(NAPS)—Ifyou're like most people, when spring comes, you're ready to get outside and make youryard both beautiful and functional. Maybe you're aim- ing to have the best yard on the block, wantto install an outdoorfamily room, or want to expandyourspace for entertaining. Perhaps yourkidsor pets could use a better space forplay. Regardless of need, nowis the timeto get “backyard ready? The Tools You'll Need “Completing big outdoor jobs is With the right equipment,you can make the grass greener onyourside of the fence. always easier with help from outdoor a fence line easier. A pole pruner can powerequipment,” said Kris Kiser, pres- ident and CEO of the Outdoor Power EquipmentInstitute (OPEI). “The right outdoor power equipmentcan help you get the work donefaster and can help you safely maintain your yard? These tips from Kiser can help youselect the machinery youneedtoget the job done. + Plan your needs. Draw a sketch of youryard. Include any majorfeatures suchastrees, bushes, an herb orvegetable garden,flower beds, lawn furniture, play or sports equipment, an outdoor patio, or birdbath. Note where main- tenance may be required. Will bushes need to be trimmed back from your homeorgarage? Do you wantto putin help trim backlimbs thatare too high to reachsafely with a saw anda leaf blower canclearleaves faster than a rake. + Research equipment online before you buy. Think aboutefficiencies ofscale. The right equipment can mean moretimefor otheractivities and make doing yard work more enjoyable, too. Doing online research in advance can help you pick the right equipment for the job. Outdoor power equipment can begas, electric or battery powered and technologyis rapidly affecting product design. There are even robotic lawn mowers available today. Equipment maybesized to handlea smaller job or of youryard and what will make the job a massiveone. Ultimately, your decision should be based onyourneeds. + Ask questions. Talk with the staff at the store or ask online about the equipment. In the store, ask to pick up and hold equipment to determineits + Consider equipment needed. Visit your garage or shed and find all yourlawn andgarden tools. Wheel out ask aboutfueling andcare instructions. Find out how often equipment may needto beserviced. someflowering bushes or a tree? Are you planningtoinstall a fence and more grass because of your pet? Nowlist the tools and equipmentneededto take care easier. your mowerandget out other equipment. Lookit over and makea list of what's needed or could be upgraded. Repair anything that needsattention or identify where a neweror other machine is required.Ifyou have a large vegetable garden,you needa cultivatorortiller. If youhavea large lawn, an upgrade to a riding lawn mower might make mow- ingeasier.A string trimmer might make “fit” for you. Discuss safetyfeatures and Make a plan for storage and maintenance. Store your equipmentin a cool anddryplace. It shouldtypically be serviced at the end ofthe fall and the beginningofthe spring. Put service dates on yourcalendarwith a reminder. Learn More Forsafety information and tofind out which manufacturers make various outdoor power equipmentproducts, go caringfor bushes or trimminggrass near to wwwopei.org.
