In Your Own Backyard (NAPSA)—Saving time and money is on everyone’s mind. People are realizing that it’s not only a cost savings to join the DIY ranks but surprisingly simple if you have the right equipment. You can save time mowing your own lawn with a zero-turn mowerand havetimeleft over to grow your own greens. There’s never been a better time to get back to American traditions and take satisfaction from your labors in your own backyard. Easy Mowing With A Zero-Turn If you mow more thanoneacre, there’s a time-saving option in lawn care that’s gaining popularity with the do-it-yourself lawn enthusiast. Today’s zero-turn mowersare designed with power and precision—with speeds of up to 7 mph and the ability to turn on a dime around landscape beds andtrees. According to Gary Hardee, director of product management at Husqvarna, a zero-turn mower can increase your productivity by up to 50 percent without compro- mising the quality of cut. “Zeroturn mowers are not just for the pros; we see many landowners turning to these fast machines to minimize trimming and hand mowing while still having a beautifully manicured lawn—and it makes mowing fun,” said Hardee. Some zero-turns designed for homeowners have features like maintenance-free, integrated zeroturn transmissions and an air- induction-style cutting deck, improving airflow and increasing grass lift for a smooth, consistent cut. With cutting decks generally ranging from 42 to 54 inches, more cutting is achieved, and fewer passes means more time to enjoy your lush lawn. Grow Your Own Greens Now that you’ve trimmedcut- ting time with your zero-turn, think about cutting your grocery bill as well. Convert a landscape bed or dedicate a piece of property to grow a garden—and the whole family can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Getting started is easy, and the only piece of equipment that you'll need is a cultivator to till the ground with minimal effort. Extend your green thumbprint by reducing your carbon footprint and choose a battery-operated cultivator. Cleaner and quieter than its gas-powered counterpart, battery-operated cultivators are an innovative new alternative in the gardening world. “Our new cultivator has a highcapacity battery that delivers the performance of a gas engine with 30-45 minutes of battery life per charge,” said Hardee. “Most importantly, it’s gentle on the operator, the neighbors and the planet.” Look for a cultivator that offers versatility, too. Ridger, edger and dethatcher attachments turn this machine into a giant workhorse. For more information about saving time and money in your backyard, visit www.usa.husqvarna.com.
