If you’ve decided it’s time to save money by taking care of your acreage on your own, starting out with several important tools can make the job easier. Here are a few useful items every multi-acreage homeowner should have:

* A good chainsaw – If you live on a wooded lot, sooner or later you’ll have fallen tree limbs, or even a fallen tree, especially if you have mature growth trees on your property. Gas or electric powered chainsaws come in a variety of sizes and horsepower.

Before you buy, be sure you consider what you’ll be using it for. Will you use it to cut up firewood, clean up deadfall or as a carpentry tool for projects like cutting fence posts? How frequently will you use it? Refining your plans for your chainsaw and researching what types will best meet your needs can help ensure you make a good investment.

* An all-terrain vehicle – A good ATV can help you do a variety of chores you might otherwise hire out, including mowing, clearing brush, transporting heavy loads and even snowplowing. ATVs like the Polaris Sportsman XP are larger than sport models and capable of performing multiple heavy-duty tasks.

A powerful 850 EFI engine ensures the Sportsman XP has the ability to tackle virtually any task. Digital instrumentation displays and ergonomic design allow users to enjoy a combination of luxury, comfort and practicality. A variety of attachments makes the ATV useful for a wide range of tasks, from load hauling to driveway maintenance, mowing and landscaping.

What’s more, when you’re done the chores, you can take your ATV on the trails for some fun down time. Be sure to follow local safety guidelines and wear appropriate safety gear whenever using any ATV.

* Animal control measures – Wildlife is a reality of living in the countryside or even in suburbia on a large lot. In fact, getting closer to nature might even be one of the reasons you opted to live there in the first place.

You might not mind deer, raccoons and other wildlife visiting the outer areas of your property, but you probably don’t want them stopping by the house to nibble on your landscaping or victory garden, or rummage through your rubbish bin. You would probably prefer not to harm the animals, and may live in an area where lethal control measures are restricted.

Look for all-natural, non-lethal deterrents to keep animals away from your home and landscape. Successful non-lethal methods include sight, sound and taste deterrents – all techniques that convince animals an area is undesirable. From sonic devices that generate noise irritants to simple organic, non-toxic sprays that make trees and shrubs taste bad to animals, there are many ways to safely urge wildlife away from your home.

With a few simple tools and measures, you can save money by taking care of your acreage on your own and enhance your enjoyment of your more natural setting at the same time.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Wouldn’t they be surprised to learn the homeowners made the place look like the Ritz all by themselves? So what’s their secret? Using the right tools for the job.

You can finish the job in a fraction of the time, and with much better results, with the help of the trusty tools attached to your Arctic Cat ATV

“Whether you need to turn over the soil for a vegetable garden, create tidy rows for planting, carve out trails or clear away debris in the yard, don’t try to do it all by hand. It will take too long. You can finish the job in a fraction of the time, and with much better results, with the help of the trusty tools attached to your Arctic Cat ATV,” says Jeff Lane, the company’s ATV accessories coordinator. “Our patented SPEEDPoint System makes anything possible.”

First introduced in 2006, SPEEDPoint is a system that utilizes an easy-access three point attachment on the ATV, so you can change tools in less than a minute. There are now more than a dozen tools for the die-hard gardener available, including a 2-row planter that was just introduced this year. The device features built-in markers for controlling row spacing, gauge wheels for precise seed depth and a ground-driven metering system that maintains accurate seeding rates even when ground speed varies. There’s also a front coulter disc which allows the planter to be used in no-till practices.

The 2-row planter isn’t the only useful attachment for backyard gardeners.

* The SPEEDPoint Landscape Rake is the perfect tool for cleaning the yard or trails of sticks, rocks and other debris. Its sweep is 60 inches wide and it comes with 30 removable spring steel tines and 5 adjustable angle positions for straight pulling or windrowing options.

* The SPEEDPoint Rear Blade is the perfect tool for creating and maintaining roads. It has 5 angle positions which offer the user multiple grading options. It also comes with skid shoes that can be used for controlling depth.

Other SPEEDPoint accessories available that make gardening a breeze include a cultivator and the tandem and single compact discs designed for weed control. A separate fertilizer spreader and mower attachment are also available.

For more information about the Arctic Cat SpeedPoint System and accessories, visit your local Arctic Cat dealer or log on to www.arcticcat.com and click on “Accessories.” At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a link to a video that shows the system in action.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Bark Mulch is not only a way to protect your flowers and create a layer of weed control but it is also a great way to decorate a space, tie in flower beds or create lovely walking paths through a garden or yard.

There are a number of different types of bark mulch including:

• Hemloch Bark Mulch:  This is one of the more popular mulch, it provides a vibrant color that ranges from a dark brown to a brownish red.  The mulch is usually preferred since it has a very beautiful smell and it decomposes slowly. This means, less time spent replenishing your mulch.  Another bonus with Hemloch Bark Mulch is that it is a “sliver-free” mulch and it provides all the benefits to your garden that other mulches do.
• Douglas Fir Bark Mulch: Another popular product that can bring a rich dark chocolate color with a hint of red to your garden.  It is a versatile mulch and it can be used for all of the same reasons that you would use any other mulch.  One of the biggest bonuses for Douglas Fir Bark Mulch is that you can purchase it as a shredded mulch and also as a nugget.
• Pine Bark Mulch:  This is one of the more cost effective mulches that you can buy.  It has a reddish brown color and is usually used to cover larger areas since it is a cheaper alternative to other bark mulches.
• Cedar Bark Mulch:  There are several types of Cedar Bark Mulch but one of the best cedar mulches is the Western Red Cedar Bark Mulch.  It is a reddish brown in color with just a slight touch of orange and has an excellent smell to it.  Cedar Bark Mulch is one of the most weather resistant of all mulches and you will find that fewer pieces will blow away during a wind storm.  The product also has a natural herbicide in the bark that helps control weeds in your garden.

And that was a run down of a few bark mulches that you can purchase.  If you are looking for cost effective, go with a pine mulch but if price is no deterrent, then by all means go with whatever will look good in your landscaped space.

Sirena Van Schaik

Photo Credit

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The Essential Landscaping Tools

One of the most important landscaping tools of all is a rake. A rake is going to be very important because it will be needed to get rid of any leaves that are lying around on the ground.

You will notice almost immediately after you rake the lawn and get rid of the leaves the difference that it makes, and this is because when leaves are on the lawn they are covering the grass and not letting sunlight through and this results in the grass blades turning yellow and eventually dying.

Shovels and spades are also important landscaping tools, and a spade is generally better when it comes to planting and removing weeds than a shovel, although shovels are better for larger, heavy duty jobs on the lawn. A hose is also going to be useful, as it is going to help you to water plants and fill up ponds if you are including those in your landscaping design.

Specialty Tools

Of course, as mentioned above, there are various other tools that you can purchase as well, however most of these are only required in certain situations and so they are not considered as being essential.

For instance if you have a water fixture in your design then you are going to have to ensure that you have all the proper pumps and filters, and also that you have little skimmers, which are going to be used to remove larger pieces of debris from the water.

Wheelbarrows are often needed in landscaping, and they are very useful when it comes to moving debris as well as for bringing needed implements to their proper places. A wheelbarrow is basically used to make the lifting and carrying processes easier on you, especially when the items being carried are particularly heavy.

Once you have all of the tools that are necessary to take care of the particular landscape you are working on, then you can really get started on the project. As long as you keep them neatly arranged they will be easy to get to whenever you need them, and as well will last you longer.

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You’ll find that having a good shovel will save you hours of back breaking effort. A good shovel is one that doesn’t break the first time you hit hard dirt and yank back on the handle. It should also stand up well to rocks or clay, keeping a good edge. Since the purposes for which it’s used are basically the same, but vary in detail, you’ll probably find it best to have more than one style.

A square ended shovel will help you remove large amounts of earth more easily, but they are harder to force into the dirt. You’ll want to use them on soft earth or moving piles that have already been created. They also make good instruments for distributing manure-based fertilizer and compost over areas you want to focus on.

A triangular spade makes for a good all-purpose tool, and is especially good for creating those larger holes needed to plant trees or transplant larger plants. One great variation is a telescope-handle shovel with a very narrow blade – somewhat like a trowel but with a long handle. They can be used to make small holes while standing and are perfect for certain weeding chores.

Gardening shears are a basic necessity. They come in a dozen shapes and sizes, but be sure to get some that fit your hand. Most have moon-shaped blades, with one side being concave and the other convex. They’re great for trimming off dead flowers, stems and branches. The type that have a lock to keep them closed are good for an extra margin of safety and easy storage.

An ordinary rake is handy for more purposes than you might suspect. Even if you have a powered leaf blower, you’ll find there are times it’s easier and neater to use a rake. It’s also indispensable for de-thatching the lawn in the Spring, or preparing it in the Fall.

For small re-seeding jobs rakes are handy for working the seeds into topsoil. And, nothing beats a rake for scraping away those dead weeds, small rocks, and other unwanted material. Plastic ones are becoming more common, but the metal ones still stand up best under heavy use.

You’ll find that some kind of wheelbarrow will get used more often than you would have suspected. If you have a dozen annuals in small pots to transport, it’s often easiest just to lay them in the bottom and be on your way.

They can make distributing manure-based fertilizer a lot easier. You can pile the bags in the wheel barrow or empty the contents, then dump it over an area and spread with a rake. Much easier than holding a 40 lb bag in both arms and shaking the contents out.

Beyond the basics there are dozens of useful hand tools. A folding saw or a pole saw for pruning is helpful if you have trees. A mattock comes in handy for loosening earth during transplanting and weeding. A hoe will be used often. Gloves, of course, are useful for picking up those prickly plants even if you like to garden with bare hands. A watering can, trimmers, weeding tools… the list is endless.

Better get started today!

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General Excavating

This is definitely one of the best options that you have when it comes to landscaping materials, and they are a company which is truly dedicated to providing the absolute highest standard of quality to each and every one of their customers. They believe that their growth and success are directly related to their customers, and they are a dependable, innovative and diverse company that is committed to continuing to provide this quality service to their customers in the future.

They achieve their growth and profitability goals through a professional atmosphere which encourages innovation and hard work, the commitment of their employees who together have formed a team of conscientious individuals, through development and education which has also made them efficient and professional, a guarantee that their customers receive only the utmost satisfaction and value, and the knowledge that their community is the foundation for their business.

Sticks and Stones

This is another great option that you have for purchasing landscaping materials, and they are a wholesale retail stone yard that offers a vast and varied selection of quality natural stone and other landscaping materials for all of your building and landscaping projects. As well they carry a full line of retaining wall and pavers systems by UNILOCK and Firestone, two of the best names in the business.

Indo Products

This is another great landscaping product manufacturer, and they have been in the landscaping business for over 25 years now. They offer one of the largest and most varied selections of landscaping tools and products in the world, and you can even shop online off of their website, if you have access to a computer and the Internet.

Of course there are plenty of other options that you can choose from as well, however when choosing a company such as this, if it is not one of those previously discussed here, then you are going to want to make sure it is legit and that the prices are reasonable before going ahead and giving them your business. After all there are definitely bad apples out there and you want to make sure to steer clear of these.

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Basic Tools

First there is the basic landscaping equipment such as a wheelbarrow, spade, rake and shovel. You can easily find this landscaping equipment at any local home and garden center. These items are important since they will be used to do the basic work in your yard such as moving dirt and debris.

Choosing The Right Tools

You can make your garden look stylish and beautiful whether you are designing a new landscape or changing your old yard appearance. You can simply change the appearance of your yard by filling in empty spaces with mulch, rocks and gravel. Pea gravel is an excellent way to connect your driveway to a walkway. Plants can also be used to finish off your landscaping design.

You can add color to your yard and add layers of visually pleasing interest with plants and flowers. You will need to purchase plastic or fabric as a part of your landscaping equipment to line your planting area to prevent weed growth. In the future this will save you a lot of time one removing weeds from your flower beds.

Should you purchase for quality or price when it comes to landscaping equipment. In general with garden tools it is better to buy high quality tools even if they are little more expensive. Often times buying cheap landscaping equipment will end up costing you more in the end with the amount of times you have to replace your equipment.

Perhaps one of the biggest decisions and difficult purchases you will have to make when it comes to landscaping equipment is lawnmowers. There are many options including push mowers, gas powered mowers, electric mowers or riding mowers if you have a large lawn to take care of. Make sure you purchase a mower that has the strength to complete the job based on the ground coverage you have on your property while also being designed in a way to travel over your property whether it is flat or has several steep hills. Always consider your options carefully before making  a purchase. When you rush into a decision and buy something on impulse it may not be the right item and they you will have to look for other landscaping equipment.

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Patios

Landscaping bricks is an easy way to turn any area of your yard into a comfortable and relaxing patio area. Bricks and mortar are all you need to complete a job like this. Alternating the bricks horizontally and vertically can give you a nice basket weave patterns or you can lay them all in the same direction. It is completely up to you to decide what pattern you want and find what will look best for your yard.

Gardens

Any garden you have can benefit from landscaping bricks. You can either use them simply to border your garden or you can use them to build up your garden bed with a retaining wall. Landscaping bricks also work well for water gardens to surround the area. Any garden will have warmth and visual interest by adding landscaping bricks.

Pathways

Landscaping bricks are an excellent way to make beautiful pathways and sidewalks through your tranquil garden. To keep the brick from sinking into the ground you should line the walkway with landscape fabric. There are a number of patterns you can choose when laying these pathways. You can do a basket weave pattern like your patio or you can find any other pattern that appeals to you and works for you garden.

Other Uses

You can also use landscaping bricks on flowerbeds or any other areas that require a border in your garden. Try replacing grass with landscaping bricks in the high traffic areas so you beautiful grass doesn’t wear down easily. Basically landscaping bricks can be used anywhere in your yard that you want to add visual appeal. In addition, if you lay your bricks flat you can easily mow over them which makes maintenance an easy process.

Nearly every home and garden store will have many options when it comes to choosing brick for your home landscaping design. Although if this option is too expensive there are cheaper options and you can almost always find natural brick laying around somewhere that can provide you the perfect opportunity to adding a nice appearance to your yard.

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Searching

Consider finding a building site in your area where they are putting in new neighborhoods. You can often find a lot of nice sized rocks to use as landscaping borders in these areas since the builders have to dig up the land and then rake it flat. In addition, many of the builders will gladly let you take the rock since it means they don’t have to haul it away themselves. For a family it can also be an fun outdoor adventure to go around looking for rocks to use in the garden. This method gets you attractive landscaping borders for free.

If you don’t have any building sites in your area then simply taking a walk along a country road or in the woods can be a source of many landscaping borders. You may even find something of interest to use as your landscaping borders that you normally didn’t think of this way. If you don’t have the time to go out looking for yourself then ask your family and friends to be on the lookout for you when they go for a walk anywhere. Within a few days you can easily add up all the materials you need for landscaping borders.

Other Options

Rock isn’t the only option for landscaping borders. You can also use old concrete for excellent landscape borders. Stack them like bricks and use a sledgehammer to break them down into any size bricks you need. This option is very popular with those who want a rustic look for their landscaping borders. You can easily find old concrete at places where they are redoing sidewalks or driveways. Also the local waste dump is another good source for finding old concrete that you can use in your yard.

You can also used recycled tires for your landscaping borders. Cut the sidewalls off a used tire and then across the tread. From just one tire you can get two to three feet of edging for your yard. A large tire can even offer you edging that is up to six inches high and the material is indestructible. You won’t have to worry about these landscaping borders rotting or animals chewing on them. And you can find used tires nearly anywhere you go.
 

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Landscaping blocks come in standard sizes and they tend to have a grooved edge which allows them to be stacked two or more blocks high safely and securely. As well, they are shaped in such a way that they are able to be fitted together in a curved or undulating pattern, and are considered as being one of the most inexpensive materials to use when creating raised beds or low retaining walls.

Use for Landscaping Blocks

There are actually tons of different landscaping projects that you can use landscaping bricks for, one of the most popular being for a patio. This is because as one of the oldest building materials, the blocks combine a classic style with exceptional strength, and as well these blocks offer fantastic color and texture, offering a superb and decorative surface that result in adding both beauty and value to your home.

Before you actually begin on your design, you need to pick out the particular blocks that you are going to use.

You want to make sure that you find blocks that have a high skid or slip resistance, so that they will not be slippery or dangerous to walk on, and as well you want to make sure that you get them in a color that pleases you and which properly suits your existing décor.

The next step is to decide on the size of patio that you need and want, and you will usually have to have a landscaping contractor come in to help you with this, unless you are already very knowledgeable in this area. Start your design plan by walking into one of the rooms inside your home, and consider what room you like the best and which would be able to best fit the amount of people that you would typically expect to have on your patio.

As long as you take all of the necessary steps and take all of the important information into serious consideration, then you should be able to come up with a really wonderful patio design and end up with something that is beautiful and which is going to last you a lifetime.

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