Help Me Take Care Of My Lawn!

Spring has sprung!  Of course, living in Utah, we can never be 100% sure that one last snowstorm will sneak up on us, but for all intents and purposes, we are on the eve of a summer of outdoor fun and adventure.  One of the first steps to segue into spring and summer is by taking care of your lawn, which may or may not have been as battered as normal due to our mild winter.

When caring for your lawn, it's important take the appropriate steps to make sure that it is healthy, green, and beautiful.  Follow the basic steps below to ensure that your lawn is ready for summer barbecues, flag football games, and more.

1.     Follow the One-Third Rule – NEVER cut your grass more than one-third of its current height.  Taking more than that one-third is traumatizing on the grass plant and will lead to unhealthy, dying grass that is hard to treat.  If your lawn needs to be cut by more than this one-third rule of thumb, you can do it in stages over a few days.

2.     Cut Your Grass to the Highest Acceptable Height – By cutting your grass a little longer, you are ensuring that it retains water more than if it were short.  More retained water means greener grass.  While a short lawn may hold some visual appeal, your lawn will brown and the soil will quickly dry and lose crucial nutrients.

3.     Sharpen Your Mower Blades – Unsharpened mower blades take a toll on your grass, as that hack at the grass rather than cut it cleanly.  Grass that has been hacked at is damaged and more prone to not growing healthily.  Blades can be easily sharpened, and should be sharpened at least twice a season.

4.     Fertilize – Fertilizing your lawn ensures that your grass is given the appropriate nutrients to stay healthy and green.  Fertilizer is readily available at any home and garden center, and is easily applied to your lawn.  It's best practice to treat your lawn with fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep it looking beautiful and green.

5.     Treat Weeds and Disease – If you have some unsightly brown spots or dandelions, you may have a problem with your lawn.  Insects, disease, and weeds can undermine a dedicated lawn care effort.  There is treatment through various products such as weed and feed, but the best course of action is to consult a lawn care professional for further advice and treatment.

6.     Watering Your Lawn – Deep watering is  When watering, it's more effective to water every few days than for a little bit every day.  Having said that, you will want to give your lawn at least 1 ½ inches of water a week.  Make sure to water it in the mornings to make sure the water doesn't quickly get burned off by the scintillating summer sun.

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Crowell's Flying Wrench is a full-service mobile repair company that comes to you and services your equipment at your convenience.  Our lawn mower repair service in Draper, Utah provides years of experience and friendly service that will leave a lasting impression upon you.  In addition to Draper, we service all of the Salt Lake Valley.  Give us a call today to see how we can help you!

By: Kyson Crowell

What Size Of Tiller Is Best For You?

Due to the unseasonably warm weather here in Utah, many of us have started to think about getting our gardens ready for spring.  Many of us have gardens both large and small, and yards that are waiting to be cultivated.  It’s important to pick the correct tiller for the job, but it’s also important to understand what size of tiller will be best for your particular project.

When thinking of what type of tiller you will need, think about the size of your garden.  A small garden is considered to be less than 1,500 square feet, a medium garden ranges from 1,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet, and a large garden is anything over 5,000 square feet.  Another consideration is based on the type of garden soil you are dealing with, as well as the size of the gardener! 

Typically, a small garden can be managed by a mini-tiller.  Mini-tillers range in price from $200 to $350.  A medium-sized garden is manageable with a 5 to 6-horsepower front-tined tiller, which range in price from $500 to $800.  Large gardens require at least a 6-horsepower rear-tined tiller, which can run from $800 to $2,000.

If the soil in your garden is very hard or rocky, a mini-tiller will often be underpowered to perform admirably, usually requiring a larger 4 to 6-horsepower tiller.  Keep in mind that if you are looking to till your entire yard, you won’t be able to get by with a mini-tiller either.  A large rear-tined tiller will typically work best when you are covering a large area, and the abundance of room to maneuver will be important. 

There are other cons  Front-tined machines are a little more difficult to manage, but that difficulty is offset by the lighter weight of the machine.  Rear-tined machines are a bit easier to use, due to their increased power, but they are more expensive and take up a great deal of space in your shed or garage. 

iderations when you look at what type of tiller would be more effective for you.

Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers tiller repair in Salt LakeCity, UT for any type of tiller.  Our mobile service will come to you anywhere in Salt Lake County or Park City, and our professional staff will quickly get your tiller running at full speed again.  Give us a call today to see what we can do for you!

By: Kyson Crowell

What If Your Tiller Doesn't Start?

Even though we are mired in the dead of winter, you can never begin to plan too early for lawn care.  The piles of snow and ice have done a number on our lawns, and it may be time to seed new grass or prepare your vegetable or flower garden for when spring comes.  Before long, it will be time to take out the trusty tiller and get to work.  

In order to become more efficient, tillers have come a long way from their humble beginnings.  Simple push mowers have given way to the convenience and accessibility of gas-powered tillers.  Gas-powered tillers are reliable, dependable machines that will serve you faithfully for many years.  However, there does come a time where you add gasoline and oil, pull the starter cord, and… nothing.  The silence can be deafening.  Most failures to start a tiller result from a problem in the fuel or ignition system, so a few troubleshooting methods may help you identify and correct the problem.

Old gasoline is often the cause of a tiller that won’t start.  Gasoline that has been sitting in the tank since last year can often settle or condensation can seep in.  Drain the old fuel and replace it, while checking the carburetor and intake manifold bolts to ensure they are tight and ensure that all linkages are connected.  Everything pertaining to the fuel line needs to be nice and tight.  Be sure to replace the fuel according to manufacturer’s specifications.  Your tiller is likely fueled by regular high-octane fuel or is a two-cycle motor that requires the specified gas-oil mixture.  Ensure that if there is a fuel shutoff valve, that it is put in the open position. 

Also take a moment to check the ignition.  If your tiller has a shutoff switch, make sure the switch is in the “On” position when attempting to start it.  Disengage all attachments, make sure the transmission is in neutral, and all operating handles are in the correct starting positions.  Also check the spark plug by removing it and touching the bare metal of the spark plug’s base to the bare metal of the engine.  Look for the accompanying spark between the electrodes.  If there is none, it’s time to replace the spark plug.

Also, it’s important to check the fuel cap vent to ensure it’s open and that all filter screens in the tank are clear.  Take a moment to look at the air cleaner, as a dirty air cleaner can flood the engine or restrict air intake.  If none of these troubleshooting items fixes your tiller, give Crowell’sFlying Wrench a call.  Our mobile small engine repair team specializes in tiller repair, and we are eager to serve you with professional experience and competitive prices.  We serve Park City and the Salt Lake Valley.  Call us today.

By: Kyson Crowell

Lets Talk About Trimmers

Most of the posts so far have focused on lawnmowers, but it could be argued that the weed trimmer is just as important when it comes to your lawn-care arsenal. Sure, the mower does most of the work; but every homeowner knows that the devil is in the details when it comes to the silent competition between neighbors for best lawn. You’re done for if you don’t clean up the edges, and a trimmer is the best way to do it. But how do you know what kind of weed trimmer to get? Use this guide to determine which type is best for your application and if you have a trimmer and are struggling to get it to work and are watching those edges keep growing check out are great tiller service in Salt lake City UT. 

Curved-Shaft Trimmers

Curved-shaft trimmers are among the most popular because they are generally lightweight and easy to use. They get their name because of the bend in the shaft toward the cutting head. This bend brings the cutting head closer to the operator, which makes it a little easier to handle for detail work and getting at those tricky spots. Because of the bend in the shaft, these trimmers are driven by a flexible cable that runs from the motor to the cutting head. The flexible nature of this cable limits the amount of power that can be applied from the engine, as too powerful of a motor would cause it to break. That said, these machines are more than capable of handling the vast majority of jobs in a suburban setting.

Traight-Shaft Trimmers

Straight-shaft trimmers are most commonly used for industrial uses, or by those with particularly large jobs. Rather than the flexible drive cable used in curved-shaft trimmers, these have a rigid drive shaft. This results in increased durability and power transfer from the motor. This means that more powerful motors can be used. While the straight shaft allows for more power, it also means that the cutting head is further from the operator. This can make getting a level cut slightly more difficult for the inexperienced. These also tend to be heavier than their curved-shaft counterparts.

Rolling Trimmers

Rolling trimmers are a slightly newer development in the lawn-care industry. These machines look like a mix between a standard push mower and a string trimmer. Their rolling platform allows for larger and much more powerful engines along with a wider cutting radius. Unfortunately, their minimum cutting heights are relatively high when compared to most lawn mowers, making them essentially useless for all but the most niche projects.

At the end of the day, the type of trimmer you get depends entirely upon how you intend to use it. Curved-shaft trimmers are perfect for most residential uses because of their light weight and maneuverability. Straight-shaft trimmers are great for larger projects and industrial uses because of the increase in power and length of the drive shaft. Rolling trimmers are useful for some specific applications, but most people have no need for them. Consider these tips before you buy and you’re sure to end up with a machine that is perfect for you.

By: Kyson Crowell

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Perfect Lawnmower for Your Lawn

When it comes time to trim the grass and perform some upkeep on the lawn, the key to making this a hassle-free chore is finding the perfect lawnmower. Just as with any other major project, attempting to tackle this job with the wrong tools means an unnecessary amount of time and energy being spent. For those that have recently begun the process of purchasing their first lawnmower or are simply looking to upgrade, here are some tips to keep in mind to get the most out of every penny invested.



Picking the Right Size

For the vast majority of property owners, a traditional push lawnmower will be sufficient for the weekly or monthly mowing sessions. This style is relatively easy to maneuver in smaller spaces and will stand up to quite a few years of use with the proper maintenance. For those that have larger years in the range of 1 or more acres, it may be best to focus on riding lawnmowers which are more expensive, but will also cut a much larger swath of grass at a quicker rate. The only thing to consider for those with a larger lawn is the amount of room there is to maneuver. If natural or man-made objects such as swimming pools or trees are in the way, a riding lawnmower could still be impractical.



A Closer Look at Blades

Modern lawnmowers have to primary blade setups, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Much more common is the rotary mower in which a series of blades move in a circle while protected in a metal, plastic, or fiberglass housing. The blades will last quite some time, but there may also be less consistency with the length of the grass. The other style is the reel mower which is generally a little more expensive. Reel mowers have a fixed blade and spinning blades that sheer off grass when stuck between the two types of blades. This style is a good option for those that would like more control over the height of their grass or need to cut their lawn shorter.



Electric or Gas?

It often seems as if almost every landscaping specialist has their own opinion on which type of lawnmower is best when it comes to gasoline powered models or electric models. The advantages of electric models include much less noise while running, less maintenance, and lower running costs over time. The owner will not have to constantly change out spark plugs, oil filters, and many other components of gas mowers. Unfortunately, electric mowers are typically less powerful than gas mowers. Those with medium-sized lawns, uneven lawns, or lawns with thicker grass will want to focus on gas mowers. Those with a smaller and relatively well-maintained yard around their home may prefer electric mowers.



Mulching or Discharge Mowers?

The final decision that must be made is a mulching mower or a discharge lawnmower. A discharge lawnmower has a chute on either the back or along the side in which the clippings are propelled through and collected in a bag. A discharge mower, on the other hand, does not collect the clippings and instead discharges them directly back into the lawn. Discharge mowers are a great idea for those with thick or lush grass that might choke out the nutrients before they reach the soil. For sparse or dry grass, a mulching mower should be used to prevent dead grass from killing off the living grass underneath.

Once the buyer has a general idea of the size and style of lawnmower that they want, it is important to get a hands-on feel for different models. Small changes such as the height of the pushing bar or the ability to quickly release the collection bag can make quite a bit of difference over the years, but owners may not notice these nuances until they see the product firsthand.

Conclusion
If you are looking to better your lawn with a great lawn mower than make sure that you pick the right now. There is nothing worse than getting a lawn mower, using it and then figuring out it's not what you wanted. Do your homework because with a great lawn mower repair company in Salt Lake City you can keep it for a very long time.

By: Kyson Crowell

Summer-Prepping Your Home

When preparing for the summer, a homeowner needs to take a few minutes to think of his or her wants and needs. It is easy to let time fly by and forget about your house, but this is unwise as you can save money, prevent problems, and avoid time-consuming maintenance jobs. Furthermore, by fixing up your house before the summer, you can avoid calling a professional who may take a long time to come to your house. Here are four tips to summer-prepping your home in an intelligent manner.


Appliances
You probably own multiple appliances such as a washer, dryer, dishwasher, and other smaller items. When these break or function poorly, you will pay higher electric bills and deal with downtime. When a breakdown occurs in the hot summer months, you will deal with rotting food or uncomfortable household members. To combat this and prevent an annoying issue from popping up in the middle of summer, call a home appliance repair specialist who can look at your appliances and repair or upgrade them. With a proactive approach, you will spend less money in the long run and you won’t worry about a breakdown on the hottest day of the year.



Air conditioner
If you live in a hot climate, you need an air conditioner. Without one, residents will experience plenty of discomfort when the temperature passes 90 degrees. At night, without a working unit, you and your family will experience sleepless nights as a fan won’t keep you comfortable. It is difficult for the average person to fix their unit and you need to call a professional to take a look at the air conditioner, before problems occur. With a quick checkup, you can find any minor issues and fix them immediately. If it is in perfect order, you won’t need to do anything and you now can use your unit without fear. Otherwise, if you ignore your air conditioner, you will suffer and spend more money if it malfunctions in the middle of July.



Pool
While a backyard pool is a fun for the family, it presents issues for a homeowner. You will need to remove the cover, add chlorine, and look for any items in the pool such as dead animals. If you don’t know what to do, you need to call a professional who can clean the pool and prep it for the summer. You don’t want to ignore this as people can end up sick if the pool does not have the right amount of chlorine. It will also look nicer when you pay someone to clean it up and remove any nasty surprises.



Your garden needs work
Over the winter and spring, homeowners often ignore their garden as it is often too cold and rainy to head outside and start digging weeds or watering plants. Once the hot and dry months hit, you will regret your laziness. In March or April, or possibly earlier depending on your location, you need to remove dead plants, pull weeds, plant seeds and organize your garden. If you deal with pests often, buy the appropriate products or hire an exterminator to kill the bugs or rodents. While a proactive approach is a wise one, it is easy to ignore the garden as it is not always fun to head outside when the weather is not perfect. If you invest an hour or two a week during the spring, you will enjoy a beautiful garden. Just as importantly, when summer hits, you won’t spend your days cleaning it up and getting rid of weeds.



If you own a home, you need to prepare it for the summer. While it is a time-consuming task at first, it will save you time and money in the long run as you will find the root of problems and fix them immediately.

By: Kyson Crowell