LMF and general discussions

[jenkinsph]

I have participated in the forum here for awhile and note that mast of the discussions are machine related rather than lawn care and landscaping. I have been looking for good discussions and the chance to learn more about actual site work, seeding information, tips and tricks wtc. Posted a couple of projects with only one response.

Curious about this, it seems discussion could be more interesting with a wider scope of topics. What do you guys think?

 

[KennyV]

Your likely right that most are machine related... Lots of mechanical problems...
In the spring there seems to be an increase in growing/planting and associated discussions...
The fall has some but for the most part, I think the, follow the label on the package, just about finishes the average persons projects....

I do enjoy the actual project postings, and try to follow them, even if I may not add anything to the particular thread... I still feel I have gained something in reading most of them....

My seeding prep work use to be as high tech as dragging an old bed spring set to level and distribute the seed, as bed springs became harder to come across, that method was replaced with a section of welded wire fence or chain link weighted down with what ever was available... I know there have to be more and newer methods, and I do like to read about what is/has worked for others...:smile:KennyV

 

[LandN]

I have participated in the forum here for awhile and note that mast of the discussions are machine related rather than lawn care and landscaping. I have been looking for good discussions and the chance to learn more about actual site work, seeding information, tips and tricks wtc. Posted a couple of projects with only one response.

Curious about this, it seems discussion could be more interesting with a wider scope of topics. What do you guys think?

HI jenkinsph,i also have to wonder why, as we have a landscaping section and commercial lawn business section where a lot of proffesional people would be on to discuss their techniques. probably during their peak season they(pro landscapers)are sssooooo busy that they don't have time to chime in with information,ikn. i know for sure that one day if i can get my wife to let me rip the entire yard up(trees,hedges, flower beds,deck, excess concrete, etc) and start from scratch, i will certainly be needing info and tips and i would wecome any and all tips and tricks. b u t ....I have to start from scratch and not just piece it together at different times.plus i have to dig my front yard to replace tile from the tree roots.:biggrin:

 

[RobertBrown]

I think that landscaping is a perfect fit here. The few threads I've made regarding weed problems and general landscaping issues didn't get many responses. I think that most would rather wrench than mow, dig, plow, pull, and sow.
Another obstacle is the size of the forum verses the variety of of geographically specific options and issues. In other words: What works at 7000 ft in New Mexico is of no use to those of us in the deep south. Or the bedding plants we use here are completely foreign to someone in Idaho. So I'm sure it will be slow at first but as the forum grows so will the contributions.
I for one would like to see it and would do my best to make it work.
Have at it Jenkins! Start us off. Based on what i seen in your pictures and posts you are the most qualified.

 

[jenkinsph]

I wan't to thank all of you for your responses.

Kenny, lots of good drags out there to smoooth and cover with I built this 8' 3ph spike tooth harrow for $250 and is what I use to cover seeds in open areas. I also use a pine straw rake with good results too.


LandN, in my locale there are very few existing lawns worth salvaging so most of the lawns I have to put in from scratch. I am also a master plumber soLet me know if I can be of help to you.


Robert, while there are some geographical differences most things do crossover well. I should add that I am a native of New Orleans and have farmed in the deep south around Pike County MS. In New Mexico we don't grow St Augustine grass and don't have any Azaleas(spelling?) but there are lots of other similarities that carry over. People in the deep south have much more interest in a nice lawn than most of my neighbors here. I got fed up with it and built my own. Also thanks for the compliment.

 

[jenkinsph]

Kenny, just noticed I left out a picture of the 8' wide 3ph harrow I built for $250 including all hardware. It has 5/8" sucker rod for the teeth which hold up very well.

Notice the new lawn in the background, you will see the results (tracks) of the harrow teeth covering the seed. These smoothed up grew together within about 3 or 4 months. Using harrow teeth to cover the seed will help with keeping the seed spread evenly. Drags will often leave bare spots in your lawn with pockets of seed in the depressions.

 

[KennyV]

Nice small spike harrow...
I have some large AG type spike sections i have thought about making smaller like that... It looks like it works very well :thumbsup:
:smile:KennyV

 

[jenkinsph]

Here is the pine straw rake too, I have used it to cover seed with good success and plan on cutting this one down to about 4 1/2' wide to rake between the trees and buy another new psr from EverythingAttachments with replaceable tines. If I put two 42# suitcase weights on it this does a good job with Fescue seed.

 

[KennyV]

I have read about those rakes... it looks like it does a great job.... I had, wrongly assumed it was just another name for a landscape rake...

I do like EverythingAttachments ... Ted has some great YouTube videos. Everything Attachments - YouTube
I missed his How To Assemble Your Everything Attachments Pine Needle Rake... else I would have known what type rake it is.... :smile:KennyV

 

[jenkinsph]

Kenny,

The pine straw rake whether the Lienbach or Ted's is an inexpensive tool/implement that does a great job. It is a handy tool to have and is well within the reach of home owners and works well with garden tractors. There aren't many $300 to #350 dollar implements that will benefit you as much as the psr rake. Mine gets alot of use on my property as well as my customers property.

I have posted this before but look how well one pass with the rake does. This picture was taken on a customers yard that had sat vacant for a couple of years, Without water and care the pine needles were smothering out the grass. This yard is a work in progress and looks better today. Just want to be clear that the rake doesn't pull out grass or harm it in any way.