The other thing you want to look at is the quality of the aerator. I am not sure if all bluebirds are low quality, but the one that I owned for three years was the worst aerator I ever had. I had to constantly repair it and spend more time on available because of small parts breaking on it than I did actually using the machine.

The type of machine you get isn’t pour into the quality of the aeration that you will be able to do. In order to get better plugs when you aerate a lawn, you want to make sure to always water the lawn well the night before, and you want to make sure that the machine has all of its weights in it. The weights, and the wetness of the soil will determine how far your aerator will go into it. Ideally, you want to get a 2 inch plug when you aerate your lawn.

Learn more about liquid aerators.

Harsh climate conditions can cause a fountain to look worn down and may even cause damage to the fountain.  After severe weather take a moment to inspect and clean any outdoor fountain.  Check for cracks or other damage.  When cracks occur water might leak out and cause additional damage to areas surround the fountain including plants and wood.

Stagnant water left over time will begin to produce algae and “pond scum”.  This growth can stain the fountain surface and cause an unpleasant odor.  This growth can be avoided by purchasing environmentally safe chemicals which can be added to the water to prevent any sort of growth from forming.  If the fountain will not be running for an extended period of time then it might be best to remove the water.

Another thing to watch out for is debris such as fallen leaves from getting into the fountain.  This extra debris can get inside the fountain and cause the pump to become clogged which prevents the fountain from working properly.  Clean out any debris from you fountain on a regular basis to prevent this from occurring.

Lastly, make sure that the fountain is regularly cleaned.  Depending on the material that the fountain is made of you may need different types of cleaners designed for that material.  For instance fountain that are made from copper or bronze will require a specific type of cleaner that works well on that type of surface.

Following these simple steps will keep garden and any other outdoor fountains looking beautiful for many years.  Don’t let these fountains become eye sores and problems because of neglect.  A well maintained water fountain enchants and charms those who are fortunate to be around them as well as offers the soothing sound of running water.

Lean more about lawn aerators and when to aerate your lawn.

The coring manual aerator can be moved straight into the soil using a foot upon the pronged-crosspiece
and then taken back again simply by hand. Using just two or three coring prongs, this will take a while
in order to create a great deal of openings in an overall lawn. These tend to be good with regard to
more compact lawns and usually are good to possess in performing much more regular aeration within
troubled places or even obtaining virtually any place that different kinds of aerators overlooked.

The most well-known aerator for lawn, the gas-powered equipment runs just like a
lawnmower. These may be twofold as large as lawnmowers and may be difficult to switch. Kinds which
tend to be self-propelled are much less exhausting to employ are the kind which include a power-lift.
These happen to be much more costly to purchase, however may possibly be rented for $40-$50 for a
half-day.

Tow behind aerators depend on something else in order to move them, such as a lawnmower
or tractor. These typically help to make the greatest openings – deep as well as long-lasting. Because
they are usually broader and bigger, these could end up being far more difficult to employ and it might
consider a small training to control them properly. They are the quickest to work with, earning them an
excellent selection for aerating lawn which is bigger than standard or even needs to be accomplished a
lot more frequently.

Everything you need to know about Lawn Aerators.

Another way to help reduce thatch is by aerating often. Aerating allow air into the thatch layer which will help to break it down faster. In addition, aerating also reduces soil compaction. Reducing soil compaction also reduces soil stress and encourages root development. Without root development grass will start to atrophy and disappear.

The great news is that it doesn’t cost much to rent a lawn aerator or a lawn dethatcher. In most States lawn aerators cost $40 to $100 per day to rent and lawn dethatcher only cost $30 to $80 to rent. Although we recommend that you aerate your lawn once per year for the first three years and then only once every three years, lawn thatching only needs to be done on an as need basis. In most cases this is only once every 3- 5 years. You may need to de thatch your lawn more often if the following conditions exist:

1. Your lawn is shady and it growth moss very quickly. (Best to use iron as moss killer in the Fall.)

2. Your lawn gets full of bad grasses which you are trying to eliminate over time with thatching.

3. You are getting rid of patchy areas caused by lawn insects, dog urine or lawn disease.

Best luck aerating and or use dethatching rakes on your lawn.

Hollow tine aerators pull dirt plugs from the ground, leaving holes that loosen the soil and improve water and nutrient flow to grass roots. There are three main groups of these aerators: manual, mechanical and tow-behind.

Manual

A manual tine aerators has two or three tines spaced along a horizontal bar which is attached to a long handle. To get the best ground penetration, push the aerator into the dirt with your foot along the bar and your hands at the top of the handle. Then pull it back out, letting the dirt cores fall to the ground.

The hole diameter depends on the size of the tines and soil conditions, but they are typically around a ½ inch or so. The hole depth should be around 1-3 inches and if you cannot get it in that deeply, you will need to water the lawn more thoroughly to soften the ground or use a mechanical or pull behind aerator.

Manual aerators are great for lawns under 500 sq. ft., for more frequent aeration in spots that compact quickly and to work in areas that are difficult for a mechanical or tow-behind to get to. It is a good idea for everyone to have one of these valuable garden tools. Although a lawn aerator can cost as much as $5000, manual aerators start at around only $20. Choose a high quality tool manufactured from durable materials and it will last several years.

Mechanical

For average to large residential lawns, most people prefer using a mechanical aerator. These are like a large, heavy lawn mower, weighing up to 300 lbs. As you move the machine along the lawn (choose one that is self-propelled to make it easier), the hollow tines roll into and out of the dirt.

They are much quicker to use and will produce deeper holes, around 2-4 inches. It is best to mechanically aerate in either the spring or fall. Aerate well before the summer so the grass can recover before the hot and dry weather starts. In the fall, aerate with around a month left of growing season, so the grass has time to benefit from the aeration process before going dormant. You want the ground to be soft but not soggy so the holes will be deep and long-lasting.

The best mechanical aerators cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, so renting one makes the most sense for someone who will just aerate their own lawn periodically. Most lawns can be done in a four-hour, half-day rental period, but if your lawn in very large, it may take longer. Rates are around $40-$60 for a half-day and $80-$110 for a full-day. Call early to request a rental since it isn’t uncommon for all the machines to be rented out on the weekends during the best times to aerate.

Tow-Behind

Tow behind aerators are attached to the back of a riding lawn mower or trailer and pulled over the ground, the hollow tined wheels rotating in and out of the ground as it goes along. Most models can be made heavier with the addition of water, sand or lead, which helps improve hole depth in heavily compacted ground. Most tow-behind aerators put in holes 3-4 inches deep that are around ½ inch in diameter.

Tow-behinds are wider than other aerators, from 2 ½ feet to 6 feet depending on the model. They are typically used on lawns of an acre or more and at golf courses and parks. Because of their width, they can be trickier to maneuver around obstacles. Also, it is better to aerate in long rows to avoid unnecessary turning. If you need to go over the lawn twice, you can go the other direction the second time for more comprehensive coverage. If you prefer, you can aerate in circles.
Buying an aerator that is a tow behind unit makes a lot of sense for someone who already has a lawn mower or tractor to pull it. They start around $150 and go up to $750 for models that will meet most needs. Since renting one of them will typically run $75-$125, after a few uses it pays for itself and you won’t have to worry about transporting it to and from the rental center.

There are a few different types of dethatching rakes, also known as power rakes or lawn rakes. While they vary in size and shape, each has several sharp-sided blades that get into the thatch, cutting through it or pulling it out. The three main types are manual, power and tow-behind.

Manual Rakes

Manual rakes  or hand thatchers look the most like a typical rake except the tines are much sharper along each edge. These rakes are used similar to other rakes. Put the bottom of the tines onto the top of the soil line and pull the rake back toward your body. Use small, quick strokes in multiple directions to remove the thatch from one small area before going onto another.

While these tools start at $10, it is better to spend more ($25-$30) for a quality one that will last you 10-15 years. Even if you plan on dethatching another way, having a manual one around is a good idea for touch-ups or working on problematic areas.

Power Rakes

Power rakes have electric or gas motors and more closely resemble a lawn mower than anything else. Along the bottom is a bladed reel that slices through the thatch layer. The rake width is around 18”-24” with the machine being a couple inches wider on each side. Since they are expensive to buy ($1000-$2000 and up), most people hire a professional or rent a machine and do it themselves. It will probably cost around $50 for a four-hour rental, which is enough time to do most residential lawns.

Whether renting or buying, look for a machine that has five to six adjustable blade heights so you can pick the right one for your lawn. If it is too deep, it will pull out a lot of grass plants with the thatch. Too shallow means it won’t be able to get into the thatch layer well enough to remove it. After setting the blade height, push the rake over the grass twice in right angles or crosswise for the most thorough dethatching.

If you have delicate cool-season grass or you want a gentler dethatching process, use a power rake with a spring tine attachment instead. Other features to consider include a collection container that fills with moss, thatch and other debris as you go so there is less raking to do afterwards. Also, many have a seeding attachment so it can be used to overseed as well.

Tow-Behind Rakes

Dethatching rakes that are designed to be pulled by a riding lawn mower or tractor make quick work of dethatching a large area. Wider than other rakes, they cover more area more quickly. Tow-behinds start at $150-$200. Make sure to find one that will properly attach to your lawn mower or tractor hitch. After attaching it, drive in long rows then short ones over the grass, watching for any obstacles. Look for a rake with a tine design that allows you to turn when the tines are in the ground. These are much easier to use and maneuver.

Dethatching Attachments

Some lawn mowers can be converted to a dethatcher with an attachment. These attachments are cheaper to purchase than a power rake and will make your lawn mower more versatile.

General Dethatching Tips

Dethatching is best done when the lawn is not soggy or bone-dry, but a happy medium. The lawn should be mowed shorter than normal for the best results. You can mow and water the lawn the night before if you need too.

Learn more about lawn aerators.