Fall Garden Tips

Fall is coming and, having experienced too much heat this summer, I am looking forward to enjoying cooler outdoors again. With that in mind here are a few tips for fall projects.

Brush and Tree Clearing
The big problem here is what to do with the trees and brush you cut. Burning may be an option, depending on local rules, and hauling brush to the dump is another more expensive and time consuming possibility. Alternatively, you may consider a chipper/shredder.

A chipper/shredder will turn your branches, brush and leaves into mulch; that stuff you pay $3 a bag for at the garden store. Smaller chipper/shredders will handle up to 3" diameter branches, and are easily movable by one person. These small gas-engine powered units sell for around $650 to $1,700. Heavier, more powerful units that can still be easily moved by one person can handle larger branches and cost up to $3,000. Other models offer the ability to mount to, and be powered by a compact tractor. These models have a very high capacity at a low cost as there is no additional expense for a dedicated power source. Your tractor is the power source. Industrial versions are also available with 8" to 10" thick log capacity for $10K or more when you have a big clearing project.

More Clearing Tips
When using your chainsaw, keep your bar and chain out of the dirt!!! Your chainsaw cuts through wood with small sharp teeth. When they dull, you stop cutting. With lubricating oil on your bar, sand will stick to it. Your next cut into wood will sand the sharp edge right off your chain teeth.

Keep extra chains. If you have a lot of clearing to do, get some extra chains. It is very frustrating to have a weekend of work hindered by a dull saw. If you have extra chains, you can drop them off to get sharpened at your local saw shop during the week, and have several to use over the weekend.

These cool weather projects are great for the fall, provide valuable landscaping mulch and create a more safe fire condition by removing combustible brush from your land.

I have many more tips, but I'll share just one more. Your time is valuable. Buy the best equipment you can afford, and from a servicing dealer. When you need parts and service, and you will, the dealer will be there. We talk with many angry people that got a "good deal" on something for which no one has parts, or for which the place of purchase provides no service.