Washington County Weekend Post e-edition
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/537183
The right tools for the job can be the differ- ence between an inter- minable landscaping project and one that goes smoothly and effi- ciently. Aspiring land- scapers probably have a few shovels and rakes hanging in their garages and sheds for basic landscaping work. But while such tools are effective for certain projects, when it comes to churning soil for garden beds or digging holes for out- door structures, addi- tional tools come in handy. It may be well worth a trip to a near- by home center to pur- chase or rent one of these tools ideal for breaking ground. Rototiller A rototiller, sometimes called just a "tiller," is a powered garden tool designed to loosen soil prior to planting. A rototiller also can help aerate soil during the growing season. Because they reduce the need for manual spade digging or hoe- ing, tillers can be use- ful landscaping tools, particularly for home- owners who want to work efficiently. Rototillers will break through tough soil and any plant roots. They come in a variety of sizes, and it's best to match the tool to the size of the job. Many homeowners can get by with smaller, less pow- erful models, especial- ly if the tiller is only necessary at the begin- ning of planting sea- son. Professional land- scapers or those with large swatches of prop- erty may benefit from larger models. Auger Augers, both mechani- cal and manual, are essentially large drill bits that help move materials from one location to another. Augers are typically used to cut holes in landscapes, and they are good for post-hole drilling, which is part of the process of installing deck foot- ings, fencing posts or other structures. Augers come in a vari- ety of sizes, and home- owners can choose how much power they prefer. Augers can be heavy and cumber- some, and many do-it- yourselfers will find that one-person augers are more than ade- quate for their proj- ects. Augers dig deep holes, so it is always smart to have the property sur- veyed prior to use. This way pipes, gas lines, buried electrical lines, and any other obstructions are clear- ly identified prior to drilling. Cultivator Cultivators are similar to tillers in that they loosen soil. Cultivators are effective during the growth period of plants, when they can be used to aerate the soil and remove weeds. Cultivators come in hand-held versions and push models, and some are even motorized. Cultivators get close to plants to remove weeds without disturbing the plant. They also are used to stir in compost or fertilizer. While many people think cultivators and tillers are the same, that is not the case. The former is less pow- erful and will mix the soil or stir up the top layer, while the latter can break up moder- ately hard ground and loosen firm soil. When using any tools around the garden, wear the proper protec- tion. This includes devices to protect hear- ing when power tools are in use as well as gloves and safety gog- gles. Tillers, augers and cultivators have the potential to toss soil and rocks into the air, so make sure others keep their dis- tance while work is in progress. GT154047 Licensed & Insured (262) 334-4822 1-800-773-4848 Member of West Bend Chamber of Commerce Serving 30 Mile Radius of West Bend www.macpaving.com 244872003 Quality Assured • Residential Drives • Commercial Parking Lots • Private Roads, Tennis Court • Condominium Development • Commercial Developments • City Street Cuts & Laterals Professional Crews Have Paved Over 18,000 Projects in Ozaukee & Washington Counties Planning & Design Construction Also Available ~ Free Estimates ~ Tour of Homes 45 th Annual July 11, 12, 15, 18 & 19 • Saturdays & Sundays 1pm - 5pm • Wednesday 6pm - 8pm July 11, 12, 15, 18 & 19 • Saturdays & Sundays 1pm - 5pm • Wednesday 6pm - 8pm www.wcba-wi.org FREE ADMISSION Complete the 2015 Tour of Homes bingo card and you could win a cash prize! 11 Costly Home Inspection Pitfalls Free Report reveals what you need to know before you list your home for sale. www.WilnspectionPitfalls.com Emmer Real Estate, Inc. 244366002 Break ground with the right tools 1 4 • W a s h i n g t o n C o u n t y R e a l E s t a t e • 7 - 5 - 1 5 Proper tools can churn up soil in a short amount of time to make landscaping projects that much easier.