HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-05-07, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015.
Building, gardening jobs require the right tools
MS –The right tools for the job
can be the difference between an
interminable landscaping project
and one that goes smoothly and
efficiently. Aspiring landscapers
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 outdoor structures,
additional tools come in handy. It
may be well worth a trip to a nearby
home center to purchase 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 hoeing, tillers can
be useful landscaping tools,
particularly for homeowners 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 powerful
models, especially if the tiller is only
necessary at the beginning of
planting season. Professional
landscapers or those with large
swatches of property may benefit
from larger models.
• Auger: Augers, both mechanical
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
footings, fencing posts or other
structures. Augers come in a variety
of sizes and homeowners can choose
how much power they prefer.
Augers can be heavy and
cumbersome, and many do-it-
yourselfers will find that one-person
augers are more than adequate for
their projects.
Augers dig deep holes, so it is
always smart to have the property
surveyed prior to use. This way
pipes, gas lines, buried electrical
lines, and any other obstructions are
clearly 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 powerful and will mix the soil or
stir up the top layer, while the latter
can break up moderately hard
ground and loosen firm soil.
When using any tools around the
garden, wear the proper protection.
This includes devices to protect
hearing when power tools are in use
as well as gloves and safety goggles.
Tillers, augers and cultivators have
the potential to toss soil and rocks
into the air, so make sure others keep
their distance while work is in
progress.
Schmidt’s Power
Equipment
79 Clyde St.,
Bluevale, ON N0G 1G0
519-357-3877
schmidtspower@gmail.com
CONSTRUCTION
CUSTOM NEW HOMES...AND EVERYTHING ELSE
519.523.4757 www.buildwithcmb.com
Pannabecker Holdings Inc.
Bulk Hardwood Mulch, Flagstone
& Landscape Rock
Best to call ahead
519-524-6413
4 kms west of Auburn
Ross & Glenna Pannabecker
ROLLWe’re
Ready
to
c
d
tu
c
do
q
m
TeO BIG OR SMALL!
ASPHALT PAVING OF
• Driveways
• Parking Lots
• Farm Laneways
• Tennis Courts
OTHER SERVICES
• Landscaping
• Concrete
• Fencing
FREE QUOTES 519-524-2645
166 Bennett St.E.,Goderich
artslandscaping@bellnet.ca • www.artslandscaping.ca
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL!
Tilling the soil
While a rake or a shovel might be good for some jobs
around the garden, having a little more power can help do
the job properly. (MS photo)