Commercial Lawn Care Tips For Mowing And Trimming
Commercial lawn care from Landworks includes regular mowing and trimming, but if you’re tackling those jobs on your own there are some things you should keep in mind. Having the correct tools that are properly cared for is crucial, and different plants have different needs. There are also safety measures that must be taken.
Prepare Your Tools
The first thing you must do is make sure your mowers and other lawn care equipment are ready for the spring. For safety reasons, the first step in doing any work on your mower is to remove the spark plug. Install a new one when you’re done with the other maintenance. Clean the air filter if your mower has the foam type or replace the filter if it’s a paper one.
Lawnmower maintenance also includes changing the oil, sharpening the blade, cleaning it from top to bottom with a strong spray of water, and lubricating the moving parts such as wheel bearings. Be sure to wipe off any runs of excess oil.
It is also critical to make sure your pruning and trimming tools are sharp and rust-free, and that you have the correct tools for the job. This handy guide from Garden Gate Magazine will help you decide what you need.
Commercial Lawn Care Safety Tips
- Read and follow directions provided in the operator’s manual for all equipment, paying special attention to safety instructions.
- Pay attention to warning labels on equipment.
- Do not take shortcuts, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
- Inspect all equipment before use. Thoroughly inspect your mower for loose/broken belts, ensure the blade is secure and balanced, and check for fluid leaks or accumulated debris. Grass and grease build-up on moving parts of the mower or trimmer is a potential fire hazard.
- Wear personal protective equipment. Safety glasses or face shields, long pants, and non-slip shoes or boots should be worn while operating mowing and trimming equipment. Hearing protection should also be used while operating loud machinery.
Mowing, Pruning, And Trimming Tips
- Mowing to a height of 2.5-3” is optimal for most of the year, but when the weather gets hot, mowing height may be raised to provide more insulation from heat and reduce water loss.
- Mow regularly, because removing more than 1/3 of the total blade height at once can stress your lawn.
- Spring-flowering shrubs like lilac and forsythia should be pruned immediately after flowering.
- Most deciduous trees can be trimmed any time except in the spring when they are leafing out or in fall when they are dropping their leaves.
- The exception to the rule is oak trees, which should only be pruned in winter from December through February to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
- Dead, dying, broken, or diseased branches should always be removed. This helps the tree or shrub focus on producing new, healthy growth and prevents the spread of disease to other parts of the plant.
- Branches that cross or grow inward toward the trunk or central stem should be removed because they can rub together and cause chafing which creates an access point for insects and disease.
- Long shoots that grow out of the base of a tree or from its roots called “suckers” drain energy from trees and should be pruned as close to the source as possible.
- Put down a tarp or sheet under the tree or shrub for easy cleanup.
- Keep the shape of the shrub or tree in mind while trimming.
Commercial Lawn Care Keeps Your Landscape Looking Great
Landworks customized commercial lawn care services are designed to meet your needs, including mowing, mulching, fertilization programs, irrigation and landscaping services as well as tree and shrub trimming. We provide maintenance solutions to retain and enhance your property’s value in Johnson County and the entire Kansas City metro area.
For more information about landscaping and lawn care services, call Landworks, Inc. at (913) 422-9300. For a free quote, click here.