The survey shows that when it comes to spending hard-earned money, buying new clothes or going to the movies are less important to Americans than having a beautiful lawn. With lawn care so high on the list of priorities for cash-spending consumers, is it any wonder that lawn care technology continues to evolve? Outdoor power equipment increasingly focuses on reducing the time and effort one invests in lawn care.

For hand-held tools, the cutting edge is “4-cycle” engines. Operating much like a car engine, 4-cycle products are rapidly replacing the old 2-cycle engines once common in handheld power tools. The main advantages of 4-cycle products such as string trimmers, blowers/vacs and even garden cultivators are:

* They are easier to start. A spring in the 4-cycle starting system reduces the amount of effort required to pull the starting cord.

* They are more fuel efficient and produce better engine performance than traditional 2-cycle products.

* Where 2-cycle engines ran on a mixture of oil and gasoline, 4-cycle products run on gas.Users can rely on one can of gas for all their power equipment needs. Spills are reduced and the odor of burnt oil is eliminated.

* The average 4-cycle engine produces half the emissions of a standard 2-cycle, making them more environmentally friendly. And with a cool running engine, fuel efficiency is approximately 25 percent better.

* Old power tools belted out 95 decibels of noise (comparable to the engine of a motorcycle). The new 4-cycle engines create less noise – typically 75 to 95 decibels – and at a lower frequency that is more comfortable to the ear. They also generate less vibration for increased control and comfort.

* Despite the vast increased efficiencies and benefits of a 4-cycle product, the price point is only slightly higher than a 2-cycle product – typically 25 percent.

For example, Troy-Bilt 4-cycle string trimmers boast Spring Assist starting technology to dramatically reduce the starting effort, an extended reach shaft for easy trimming under shrubs or low branches and a system that allows replacement of the line without removing the spool.

Homeowners who want to reduce effort by multi-tasking are turning to products like Craftsman’s blower/vacs that automatically mulch debris at a 10:1 reduction ratio. Some 4-cycle equipment is even compatible with easy attachment systems, allowing users to interchange a variety of attachments for added versatility and time savings. For example, a 4-cycle string trimmer can be transformed into a blower/vac, edger or cultivator within seconds, making it a complete lawn and garden system.

Americans continue to take pride in the appearance of their lawns and gardens, so if outdoor chores are going to be performed, they might as well be enjoyable.

For more information on premium 4-cycle outdoor handheld power equipment, log on to www.mtdproducts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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grass, it is important to properly edge your landscaping.  There are a number of different materials that you can use for your lawn and garden edging needs, however plastic lawn edging offers a host of benefits. 

Plastic lawn edging comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles.  Whether you prefer a simple or traditional plastic roll edging, or a more elaborate detailed scroll fence, plastic lawn edging can meet every decorative style choice imaginable.  Another benefit to choosing plastic edging is the fact that you can find complimentary pieces in both lawn and garden furniture to accentuate the edging.  The classic styles available will fit with any garden décor and there are also many choices available for those who favor a less traditional look.  The exterior decorating of your home is just as important as the interior, however it is often overlooked.  By making the simple investment in your home’s exterior you can not only create a beautiful first impression of your home, but you will also increase your home’s property value.  Proper edging plays a vital role in the overall ambience of your home.

Plastic lawn edging makes a suitable choice for many gardeners, due to the fact that it is easy to install.  In fact, there is no real method needed to learn to install plastic edging.  Simply dig a trench and install the plastic edging or fencing.  You should make sure that the top of the border is flush with your lawn to prevent mowing over it.   You can create a number of different looks by using plastic lawn edging in interesting and creative fashions.  There are also many exterior and outdoor craft paints on the market, allowing you to customize your edging through various techniques such as stenciling, painting, or stamping. 

No matter what color, style, or design you select, <b>plastic lawn edging</b> is an easy and affordable way to maintain the beauty of your landscaping while creating a unique border for your lawn and plants.

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The first of our five tips is to build a trench. This is a simple and effective way to separate your garden from your lawn. Just dig a trench around the garden or your selected flowers. You can even use the remaining soil to build up other areas.

The second tip is to create your own decorative edge. You may be surprised to discover that devising your own edge can be very simple. A great way to create a colorful edge is to use a piece of plywood and glue various tiles to it. The tiles can be in any color or fashion that you choose.

The third tip in our five lawn edging tips is to create a living border. This is a beautiful project that will add glamour and beauty to any garden area. Using perennials or annuals of your choice, simply lay out your design, dig a trench, and plant your chosen border plants. As the flowers grow and bloom, they will create a beautiful and distinctive edge. One of the benefits of using plants as a living border is that you can divide the plants and use them in other areas as well.

Our fourth involves edging the perimeter of your lawn. There are many ways to perform this task, however if you have a large lawn, you can save time by using a gas powered lawn edger. A gas powered lawn edger offers advantages such as convenience and various different sizes to choose from when edging.

A great way to maximize the benefits of your lawn edging and to reduce the amount of weeds leads us to our final tip. By using plastic strip edging, you can ensure that you will eliminate weeds from poking their head’s through the surface. Plastic strip edging is different from the decorative plastic borders. After digging a deep trench, you can lay the plastic strip edging that will prevent weeds from sending out runners. This is an effective ways to control weeds. If you don’t want to use plastic stripping, you can often reduce the amount of weeds by simply digging into the ground with a shovel. By edging with this method, you can split the runners and stop the weeds. Hopefully, you will find these lawn edging tips useful and incorporate them into your gardening practices. By practicing regular edging techniques, your lawn and garden will reward you with a professional finished look.

Decorative Lawn Edging Ideas

Decorative lawn edging can enhance the beauty and appearance of your garden. Edging is an important step in the beauty and maintenance of your garden and lawn. Your plants may be beautiful and your garden green and lush, however if you have weeds peeking out between them, your landscaping will not attract the admiration that it deserves. Using decorative lawn edging can help bring out the best in both your lawn and your garden and give your landscaping the chance to shine. You can create your own decorative lawn edging by using a variety of materials such as bricks, tiles, plastic moldings, fencing, even plants and shrubs. Whichever style you choose, it is important to keep your landscaping properly edged to minimize the risk of weeds and to keep your plants showcased in the locations where you have selected to plant them.

Using painted bricks for decorative lawn edging provides a wonderful look. You can dig a shallow trench and bury the bricks halfway. Bricks come in a variety of natural hues, ranging from stone gray to green. You can choose to use one color, or even combine a variety of different colors for an interesting decorative effect. If you have the talent and desire, you may want to paint different patterns on the bricks before laying your border as well.

Creating decorative lawn edging patterns with ceramic tile is another wonderful and original idea that can enhance your garden. You can find ceramic tile for sale at many discount and outlet stores. One of the neat things about decorating with ceramic tile is that you can use a number of different pieces and combine them to make a beautiful and highly decorative border. You can glue the tiles to a piece of plywood, and then use them for your border. Truly, your finished border will be a unique one of a kind piece unlike any other. Using some of the tiles and gluing them to stepping-stones for a nice matching walkway can create a complimentary look.

Wood and timber can be used to create decorative lawn edging looks as well. A nice touch is to use wood timbers and stagger them at different heights. Wood comes in a variety of colors and you will find that wood compliments every garden look and décor. One of the nice things about using wood decorative lawn edging is the fact that it weathers beautifully and you don’t have to worry about maintaining its appearance.

You can create decorative lawn edging by using plants. These are sometimes referred to as living borders. One of the major benefits of using plants is that if you use perennials, you can expect the plants to multiply and create more borders from your original plants. You can also choose to take some of the surplus plants and feature them in other areas of your garden. If you choose to color coordinate your borders you can come up with a variety of creative and decorative effects. No matter which method you prefer, by using decorative lawn edging techniques you can ensure that your garden is not only beautiful, but also an original work of art.

Inexpensive Lawn Edging Ideas

Lawn edging is a very important aspect of landscaping, however it is often overlooked. When it comes to lawn edging, there are many inexpensive ideas that homeowners can use to create beautiful and decorative edges. The first step in lawn edging is to decide where you would like to place the edge. You can use virtually any material for your lawn edging that you like, provided that it is durable and that you have enough to complete your project. Finding inexpensive lawn edging materials is simple, if you know where to look. You can always find inexpensive plastic edging in a variety of colors, styles, and designs. Your local garden supply store will offer a wide selection of edging materials. However, if you are feeling creative or inspired, you may decide that you would like to use something else for your edging needs.

Some interesting ideas for lawn edging include using flowers and plants, tiles, wood timbers, even siding. In fact, you can create a very simple edging simply by digging a trench around your flowerbed. If you are interested in using your edging to reduce the appearance of weeds, you can simply use a shovel to slice the roots of any weeds that throw roots that shoot. By eliminating these roots, you can reduce the appearance of weeds and eliminate much of the work that becomes a chore during gardening.

It is also a nice idea to use complimentary colors and material when choosing edging materials that match the rest of your home’s exterior and décor. Natural colors always blend well, such as wood tones and stains. If you prefer metal edging, you will find that you can create a beautiful and luminous effect by using different colored low wattage lights around the border. This is inexpensive but provides a rich and regal effect.

Reusing materials is another way that you can create inexpensive borders and edges for your lawn and garden. One great project involves using tiles. You can glue various tiles to a wood board then affix the edging around your garden bed. Metal stakes can be used to keep the arrangement from resting on the ground. By looking around at the materials that are available to you, you may be surprised at the creative and witty ideas that you come up with to create your own decorative and personal edgings.

The importance of edging your lawn cannot be understated. Edging your lawn will give your yard the finished and polished look that it needs. By regularly edging your lawn you will reduce the appearance of weeds and enjoy the rewards of having a well maintained lawn. Whether you choose plastic, metal, or an inexpensive recycled material to create your edging it is important that you develop a plan and layout for your border and add it to your landscaping design. By taking the time to incorporate lawn edging in your garden and lawn, you will reduce and eliminate the effects of weeds, showcase your favorite flowers, and create a beautiful landscape worthy to be admired.

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material then you can purchase the equipment needed to create your lawn edging.

Some types of lawn edges will require the use of metal stakes.  You can choose how deep to install your edge, or you may decide that it is best to leave your edge above the surface through the use of stakes.  When considering edging materials, you may also want to take the type of flowers that you have planted into account.  By choosing lawn edging that compliments your choice of flowers you can remain confident that your lawn edging will enhance your garden and not detract from it. 

Once you have selected your materials, you will need to install lawn edging.  The methods used to install lawn edging will be contingent upon the type of edging you are using.  Many times, you will install lawn edging by digging a trench.  Most edging materials are straight and you won’t have much liberty to create your own patterns that consist of many curves.  However, using concrete lawn edging materials will ensure that your creativity can flow and that you can create any type of lawn edging that you desire.  Whether you want a straight or curved edge, concrete will give you the freedom to place the edge anywhere you like. 

You can also create customized edging techniques by using wood, metal, or plastic borders and edges.  Another option includes using decorative fencing.  An effective way to install lawn edging is to create a living or flower border.  To do this, you first dig a trench, and then plant flowers in the trench.  The flowers will create a nice border between your lawn and flowerbed.  This method will help increase your collection of flowers as well.  You can take the surplus flowers and plant them in other areas as well. 

No matter which lawn edging you prefer, learning how to <b>install lawn edging</b> can not only make your yard and flowerbed more aesthetically pleasing, but it can also increase the property value of your home.

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Some of the most popular effects created with a Cobra lawn edging machine include patterns such as cobblestone, wood grain, running bond, and granite.  Special rollers are used to create the patterns and then a variety of paints are used to create and finish the look.  Some styles are available in certain colors; where as other styles may offer more choices for color and paint.  By choosing and selecting your colors from a color chart, you can ensure that your finished lawn edging will compliment the rest of your lawn and garden furniture and décor. 

Another option includes using plastic Cobra lawn edging that comes in rolls.  This type of edging is much more inexpensive and is easy and simple to install.  Plastic edging offers many advantages to the homeowner that may be working within a limited budget.  Installing this type of edging is easy and any gardener can enhance his or her own gardens and flowerbeds.  Edging provides many more essential benefits to your garden then simply being aesthetically pleasing.  Proper edging will enhance your gardening efforts by showcasing and featuring your selected plants while minimizing the spread of weeds. 

Landscape curbing with concrete is a highly effective way to minimize the spread of weeds due to the fact that concrete is more durable and heavier than other materials.  No matter what style of concrete edging you choose, the benefits of concrete far outweigh all other types of material including metal, wood, and plastic.  By using the various painting techniques you can create customized curbing that rivals the most prized architecturally designed homes.  Another benefit to using landscape curving is the fact that you can customize the area that is to be curbed.  Any homeowner who is interested in landscape curving should take the time to carefully plan out the area to be edged.  There are no limits or constraints to the shape that is laid out with landscape curbing, making <b>Cobra lawn edging</b> one of the most popular choices in edging products.

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Fixed blade or half moon lawn edging equipment is used like a shovel. The gardener steps on the blade while holding on to the handle. The blade is then driven into the ground and cuts off the area being edged. The top part of the half moon edging tool is curved, making it a nice resting place for the gardener’s foot. This does take some strength and muscle power, but it is a very effective tool to use when edging. Some people may prefer to use this tool for edging smaller areas alone.

The rolling model lawn edging equipment is a tool that uses a wheel to rotate. As the gardener rotates the wheel, the blade cuts and edges the lawn or area being cut. Like the half moon edging tool, the rolling model also requires a certain level of muscle force to operate. This can make it either a desirable tool depending upon the health of the gardener. However, this tool is quite effective at making a very straight edge, making it a great piece of lawn edging equipment.

Gasoline powered lawn edging equipment is a great choice for those who are looking for an edging tool that doesn’t require as much man power to operate. For those who are looking for a tool that doesn’t require much muscle power, the gasoline powered edger offers convenience and flexibility. Because it runs on gasoline, the gardener isn’t limited to edging certain areas or to using extension cords to finish their work. The gasoline powered edger comes with a circular blade and will have a number of different adjustable settings to control the amount of area that is cut.

Electric powered lawn edging equipment is like the gasoline powered edger only it runs on electricity. This can be beneficial to those who don’t favor the idea of using gasoline, but due to the fact that it requires electricity, you may be required to use an extension cord to ensure that you can reach the full perimeter of your yard.

No matter which method or lawn edging equipment you choose, it is important that you always remove large debris, rocks, and pebbles out of the area before edging. You should also wear safety goggles when operating power edging equipment.

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Metal lawn edging makes a complimentary choice for many exterior décor pieces such as lawn and garden patio furniture, gazing balls, pots, plants, and even bird feeders and baths. Consider the other items in your yard when you are selecting metal lawn edging. Exterior décor is just as important to your home’s ambience as is your interior design. One of the many benefits inherent to metal lawn edging is its durability. Edging is necessary to showcase your plants but it also plays a practical and vital role by controlling weeds. Metal lawn edging is durable; therefore you don’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon. Unlike plastic lawn edging, which has a tendency to rip, break, and bend, metal edging is strong and sturdy. When you select metal lawn edging you can rest assured that you have selected a material that will endure throughout the seasons.

When installing metal edging, you will discover that you will need to secure it to the ground with stakes. When purchasing a kit, the stakes will be included. However, if you are making your own decorative metal edging from other sources, you can purchase the stakes and use them accordingly. A beautiful touch that will enhance the metal and overall appearance of your garden is to showcase your metal edging by using low voltage lighting. First, install your metal edging, and then arrange a display of low voltage lighting adjacent to the edging. The low voltage lighting will ensure that your garden is safe, but the glow of the lights will illuminate the metal, causing a beautiful and luminous effect.

Another form of metal edging that provides a decorative look and effect is border fencing. Border fences look splendid and come in a variety of different patterns, colors, and designs. It is also relatively easy to choose complimentary accessories, such as flowerpots and garden statues that accentuate your choice of border fencing. Before you install your fencing or border, you should carefully consider the overall layout of your garden and plan your design ahead of time. Once you lay your edging, it is a tedious process to change it, so consider your design before you begin to install the metal lawn edging.

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