payload either is laid too thick or misses portions of the grass, resulting in visible striping.

Broadcaster spreaders and drop spreaders are push-powered workhorses that share many features in common. At the heart of both is a hopper with adjustable holes in the bottom. A gauge mounted on the spreader’s handlebar allows you to accurately set the size of these holes (following the recommended setting listed on many bags of lawn products), allowing the proper volume of material to uniformly exit the hopper. Alongside the gauge, a flow lever controls when the material drops onto the lawn by opening and closing a plate under the hopper holes.

How to Use a Broadcast Spreader

Whether you’re reseeding your lawn or just maintaining it, the key to operating a broadcaster spreader is to achieve even dispersal at the right concentration.

Find the right setting and test the dispersal pattern

Dial in the product manufacturer’s recommended setting on the spread rate gauge, and test and measure the product’s dispersal pattern through the spreader.

Conduct the dispersal pattern test in your driveway or another flat, clear area. Be sure to sweep dirt and debris away if you are using your driveway.

With a broadcast spreader, the right side of the dispersal pattern will be a foot or two wider than the left. Use this test information to establish the pattern you’ll use to push the spreader across your yard for total coverage with 6 in. to 1 ft. of overlap. Write this “wide side,” “narrow side” measurement information on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the back of the hopper so you don’t forget the broadcast pattern for each side.

Important: Don’t sweep, blow or wash this test material into the street. Sweep it up and dump it back in the hopper.

If the product doesn’t list a recommended setting for your spreader, consult your owner’s manual for generic equivalents of each product. Otherwise, you’ll have to resort to trial and error. Set the spreader to a light coverage (try a 1/4-in. to 3/16-in. hole in the hopper), apply the product over the recommended square footage, and check how much product you have left in the hopper. Adjust the dial to spread the remaining material over the same area, going perpendicular to the first pattern.

Start spreading product on your lawn

Begin your yard pattern by spreading across hills first. This way, you’ll have enough lawn product in the hopper to reduce “skipping” over the uneven terrain.

Keep a steady pace

Maintain the pace you’d use to take a middle-aged, midsized dog for a walk (about 3 mph). Your walking speed affects how wide and how much product the broadcaster throws. Walking too slow reduces the throw width and increases product density; walking too fast thins out the coverage.

Stopping and turning

Each time you’re ready to stop or make a turn, close the flow lever to stop dispersing the product and continue one more stride. This reduces waste and avoids damaging the lawn from saturated product coverage. Avoid pulling the spreader backward when the flow lever is open; you’ll release more of the product.

Keep the spreader level

Operate the spreader, keeping the impeller plate close to level. Tilting the handlebar up or down from level throws the product too high or low, resulting in uneven coverage.

Don’t overdo it!

Don’t over-apply fertilizer and weed killer. Follow the recommended coverage rate for each product. Overuse and overapplication can lead to lawn runoff that contaminates lakes and streams. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and a nuisance dust mask when handling chemical lawn products that contain pesticides and herbicides.

Optimal Broadcast Spreader Pattern

Follow this optimal pattern for running your broadcaster spreader. Apply a “header strip” by circling the spreader once around the yard’s perimeter. Avoid throwing the material payload into adjacent flowerbeds by running the spreader back from those areas the distance your driveway test showed.

Complete the pattern by pushing the spreader on a serpentine route back and forth in the longest direction on the lawn while overlapping the throw patterns about a foot.

Shut off the flow lever as you near the end of a row when the spreader is within 5 ft. of the header strip. Keep the lever off during the turn and open it to begin the new row.

The post How To Use a Broadcast Spreader the Right Way appeared first on Family Handyman.

Cut Wire Lath the Easy Way

Wire lath can be unruly, and the cut edges are sharp. So anything you can do to keep the stuff under control while you’re cutting it is a big bonus. Here’s a tip from Schilling on how to make long cuts. Lay the wire lath on some long boards. Measure from the edge of the lath to the edge of the board on each end so the desired cutting line is lined up with the edge of the board. Then secure the lath temporarily with a few staples. Now use the edge of the board as a guide to make the cut. Schilling uses cordless metal shears, but tin snips or aviation snips will also work.

More tips for working with lath:

• Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Cut wire lath with large tin snips, power metal shears or a diamond blade mounted in an angle grinder.
• Prebend lath at inside corners. Bend it over a board before putting it in place.
• Make sure the lath is installed so it feels rough when your hand is going up, and smooth going down. However, it’s important to check with your specific lath manufacturer guidelines, as they may give different instructions.

Speed Up Troweling for Modern Stone Veneer

Schilling swears this is the fastest way to get the mud on the wall. Prop up your mud board about 16 in. high and within easy reach. Load it with mortar. Then use your London trowel as shown to transfer the mortar from the mud board to your trowel. Pull the trowel up the wall to embed the mortar in the lath.

What kind of mortar should you use?

You’ll find recipes for mixing your own mortar in the stone manufacturer’s instructions, but Schilling uses premixed Type S mortar that’s labeled for use with veneer stone. Special additives are already included—all you add is water. Look for it at masonry suppliers or ask about it when you buy your stone.

Tip: When installing “dry-stack” stones, use a colored mortar or dye the mortar to match the stones.

Use a Tile Trowel to Scratch the Mortar

Grooving or scratching the wet mortar provides a better bond for sticking on the stones. You can buy a special rake-like tool for this, but Schilling prefers to use a 3/16 in. square-notched tile mastic trowel. They’re cheap and easy to find at home centers and hardware stores. Simply drag it across the wet mortar to make horizontal stripes.

Stick on the Stone Like a Pro

Schilling makes a swipe across the entire back of the stone with the trowel first to create a good bond for the mortar bed. Then he wipes mortar from the trowel all around the perimeter. This creates a little hollow spot in the middle that will act as a suction cup to hold the stone in place until the mortar hardens.

The key is to put on enough mortar to create about a 1/2 in.-thick layer when the stone is pressed against the scratch coat. If any mortar oozes out around the edges, knock it off with the trowel so it doesn’t get in the way of grouting.

Disguise the Cut Ends of Stones

Occasionally you’ll have to cut stones to fit. Schilling uses a 10-in. chop saw equipped with a dry-cut diamond blade. But if you’re doing only one job, you can get by with a diamond blade mounted in an angle grinder. Regardless of the tool you use, you’ll want to disguise or hide the cut ends. After cutting a stone, Schilling cuts angles on the corners to make them look more natural. You can also use a tile nipper or horse-hoof trimmer to chip away at the sharp edge left by cutting.

Schilling chooses thin stones to cut if possible. Then he hides the cut edge against a thicker stone. And if he’s using mortar that’s dyed to match the stone, as you would in a dry-stack installation, Schilling butters the end of the stone so it blends in better.

Cut Off the Tip of the Grout Bag

Grout bags come with either metal or plastic tips. Schilling prefers the plastic tips for grouting stone. He cuts the tip to create an opening that’s about 5/8 in. in diameter to allow proper mortar flow. Schilling says a common mistake is to mix grouting mortar too stiff. Make sure the mortar is loose enough to ooze from the tip without having to squeeze the bag.

Fill the Joints Completely

Schilling says he often encounters hollow grout joints on work done by beginners. Be careful to fill the joints full from back to front as you’re grouting. Joints that are hollow underneath will fall out later. Keep the tip pressed deep into the joints so they get filled from the back to the front of the stone.

Rinse the Bags to Avoid Grout Build-up

Schilling recommends rinsing out the bag after every third bagful of grout. Otherwise sand builds up along the edge, clogs the tip and makes grouting difficult. Just fill the empty bag with water and rub it back and forth to dislodge the caked-on grout.

You Don’t Need a Special Tuckpointing Tool!

Schilling finishes the joints using a 3/8 in.-wide tuckpointing trowel that he’s cut off to about 5 in. long. He says most masons prefer the shorter length because it gives them much better control. But he says a carpenter’s pencil is a great alternative. It’s the perfect size and shape for striking your grout joints. Let the grout set up until it’s firm to the touch but not hard. Usually this is about 20 to 30 minutes. Then rake the pencil over the grout to smooth and shape it. Finish up by brushing off any loose mortar with a soft masonry brush.

Don’t Wipe Off That Wet Mortar

When you spill a glob of mortar on the stone, which is almost certain to happen, leave it alone. Let the mortar set up about 30 minutes. Then flick the partially hardened mortar off with the tip of the trowel. Dab the remaining residue with a damp rag to remove it.

The post 10 Stone Veneer Installation Tips appeared first on Family Handyman.

Dahlias

Dahlias grow magnificent, large, bushy blooms that come in nearly every color of the rainbow. “There is truly one for every garden,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, a horticulturalist with flowerbulbs.com. “It’s no wonder they are the darlings of Instagram when they bloom from mid-summer to fall.”

Most dahlias need staking to hold their large, heavy blooms upright, but the butterflies they attract are well worth the tradeoff. They are also great for flower arrangements, but don’t cut them in bud, as they won’t open after cutting.

How to Plant and Grow Dahlias

Plant after the last frost, in full sun to light shade. Sow 4 to 6 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches apart in well-draining, rich soil. Dahlias grow in zones 8 to 11 as perennials and Zones 3 to 8 as annuals (or dig up and store tubers inside over winter).

Gladiolus

Lovely and fragrant, gladioli grow long stems covered in frilly, brightly colored blooms. “I can’t think of anything more dramatic than a vase full of glads in the summertime,” says Montgomery. “New breeding work has also brought countless cultivars in unique colors.”

You’ll need to stalk the taller varieties or grow them with another plant like an ornamental grass to help hold them upright, says Montgomery. “They are sometimes called sword lilies because of the shape of the leaf, but people generally use the Latin plural gladioli or simply glads.”

How to Plant and Grow Gladiolus

Plant in full sun to light shade in well-draining, organically rich soil. Sow corms every 10 to 14 days from spring until early summer, for continuous blooms; 4 inches deep and 6 inches apart. They’ll grow in Zones 7 to 10 as perennials and Zones 3 to 7 as annuals (or dig up and store inside over winter).

Lilies (Asiatic, Oriental)

Lilies are the plant of the year, according to The National Garden Bureau, and flowerbulbs.com has narrowed that down specifically to Asiatic lilies. These low-maintenance, vibrant perennials attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Shorter varieties do well in containers and small gardens, plus make nice additions to flower arrangements. Innovative double-flowering varieties last longer in the vase. Some are also pollen-free so they won’t stain the tablecloth (but those don’t attract pollinators).

“Many lily varieties are delightfully fragrant,” says Montgomery. “Oriental lilies, in particular, are known for their captivating perfume, whereas Asiatic lilies are the perfect choice for people who don’t care for the fragrance.”

How to Plant and Grow Lilies

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Sow 4 to 6 inches deep in well-draining soil. Depending on the variety, they’ll grow from Zones 3 to 9. Pro-tip: to extend the season of color, plant midsummer blooming Asiatic lilies together with late-summer blooming Oriental lilies, says Montgomery.

Crocosmia

With slim, upright leaves topped with hot shades of red, orange and yellow, crocosmia are attractive throughout the season, but are especially show-stoppers in mid to late-summer, says Montgomery. “They are also excellent planted in containers with annuals in similar hues to add a bright pop of color and surprise in mid-summer,” she says. “They make great cut flowers, and naturalize easily.”

Plant them to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and for their deer and rabbit resistance.

How to Plant and Grow Crocosmia

Crocosmia excels in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. They can grow from Zones 5 to 9, but if you’re in Zone 5, give them extra winter cover and a sheltered location.

Cranesbills (Geranium)

Dainty and bright, cranesbill geraniums (aka hearty geraniums) mound into bushy clumps, making them handy for filling spaces. They are drought-tolerant once established and make excellent ground cover and borders.

Plant them in the spring or fall, in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. “Hardy geraniums are versatile and can thrive in a wide range of climates,” says Rotteveel. “Although they are adaptable to various soil types, incorporating organic matter at planting will encourage vigorous growth.”

How to Plant and Grow Cranesbills

Geraniums aren’t true bulb plants, but their bare roots function similarly to bulbs. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Suitable for Zones 4 to 8.

Calla Lilies

Elegant callas are heat-loving and excel in containers. “I put them in a prominent place in the garden until they have finished blooming in late summer and the foliage begins to droop,” says Montgomery. “Many gardeners use them like guilt-free annuals because their price point is the same as premium annuals.”

How to Plant and Grow Calla Lilies

Plant them in spring, after the last frost, in sunny or semi-shaded areas. They do best in rich, well-draining soil. Sow 3 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches apart. They thrive in Zones 8 to 10, but grow as annuals into Zone 3 (or you can lift the bulbs in the fall to preserve them).

“They enjoy a bit of moisture, so don’t let them dry out too much, especially during their growing and blooming phases,” says Rotteveel.

Begonias

Unlike many bulb plants, begonias do well in the shade, making them perfect for cheering up corners and other drab yard areas — especially since they bloom continuously from summer through fall. Hummingbirds love them, and they’re growing more popular in gardens thanks to an array of new varieties.

How to Plant and Grow Begonias

Plant them in the shade, in pots or the garden. Sow tubers hollow side up, about 1 inch deep, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Begonias do best in Zones 9 to 11. “In cooler climates, they can be grown as annuals or tuck them away indoors to overwinter,” says Rotteveel. “Come spring, they’re ready to dazzle again.”

Canna Lilies

With lush, green foliage and bronze or stripped colors, orchid-like canna lilies attract hummingbirds and other pollinators and thrive both in the ground or large containers. “Canna lilies are for you if you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation,” says Montgomery. “There are also now shorter varieties available if you don’t have room for the giants.”

How to Plant and Canna Lilies

Canna lilies excel in heat and humidity. Plant them in full sun to light shade in the spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. Sow 2 inches deep. They can survive as perennials in Zones 7 to 10.

About the Experts

Peggy Anne Montgomery is a horticulturalist with flowerbulbs.com, a non-commercial website dedicated to educating and inspiring bulb gardeners. She has more than three decades of experience working with plants in the Netherlands and U.S.

Ben Rotteveel is co-owner of DutchGrown, a family-run company that has been growing flowering bulbs since 1882. The family farm is in the famous bulb fields of Holland, and they distribute them out of their base in Pennsylvania.

Carol Michel is a blogger, speaker and podcaster, teaching audiences about all things gardening. She is author of Digging and Delighted: Live Your Best Gardening Life and other books about gardening humor and advice.

The post 8 Bulbs to Plant in Spring appeared first on Family Handyman.

Leave Some Space

When considering landscaping ideas for a small yard, remember to leave space. It’s easy to overcrowd things and inadvertently create a claustrophobic effect. Here, a seating area has a clear view to the garden, courtesy of a small patch of grass and some unobstructed hardscaping.

Layered Landscape

An easy backyard idea for small yards is to create a layered landscape – just like in nature. Think of a forest with low groundcovers, ferns, shade-tolerant understory shrubs and trees, and the tall overhead trees.You can do the same thing with your small yard landscaping! Use things like groundcovers, bulbs and crevice plants to create a beautiful layered landscape, while maximizing your flower bed space!

Walls and Fences

Sure, you want your small yard landscaping to include privacy, so why not utilize surrounding structures like walls and fences? For this small yard idea, vines are the perfect answer – just be sure to pick one that’s not invasive or a garden thug. Check with your local cooperative extension service for recommendations for your area.

Vertical Gardens

A popular trend in small yard ideas is to garden vertically. There are many off-the-shelf products that allow you to grow plants vertically, such as the wall planters seen here. Or you can create something yourself. Either way it creates gardening space out of thin air.

10 balcony garden ideas you can use.

Hanging Planters

Speaking of backyard ideas for small yards, here’s a clever way to maximize space with DIY hanging planters made from plastic bottles. Of course, if the style doesn’t suit you, there are plenty of preplanted hanging baskets at the garden center and grocery store. Check out these inspiring patio ideas for small spaces.

See some pretty hanging basket ideas.

Window Boxes

A more traditional way of maximizing gardening space is with window boxes. Naturally, you can attach them beneath your windows. But other small yard ideas include placing them on a porch, around the perimeter of a patio, or hanging from a deck railing.

See our DIY plans for a custom 3-season planter.

Dwarf Plants

Growers are continually introducing new cultivars with special characteristics. One of those is a dwarf habit. When considering landscaping ideas, you can grow a pine that matures at 1 foot or 80 feet. When you choose the former, you end up with enough space to add companion plants.

Columnar Plants

While you’re considering size and growth characteristics, think about habit as well. Columnar plants, such as this upright pear cultivar, grow straight up. There’s more room to the side, and more light at the bottom for a greater variety of plants. And yet you still get the blooms and the fruit. Win-win!

Trailing Plants

Here’s another shape that will help when looking for landscaping ideas for a small yard. You can run trailing plants down the side of a planter, as seen here, or let them trail from the top of a wall. Either way maximizes space and softens a hard surface to help it blend into the landscape.

Crevice Plants

Crevices are ubiquitous to most gardens, so you might as well make use of them. Sedum and other succulents such as hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum) are perfect for these spots, which are often on the lean and dry side. They make the space prettier and the hard surfaces less imposing.

See our tips for planting succulents outdoors.

Narrow Spots

Along with crevices, most gardens have narrow strips that lack soil and moisture. Rather than fighting the conditions, work with them. One of the small yard ideas you can implement is to plant some tough, vining groundcovers and let them sprawl over the area. Use ivy in shady areas, succulents in sunny spots. A mulch of gravel is a nice low-maintenance addition that keeps plant foliage clean.

Containers

Let’s not forget containers when thinking about small yard landscaping. They’re more popular than ever—and not just because they maximize gardening space. Containers add greatly to a garden’s character. They allow you to show off your favorite plants. And if you coordinate their color and arrange them in odd numbers, you create a dashing focal point.

Meet some of the best plants for container gardening.

Lawn Substitute

As you saw earlier, a small lawn can be helpful to a small-space garden because it opens up the area and makes it feel less claustrophobic. Well, if you’re not going to be walking on the lawn all the time, you might consider substituting a groundcover. You not only avoid mowing, you also integrate the area into the landscape. With a groundcover, your lawn becomes the garden.

Learn about other lawn alternatives.

Bonsai and Miniature Gardens

The smallest yard in the world has room for a garden when the plants are miniaturized. Examples include bonsai, miniature fairy gardens, and terrariums. Although usually kept indoors in cold climates, they can vacation outside for the summer in a protected location where they’re not exposed to too much direct sunlight.

The post 14 Smart Small Yard Landscaping Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

I don’t have much space to take care of, so when it was time to replace my unwieldy corded trimmer, I wanted a cordless yard tool that was also easy to run and maintain. I decided to give the Worx 12-inch String Trimmer a try. After all, it’s Amazon’s best-selling string trimmer with a 4.5-star rating after more than 24,000 reviews.

What is the Worx String Trimmer?

Well, as it says, it’s a string trimmer. But it’s actually more than that, too. It converts to an in-line lawn edger with a turn of the head, which makes it easy to quickly take care of grass and weeds growing over your concrete sidewalk or other areas where you might want a crisp line.

The Worx String Trimmer is battery-powered and weighs less than six pounds, so it’s easy to use without worrying about refilling with gas or straining your arm.

$137.48 at Amazon

Worx String Trimmer Product Features

The trimmer’s head tilts a full 90 degrees, and the telescoping body adjusts with a quick-release lever. That makes it ergonomic to use, and also lets you make necessary adjustments to run it on a hill or squeeze into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

It comes with two batteries and a charger, which is a nice bonus for a piece of equipment that’s very reasonably priced at just over $120. Plus, Worx Power Share makes the battery compatible with other Worx equipment.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
• Ergonomic handle
• Push button spool system for instant line feeding
• Battery compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools
• Two 20V Power Share MaxLithium batteries included
• Head tilts 90 degrees for use in hard-to-reach places
• Rubberized wheels for straight, clean cuts
• Spacer guard helps avoid plant damage while trimming

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy-duty use

How We Tested It

I used it to trim the property around my house over six weeks, so about four times, thanks to some surprising summer rains that came a little early.

Right out of the box, setup is easy. It took me less than five minutes to snap the few parts together. After that, I put one of the batteries onto the charger and let it fully charge before using it.

I started with a long stretch of green space between the sidewalk and the street. It’s not a landscaped section by any means, just a random collection of Bermuda grass and desert weeds. This was the first cut of the season too, probably a week or so past due for a trim, so everything was getting a little bushy. You don’t have to have the power of a gas trimmer to take care of that space, but some of those weeds are tough enough to chew through string and get a cheap trimmer twisted up. The Worx trimmer had no problems with them. I didn’t even have to let out more string while cutting them.

Next, I moved to a part of my yard where grass grows between the large landscaping rocks. There’s not a lot of stuff to cut there, but it can be tricky for a trimmer with the stones. Again, no problems with the Worx trimmer. It got in as close as I needed it to against the rocks and whacked the weeds without leaving me a tiny nub of string once I finished. Along the sidewalk, the in-line edger helped make a nice, even cut.

I’ve used it four times, at about 20 minutes per session, since getting the trimmer, and the battery is still holding its initial charge. That’s an added convenience I appreciate about the Worx trimmer.

The caveat is that I don’t have a lot of yard to take care of, so I can’t speak to how well this product would do for large yards or those with a particularly stubborn, out-of-control weed patch.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

“Awesome little weed eater! I bought this after struggling over and over to start and restart our gas-powered weed eater,” said Aggie, a verified Amazon purchaser. “This one is so lightweight and literally starts with the push of a button!”

Kimber, another verified purchaser, had this to say: “So how does it perform? I love it. A friend stopped by the other day and complimented me on how nice the yard looked. The trimmer is lightweight, and I have a health issue that causes chronic pain at forty-something. The weight, or lack thereof, is a huge relief compared to the gas trimmer collecting dust and spider webs in the garage. I realize the batteries will lose some steam, but right now I have enough to take care of my yard. It is so easy to feed line to that a child could do it.”

Final Verdict

This is a solid cordless trimmer that gets the job done for most yards. It might not be as powerful as a traditional gas-powered string trimmer, but it’s easier to use and doesn’t require the same kind of upkeep. The Worx String Trimmer’s featherweight design and adjustability make it accessible to more users.

Where to Buy the Worx String Trimmer

The Worx 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer is available on Amazon. So, if you’re a Prime member, you can have your yard trimmed in the blink of an eye. In other words, you can have your Worx trimmer in no time with free and fast delivery.

$137.48 at Amazon

The post Worx Lightweight String Trimmer: Testing the Best Battery-Operated Weed Eater appeared first on Family Handyman.

As someone who is no stranger to Craftsman (my dad and grandfather have always sworn by its, well, craftsmanship), I was particularly excited to get my paws on the 56V Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower. But would it live up to my high expectations? Find out below.

What is the Craftsman electric lawn mower?

It was love at first sight: The Craftsman electric lawn mower looks majestic with its fire-engine red color scheme and “look at me” electric features. With its 42-inch cutting deck and massive frame, this mower gives you the feeling that you can mow any yard with this tractor.

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Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower Features

Ready to check out all that this Craftsman electric lawn mower has to offer? Take a look below:

Easy-to-Follow Displays

Like its Craftsman gas-powered counterparts, the control panel on the electric riding mower is not fussy and very easy to understand. There aren’t a bunch of unnecessary extra buttons to confuse you when you’re trying to mow. In total, there are five pushable buttons and a display screen on the vehicle control module. There’s also the spot to insert the key and a parking brake lever underneath. That’s it.

The LCD screen and battery level indicator provide instructions, information and warnings about your systems and the tractor’s battery level.

The buttons are for:

• Starting/stopping the tractor
• Engaging your blades
• Turning on the headlights
• Engaging the cruise control
• Allowing the blades to operate in reverse

In normal operation, the blade will disengage when you start backing up unless you tell it not to do so. This is a safety measure to prevent injury. The reverse caution mode button allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades engaged.

The Switch to Electric

Charging the machine is straightforward. It comes with a set of 6-foot cords that extend out from a charger that looks something like a waffle iron. One cord plugs into a standard wall outlet while the other extends back to your mower. The 56-volt lithium ion battery is out of sight under the hood.

Since the mower runs on clean, electric power (via battery), the operator’s manual contains multiple pages of warnings that you wouldn’t see with a gas-powered model. For example: Don’t mow in the rain or in wet conditions. Don’t expose the tractor or handle its electrical components with wet hands. And, to reduce the risk of electric shock, avoid body contact with grounded conductors, such as metal pipes or grounded fences.

Here are others that will take some getting used to (because who doesn’t clean their mower this way?): Do not use water to clean the tractor, battery or battery charger. Also, do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your tractor. These may cause damage to electric components or the electric motor.

To follow the recommended cleaning after each use, the manufacturer suggests using a dry cloth to wipe debris on or near the deck, motors and underside. In other areas, try compressed air, a leaf blower or a brush.

Even storing the mower in the off-season requires some extra thought. The owner’s manual suggests that you should not park the tractor near flammable materials, any open flames or other potential sources of ignition. It’s also recommended to give the battery a full charge before storing. Permanent damage can occur to the battery if it is kept in a discharged state.

Charging the Mower

My mower arrived about 50% charged. I’ve charged it once so far because it holds a charge for a long time and my yard is just under an acre. The owner’s manual says it will take about four hours to fully charge the battery.

The materials that come with the mower don’t suggest how long you can expect to be able to run it on a full charge. But the Craftsman website says you can expect up to 1.5 hours of runtime per charge, which could be up to 3.5 acres if you’re cutting on the highest setting at full speed.

But, similar to taking a long trip in an electric car, you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere and running out of power. It’s not like you can take the gas can out into the back forty and keep running. You’re going to need to be within reach of an outlet because the charging connector attaches right to the mower.

How We Tested It

We put the Craftsman electric lawn mower through its paces on a summer evening, after the scorching heat had subsided and the fescue grass was dry, but ready for a cut.

Backing up and then moving forward for the first time with the mower makes you feel like a student driver all over again. It’s that same feeling you experience when you first learn how to drive a car.

“Should I take my foot off the brake or ‘go for it’ and hit the accelerator?” I wondered. Turns out, with an electric mower, there’s no in-between. You can’t just ease forward as you give it a little gas. This is electric. The pedal means go and—whoosh—you go!

Electric cars can famously zip around just as fast—or faster—than their gas-guzzling counterparts. And, trust me, this electric mower does, too. It’s so peppy that it takes some getting used to. When the blade’s not moving, it very much feels like driving a fully charged golf cart.

Let’s Get Mowing!

When you’re ready to start mowing, you choose one of 12 height settings for the cutting deck. You engage the blade through a button on the vehicle control module in front of you.

Once the blade goes down, the Craftsman TurnTight actually emits the familiar sounds of a riding mower and cuts grass brilliantly, just like you’d hope. However, it’s not wildly quiet like I expected. It’s not like you’re using an electric toothbrush, after all. But Craftsman says it operates significantly quieter than its lookalike gas-powered cousin, and I believe it.

You speed through the rows and it takes care of business in record time. As you’re going along, you’re breathing in the smell of fresh cut grass—but what’s missing are the gas fumes. There’s no smell of fuel or oil burning. Yay!

The mower can really move! It’s a dream on a giant, flat patch of grass where you can set the cruise control, glide along at pace and sip a drink that you’ve stored in the cup holder. The maneuverability is great for such a big machine. When you get to the end of a row, the mower turns well and you’re quickly tackling the next lane. For reference, the cutting radius is 5 inches, which is solid for a non-zero-turn mower. The majority of regular lawn tractors have a cutting radius of about 12 inches, so this is definitely an upgrade.

Craftsman Electric Mower Tight Spaces and Slopes Performance

Things can get a little tricky in very tight spaces and on slopes, though. In the hilly area of my yard, I felt like I was on a horse with no saddle. It would be beneficial for the mower to have a seatbelt option or something that makes you feel more attached to your seat. On the slightest of slopes and on a smaller section of yard with obstacles like bushes, stumps, and trees, you’ve got to swerve and plan your next move—and the best move is to slow down and not let the mower’s ability to move fast influence your decision-making.

On the back page of the mower’s instruction book is a slope gauge diagram that you can use to judge your yard’s slope. If the slope exceeds 15 degrees (25%) as displayed on the gauge, you’re not advised to operate the tractor in that area without risking serious injury. And they really mean it! On the super-hilly area of my yard, I’ve resigned myself to having to pull out the push mower to finish the job each time. It’s just too dangerous to mow with the big riding mower.

Where the mower does well is passing over the uneven areas between the grass and pavement. Sometimes when I’m using my push mower, the blade smacks against the pavement when crossing the uneven surface. That isn’t the case with the Craftsman electric lawn mower. It adjusts itself to seamlessly move from grass to pavement, even over a very uneven section. I really like that.

Pros of Craftsman electric lawn mower

• Ideal for flat yards
• Cuts like a champ
• 5-inch turning radius is great
• Environmentally friendly (doesn’t require gas or oil)
• Quieter than conventional riding mowers
• Has cruise control
• Built-in LED headlights
• Made in the USA
• 12 cutting positions
• Charges quickly
• Durably constructed
• Three-year warranty hits industry standard
• Financing is available through Lowe’s Pay

Cons of  Craftsman electric lawn mower

• Pricey
• Leaf bag isn’t included
• Acceleration can seem abrupt

FAQ

What is the warranty on the Craftsman electric lawn mower?

The product itself has a three-year limited warranty and the battery warranty is for four years.

Are electric mowers actually quieter than gas-powered?

In a lab environment, Craftsman tested its electric model with the 60Ah battery vs. the Craftsman T2200 gas-powered mower, and determined the electric mower to be up to 80% quieter.

Who owns Craftsman?

Stanley Black & Decker purchased the Craftsman brand name from Sears in 2017. Under the staunch Stanley Black & Decker umbrella, the Craftsman mower lineup is now part of a stable of mower models under the brand names BigDog Mower, Black+Decker, Cub Cadet, DeWalt, Hustler, Remington, Rover, Troy-Bilt and Yard Machines.

What are the best accessories to get with the electric riding mower?

If you’re looking for compatible accessories for the Craftsman electric lawn mower, here are some useful options:

• Mulch kit
• Double bagger
• Leaf collection system
• Cub Cadet hauler
• EZ Stow hauler

Final Verdict

Almost everyone has electricity and a wall outlet. Having the ability to plug in the Craftsman TurnTight mower and never worrying about oil and gas again is life changing. Just like with electric cars, the electric mower costs more to purchase up-front than a similar gas-powered model. However, you will not find it lacking performance-wise, and the convenience of never heading back to the gas station is a fantastic benefit. Throw in the fact that your new mower has lower emissions and is doing right by the environment and it’s a winner! If you have a large, mostly flat yard, this mower is an excellent choice.

Where to Buy the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower

Ready to see what all the buzz (I’ll show myself out) is about? Shop the Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower online at Lowe’s for $4,900 to make cutting your grass a breeze.

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The post We Tried the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower, a Riding Mower for Tight Spaces appeared first on Family Handyman.

Last year I sprinkled a corner of our barren yard with some native wildflower seeds. To my surprise, they grew into a colorful, lush patch of inspiration, accented by butterflies, miller moths and bees. I later learned homeowners across the country are planting similar patches, known as wildflower meadows, instead of grass.

“Wildflower meadow lawns are gaining in popularity as people become more aware of the environmental implications of lawn grasses,” says Shubber Ali, a native plant expert and CEO of Garden for Wildlife. “Planting a meadow lawn also creates vital habitat for declining wildlife populations.”

Wildflower meadows are especially beneficial for bees and other at-risk pollinators under pressure from habitat loss and pesticides. They also create vibrant mini-ecosystems that provide food and shelter for songbirds, insects and all the creatures who live near your home.

Plus, a wildflower meadow in your yard can make your life easier. Once established, your meadow needs less maintenance and water than turfgrass, so you can ditch the chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

When deciding whether to create a wildflower meadow in your yard, here are some realities to consider.

Aesthetics

While wildflower meadows epitomize beauty for some of us, they do look more unkempt than traditional lawns. That can create friction with neighbors and potentially violate Homeowners Association (HOA) rules and municipal regulations.

Educating those around you about the natural benefits of wildflower yards can go a long way toward changing attitudes. It also helps to make your creation look intentional, with features like orderly borders, a bird bath, a bench or a winding path.

Ease of Care

“Wildflowers and native plants can thrive on neglect,” says Ali.

Once established, they often don’t need much, if any, supplemental water. They also usually only need to be mowed once a year, at the end of the growing season. But even then, it’s best to leave part of it tall as overwintering habitat for pollinators.

They also don’t require fertilization or insecticides. That makes them the ideal habitat for wildlife and keeps synthetic chemicals out of freshwater sources.

Invasive Species

These plants, and weeds, are the biggest threats to meadow lawns. Both often beat out wildflowers and native plants, so do your best to diminish them before planting. Then be vigilant about removing any interlopers that pop up. The success of your wildflower meadow will depend on it.

Viability of Your Yard

For best results, choose an area with full sun and good drainage. Get your soil tested to determine the organic matter content and pH level so you can add any natural amendments.

If your yard lacks the perfect spot, don’t despair. Many wildflowers can still thrive in low-fertility soils, and with as little as a half-day of sun.

Lawn Removal

If you’re converting your lawn into a wildflower meadow, remove your turf before planting wildflowers. One method is soil solarization, which involves covering your lawn with black plastic for six to eight weeks to kill the grass. Then loosen the soil to help root development, sow the seeds, and level the ground with a rake.

While it’s not optimal to start a meadow on an existing lawn, that can also work. After spreading seeds on grass, refrain from weekly mowings.

Choosing Plant Species

Meadows can contain annual or perennial flowers. Obviously, annual meadows need to be re-sown each year. They also require more nutrient-dense soil.

Whichever way you go, the key is understanding your soil and climate, and choosing the right native plants accordingly.

Seeds vs. Plugs

You can start meadows with seeds, or try wildflower plugs, mats or turf.

Wildflower plugs are single plants or clusters of seedlings. Wildflower mats have seeds infused in compressed mulch, which you roll across an area and cover with a thin layer of soil. Wildflower turf is similar to turfgrass sod but with live wildflowers. Often local nurseries will carry all of these options, but you can also find them online.

Seeds and mats are the cheapest. Seeds offer the widest variety of species, but they also take longer to establish. “Using the proper and recommended number of seeds for the area is also important, as wildflowers will not thrive when overcrowded,” says Ali.

Wildflower plugs work best to supplement an existing meadow lawn. Turf is the most expensive, but can be the right choice for smaller areas.

Patience

While wildflower meadows ultimately take less maintenance than a grassy yard, they take some time to get established.

“Creating a meadow garden is very different from planting a traditional garden, as you often have to wait a couple of seasons to really see some growth,” says Ali. “However, a meadow garden will continue to evolve year to year without much annual maintenance.”

The post 7 Things To Consider Before Planting a Wildflower Meadow appeared first on Family Handyman.

Don’t Plant the Wrong Types of Grass

To grow a green, healthy lawn, be sure to plant the right type of turfgrass for your location. Some grasses can withstand dry summer heat, while others tolerate harsh winters.

To avoid this common lawn care mistake, plant cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue in northern states. Bermuda grass, centipede grass and other warm season grasses do best in warmer areas.

Growing grass can be tricky, so make sure to start with the right grass seed for a better chance at success.

Don’t Remove Grass Clippings

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after you mow can cause thatch problems, right? Well, that’s not entirely true. It turns out grass clippings can actually help with the overall health of your lawn. “Let the clippings fly if cutting regularly,” Cameron says, to add nutrients.

While grass clippings can benefit your lawn, they can also be too much of a good thing. I always bag my clippings if my grass is long to avoid leaving clumps of clippings behind that can damage grass.

Don’t Forget About Aeration

Over time, a lawn’s topsoil gets compacted, making it difficult for air, water and vital nutrients to penetrate to the grassroots.

To restore healthy soil conditions, loosen and aerate the lawn. “It provides many benefits, including alleviating compaction, managing thatch, [and] improving water, oxygen and nutrients to the root zone,” Cameron says.

Rent a power core aerator, available at most rental centers and home improvement stores.

Don’t Use a Dull Lawn Mower Blade

Dull mower blades rip through the grass blades instead of slicing them cleanly. This leaves grass stressed and more prone to disease. You can always tell a lawn that’s been mowed with a dull blade because it looks brown on the top. This symptom on my own lawn prompted me to learn how to sharpen my mower blades.

Be sure to sharpen your mower blade at least three times each season to keep your lawn in good shape. “A sharp mower blade is key to a healthy lawn,” Castillero says.

Don’t Water Every Day

One of the more common lawn care mistakes (and one I was guilty of!) is watering every day. This mistake can cause your lawn to develop shallow roots. Frequently watered lawns actually require more water and are more vulnerable to dry spells. Deep watering makes your lawn healthier and more drought-tolerant.

Instead of watering every day for 15 minutes, choose one day a week to water your lawn for an entire hour. Castillero says to aim for one inch of water each week. Read on to learn how to test soil moisture.

Don’t Forget the Dethatcher

Thatch is a layer of decomposing material that accumulates at the soil surface over time. Too many grass clippings on your lawn creates thatch over time, according to Cameron. It can build up and virtually choke your lawn to death.

If your lawn has thatch buildup of 3/4-inch or more, it’s time to dethatch your lawn. Rent a dethatcher from a home improvement center or manually dethatch with a dethatching rake.

Castillero recommends early spring as a great time to dethatch your lawn.

Don’t Give Up on Shady Areas

Growing grass under shade trees isn’t easy, but one key to success is knowing what grass species grows in the shade and the planting method for your region. In cool-season areas, you’ll get better results with seed than sod. Sod is grown in wide-open fields under conditions that favor sun-loving grasses. I’ve always had better luck growing grass in shady areas with seed where I live in New England.

Choose red and tall fescues for shady areas in Northern zones. Garden centers will have grass seed mixes formulated for shade. Late summer and mid-spring are the best times to establish cool-season grasses in shady areas

Don’t Fertilize Shady Areas More

People tend to make this lawn care mistake because the grass in shady areas is struggling. But that just kills it faster!

Sunny and shady sections of lawn have different water and fertilizer needs. The shady-area grass needs less fertilizer than sunny areas. When you go into shade, shift the controls on the spreader, so you’re spreading about half the amount.

“You can burn your lawn,” Cameron says. “Read the labels of materials you’re using carefully and have properly calibrated equipment.”

Don’t Forget to Check Soil Moisture

A well-hydrated lawn is key for a healthy, green lawn. Avoid this lawn care mistake by verifying how much water is actually reaching the grassroots.

After an extended warm, dry period, water your lawn for 30 minutes. Turn off the water and push a shovel into the lawn. Tip the shovel forward to expose the soil and see how deep the water has penetrated. Your goal is to run the sprinkler until the water penetrates three to four inches into the soil.

If the water has not penetrated far enough, adjust watering time accordingly for optimal soil hydration.

Don’t Wait Too Long Between Mowing

If you came back from a vacation and the neighbor kid neglected to mow the grass, don’t try and mow it all in one day. Cut off some of the length, then wait a couple of days and mow again. This will cause less stress on the grass.

You may need three passes depending on how long the grass grew. To avoid stressing the grass, “Don’t take off more than 1/3 of leaf blades,” Cameron says.

Don’t Skip Reseeding the Lawn

If your lawn is a mix of weeds and bare spots, it might be time to start over and reseed. Reseeding involves removing all existing grass and weeds and planting new grass seed. I reseeded a large section of my lawn after a few years of trying to improve it with little results. Reseeding ended up being the best option to grow a thick, healthy lawn finally.

If you have an average-size lawn, this can be done over the course of a weekend or two. Once your reseeding work is done, be prepared to keep the soil damp with daily watering for the first month or so.

Don’t Cut Grass Too Short

There is an optimal height to cut grass for every grass type, and you are better off cutting it on the high side of that height. Each grass blade is a food factory of the plant. Short blades can’t generate as much food as long blades.

Long blades also shade and cool the soil. “In cooler months it’s okay to cut a little shorter, but cutting it short in summer months puts additional stress on the plant,” Cameron says, which can burn or kill your grass.

Don’t Mow in the Same Direction Every Time

It’s easy to fall into a routine as you mow your lawn week in, and week out over the course of a summer. But try not to make your lawn mowing routine too repetitive. Instead, mow in a different direction every time: front to back, back to front, diagonal, etc.

Repeatedly mowing the exact same way will cause the grass blades to grow at an angle, and you may develop permanent tracks from the mower wheels. I learned this the hard way when I bought my first home. After a summer of mowing I had stripes from the mower wheels embedded in the grass.

Don’t Mow Wet Grass

While it may be tempting to mow your grass when it’s still wet, Castillero cautions against it. “Don’t cut when it’s wet,” he says. “It can damage your equipment and leaves clumps of clippings that can leave burn spots on your lawn.”

If that’s not reason enough, mowing wet grass can cause the mower wheels to leave ruts in your yard, and the wet grass will carpet the underside of your mower deck with a thick mat that’s a pain to clean.

Don’t Use Broadleaf Herbicides in Extreme Temperatures

To maintain a weed-free landscape, you must kill the weeds when they’re growing. That’s because herbicides are absorbed through the leaves and then sent throughout the rest of the plant.

When the weather is too cool, the weed isn’t growing and the herbicide won’t be absorbed, so the chemical isn’t as effective. Too hot, and the herbicide will stress the grass. The product directions will give you the best temperature range.

Apply herbicides when rain isn’t forecasted; a soaking will just rinse off the herbicide before it can do any good. This is crucial, as I once spread a large amount of expensive fertilizer right before a rainstorm. When the rained stopped, it had all washed away.

Don’t Overfeed

When fertilizing your lawn be careful not to apply too much fertilizer, especially in sandy soils. That is because a good portion of it will leach through the soil and make its way into groundwater, lakes, streams and wetlands.

Lawn grasses only need a certain amount of food. More isn’t always better. I learned this lesson as a novice homeowner. Believing that more fertilizer would make my lawn that much greener. Instead, I scorched and even killed sections of my lawn by overfertilizing.

Don’t Ignore Pet Areas

Dog spots are round, brown spots on your lawn about four to eight inches in diameter with dead grass in the middle and encircled by dark green grass. Often caused by a winter’s worth of animal urine, they’re most apparent in the early spring when dormant grass first begins to turn green again.

You have to replant your grass; it won’t come back on its own. But first, you have to dilute or remove the caustic urine from the soil by thoroughly soaking the area with lots of water.

Don’t Discount Compost

Top-dress your lawn with high-quality compost to bring depleted or damaged soil back to life.

To apply compost, spread it over your lawn with a shovel, aiming for a layer that is 1/4 to a 1/2 inch thick. Then work it into the turf with a rake. It’s best to do this after aerating. I used this technique to improve an area of my backyard with poor soil. It took a treatment or two, but over time it did improve the quality of the soil and the lawn.

Most garden centers sell bagged compost. However, you’re better off buying in bulk to cover an entire yard.

Don’t Remove ALL Fallen Leaves

Small amounts of decomposing leaves are actually great for your lawn. Leaves have organic matter in them that works as a natural fertilizer, helping your grass to grow the following year.

According to Bauer, fallen leaves can even suppress the growth of weeds. He recommends mulching leaves by using a lawn mower with a mulching blade.

About the Experts

• Osmar Castillero is the owner of Blades Landscaping Services, a lawn care and maintenance company in Lowell, Massachusetts. He has over ten years experience in the industry.
• Matt Cameron is the owner of CMS Landscaping, a full-service lawn care and irrigation company in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Matt has 15 years of landscaping experience.
• Sam Bauer is a Professional Turf Specialist for Ramy Turf Products. He also serves as the Executive Director of the NorthCentral Turfgrass Association. He has over fifteen years experience in lawn and turf care.

The post 19 Things You Should Never Do To Your Lawn appeared first on Family Handyman.

Creeping Phlox

This is one of the most cold hardy ground covers native to North America. Several species grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 2 through 8, all providing a brilliant stroke of color across the carpet-like foliage. Their pinwheel-shaped blooms appear exclusively in the springtime, in multiple shades of purple, blue, pink and white.

Creeping phlox is not aggressive, so it’s safe to plant among other perennials and shrubs in garden beds. Think of it like a green blanket laid at the feet of its companions, blooming before most plants fully awaken in the spring. Provide plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil for best growth and disease resistance.

Ice Plant

For hot, arid climates, try ice plant (Delosperma) around taller succulents like cacti and agave. It provides a bright splash of pink, red, orange or yellow around their feet for most of the summer. Dime- to quarter-sized starry blossoms open perfectly flat, showing off the colorful eye in the center — a bullseye for pollinators.

Ice plant is most at home in well-drained rocky or sandy soils. It can be tucked into the crevices of rock walls, left to scramble across stone mulch, or planted on a slope to aid in erosion control. Full sun is a must in USDA Zones 6 through 10.

Lemon Balm

Have you considered herbs as a ground cover? If you’re after rapid coverage and deer resistance, any plant in the mint family will do. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) makes a pretty ground cover, and you can eat it, too.

Fresh leaves exude a pungent lemony fragrance. Use them to flavor hot and cold drinks, to garnish a salad, or in chicken and fish dishes. This oil can be mixed with essential oils, or made into perfume or insect repellent. When planted among cruciferous vegetables, its scent deters insects from attacking those crops.

Plant lemon balm where you won’t mind it spreading quickly and widely. It thrives in moist soil and full sun to light shade in Zones 4 through 9. Harvest it regularly to prevent the plant from going to seed.

Sedum

If you like the idea of a succulent ground cover but ice plant won’t grow in your climate, try sedum instead. It’s significantly more cold hardy down to Zone 3 and tolerates more types of soil. As long as you plant sedum in a sunny location and the soil doesn’t stay waterlogged, it will grow.

Forms of sedums vary widely in height, from those two inches tall at best to others that grow semi- or fully upright to 30 inches. The plant label should indicate its likely height and ground coverage.

Most sedums are well-behaved in the garden and make good companion plants for other perennials, shrubs and small trees. Because they’re shallow rooted and don’t need much moisture, they don’t rob resources from neighboring plants.

Lilyturf

Two common species of lilyturf are widely used in landscapes in Zones 5 through 10. Although they look similar, you’ll notice a vast difference in speed of spread.

Blue lilyturf (Liriope muscari) forms a clump when young, then slowly spreads underground. Creeping lilyturf (Liriope spicata) spreads at a medium rate in colder climates but much faster in the South. Choose the species that fits your needs carefully.

This 12-inch-tall, grasslike plant produces beautiful emerald green, evergreen foliage topped with violet purple flower spikes in late summer. Glossy, black berries form once the flowers are spent and usually persist into winter.

Liriope thrives in sun and shade conditions. It’s commonly planted along driveways, slopes and under trees where other plants may struggle. It’s drought tolerant once established. To keep the foliage looking fresh, mow it once a year before the new growth appears in early spring. Be sure to use a high blade setting on your lawnmower.

Bigroot Cranesbill

This durable cranesbill is a joy to grow. It requires little from the gardener yet delivers beauty and performance all year.

Large, felted, citrus-scented leaves form a billowing two-foot-wide patch dense enough to suppress weeds. ‘Bevan’s Variety’ (Geranium macrorrhizum) produces vivid magenta purple flowers that attract pollinating bees and butterflies in late spring to early summer.

Once established, its thick, fleshy roots make this Zone 4 through 9 hardy perennial drought tolerant. Use it around the base of large shrubs or tall trees, or try planting it en masse to fill large expanses in the landscape in full sun to part shade. There’s no need to worry about deer or rabbit damage with this fragrant, fuzzy-leaved perennial. Here are a few short perennial flowers for smaller gardens.

Ground Cover Roses

Ground cover roses are a wonderful way to bring a bright splash of color to open landscapes and rambling hillsides all summer long. They deliver as much flower power as annuals while returning reliably every year in Zones 4 through 11.

Most ground cover roses bear single flowers that attract pollinators. They bloom in shades of pink, red, coral, yellow and white. Pictured here is Pink Drift, a disease-resistant, everblooming variety that grows 18 inches tall and three feet wide.

Roses grow best in an area that receives at least eight hours of sun per day, mostly in the afternoon. Water them with drip irrigation if possible to avoid wetting the foliage. If you must use overhead watering, do so in the morning to allow plenty of time for the foliage to dry before sundown.

Chokeberry

Look for low, spreading forms of chokeberry (Aronia) — including Ground Hug, pictured here — to transform dry, sunny borders or slopes into beautiful, easy-to-maintain plantings. Although it’s deciduous, this shrub grows dense enough to block out weeds and eliminate the need for mulch. Each plant covers about three square feet.

Clusters of tiny white flowers attract pollinating bees in the spring, then transform into near-black berries that birds enjoy in late summer. Its glossy, green foliage turns brilliant shades of orange, red and purple in the fall.

Chokeberry is an adaptable native shrub. In Zones 3 through 9, it will grow in just about any soil, whether wet, dry, salty, organically rich or rocky. It tolerates full sun and part shade.

Creeping Juniper

If you like using hardy shrubs as ground cover but prefer something with year-round coverage, try evergreen creeping junipers. They offer the same adaptability and durability as chokeberry but stay green in the winter. Although they don’t produce showy blooms, birds enjoy their blue or green berries in the fall and winter.

Junipers come in many forms, so be sure the label states it grows low and wide. All need full sun to thrive, but their cold hardiness ranges by type. Because they can handle drought, road salt, air pollution and deer pressure with ease, you can safely plant junipers in the harshest conditions in your landscape.

Northern Sea Oats Grass

Ornamental grasses that spread by seed or underground runners make great ground covers for large areas. Combine them with fall blooming wildflowers if you’re going for the native prairie look.

In late summer and fall, the elegantly arching stems of our native Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) bear hundreds of fish scale-like seed pods that sway in the slightest breeze. Even if you leave them be so the plant can spread, there will still be plenty left to use for flower arrangements.

This grass forms a two- to four-foot tall clump of bamboo-like foliage that remains upright through most of the winter. Cut it down to the ground by early spring to make room for fresh foliage. In Zones 3 through 8, Northern sea oats prefers moist soil, and full sun to part shade.

The post 10 Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Is the Cardboard Gardening Method?

This no-dig garden hack is beautifully illustrated in a TikTok video from Brandon Gentry (@brandontgentry), below. Basically, you use sheets of cardboard in your planting area to kill off any existing grass and prevent those pesky weeds from popping up. The hack is cheap, fast and virtually stress-free, as the cardboard does the hard work for you. Better yet, the cardboard will decompose over time, making it both environmentally friendly and reliable for long-term root growth.

@brandontgentry #nobodysgonnaknow #howwouldtheyknow #lifehack #gardeninghacks #viral #fyp #gardentips #gardenhack #hgtvshit #AirPodsJUMP #fypシ #flowerbed #homediy ♬ how would they know bad girls club – Chris Gleason

How Can I Use the Cardboard Gardening Method?

The process here is quite simple, but before you get started, be sure to gather the following materials. Depending on the size of your garden plot, this hack should take you 30 minutes to an hour.

Materials

• Sturdy utility knife
• Enough cardboard to cover the garden plot
• Enough potting soil to cover the garden plot
• Enough mulch to cover the garden plot
• Rake

Directions

1. Start by laying your biggest pieces of cardboard down flat in your garden plot. Overlap the sides of the cardboard so that there are not any gaps for weeds or grass to grow into. If it’s windy, use the bags of potting soil to weigh down the cardboard.
2. As you reach the edges of the plot, use the utility knife to cut the cardboard into curved or smaller pieces to fit. Make these lines as precise as possible so that the edges of your garden remain sharp and differentiated from your lawn.
3. Once the cardboard is cut and placed, water the cardboard using a garden hose. It should be pretty saturated so that it can properly dissolve into the earth.
4. Now, tear open the potting soil bags and pour the soil out over the wet cardboard. Use the rake, if necessary, to spread the potting soil into an even layer a few inches thick.
5. Finally, spread the mulch out on top of the potting soil. Again, use the rake to make sure the layer is even.

Congratulations: now you’re ready to plant!

The post You Can Prep Your Garden Super Quickly With This Cardboard Gardening Hack appeared first on Family Handyman.

If you know anything about zero-turn mowers, then you have likely owned or considered owning a Toro zero-turn mower. After all, Toro makes our list of the best lawn mower brands every year. A few weeks ago I tested out the all-new gas-powered Toro TimeCutter with an updated suspension system and iron forged footplate. This time, I have access to an early look at the electric version of this zero-turn mower After some extensive testing, I am finally proud to share my experience.

If you’re less familiar with types of riding lawn mowers, read up on zero-turn versus standard lawn mowers.

What is the Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower?

The 60V Max TimeCutter MyRide is Toro’s first electric zero-turn mower. It’s a massive, tough zero-turn mower that symbolizes a growing trend in the lawn care and landscaping industry–switching to electric.

Toro has had a 60V lineup for a few years but has mostly stuck to smaller residential lawn tools, like leaf blowers and string trimmers. The decision to make one of the most iconic zero-turn mowers on the planet, the Toro TimeCutter, into an electric machine is a major move.

The mower is large and powerful. One would expect an electric zero-turn to have limited capabilities since it doesn’t have the power of gas, but Toro put out a mower that can compare well to gas-powered. This mower is almost four feet wide with extreme cutting power.

One thing I’ll tell you about this mower is the level of excitement I got when the folks delivered it to my house. Seeing an all-new, innovative, massive machine get dropped off at my house felt like I just won the lottery.

And then I turned it on.

VIA MERCHANT

We Tried It

Toro 60V Max TimeCutter MyRide Zero-Turn Mower

The 60V Max is the first electric zero-turn lawn mower from the popular lawn care company Toro.

Shop on Toro

Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Riding Mower Features

The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter mower is loaded with many features. I’ve tested this personally, so can tell you not just the specifications, but how the mower feels and performs under various conditions. Let’s get started.

60V Max Battery System

The batteries on the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter are intense. The zero-turn mower comes with five 10 Ah batteries and one 4 Ah battery. Six batteries! That’s a lot of batteries that require charging. Also, 10 Ah batteries are some of the largest you can buy in the lawn tool industry, with most lawn tools boasting 2-4 Ah batteries. Understanding the type of battery and charge time is one of the most important considerations when buying battery-powered tools.

Despite this, Toro made it easy to access and attach the batteries. The batteries all sit in the back of the mower, where the engine would normally go. They have six placement spots–one for each battery–where the battery can easily slide in. For this mower, the 10 Ah batteries have a handle that allows you to easily pull them out to recharge them. I love the handle system on the batteries because it does not require you to stick your fingers deep inside the machine and pry them out, as is the case with other brands.

Each battery also has a charge indicator that tells you how much life is left in each one. The 4 Ah battery that comes with this mower can easily be popped off and used with other Toro battery-powered tools, which is very convenient. I have not yet tried the 10 Ah battery with other handheld 60V Max Toro tools because they are simply heavier and probably overkill for my needs.

The battery run time on this zero-turn mower depends on the conditions you are facing in your yard. For example, taller, thick or wet grass will decrease the run time on this mower. If you are working with dry, thin grass like a lot of grasses in the Southeast, then you will certainly get more run time.

When I used the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter on my lawn, which is about half an acre, I had no problems. I then took it over to my neighbor’s yard, which is also half an acre, and mowed it with no problem. When I brought the mower back to my garage and checked the battery life, there was a sliver left in each battery. Nice!

Toro advertises a 1.3-acre coverage area for their battery run time. I think this is pretty consistent with what I experienced, although I will be curious to see how it performs in a year or two from now.

The Perfect Cutting Deck

Toro’s 42-inch cutting deck is a sight for sore eyes. When they unloaded it from the trailer to deliver it to my house, my wife gave me a, “where on Earth are we going to store this?” look. Luckily, the mower fit perfectly in an empty space in my garage.

The cutting deck comes in at 3 1/2-ft. wide means that it takes three times fewer passes on my lawn, compared to most other electric mowers. I was amazed at how this compared to my normal push mower and how wide the paths that I was mowing were. Even compared to zero-turn lawn mowers that boast a 32 to 36-inch cutting width–this was a noticeable difference.

The deck is also nearly the same IronForged deck as the gas-powered Toro TimeCutter, which is extremely solid and well-built. After all, the deck has been around for a very long time and Toro has perfected it. Toro even has bulletproof belts that operate the blades and nice wheels to support the width of the deck.

Mowing Experience

Hopping on and starting the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter was an otherworldly experience. The sound the mower makes at startup is neither particularly pleasant nor quiet, but it is much better than a gas-powered zero-turn mower.

One thing I loved about this mower is how unique of an experience it is to turn on and use. While it looks identical to a gas-powered zero-turn, it was extremely easy to get started. One of my friends came over while I was testing this mower out and I let him take it for a spin. The first thing he commented on was how he wasn’t going to smell like gas after using it. I had never considered that, but between the easy start, the remarkable speed and the cutting ability, it felt like an added bonus.

The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter also comes with a few bells and whistles. One thing I noticed immediately was a cupholder. I know it sounds petty, but if you are out in the sun and trying to mow, having a place to put a water bottle is very convenient.

Something I wish the TimeCutter had is armrests. If you have used a zero-turn mower before, you know how tired your arms can get if you have to keep them held up and pushing the controls forward. The gas-powered version of this zero-turn mower does have armrests, so I’m not sure why the electric version dropped them.

How We Tested the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter

I tested the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter the best way possible–in my own yard. I have about half of an acre of land between my front and back yards. I took this zero-turn out to my backyard and tested it around all of the expansive and curvy garden beds I have. I then took it around to my front yard and let it get some action by mulching some leaves I never got around to cleaning up. After the mower proved itself in my yard, I took the liberty of mowing my next-door neighbor’s yard as well. My neighbor also has a half-acre yard but has a slight upward slant to their lawn, which helped me test out the suspension system and traction of the wheels.

I was very impressed with how this mower handled the slight slant and even more impressed with how comfortable it was. I didn’t get tossed around by bumps, transitions from pavement to grass or going up and down hills. The maneuverability in my yard when mowing around the curvy garden beds made me feel like I was driving a Formula One car, with tight steering that was surprisingly responsive for a mower that’s as wide as some cars.

Pros

• Easy to start
• Wide cutting deck
• Battery system that can be used with multiple tools
• Little-to-no maintenance
• Durable footplate and frame
• Highly responsive steering
• Classic design with a new electric feel

Cons

• Charge time requires about four hours for all batteries
• No arm rests

FAQ

Does the Toro TimeCutter come with a floating deck?

Yes, the Toro TimeCutter has a deep floating deck that is responsive to slight bumps and hills.

What is the total width of this mower?

The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter has a total width of the mower is 45 inches, 42 inches of which mows. This is enough clearance to still fit into your garage or shed but wide enough to tackle some serious acreage efficiently.

What other experts and reviewers had to say

Sean Stebar, a product manager at Toro, touts the benefits of the 60V Max TimeCutter. He says, “This is the first battery-powered ZTR to our residential lineup of mowers. The 60V Max TimeCutter is built on the popular TimeCutter platform, and can hold its own when it comes to the power and speed of its gas-powered counterparts.”

I reached out to my lawn mowing expert colleague, Tyler at The Lawn Review, to get his thoughts. He actually came over to my house a week or two after I tested this mower out and was blown away by both the gas and electric versions of the Toro TimeCutter. His experience was similar to mine but he made a really good point about the speed. Most zero-turn mowers max out at 5 or 6 MPH. The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter clocks in at about 7 MPH. I know this does not seem like a major difference but it is a 15-20% increase in speed and is noticeable if you have used as many zero-turns as Alex and me.

Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Riding Mower vs John Deere Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Toro’s 60V Max TimeCutter is a first-of-its-kind zero-turn mower from the classic manufacturer. We’ve heard John Deere is releasing a zero-turn mower as well and are excited to see what features this mower will have as compared to their gas-powered editions, as well as Toro’s TimeCutter.

I imagine that John Deere will take a similar approach as Toro: Use the frame and design of their classic, trusted mowers to create an electric equivalent that rules. It will be hard for John Deere to replicate the same mowing experience and suspension system that Toro accomplished with their MyRide suspension system, but I’m excited to see what they will do to compete in this space.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend the electric Toro TimeCutter? Absolutely. This mower was so much fun to use and is an amazing step forward for the electric lawn care industry.

In particular, I recommend this zero-turn mower to homeowners with one to two acres who are looking for a reliable, quiet, low-hassle mower that is a blast to use. If you are sick of smelling like gas, fidgeting with oil changes and other yearly maintenance, and want to step up your electric game, the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter is an amazing place to start.

Where to Buy the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower

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Toro 60V Max TimeCutter MyRide Zero-Turn Mower

The 60V Max is the first electric zero-turn lawn mower from the popular lawn care company Toro.

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Since the 60V Max TimeCutter is brand-spanking-new, it can only be purchased through the Toro website or at a local registered Toro dealer.

The post Toro Zero-Turn Mower Review: We Tried Toro’s First Electric Riding Mower and It Was Well Worth the Wait appeared first on Family Handyman.

Many are niche tools, such as a pole saw that might only be pulled into the rotation once or twice a year. Some tools, like the hedge trimmer, may make their appearance quarterly. Others are mainstays that get their time in the limelight nearly every weekend (yeah, we’re talking about you string trimmers and edgers).

But why so many tools? And consequently, so many batteries and gas and oil mixtures? Husqvarna, as well as other manufacturers, has been trying to solve this problem for residential users for a couple decades. And now, that time has come. Enter the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK. This miracle tool features a power head designed to take on multiple attachments specific to the job at hand.

What is the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK?

With so much equipment cluttering your shed or garage, the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK is like a panacea for tool disorderliness. You can take back your tool shed and rest at ease knowing that you haven’t broken the bank on buying a once-a-year tool. Combi tools have changed my world as a residential user. I keep my regulars close at hand and when the time comes for outliers, they’re within reach and easy to use.

I can use my string trimmer and edger on a weekly basis as I normally would. When needed, I can swap out the tool for a pole saw, broom or dethatcher—just to name a few. I get all this with essentially one tool.

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Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK

With this power head, the tool attachments (and possibilities) are endless.

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The Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK is what’s referred to as a combination—or “combi”—tool. It utilizes a power head on which you can attach other tools. In this case, the power head is a cordless 40V battery operated system that works with all Husqvarna’s 40V power tools. There are a multitude of tools that can be attached directly to the power head.

For example, let’s say you have completed weeding using a string trimmer and want to switch to the edger attachment. The next step is to loosen the securement screw and slide off the string trimmer. You attach the edger, secure the screw, and you’re ready to edge.

Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK Features

The Combi 330iK power source works with all of Husqvarna’s 40V battery operated systems. This tool, however, is a bit different than a “one-purpose” tool in that it accepts different attachments to the power head. But, if you have other 40V Husqvarna equipment such as a full-size chain saw, then you have the bonus of sharing the battery power with your Combi 330iK.

A plethora of attachments are available for the Combi, including:

• Blower
• Hedge Trimmer
• Edger
• String Trimmer
• Cultivator
• Pole Saw
• Dethatcher
• Weed Scissor
• Sweeper

The securement screw offers peace of mind when wielding a pole saw overhead as well keeping tools tightly fastened to the power head. The 40V of power makes it capable of running all of the attachments that are available—even the some of the power hogs like blowers and chain saws. The power head uses Husqvarna’s proprietary cooling technology, and each attachment is equipped with the same features as the manufacturer’s gasoline powered tools, such as an X-Cut chain on the pole saw for optimal cutting.

How We Tested It

We tested Husqvarna’s Combi Switch 330iK with a pole saw and an edger. The edger is the type of tool that I’ve often thought of as superfluous to my lawn manicuring collection. I’ve made it this long without an edger and have managed to get by with my string trimmer to edge around my patios and driveways.

Testing With Edger

However, when I put the edger to work, I was immediately amazed at how easy it was to make clean, straight lines. Suddenly my string trimmer edge work looked akin to a drunk trying to cut a straight line. Putting my pride aside, I carried on as the edger ate through larger chunks of grass, all while NOT spewing bits of grass and rock onto my legs.

Testing With Pole Saw

I’ve always managed to get by with my manual pole saw so I wondered what a powered pole saw would add to the mix. I worried the weight of the tool at the end of the pole might prove unwieldly, but with the aid of the over-the-shoulder strap, it was really easy to leverage into position. Even without the strap, the pole saw was well-balanced and easy to maneuver through mazes of branches.

I first tested the pole saw on an obvious candidate: 5-inch diameter branches on a willow tree. It was effortless to take the branches off at the exact, desired location. My manual pole saw suddenly seemed like a labor-intensive, superfluous tool in comparison.

I moved on to some long pines and loved how useful the pole was to remove branches that where only a few feet off the ground. I didn’t have to get into the branches myself and let the tool do the work of removing the low hanging branches so that I could get close to the base of the tree and work on higher branches. It also opened up the area enough so that I could check for unwanted surprise me, like snakes!

I even tried the pole saw on palm fronds and lemon grass. It ate through both like butter. The lemon grass has a tendency to “gum” up my full size chain saw and, surprisingly, did not gum up the pole saw despite its diminutive size.

Pros

• Cordless
• Long extension pole
• Straight edges on sidewalks
• Plenty of power
• Both tools are sharp

Cons

• Must change out attachments
• Must keep batteries charged

FAQ

Are all Husqvarna batteries interchangeable?

All Husquvarna 40V power tools are interchangeable, meaning that you can use one battery on multiple tools.

How thick of a branch can an electric pole saw cut?

The length of the cutting bar dictates how thick of a branch can be cut. Of course more power also means more cutting strength. Most pole saws are capable of cutting branches between 3 and 8 inches in diameter.

What is the difference between electric and gas pole saws?

Gas pole saws are powered by two-cycle engines and run a mixture of oil and gas. They require more maintenance than electric models, but they are far more powerful. Electric pole saws typically run on battery power and require less maintenance. Electric pole saws do, however, still require chain oil.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Five star reviewer CC Reviews says, “I was really surprised how powerful and well this weed whacker is. I never had a battery powered one and I am not disappointed.”

“This is a great string trimmer. It is very sturdy and well-made, and definitely feels like a professional. The detachable head is simple to get on and off so should not be an issue. Swapping out different attachments. So far no issue with battery life. Battery is big and the trimmer is very powerful,” states, Osprey, another reviewer on Amazon.

Product Comparison

As far as combination tools go, the Husqvarna sports a more secure attachment mechanism than many attachment-taking tools that simply use compression to hold the attachment to the power head. Additionally, since it uses the same power as other Husqvarna single use tools, the device has the same capabilities, whereas some other combination tools may have attachments that are under-powered when connected to a power head.

Final Verdict

It’s official—I’m breaking up with my manual pole saw. I don’t even have to break a sweat to trim a multitude of trees with the Combi 330iK. While I’m not going to break up with my string trimmer, I am discontinuing it for edging. I’d love to add the Husquvarna Combi Switch 330iK to my tool set and free my shed of a hoard of single-use tools.

Where to Buy the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK

The Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK power head head and all the attachments has just been released and can be purchased through the Husqvarna website or on Amazon.

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The post Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK Review: It’s Official, I’m Breaking Up With My String Trimmer and Chain Saw appeared first on Family Handyman.

HibisQs Tropical Hibiscus

New from Costa Farms, this line features something hibiscus are not known for: long-lasting flowers.

While a typical hibiscus flower lasts a day, those on HibisQs persist for two, three or even four days, depending on the variety and the climate. Plants also have better branching for a fuller, lusher look that offers more flowers over the growing season.

“In frost-free regions, HibisQs varieties are excellent flowering hedges, foundation plants and as evergreen, year-round-flowering shrubs in mixed beds and borders,” says Hancock.

“In colder zones, they stay much smaller since they have just the one growing season, and can be effectively used as annuals in beds and borders, or as container plants to beautify balconies, decks, patios and porches.”

Selections in the series include:

• Adonicus Pink, with five-inch-wide rich-pink flowers;
• Apollo Garden, a stunner with five- to six-inch-wide orange flowers edged in golden yellow;
• Constellation Ursa, producing a bounty of five-inch-wide flowers, up to twice as many as older varieties;
• Grace, which shows off six-inch-wide pink flowers edged in white and bearing rich, reddish-pink centers.

HibisQs Tropical Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) is from the Malvaceae family and grows two to four feet tall and wide, depending on variety. It likes full sun and moist, well-drained soil with slightly acid pH. Plants, which flower all summer if given enough light, come in a range of colors (see above). Hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, they can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cold climates.

“Their tropical nature even makes them suitable as houseplants if you have a high-light spot for them inside,” Hancock says. “High light levels will ensure the plants stay healthy, don’t get too stretched over winter and produce occasional blooms.”

Fizzy Mizzy Virginia Sweetspire

This new shrub from Spring Meadow Nursery is slightly unconventional because the flower spikes face upward rather than sideways or downward, as is typically seen on Virginia Sweetspire.

The thick, dark-green leaves contrast nicely with the lightly fragrant, pure-white blooms. With its neat, tidy habit and small size, Fizzy Mizzy makes a fine container specimen.

“This compact, native, pollinator-friendly shrub is adaptable to most garden soils so long as it’s not too alkaline,” Wood says. “It is also at home in wet soils, so if you have a wet area in your yard, such as near a downspout or in a ditch, this plant will love it.”

Wood recommends planting it in groups to reduce weeding and mulching. “Match it up with moisture-loving perennials such as cardinal flowers, golden variegated sweet flag or hosta, and the rich, red autumn foliage will make a great contrast,” he says.

Fizzy Mizzy Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘SMNIVMM’) is a member of the Iteaceae family and matures to two to three feet in height and width. It takes full sun to shade and prefers evenly moist soil with acid to neutral pH. The white bottlebrush flowers appear in early summer on this plant, which is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.

Center Stage Pink Crapemyrtle

Center Stage Pink is part of a series of blooming crapemyrtles that do well in the South and North. It was one of the best performers in University of Florida trials, with vigorous growth, improved branching and better heat tolerance. It also had good mildew resistance.

“The early, dark-leaved crape introductions were a breeding breakthrough,” Wood says. “However, they’re notorious for their course branching, mildew susceptibility and late flowering. This new series addresses all those issues and more.”

In Florida, the plants flowered three times in a season compared to older varieties that bloomed once. In the North, Center Stage Pink can be grown as a root-hardy perennial. It will die back to the ground each winter, then arise and flower the following growing season.

“In Michigan, these crapes behave just like a perennial,” Wood says. “Prune out the dead stems in spring and fresh, new growth will emerge with lots of flowers from mid-to-late summer. Even the hardiest of the National Arboretum varieties don’t flower that far north.”

Center Stage Pink Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘SMNLIG’) belongs to the Lythraceae family and grows six- to 12 feet tall and eight feet wide. This shrub likes full sun and moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. The dark purple foliage sets off the intensely pink flowers, which appear in summer. Plants are hardy in Zones 6b to 10.

El Niño Chitalpa

This new, bushy shrub (or miniature tree) from Spring Meadow Nursery is easy to grow and beautiful to look at. That’s because the heat- and drought-tolerant shrub is a cross between two tough species: desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), known for tolerating the poor soils and dry heat of the Southwest, and Catalpa, which performs in more humid climates like North Carolina, without signs of mildew.

“This unique, hybrid shrub blows people away because it’s nothing they’ve seen before,” says Wood. “The long-blooming, purple flower clusters are big and bold, but the perfumed fragrance will draw you in and make you a true fan.”

Wood sees a lot of potential for El Niño Chitalpa in the home landscape.

“You can limb up this shrub and train it into a small patio tree, or you can cut it back in early spring, like you’d grow a butterfly bush, to force a lot of stems and flowers,” he says. “It will thrive in the full sun and the heat of L.A. or Tucson, but it will also thrive in Boston or New York City. I suspect it will go as far north as Chicago if treated like a perennial.”

El Niño Chitalpa (x Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘NCXC1’) is a member of the Bignoniaceae family. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall and four to six feet wide and will take any well-drained soil in a range of pH levels. The large, fragrant, orchid-like flowers appear in late spring and early summer, then sporadically throughout the summer. It is hardy in Zones 6 to 9.

Paraplu Pink Ink Rose of Sharon

With its jumbo, glowing flowers, Paraplu Pink Ink creates a major impact in the garden.

“While most older rose of Sharon plants have paper-thin flowers with a small, burgundy eye in the center of the bloom, this flower has a big splash of red and pink hues that radiate out like tie-dye, across thick, pure white petals,” says Wood. “The bright flowers pop against the dark foliage.”

This rose of Sharon is narrower, denser and more compact than its brethren. “It fits neatly into residential gardens,” Wood says. “Use it as an accent plant, a low hedge, or as a foundation plant. In milder climates, put it into a decorative container on the patio to create Independence Day flowering fireworks.”

Paraplu Pink Ink Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Minsywhi07’) is a member of Malvaceae family. It grows five to eight feet tall and four feet wide and needs no pruning. Give it full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acid to neutral pH. The large white flowers with red and pink markings appear in summer. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8.

Pearls of Perfume Mock Orange

When in bloom, this deciduous shrub fills the air with an intense citrusy orange blossom scent that appeals to bees and butterflies, as well as people.

Abundant clusters of large, pure white double flowers decorate dense branches on this Jackson & Perkins introduction. The long-lasting, sweet-scented flowers can be added to floral arrangements.

Pearls of Perfume has a compact, upright habit that makes an excellent specimen or “thriller” in a container garden. It also works great when massed in mixed beds, borders or foundation plantings. An easy-care plant, Pearls of Perfume is disease-resistant and does not require pruning.

Pearls of Perfume Mock Orange (Philadelphus hybrid ‘G15097’) is a member of the Philadelphaceae family. It reaches about four feet tall and two feet wide. It does best with full sun and organically rich, moist soil, but adapts to dappled shade and a range of soil types and pH levels as long as they’re well-drained.

Pearls of Perfume offers bright white flowers in early spring, then reblooms through summer. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.

Kilamandjaro Sunrise Viburnum

Another Jackson & Perkins introduction with multiple seasons of interest, this deciduous shrub features an attractive layered appearance with a multi-stemmed habit of tiered, horizontal branches.

Flat-topped white flower clusters are borne all along the branches and appear “doublefile,” with one on each side of a node. In midsummer, large, glossy red fruits follow, providing sustenance for birds.

Another bonus: Foliage turns fiery red in fall. It’s a spectacular specimen but looks equally fine when grouped in beds, borders or foundation plantings. It can even be massed as a hedge or privacy screen.

Kilamandjaro Sunrise Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘JWW 5’) is commonly called snowball bush or doublefile viburnum and belongs to the Adoxaceae family. Maturing at seven feet tall and three feet wide, it has a dense habit that is more upright and conical than the species.

It grows in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. White flowers appear in late spring and summer on this shrub, which is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.

Autumn Moonstruck Encore Azalea

This addition to the line of Encore Azaleas is a four-season standout, with a lengthy season of bloom and variegated evergreen foliage all year. The name acknowledges their repeat blooms, which dazzle season after season.

“This variety’s spring bloom is its heaviest bloom, producing a shower of ethereal white semi-double blooms atop stable variegated foliage infused with golden-green hues,” says Lee, inventor of Encore Azaleas and the breeder who developed Autumn Moonstruck.

Flowers reappear in midsummer and continue until first frost in some areas. Lee notes the white flowers “are especially captivating in fall when they pop against autumn colors.”

With its tidy, upright habit, Autumn Moonstruck requires little to no pruning. It’s ideal for hedges and borders or slipping into an existing bed as an accent plant.

“One fun and on-trend way to use Autumn Moonstruck is in a moon garden with other white-blooming plants like camellia and gardenia,” Lee says. “White-blooming plants capture the last beams of light at twilight and stand out to nighttime pollinators, so they’re a fun pick in moon gardens.”

Autumn Moonstruck Encore Azalea (Rhododendron hybrid ‘Roblezf’ ) grows five feet tall by four feet wide and accepts filtered shade and sunlight.

“For optimal blooms, give Autumn Moonstruck four to six hours of direct sunlight,” Lee says. “Morning sunlight is preferable, and we recommend some shade during the afternoon heat.”

This variety does best in evenly moist soil but develops more drought tolerance once established. An acid soil in a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0 is best. Autumn Moonstruck Encore Azalea shows off 2.5-in. single white blooms in spring, summer and fall. It’s hardy in Zones 7a to 10b.

Butterscotch Baby Spirea

Japanese spireas don’t always inspire a second look, but visitors to Monrovia’s trial gardens seemed to take a liking to this one.

Butterscotch Baby Spirea undergoes intriguing color transformations. New growth emerges a warm, caramel-butterscotch color, then transitions to bright chartreuse green in summer. That serves as a backdrop for the bright pink flowers until the caramel-red color returns in fall.

“This variety is exceptionally compact, and it has such wonderful foliage color,” says McConnell.

With its compact habit, Butterscotch Baby Spirea can fit into a variety of garden situations — from foundations and borders to residing among bedding annuals or rock garden plants. “Spirea is really versatile, and this one even more so because of the size,” McConnell says.

Butterscotch Baby Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘MINSPIZ02’) is a member of the Rosaceae family, growing 18 inches tall by two feet wide. It does best in full sun in any well-drained soil with acid to neutral to slightly alkaline pH, putting forth bright pink flowers in spring.

“Spirea is so easy to grow, there’s not much to know,” McConnell says. “It’s not fussy about soil and doesn’t need much care. A light trim once the flowers have stopped blooming will tidy it up.” Butterscotch Baby is hardy in Zones 4 to 9.

Banana Split Daphne

This Monrovia introduction features variegated leaves with wide, creamy yellow edging.

“We love the foliage of this variegated variety,” says McConnell. “It really brightens up shady spots in the garden. And, of course, it has those early blooms with a heavenly scent that daphnes are prized for.”

The foliage makes the perfect foil for the sweetly fragrant blooms, which start out as rosy pink buds and open to beautiful white. Banana Split Daphne can be used wherever its beauty and fragrance can be appreciated — say, near a window or lining a walkway or patio.

“This is a great option under the dappled shade of trees,” McConnell says. “It also makes a good foundation plant on the north or northeast side of a house.”

Banana Split Daphne (Daphne odora ‘Monzulzay’) is a member of the Thymelaeaceae family, maturing at about four feet tall and wide. It accepts full shade, filtered shade, part shade or part sun and likes a fast-draining, sandy loam soil with neutral pH. It blooms in late winter or early spring, depending on region, and is hardy in Zones 7 to 9.

“Daphnes can be a little particular,” McConnell says. “Make sure the soil is moist and rich but very well-drained. Dapple sun or morning sun and afternoon shade are the best options. It does not like hot and dry, and should be protected from desiccating winds.”

Seaside Serenade Kitty Hawk Hydrangea

The newest member of the Seaside Serenade hydrangea collection from Monrovia is a showy rebloomer featuring mophead clusters of flowers. Flower clusters emerge lime green, then turn a beautiful hue of soft pink in alkaline soils or purple to blue in acidic soils.

“Kitty Hawk has nice, big mophead blooms, and the bracts form a really unique star shape,” says McConnell. “They start a light lime green before blushing pink, so you get a nice two-toned look. It’s really lovely.”

The thick, deep-green foliage doesn’t wilt in the afternoon heat, giving Kitty Hawk true staying power. The blooms are great in cut-flower arrangements, and the compact, bushy habit of this shrub helps it serve a variety of roles.

“This is a must-have in a cottage garden,” McConnell says. “Add it into an eclectic mixed border planting, or plant en masse with a simple palette for an elegant look.”

Seaside Serenade Kitty Hawk Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hokomapfloy’) belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, growing three- to four-feet tall and wide. It grows in part sun, filtered sun or part shade and prefers an enriched, evenly moist, well-drained soil but adapts to a range of pH levels. It blooms in summer and is hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

The post Cool New Shrubs To Grow in Your Yard appeared first on Family Handyman.

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Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

With new features, the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is designed to handle large yards.

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What Is the 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE?

The Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE is designed to handle larger yards and is even capable of some smaller commercial landscaping projects. While many folks with about half an acre opt for zero-turn mowers, this mower can easily handle over an acre in a modest time. I’ve experienced using quite a few zero-turn mowers in the past (my website is called The Lawn Review, after all), so when I finally ordered the mower, I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Like a kid on Christmas morning, I eagerly awaited the delivery of my TimeCutter with MyRIDE from my local Toro dealer. When it arrived, the team unloaded it from the truck. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I walked over, hopped on board, twisted the key and fired it up.

The experience of starting this zero-turn mower was unlike my previous experience with the older model of the Toro TimeCutter. Something about this mower felt more solid and rugged than the models of the past. The combination of the massive 42-inch cutting deck and 25-horsepower (HP) engine with the super thick footplate and deck made it feel like I was in a tank.

Frankly, the older Toro TimeCutter model felt a bit stripped down and basic compared to the 2024 model. If you had the opportunity to use one in the past, you would’ve felt that it was not the most comfortable ride.

After accelerating, I realized just how responsive the mower was to adjustments in speed. After a quick drive around my driveway, I took it over to my lawn to have some fun mowing.

Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE Features

The TimeCutter has many classic features that you would expect from a popular and reliable zero-turn mower, but also significant upgrades in key areas.

Starting with Toro’s consistent themes on its zero-turn mower series, the 42-inch TimeCutter has a powerful 25-HP Kohler engine. Kohler has mastered small engines like those in pressure washers and dirt bikes, so it’s no surprise Toro trusted its engineering for a high-powered riding mower engine. The classic Smart Speed Technology found on the TimeCutter remains a featured element of the 2024 model. For context, it’s an easy-to-use speed control that changes the upper limit of how quickly you accelerate using the steering bars. Lastly, Toro wisely stuck with the tool-less belt cover and wet spray-blocking fenders that enable you to better protect sensitive mechanical parts from grass and other debris.

New to the 2024 Toro TimeCutter are various features that “level up” the mowing experience. For starters (and perhaps my favorite), the TimeCutter now comes with armrests. I know it sounds trivial, but after mowing for 30 to 45 minutes, my elbows start looking for a place to rest. Armrests make a huge difference in the mowing experience, especially when paired with the all-new cup holders. I like that the brand has made small tweaks that resonate with the operator to make mowing a more enjoyable experience.

Toro has also bolstered its MyRIDE suspension system, making it a highly visible component of the 2024 TimeCutter. The suspension system is a great feature that increases or decreases the “bounciness” of the ride. The impact of the MyRIDE suspension system is a night and day difference compared to older models. Instead of slowing down to mow hilly or bumpy areas, I can power through without feeling like I’m riding on top of a bucking bronco.

Speaking of powering through, the new IronForged Deck is a noticeable design difference that highlights an extremely thick cutting deck with an even thicker footplate on top. The footplate sits on top of the cutting deck attached to the MyRIDE suspension system so that both the seat and your feet are in sync as you approach bumps in your path.

Lastly, there are two small features that most folks take for granted that are still highly valuable: an easy start and seamless deck height adjustment. The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is extremely easy to start, which is not always given with a gas-powered lawn tool. Similarly, the deck height adjustment can also be tricky on zero-turns, given the weight of the cutting deck and the many different heights that can be used. The TimeCutter has an effortless deck height adjustment that, again, is a refreshing deviation from my experience with other zero-turn mowers.

How We Tested Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

After the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE was delivered, I quickly poured some gas into the tank and started it immediately. As I mentioned, the easy start-up was a welcomed surprise, given the mower was coming straight out of the box. After a few orienting movements around my driveway, I excitedly headed toward my front lawn at full speed.

I have a little over a half-acre lawn, so having a zero-turn mower gets the job done in about 10 minutes, whereas a push mower is easily a 45-minute cutting job. For someone with little ones at home, using a zero-turn mower helps me get back inside the house as quickly as possible to get back to doing the things I love with the people I love.

Starting with my front yard, I quickly made vertical passes along the length of my lawn, extending out to the street and then back to my front garden beds. A huge benefit to zero-turn mowers is that they’re easy to navigate around garden beds and trees without having to make multiple maneuvers or miss a spot. Luckily, my front yard is not very complex and easy to mow quickly.

I then whipped around to my backyard, which has multiple structures and garden beds and is smaller than my front yard. For this portion of the Toro TimeCutter testing, I had to move much slower to navigate complex garden bed edges. The TimeCutter handled these curves like a champ and mulched several leaves in the process. This mower will become my weekly mower, without a doubt. I also often mow my mother-in-law’s lawn when she’s out of town for a portion of the year. Loading and unloading this onto my trailer is an absolute breeze and saves me a ton of time compared to hauling my old push mower over to her house.

After I finished mowing, I walked my lawn to see if I missed any spots. I didn’t find any glaring spots in most of my yard, but I did notice that the areas I can cut with my push mower (like garden borders, sidewalks, and driveways) had a few missed spots. I blame the TimeCutter less for these missed spots and more so myself for being overly cautious using this mower for the first time. With a bit of practice, I see myself being able to get every single blade that I could get with my push mower.

Another thing I love about this zero-turn mower is its ability to fit between tight spaces. At 42 inches wide, the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is about 3.5 feet wide and can fit into my garage and even my shed (once I clean it out). It also fits easily between most gates, which is a huge consideration for homeowners who want to mow their backyard but can’t fit a normal zero-turn mower between the posts. Many zero-turn mowers have been returned once this was attempted and failed. So, 42 inches is a great width for parking in the garage, placing comfortably on a trailer or putting under a covered area of a porch.

Pros

• MyRIDE suspension system adjusts the “bounciness” of the mower
• Armrests paired with cup holders makes mowing more enjoyable
• Thick steel and quality construction
• Easy speed adjustment
• Many modifications available
• Simple to start
• Safety mechanism deploys when you leave the seat and automatically turns off the blades of the mower
• Deck height adjustment is extremely easy
• Very responsive to turns and acceleration

Cons

• Doesn’t have headlights
• No storage compartment
• Mine pulls to the left a bit

FAQ

What kind of engine is on the Toro TimeCutter?

The Toro 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE has a 25-HP Kohler engine.

What kind of oil does a Toro TimeCutter take?

The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE takes 10W-30 oil and can hold 80 ounces.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

After reading some of the customer reviews from buyers, I saw that most folks are extremely satisfied with their purchase. Like my experience, many buyers cite how much the zero-turn mower cut down their mowing time compared to their push mower. Others talk about the suspension system and how comfortable the Toro TimeCutter is with the new armrests and the smooth ride. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the handling is incredible. It is highly sensitive, but it also feels like you have complete and total control over the mower. With a zero-turn, you often see delayed reactions in the turns or harsh jolts when steering and stopping. The TimeCutter somehow completely mitigates that through a combination of suspension and speed control systems.

Product Comparison: Toro TimeCutter vs. Cub Cadet ZT1

The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE and the Cub Cadet ZT1 mower are popular residential zero-turn mowers. The Cub Cadet is a quality mower and has been touted as extremely comfortable and easy to use.

In 2023, I would have suggested the Cub Cadet is the superior mower, given the comfort levels and my experience. However, the new upgrades to the Toro TimeCutter have made it a supremely comfortable ride and heavier duty than the Cub Cadet ZT1. I had a friend who used his Cub Cadet ZT1 and subsequently had the frame crack. The frame shouldn’t crack. Toro’s super heavy-duty steel frame will not crack and should be more flexible.

Final Verdict

The Toro TimeCutter stepped up its game in a major way in 2024. From the reinforced cutting deck, iron forged footplate and creature comfort upgrades, Toro has reimagined the TimeCutter to become one of the best zero-turn mowers of the year. I loved testing out the TimeCutter 4225, and I will definitely be making this my go-to mower.

Where to Buy the Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

VIA MERCHANT

We Tried It

Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

Updates to this lawn mower make it feel like a true heavy-duty, luxurious piece of equipment.

Shop at Lowe's

Shop at Ace Hardware

Shop at Tractor Supply Co

The 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE is listed for about $4,400. It’s a little more expensive than a middle-of-the-pack choice for this size zero-turn mow. You can purchase this zero-turn at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply Co.

The post We Tried the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE, Zero Turn Mower; Here’s Our Unfiltered Review appeared first on Family Handyman.