HowToDoThings.com Lawns & Ground Cover

How To Repair Sprinkler Systems

Bryan344 — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 14:00:00 -0500

Sprinkler systems are a necessity for anyone with a lawn. They'll save you time, money and headaches. However, repairing a broken sprinkler system is less than desirable. There are plenty of factors that go into repairing a sprinkler system, but the first step is determining what is in need of repair and where the problem lies. Once the initial assessment is done, the rest is relatively simple -- it just takes a little work to accomplish. Essentially, there are two places that you can break a sprinkler system: a main line (possibly when aerating) or a sprinkler head (usually when mowing a lawn). Breaking sprinkler heads is common, so don't feel bad if you do.

Repairing a Main Line

Determine where the line is broken. This is usually done by locating the puddle of water in the lawn or simply the geyser that's now in the lawn.

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How To Prevent and Control Soil Erosion

Tonya249 — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 17:57:00 -0500

Soil erosion occurs when wind or water washes away the topsoil from an area of land. Some erosion is natural, but it quickly becomes problematic when people begin cultivating the land. It's important to prevent soil erosion, because land that has been stripped of its topsoil will not support any kind of plant life.

How To Care for Your Lawn

Mike342 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 09:24:00 -0500

Chemical lawn care is a ruse, a marketing scheme. Grass, as all gardeners know, is a tenacious weed that needs little help to be healthy. But Americans weaken their lawns with unnecessary chemicals, harsh fertilizing salts and improper cutting and watering. Grow the right grass at the right height and you will be amazed at how easy-care a great expanse of green can be.

Plant the right grass.
- In the North, you want a "cool-season" grass. Always green over winter, it may go brown and dormant during a hot and dry spell in late summer, but will quickly green up again when cool weather returns.
- In the South, go "warm season". Always green over the summer, it may go brown and dormant during a winter cold snap, but will green up again when the weather warms.
  
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