MAY 1, 2019 • Volume 14 • Issue 18
RE WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames • All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa
Online at www.AmesTrib.com/realestateweekly
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Picking the right
riding mower
Many homeowners tend to hold on to their mower forever. But here’s a basic rule: If you’re investing more in repairs than you’ll see as a return when you sell or trade in your current mower, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. [bigstock] By Laura Firszt More Content Now
P
icking the right lawn mower will tremendously improve your mowing experience. If you’re in the market for a riding lawn mower, we have some tips, courtesy of Kim Ridel of John Deere.
The different types of riding lawn mowers There are two types of riding mowers: conventional front-engine lawn tractors and new zero-turn-radius mowers, with rear engine and hand controls for speed and direction. “Zero-turn” means you can literally turn on a dime.
Picking the right lawn mower: What to consider No two yards — or property owners — are the same.
Consider the following factors before purchasing a mower. Size of the area you’ll be mowing. This is different from your total property size, which also includes your home’s built footage, garden, driveway and paths. Most zero-turn mowers go slightly faster than traditional lawn tractors, making them ideal for homeowners with large yards who don’t want to spend the whole weekend mowing their grass. Grass. Take into account your grass type, such as whether it is cool-season or warm-season. Also bear in mind the desired grass height. To illustrate: In the
Northeast, homeowners typically cut their grass to 3 ½ - 4 ½ inches, but in Florida where St. Augustine grass is popular, people like to keep it a lot shorter. Topography. When your property has a lot of steep inclines, a tractor is going to be more appropriate than a zero-turn mower. If you’ll have to mow around a lot of obstacles, like trees or flowerbeds, a zero-turn mower can be the best solution. There also are four-wheel steering lawn tractors, which allow you to maneuver around objects easily. Local terrain and climate. Your local terrain is important, too. For instance, in a very sandy area you might want a thicker gauge steel on your mower deck, to prevent wear over time. If you’re in the Midwest or the Northeast, choosing a tractor mower, rather than a zeroturn, will allow you to blow snow with your machine in the winter, as well as cutting grass in warm weather. Environmental friendliness. Balance fuel consumption, quietness, and mowing comfort. When energy efficiency is a priority, you may prefer one of the electronic fuelinjected options rather than a traditional carbureted-gas model.
When to replace your mower Many homeowners tend to hold on to their mower forever. But here’s a basic rule: If you’re investing more in repairs than you’ll see as a return when you sell or trade in your current mower, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. And as zero-turn mowers are becoming more mainstream, you might want to purchase one in addition to
your tractor.
Insider tips for a good mowing experience Think about what’s important to you when shopping for a mower. Everybody would like a healthy lawn, but some homeowners are obsessed, while others just want to “make tall grass short grass.” Choose a comfortable seat, with good suspension. This
is especially important if you have a huge yard, where you may be mowing for a couple of hours at a time. Follow the 1/3 rule. For a beautiful lawn, never cut off more than the top third of your grass blades. Mulch as you mow. You’ll be depositing natural fertilizer back into your soil. Alternate mowing direction and pattern. This avoids beating down a path in the grass and achieves a smoother-looking lawn. Hire a pro as required. Consider hiring a professional landscaper if your yard needs specialized lawn care, such as dethatching, aeration or hydroseeding. Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
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TIPS OF THE WEEK STORM SAFETY
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
GARDENING
CREATE AN INDOOR SAFE ROOM
CONSERVE WATER USE
WAX PLANT EASY TO CARE FOR
Did you know efficient water use improves a septic system’s operation and reduces its risk of failure? Ways to conserve water include installing high-efficiency toilets, faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads, and using Energy Star-rated washing machines. Still, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends the average household septic system be professionally inspected at least every three years and be pumped every three to five years.
Hoya, also known as a wax plant, is a succulent with shiny or fuzzy leaves, and it’s making a comeback, according to Better Homes & Gardens. The wax plant, popular in the ‘70s, is easy to care for, as the slowgrowing succulent does well in low to bright light. And while it’s usually grown in hanging baskets, it does well in traditional containers, too.
Knowing what to do when a tornado or other severe weather is on the way can help protect you and your family, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your home doesn’t have a basement, pick a windowless interior room on the lowest floor (for example, a center hallway, bathroom or closet) in which to meet. In this shelter, keep an emergency kit stocked with nonperishable food, bottled water, necessary medications and a battery powered weather radio. Regularly check the supplies in this area for expired medication and to make sure the batteries in the radio still work.
— More Content Now
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Call Ali Eernisse 515-663-6956
RE WEEKLY