If you're looking for a way to remove a dead tree and avoid calling an experienced tree removal service there are several things to seriously consider. Tree work, although it looks easy, is full of many uncontrollable and unpredictable forces.
If the tree to be removed is near a powerline, a house, a fence, a septic tank, or any other item of importance, it is generally a good investment to simply call on a tree company. If the diameter of the tree is less than about 6 inches or so, keep reading.
At 6 inches or less with little brush to handle, to be sure the tree falls where you want it to fall, attach a rigging rope ($50-$100) to a point on the tree towards the middle to top whereby you can have someone pull on the tree (someone strong and agile) to coax it in the right direction. Once secured, making sure that everyone is paying attention and clear of the fall zone (or ready to quickly clear the fall zone), make your notch cut on the side of the tree in the direction you want the tree to fall. In other words, if you want the tree to fall to your left if you're looking at the tree, make a "V" shaped notch in the tree on the left side.
Once your notch has been cut, proceed to cut the other side of the tree to be removed inwards towards the "V", making a "hinge" whereby the cut is slightly above the "V". This hinge will help prevent the tree from sliding backwards and help you direct the fall. With the helper pulling the rope attached, give warning when you feel that it is going to drop and yell "timber!".
It is quite an exhilarating moment when the tree falls to the ground!
If the tree is larger than 6" or so in diameter or if you simply want to leave it to a company who has experienced climbers and linemen, call on a tree removal company. Experience in climbing, saws, ropes and knots, and those unpredictable moments definately count, in my opinion, where tree work is concerned.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
How to grow winter rye grass for a green lawn all winter
Often times in the more and more distant past, I used to worry about what work I would have for my crew and myself during the dormant grass season. For some lawn care companies, right around October 15th here in Columbia, South Carolina signals the start of either a long down time or a start of something new to do other than cut grass. What I do on many accounts to the delight of my customers is sow a winter rye grass lawn from seed.
To grow a winter rye grass lawn, you must first determine if it is appropriate to overseed the area that you have in mind. Overseeding St. Augustine or Centipede, for instance, with annual or perennial rye grass is a no-no in my book...unless you plan on renovating that area altogether in the spring when the rye is done.
Annual rye grass, when sown around the end of September will last until about May under some conditions. Perennial will last a bit longer, but is more of a permanent lawn. In this case, I'm speaking of overseeding with annual where you plan on letting your warm season grass come back in the coming spring.
At any rate, bermuda or bahia are the ideal warm season grasses to be overseeding. Another ideal area is a bare, spindly growth yard that is dry, fallow, and void of any attractive growth in the warm season. These ugly areas under trees, on slopes, etc can be absolutely beautiful and the envy of your neighbors if properly sown with rye grass in the fall.
If you plan on selling your home starting in the fall, spreading rye grass may be a great investment because it could make your house much more appealing.
Prepare the area by mowing the warm season grass really close. After a good close mow, bagging or collecting the clippings, make sure to rake away as much debris as you possibly can. Your goal is good seed to soil contact.
Once clear, spread your seed! Water the grass until it sprouts, then cut back on the watering. Once it sprouts, fertilize it. It grows really fast so plan on cutting it much more frequently.
Busy Bee Lawn Care is known for great rye grass lawns in the cool season. Look us up or give us a call today for a quote!
To grow a winter rye grass lawn, you must first determine if it is appropriate to overseed the area that you have in mind. Overseeding St. Augustine or Centipede, for instance, with annual or perennial rye grass is a no-no in my book...unless you plan on renovating that area altogether in the spring when the rye is done.
Annual rye grass, when sown around the end of September will last until about May under some conditions. Perennial will last a bit longer, but is more of a permanent lawn. In this case, I'm speaking of overseeding with annual where you plan on letting your warm season grass come back in the coming spring.
At any rate, bermuda or bahia are the ideal warm season grasses to be overseeding. Another ideal area is a bare, spindly growth yard that is dry, fallow, and void of any attractive growth in the warm season. These ugly areas under trees, on slopes, etc can be absolutely beautiful and the envy of your neighbors if properly sown with rye grass in the fall.
If you plan on selling your home starting in the fall, spreading rye grass may be a great investment because it could make your house much more appealing.
Prepare the area by mowing the warm season grass really close. After a good close mow, bagging or collecting the clippings, make sure to rake away as much debris as you possibly can. Your goal is good seed to soil contact.
Once clear, spread your seed! Water the grass until it sprouts, then cut back on the watering. Once it sprouts, fertilize it. It grows really fast so plan on cutting it much more frequently.
Busy Bee Lawn Care is known for great rye grass lawns in the cool season. Look us up or give us a call today for a quote!
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