Highlights of the 2008 Green Industry and Equipment Expo

From its roots in the former International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo trade show, the Green Industry and Equipment Expo has tended to be long on equipment and short on green. But at the 2008 event, held last week in Louisville, Kentucky, many companies, even heavy-gear manufacturers, got in on the green act.

Trumpeting one's claimed pro-environmental efforts is good public relations, of course, but some equipment makers have another motivation to market eco-friendly products: The latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations for curtailing the emissions of small, nonroad engines allow for low- or no-emissions engines to generate credits to offset the emissions of relatively gas-guzzling products.

Here's some of what I saw at the expo:

The first zero-emissions zero-turn-radius emerges. Zero-turn-radius mowers and zero emissions might seem an unlikely couple, but with the electric Zeon (shown), you'll be able to get a no-emissions ZTR mower. Outfitted with a 48-volt, four-battery system and a 42-inch welded-steel deck, this prosumer model will run for 80 minutes on a full charge, claim manufacturer Hustler Turf Equipment and its partner, transmission maker Hydro-Gear. Zero emissions won't come cheap—the Zeon, due out next spring, will likely cost $6,500 to $7,000.

This robot can charge itself. Husqvarna introduced 80 products at the show, with a new version of its Automower robotic lawn mower among the most interesting. The Automower Solar Hybrid, $3,000, can recharge its battery even as it mows, claims Husqvarna. It's designed to handle lawns up to a half-acre, with the odds of its reaching that goal improving if the sun is shining. As with other robotic mowers we've tested, this Automower is supposed to mow within an area you set using wires laid along its perimeter. When it reaches a wire, it turns; when the battery gets low down, the mower returns to its base. In our past tests, robotic mowers have delivered unimpressive cutting performance.

A new oil is "suet-able" for small engines. Manufacturers of equipment such as mowers, snowmobiles, and generators have met the new federal emissions standards by redesigning engines and other components. Green Earth Technologies has introduced another way to run an engine more cleanly: G-OIL Garden & Recreational engine oil, made from beef tallow. One distributor, Dante Terzigni, told me the biodegradable two-cycle oil starts as fat harvested from slaughtered cows and is morphed into usable form through nanotechnology. Terzigni claimed the oil runs cleaner than petroleum-based oil, emits no smoke at its 262°F flash point, and meets industry certification specs. You'll find Green Earth Technologies products at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and other retailers and on Amazon.com.—Ed Perratore

Tip of the Day: Take the work and injury out of fall cleanup

As I lay in bed last Sunday morning recovering from a day spent removing my air conditioners, my colleague Steven H. Saltzman had already started on his fall yard cleanup and wasted no time blogging about it.

Don't feel guilty if you've yet to start your own seasonal cleanup. In this case, procrastination is not a bad thing--use the time to review our best lawn-care products.

Plus, you'll be able to heed this expert advice from the Consumer Reports Health blog to avoid raking-related and other injuries. And follow these tips from Silvana Fix, D.P.T., a doctor of physical therapy with Spine and Sports Rehab in Fairfield, Connecticut.

• Before you start working, "a brisk walk for about 10 minutes is a good general warm-up," says Fix. To stretch your back, "Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend backward five to 10 times before returning to a full upright position," says Fix.

For your quadriceps, bend your right leg, grab the ankle with your right hand, and gently pull your leg toward your buttocks. Hold that for a count of 10 or 20. Repeat with your left leg. Be sure you're near a wall or tree and on flat ground so you can maintain your balance.

Fix also recommends this easy chest-and-shoulder stretch: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, clasp your hands behind your back and gently bring your hands away from your back. Hold for a count of 10 and repeat two or three times.

• When you rake, "Keep your wrists in a neutral position, with no bending. A rake that has a bent or side-mounted handle can help here," says Fix. She adds that good body mechanics are important: "Place one foot ahead of the other, keep your back straight, and rake the leaves while taking small steps backward and keeping your arms close to our body."

As you work, avoid stooping or bending forward, twisting your back, and overreaching with your arms, and keep your feet planted firmly in one place on the ground, according to Fix, who notes that you should stretch again when you're done and consult a medical professional if you pain lingers.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Remember, it's important to get rid of leaves, especially under your deck. Piles of leaves are an open invitation to mice, which can carry Lyme disease and hantavirus, and other pests to set up warm winter homes. Our fall lawn-and-yard checklist will help your yard looks its best next spring. Autumn is an especially effective time to fertilize some lawns. Don't hesitate to fall back on mechanical help to get the job done, including the latest leaf-bagging lawn tractors, cordless and gas-powered leaf blowers, and string trimmers.

The leaves on the trees are falling . . .

I just got back in from an early-morning walk with my 17-week-old dog, and one thing's clear here in my Northern New Jersey hometown: Fall-cleanup season has begun in earnest the last couple of days. The weather has been terrific recently, mild days with more of a late-summer everything-is-in-bloom upbeat feel than a winter-is-coming, let's-pack-it-in-for-the-season dread.

This morning, the brass dial thermometer on my deck reads a bracing 41°F; that's not too bad for October 18, but the leaves have taken the autumn chill of the last 48 hours as a sign to release their tree-bound grip and cascade toward the suburban lawns.

For me and countless others, the sudden shift to full-on fall will interrupt our regularly scheduled lineup of relaxing weekend programming and force us to grab rake, mower, leaf blower, collection receptacle, and myriad essential gear as we gather countless leaves from all the ash, locust, maple, sycamore, and oak trees around us.

Fall cleanup is not a terrible hassle for me, and I dig the vibrant splashes of seasonal color, but I am always looking for ways to make the job go faster and more efficiently. (The sooner it's done tomorrow, for instance, the earlier my twins and I can go for a bike ride.) Fortunately, a colleague of mine prepared this "Tip of the Day: Make faster work of leaf removal" last fall. I followed some of the DIY advice then and I'll use it again in the coming weeks. You should, too.

Good luck, all you leaf wranglers out there. If you have some can't-miss suggestions for ways to deal with leaves, add a comment below.—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: Read these other smart moves for fall cleanup. And if you're in the market for a new leaf blower, check out our ratings-based report before you buy.

EPA sets lower emissions regulations for mowers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently updated its regulations for emissions from "small spark-ignition engines"—that is, your lawn mower or tractor and other outdoor power equipment.

As with earlier phases of these regulations (see chart, below), the latest guidelines, Phase 3, further reduce levels of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, contributors to ground-level ozone and smog, from the exhaust of gas-powered mowers, tractors, and other handheld outdoor gear, including generators. (It also affects in- and outboard engines and other marine equipment.) For the first time since 1997, when the first phase of emissions regulations took effect, the new regulations also limit hydrocarbons that evaporate from the tank, hoses, and other components when the equipment is off.

The new regulations take effect in 2011 for tractors and other riding models and in 2012 for mowers. Eighty percent of Class I (walk-behind mowers) and nearly 70 percent of Class II (riding mowers) engine families from the leading manufacturers would have to be redesigned to be compliant, according to EPA documents. Engine manufacturers won't necessarily have to bring every engine down to the new levels, but the weighted averages of the company's line in a given year will need to comply.

"From an exhaust standpoint, these standards are the most stringent, and probably the most technically difficult, to deal with so far," says Tom Savage, senior vice president of engineering at Briggs & Stratton, which sells engines and also lawn equipment under Simplicity, Snapper, and other lines.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently revamped its own emissions standards for walk-behind mowers built as of model-year 2007 and ride-on mowers starting in model-year 2008; the EPA's Phase 3 standards for Class I and II engines are similar to CARB's.

The EPA estimates that the price of a typical walk-behind mower could rise by $15 to $28 in the near term, though CARB's own estimates are roughly double. The price of riding models, says the EPA, could rise by $50 to nearly $100. The price hikes could be tied into catalytic converters, which the federal government has required on cars and light trucks since the 1970s. Some mower and tractor manufacturers might use catalytic converters to comply with the new regulations.

Mowers and tractors built under the new EPA regulations should use less gas, possibly offsetting the price increase, says Kris Kiser, senior vice president of public affairs for the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, a manufacturer trade group. "There will be some gasoline cost savings over the life of the product," he says. You'll need to follow the recommended maintenance for your yard gear to maximize fuel savings.

Some have objected to the EPA ruling, noting that catalytic converters run hot enough to pose a threat of fire when the engine is used in dry, heavy growth or near lawn debris. The EPA, however, says that the new standards should not pose any additional threat of fire or injury and that compliance with the standards could even reduce the risk to consumers.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Learn more about the different types of mowers, mowing safety, emissions, and robotic mowers and electric mowers. When you're ready to buy, read our latest mowers review, and refer to our ratings of push and self-propelled mowers and tractors (available to subscribers).
                                                    

		Effective model year	Hydrocarbons + nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr)	Nonmethane hydrocarbons+ nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr) [1]	Carbon monoxide (g/kW-hr)	Expected reduction in hydrocarbons (%)
Phase 1	Mowers	1997	16.1	--	519	32
	Tractors	1997	13.4	--
Phase 2	Mowers	2007	16.1	14.8	610	59
	Tractors	2001-2005	12.1	11.3
Phase 3	Mowers	2012	10	14.8	610	34
	Tractors	2011	8	11.3

[1] For products fueled by natural gas

		Effective model year	Hydrocarbons + nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr)	Nonmethane hydrocarbons+ nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr) [1]	Carbon monoxide (g/kW-hr)	Expected reduction in hydrocarbons (%)
Phase 1	Mowers	1997	16.1	--	519	32
	Tractors	1997	13.4	--
Phase 2	Mowers	2007	16.1	14.8	610	59
	Tractors	2001-2005	12.1	11.3
Phase 3	Mowers	2012	10	14.8	610	34
	Tractors	2011	8	11.3

		Effective model year	Hydrocarbons + nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr)	Nonmethane hydrocarbons+ nitrogen oxides (g/kW-hr) [1]	Carbon monoxide (g/kW-hr)	Expected reduction in hydrocarbons (%)
Phase 1	Mowers	1997	16.1	--	519	32
	Tractors	1997	13.4	--
Phase 2	Mowers	2007	16.1	14.8	610	59
	Tractors	2001-2005	12.1	11.3
Phase 3	Mowers	2012	10	14.8	610	34
	Tractors	2011	8	11.3

Tip of the Day: Fertilize your lawn this fall

After months of planting, fertilizing, mowing, and other chores, you might be ready to take a break from all the yard work.

But you shouldn't. Fertilizing your yard during the fall can be essential to maintaining a healthy lawn, especially if you have cool-season turfgrasses like bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.

"Autumn is the optimum growth period," says Martin Petrovic, Ph.D., a turf expert in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. "The temperatures favor a balanced growth of roots and shoots, so the nutrients in the fertilizer have the best chance of doing their job." Petrovic recommends two fall applications based on the acronym SON, for September, October, and November: Do the first feeding in late September to early October, the second in November, around your final mow of the season.

Another helpful fertilizing mnemonic is "up, down, all around." That indicates the action of the three main ingredients in lawn fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes growth and greening ("up"), phosphorous aids root development ("down"), and potassium fortifies the grass against disease, cold, insects, and the like ("all around").

The numbers on a fertilizer bag, in N-P-K order, indicate the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, respectively, on a weight basis. For example, a 100-pound bag labeled 20-0-0 has 20 pounds of nitrogen but no phosphorus or potassium.

"Unfortunately, there's no magic formula for fall fertilizer," says Petrovic. You'll likely see 20-5-15 mix sold at home and garden centers, but the only sure way to determine your lawn needs is to test the soil. Private labs and cooperative extensions perform the service, including specific nutrient recommendations in their report.

Fertilizer bags should also indicate the nitrogen's release characteristic. Slow-release fertilizers contain water-insoluble nitrogen, making them suitable for early-fall applications. Later in the season, a water-soluble fast-release fertilizer is necessary, says Petrovic.

Recommendations for lawn fertilizers are usually given in actual nitrogen over a given area. As a general rule, you should apply no more than 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn if it's thin and weedy. "If the turf looks dense, you don't need to put down as much nitrogen," says Petrovic.

It's always better to use too little fertilizer rather than too much, since nitrogen and phosphorous not absorbed by your lawn can get washed into storm drains and watersheds. Known as nutrient pollution, this phenomenon is particularly problematic in coastal regions with loose, sandy soil. For more information, download the Environmental Protection Agency's June 2008 "Sowing the Seeds for Healthy Waterways" report.

Use the Purdue University Turf Fertilizer Calculator to figure out how much fertilizer you'll need based on the nitrogen concentration. Also, be sure to calibrate your drop spreader to make sure you don't overfertilize. And remember that using your mower's mulch setting can reduce fertilizer needs by a third since the soil-enriching nitrogen from decomposing clippings promote turf growth naturally.

Take care of your yard this fall, and you'll have less lawn maintenance to deal with come spring.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: See our fall lawn-and-yard checklist for advice on trees and shrubs, flowers and gardens, and how to use herbicides safely.

Protect Your Investment: Lawn mower/tractor

Whether your mower, lawn tractor, or zero-turn-radius riding mower is new or old, some midseason maintenance can keep it cutting cleanly and reliably for years to come. Otherwise, you may face the same situation of one Keith Walendowski of Milwaukee, who shot his Lawn-Boy mower because it wouldn't start. (In all fairness, here is one opinion that insists the mower got what was coming to it.)

I asked Peter Sawchuk, our lead tester of outdoor power equipment, about the best ways to extend the life of a lawn mower or tractor, including zero-turn-radius mowers. They're a smarter, cheaper, and safer alternative to going postal in your backyard:

Clean the deck regularly. Make it part of your mowing routine to wash out the underside of the deck with a hose after each mowing. Clipping buildup reduces mulching performance and corrodes the metal over time, particularly when those clippings include fertilizer. Do it immediately after mowing, before clippings dry and harden.

Many tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers come with washout ports that accept a hose. Some models also accept retrofit ports. (Among walk-behind mowers, newer Toros are among the models that include washout ports.) If you have to wash out a riding mower manually, get a set of automotive ramps and simply drive the front of the tractor onto the ramps for easier access beneath.

An extra tip: After washing the underside of the deck, consider spraying it with an organic-based, non-toxic lubricant to help keep clippings from sticking next time around.

Keep blades sharp. Especially during the hotter, dryer part of the season, sharpen the blade(s) or have it done. Optimally, you'll do it at the start of the season and monthly thereafter—more often if you do lots of heavy cutting. Dull blades damage the grass as they cut, leaving unsightly brown-tipped grass in their wake. You'll also pay more in gas, since dull blades make your mower work harder and longer. Buying spare blades means your lawn won't overgrow while you get the first sharpened.

Check the oil. Walk-behind mower engines typically give out after 150 to 200 hours of use—or about eight to 10 years. But you can easily cut that lifespan if you let the oil level on four-stroke engines get too low on the dipstick or don't change the oil as often as the manufacturer recommends. Each time you mow, check the oil before you begin, and add more when the level drop to halfway point or lower. But filling above the "full" mark can also shorten engine life by causing the oil to foam and fail to lubricate critical parts.

Check the tires. For a tractors or riding mower, midseason is also the time of year to check tire pressure. As with car tires, those on mowers gradually lose air even without an actual leak, making the machine harder to steer and damaging the tires if air pressure gets too low. A rear tire that's low can also affect traction, making it easier to tear grass or slide on inclines.

Consider a new mower if your old one is tired. As with appliances and most products we test, it typically makes sense to replace rather than repair if the fix costs more than 50 percent of what you'll pay for a comparable new model. A timely benefit to newer gas mowers and tractors: They tend to run more efficiently and use less gas. If you're considering an electric mower for a smaller property, check with your local government for trade-in programs (like this recent one in Chicago) that let you swap a gas-powered mower for a less-polluting new battery-powered one.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: We tested more than 70 mowers and tractors (including zero-turn-radius mowers) in time for the early mowing season, but you can still find models in stores if you need to shop now. Here's advice on mower types, mowing safety, emissions, and robotic mowers. View Ratings of push and self-propelled mowers and tractors and our repair-or-replace charts (available to subscribers).

Tip of the Day: Safely apply herbicides

The best way to keep your lawn free of weeds is to fertilize, water, and mow it properly. You can also make your lawn more resilient to weeds (and drought) by allowing it to grow longer. A healthy lawn will resist weeds without your having to apply chemical herbicides.

But if you're going to use herbicides to deal with broadleaf plantain, crabgrass, dandelions (shown), oxalis, and countless other weeds, you'll need to apply it properly. To identify common lawn weeds, use our interactive guide. Keep in mind that spot application of herbicides will require the use of less chemicals, which could save you money and be better for the environment.

Herbicides are classified according to their use or mode of action:

Nonselective herbicides like Roundup kill all kinds of plants.

Selective herbicides like Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate kill some plants but not others. In your lawn, selective herbicides kill dicots (which include many common lawn weeds), plants with branching veins in variously shaped leaves.

Postemergent herbicides such as Roundup and Weed-B-Gon kill growing weeds and may be either selective or not.

Preemergent herbicides prevent some weed seeds from even germinating. They are typically used in early spring to prevent crabgrass. Most often these herbicides are combined with a fertilizer, as in Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer.

To learn how to safely and properly use granular herbicides and concentrated liquid sprays, read our expert advice.

Honda lawn mowers recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on July 9, 2008, announced the recall of abut 20,5000 Honda lawn mowers due to a laceration hazard. The rear shield on the affected mowers can break off, possibly allowing debris to be thrown toward the person mowing. As of the recall date, no injuries have been reported.

The mowers, made in the United States by American Honda Motor Corp. of Torrance, California, have the model number HRX217(K)2HXA or HRX217(K)2HMA with a serial number MAGA-1500001 through MAGA-1520532. You'll find the model and serial numbers on a label on the upper rear of the mower deck. The mowers, $900, were sold at Honda dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from October 2007 to June 2008.

If you own a recalled mower, stop using it immediately and call your local Honda dealer to arrange for a free repair. For more information, call Honda (800-426-7701, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday) or go to Honda's recalls page.

Essential information: Get more information about electric and gas mowers and lawn tractors, read our latest mowers report, and use the expert advice in our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide to help your lawn look its best.

 

Pest Patrol: How to get rid of grubs in your yard

If irregularly shaped sections of your lawn are withering away, the problem could be grubs. These small beetle larvae live in the soil and feed on lawn roots.

To determine whether you have a grub problem, cut into your lawn near the edge of a brown area and lift the grass. If it comes up easily, as if you’re rolling up carpet, your yard has grubs. Odds are, you’ll see some of these milky-white, wormlike creatures with brown heads and three pairs of legs curled into a C shape (shown).

The remedy: Apply chemical insecticides with imidacloprid or halofenozide in July or August when grubs are immature. After a couple of days, reseed or replant any damaged areas. (Learn how to plant the perfect grass.)

To kill mature grubs this fall or next spring, combine Heterorhabditis nematodes—sold in pastelike form—with water and apply to the soil according to the package instructions.

Next week’s pest: There’s one other reason to target grubs—they’re a favorite food of moles, whose extensive tunneling can exacerbate the damage grubs do to your lawn. We’ll target ways to control the five species of mole common to the U.S. in an upcoming installment of Pest Patrol.

Essential information: Our updated Complete Lawn & Yard Guide offers how-to advice for planting and pruning and Ratings (available to subscribers) of a wide array of lawn and garden equipment. You’ll also find the best ways to deal with weeds, lawn diseases, and common insects as well as an interactive tour of  major lawn problems.

Tip of the Day: Should you hire a lawn-care service?

If you’re a desk jockey like me, the prospect of getting out in the sun and fresh air to do a few hours of yard work each week might be appealing. I often look forward to tending to my property and the work (and workout) it brings—even if the mowing, weeding, raking, debris blowing, fertilizing, watering, planting, edging, trimming, and sweeping sometimes elicit more exhaustion than exhilaration. I also don’t mind the hundreds of dollars in savings I’ve reaped each of the last eight years through my DIY yard care.

But if you’re tired of tending to your property—and apparently many of you are: Americans spent more than $44 billion in 2006 on professional lawn and landscape services—you might be considering hiring one of the national lawn-care companies.

Find out if companies like Lawn Doctor and Scotts are worth it in “Lawn-Care Services: How They Stack Up.” You’ll find more details on the companies in our companion comparison story (available to subscribers).—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: See our lawn and yard guide for more expert advice for your property as well as our mowers and tractors page for the latest reports on this and other outdoor power equipment. And learn what type of work other Americans do at their own home in our survey.

Tip of the Day: Use a string trimmer to manicure your yard

A string trimmer picks up where your lawn mower or tractor can’t reach, providing the finishing touches as it eliminates grass and weeds around trees and flower beds, along your driveway, and other areas of your property.

If parts of your yard are starting to look a little woolly, it could be time for you to buy a string trimmer. The long Memorial Day weekend means you might find some deals in stores (string trimmers cost about $20 for entry-level electric models and up to $250 for commercial-grade gasoline units), plus you should have a few extra hours to make your outdoor areas look their best.

Keep these points in mind when you’re shopping for a new model, and see our string trimmer product page for more information, including our latest test information and Ratings (available to subscribers).

Consider your landscape. Straight-shaft trimmers can reach beneath shrubs more easily than curved-shaft models. They're also easier to handle for taller users and are less likely to spatter you with clippings. Curved-shaft trimmers trade a straight shaft's longer reach for easier maneuvering and, often, less weight.

Check the specs. Most gas-powered trimmers run on 87-octane regular, though some brands recommend 89-octane fuel for models with higher engine compression.

Most manufacturers also tell you which size replacement line fits your trimmer. Using other than the specified size can result in poor line feeding from the line spool at the cutting head. Line that's too thin can compromise cutting performance in heavier grass and weeds, while line that's too thick can be too aggressive resulting in an uneven and ragged cut.

Mind the gap. Tall grass and weeds can slow or stall a trimmer by wrapping around the top of its cutting head, especially if there's a gap between it and the mounting for the grass-debris guard. Models with a small gap or a protective sleeve around the shaft avoided that problem and did well in tall grass.

Give it the once-over. Check the balance of the trimmer by adjusting the front handle for a comfortable reach and holding the trimmer in the cutting position with both hands. Its weight should feel evenly distributed from top to bottom or slightly heavier at the top. Also be sure the controls work smoothly and are easy to reach. If you're left-handed, see that any gas trimmer you're considering has a deflector to aim hot exhaust gases rearward; most have it.

Essential information: Read about how Consumer Reports tests string trimmers.

Q&A: Is cocoa mulch dangerous to dogs?

We're considering using cocoa mulch around our entire property but read online that this stuff could toxic to our dog. Any truth to those stories?

The concern over dogs being poisoned by cocoa mulch dates back a few years. Unlike all those urban myths on the Web, there's some truth to the warnings about this mulch, also called cocoa-shell mulch (shown). For more information, read "Cocoa Mulch Is Toxic to Dogs."

Essential information: Visit our lawn and yard guide for more expert advice for your yard and garden.

Q&A: What’s the best way to repair bare patches in my lawn?

My lawn has several small bare spots. What’s the best way to repair these bald patches?

You can easily revive your yard without starting from scratch. Since you’re dealing with small areas, the easiest fix is to patch the bare spots.

1. Dig up and remove the damaged section, plus 6 inches of surrounding, healthy lawn, cutting 2 inches deep.

2. Smooth and level the soil. Add a small amount of soil amendment and starter fertilizer, firm the soil, water, and level again if needed.

3. Replant with seed, sod, or sprigs. For seed, cover lightly, press into place, and keep moist until germination. For sod, cut a section to fit, press it into place to firm roots against soil, and water frequently until rooted. For sprigs or plugs, plant them a few inches apart, cover lightly and press into place, and water until rooted.

NOTE: Do not use a fertilizer with crabgrass or weed control in the area to be reseeded six weeks before seeding and until after the new grass seed has germinated. Otherwise the grass will not germinate.

Essential information: See our lawn and yard guide for more expert advice for your property, including details on planting the right grass.

Tip of the Day: How to spend your federal economic stimulus payment

The economic stimulus payments from the federal government will start hitting mailboxes throughout the country the first week of May. Approximately 130 million Americans will receive $300 to $600 per individual or $600 to $1,200 per married couple, plus $300 for each qualifying child. Checks will go out in order based on the last two digits of Social Security numbers and will be issued through July 11. Check out the Internal Revenue Service Web site to calculate the size of your check and its issue date.

The prudent move might be to pay down any debt you have or save or invest the money for the future. (Read this entry from our Money blog for details on investing or using your check.) But since Uncle Sam really wants you to stimulate the economy with your windfall, you might consider spending the money on your home, if you can swing financially.

To help you make smart purchases for the home, here are our suggestions of top-performing home-related products you might consider buying. They’re listed in alphabetical order within each product.

If you’ve already decided how you’ll spend your stimulus check, please share what you’re doing with the money by leaving a comment at the end of this post.—Daniel DiClerico

Air Conditioners (check back for updated information in early May)
Frigidaire FAA067P7A (Lowe’s), $150
Frigidaire FAC107P1A (Lowe’s), $240
GE ASM05LK, $180
GE ASM06LK, $200
GE ASM08LK, $260
Haier ESA3105, $250
Kenmore (Sears) 76081, $200
LG GL6000ER, $230

Cordless Drills
Black & Decker FS14PSK, $65
Bosch 32614-2G, $160
Bosch 33618-2G, $190
Craftsman (Sears) 11561, $90
Hitachi DS12DVF3, $80
Hitachi DS18DMR, $200
Hitachi DS18DVF3, $150
Makita 6347DWDE, $200
Makita 6390DWPE, $140
Makita 6980FDWDE, $200
Makita BDF451, $280
Makita BDF452HW, $200
Milwaukee 0824-24, $300
Panasonic EY6432GQKW, $200
Ryobi P230C, $130
Ryobi P813, $170

Dishwashers
Kenmore (Sears) 1374[2] , $650
Bosch SHE33M0[2]UC, $540
Whirlpool DU1055XTS[Q] , $350
Kenmore (Sears) 1373[2], $500
Whirlpool DU1100XTP[Q], $450

Dryers
GE DBVH512EF[WW], $650
GE Profile DPSE810EG[WT]s, $500

Gas Grills
Char-Broil Commercial Series 463268008 (Lowe’s), $300
Kenmore (Sears) 16233, $400
Weber Genesis E320, $700

Q&A: Where does Consumer Reports test lawn mowers?

I noticed that Consumer Reports is based on Yonkers, New York, which means you can't review new lawn mowers and tractors over the winter. Where do you test this kind of equipment?

To test walk-behind mowers, lawn tractors, and zero-turn mowers each year, project leader Peter Sawchuk heads a team of experts in Fort Myers, Florida. We prepare our six acres of test fields in late fall so they are ready in midwinter for us to put dozens of models through their paces with enough time for us to prepare a test report for the May issue of Consumer Reports and for the kickoff of prime outdoor-power-equipment buying season. If you’re in the market for a new model, see our latest reviews of mowers, tractors, and string trimmers. (Get your lawn mower in shape for spring and see how we test mowers and tractors.)

But grass isn’t all that flourished in the meadows during our six weeks of testing in February and March. Frequent visitors to the test fields included two pairs of red-shouldered hawks and a comical flock of white ibises.

By far, though, the most ubiquitous and numerous visitors were cattle egrets, one of which (shown) chanced upon a Toro zero-turn-radius mower parked near our test shed. Trying to nab uprooted insects, cattle egrets follow behind horses and cattle—and our tractor. Our feathered friend stayed put for several minutes before alighting for apparently greener or other bug-filled pastures.

As fun as it was to see the birds, our 2008 testing featured these more-interesting highlights:

Black & Decker’s CMM1200 electric mower gets Energy Star nod

Electric walk-behind mowers have become popular among homeowners who don’t want to set another gas-guzzling device loose on the planet. These mowers also eliminate tune-ups and trips to the gas station.

Generally, cordless electric mowers offer easy starting, though they’re suitable only if your lawn is on the small side and you don’t cut down too much grass at a time. A corded-electric model is another choice for a small property, though consider one only if you can deal with the inconvenience of a cord and won’t have to mow too far from an outlet.

Communities in California and Ohio are promoting electric mowers in a big way, with offers of heavy discounts on Neuton cordless mowers for residents who trade in a gas mower. And now the push mower that topped our Ratings of electric models (available to subscribers), the cordless Black & Decker CMM1200, $400, our top-rated electric mower, has picked up some federal bona fides.

The Energy Star program, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, has listed the charger the 24-volt, 19-inch CMM1200 (shown) as an Energy Star-qualified device. On average, qualified battery chargers use 35 percent less energy, the program claims, than conventional models. The charger for the CMM1200’s sealed-lead-acid battery joins a list of other Energy Star chargers for cordless power tools, handheld vacuums, and a few portable printers.

In our latest review of lawn mowers, the CMM1200 proved very good at side-discharge cutting, mulching, and handling, and its wheel-height adjustment uses a single lever. Black & Decker claims the mower can handle up to one third of an acre on a single charge, but that might be pushing it—our tests revealed a 40-minute cutting time for a nine-hour charge.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Read our recent tip of the day to get your lawn mower in shape for spring and summer cutting. And use the expert yard-care advice in our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide to keep your lawn looking its best.

Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: How we review string trimmers

When you work for Consumer Reports, friends, family, and acquaintances often are curious about how we examine products, wondering if we really do put each and every item—be it a vacuum or a Volkswagen—through rigorous testing.

For string trimmers, an essential yard-care tool, I can tell you, based on first-hand experience, that a lot of work goes into reviewing these machines.

One day early last fall, despite a looming deadline, I snuck off for a ride to Lyndhurst, a New York country estate once home to former New York City mayor William Paulding and railroad tycoon Jay Gould. This 67-acre property north of our Yonkers, New York, headquarters includes a nearly 170-year-old Gothic Revival mansion. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which maintains the site, has let Consumer Reports test leaf blowers and string trimmers there for more than 10 years.

Running the tests that afternoon were Peter Sawchuk, our outdoor-power-equipment maven (shown with the highly rated Stihl FS 45 gas-powered string trimmer), and Mike Sedlak. I caught up with them as they were whacking away at tall weeds and grass on a little-used portion of the estate along the Hudson River, testing the 21 new gas and electric models that will appear in our upcoming review of string trimmers. (You’ll find the new story on our string trimmers page along with updated Ratings and CR Quick Recommendations, available to subscribers.)

I watched Peter and Mike run the grass-and-weeds test, which replicates the worst conditions you might encounter along the perimeter of your property—some of the growth is more than a yard high and is rife with deer ticks and poison oak. They timed how long it took each model to chop the grass in a 5x8-foot patch down to about three inches. They also tested the edging capability of each model along wood pilings and some of the walkways.

Our testers also assess each string trimmer on how well it’s balanced, how easy it is to replace cutting line, and how noisy the machine is at the operator’s ear.

The testing at Lyndhurst might not have been as much fun as my machete-swinging hikes in the boonies of Guam . . . that’s another story. But from all appearances, the best weed whackers we tested are far more precise.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Read about the pros and cons of gasoline and electric trimmers and learn how to find the right model.

Buzzword: Water-Wise Landscaping

What does it mean? Water-wise landscaping refers to the cultivation of lush, beautiful yards that require minimal irrigation. You might also see it referred to as xeriscaping, especially if you live in the southwestern United States, where the practice gained traction in the late 1970s. Xeriscape is actually a trademark of the Denver Water utility, so water-wise landscaping has emerged as the generic term.

Why the buzz? Water conservation is one hot topic, especially now that half of all U.S. states are in some level of drought condition, according to the National Weather Service. (Refer to the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook map to see which states are the driest. The map shown here was released on March 20, 2008.) And the water issue is only going to become more prominent. “Within the next 10 years, more than two thirds of the states in the nation will likely be short on water—even under non-drought conditions,” notes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a brochure on water-efficient landscapes.

Water-wise landscaping goes beyond lawn care. In fact, one of its key goals is to minimize the amount of turfgrass in yards by incorporating less-thirsty plants, including groundcovers and ornamental grass, and dry elements like patios and gravel gardens into the design plan.

In our latest report on lawn care (in the May 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale and on ConsumerReports.org the week of April 7), we talk about the need for smart watering practices, noting that half of the water applied to residential yards is lost to evaporation, wind, or run off. The rule of thumb for lawn irrigation is to water deeply but infrequently, and to always water in the morning, when the winds are calm and temperatures aren’t so hot that the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots. Remember, grass is ready for a soak only if you leave footprints when you walk across it.

The EPA’s WaterSense program includes more than 300 certified landscape professionals nationwide who can design efficient irrigation systems or perform conservation audits on existing systems.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: See our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide for information on choosing turfgrasses, planting trees and shrubs, and more, and check out our new mower and tractor page, with updated Ratings of dozens of models. For information on Earth Day and greener living, visit our Earth Day Guide.

Mowing their way to decreased air pollution

Aiming to reduce emissions from lawn mowers in their state, some California agencies are offering residents a good deal on an electric lawn mower.

As part of the annual Mow Down Air Pollution program, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD; logo shown below), among others governmental entities in the state, will provide residents a new Neuton rechargeable cordless lawn mower at a heavy discount when they trade in a working gas-powered mower. (Prices differ statewide. The AQMD is charging $100; the SMUD, $189.) The 24-volt Neuton electric mower, with a retail price of $400, is a lot quieter than a typical standard mower and will run for 45 to 60 minutes on a 12-hour charge, according to officials with the AQMD. We’ve tested the 24-volt Neuton EM 5.1 (shown), $350. It earned an overall good in our Ratings.

The AQMD effort, now in its sixth year, is the largest in the state, according to spokesman Sam Atwood. Southern California residents have exchanged about 4,000 mowers per year through the AQMD, says Atwood, who adds that by the end of 2008, the program will have kept 116 tons smog-forming hydrocarbons out of the air. “In one year, a single older mower will pollute as much as 43 new cars each driven 12,000 miles per year,” notes Atwood. As part of the SMUD’s program, now in its 12th year, residents have bought almost 10,000 electric mowers and emissions have been reduced by 99.5 tons.

Each California agency funds its program differently. The AQMD, for instance, pays for the Mow Down Air Pollution efforts through its Air Quality Investment Program. Find out whether a mower exchange is being offered in your area by checking with the department of environmental protection in your state or a county or local agency.

The AQMD will run seven mower pickups throughout Southern California this spring. People who have preregistered to buy a mower online or by phone drive up to the location with their old mower; someone removes it from their car; and a new boxed Neuton mower is loaded in. “They never have to leave their car and the whole things takes about 10 minutes,” says Atwood.—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: If you’re considering an electric mower, remember that a higher-voltage machine doesn’t guarantee better cutting performance. We recently tested the 48-volt Craftsman 37048 cordless mower, $400, and the 60-volt/12-amp Remington MPS6017A, $450 (you can use it with or without a cord). But the top-rated 24-volt Black & Decker CMM1200 cordless electric outcut both models. Get more information about electric and gas mowers and lawn tractors, and use the expert advice in our Complete Lawn & Yard Guide to help your lawn look its best.

The fastest way to deal with leaves

The fastest, easiest way to handle the drudgery that is fall cleanup is to pay someone to do the work for you. But if you're going to do the work yourself—perhaps to save some money or get a bit of exercise—what's the fastest way to handle this chore?

To find out, we recently stacked man against machine, arming our outdoor maven Peter Sawchuk with a leaf blower and a rake and had him tackle a 15x15-foot plot of lawn covered with 6 inches of leaves. Click here to watch our new video of the leaf rake-off and see which method wins the battle. (It's sad to admit, but leaves  seem the likely winner of this annual "war.")

For more expert advice on dealing with leaves and other seasonal yard work, read "How to tackle fall cleanup."

News from the power-equipment frontlines

While the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo got a name change in 2007, for those of us who write about yard and garden gear, the show remains a candy store of cool machines aimed at consumers and pros.

The event, which has been held every year since 1983 in Louisville, Kentucky, is now called the Green Industry and Equipment Expo. The moniker reflects a new partnership between the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the primary trade group for power-equipment manufacturers, and the Professional Landcare Network and Professional Grounds Maintenance Society, which cover landscape pros.

Over the show’s October 25-27 run, some 650 manufacturers presented the latest mowers, tractors, blowers, trimmers, and other homeowner-oriented lawn-care tools and heavy-duty mowing and earth-moving gear aimed at pros. Some of the highlights I saw while walking the aisles at the Kentucky Exposition Center:

Mower companies romance “prosumers”
This year, mower manufacturers have targeted “prosumers”—homeowners who enjoy mowing the lawn, have several acres to cut, and want pro-style features without a pro-style price.

• Several companies are introducing zero-turn-radius mowers, or ZTRs, priced between $4,000 and $6,000—higher priced than the typical consumer versions we test but less than true professional versions. The premise: Blend heavier-duty construction and wider decks with less-pricey, non-commercial-grade engines. Models touting those features include Ariens’ XL and HD models (about $3,000 to start), pro-brand Dixie Chopper’s new Iron Eagle line, and Husqvarna’s new M-Series versions, along with John Deere’s new Estate series, which features a rollover bar like the ones on larger, professional machines.

• Beefier tractors are also hitting stores as manufacturers and dealers chase “premium” customers and added profits. Husqvarna’s new LS-series lawn and garden tractors begin at about $1,800 for lawn versions ($2,800 for heavier-duty garden versions) and feature high-backed seats, reinforced mowing decks that promise added damage resistance, and a hose port on top of the deck for easier clean-out after mowing. Husqvarna also touts the locking differential on its $2,600 2346XLS lawn tractor (for added traction), while Simplicity talked up the full-time four-wheel drive on its $7,000-and-up 4 x4 Prestige tractors (no lawn-tearing when turning is the promise).—Bob Markovich

How to winterize your lawn mower

Every maintenance checklist has its tipping point, where the complexity of the task starts to outweigh the likelihood of your ever completing the work. So it is with winterizing a lawn mower. In researching this topic, I confronted myriad steps and conditions, things like gapping the spark plug and cleaning the air filter (unless the filter is made of paper, in which case you need to replace it). All in all, a lot to think about for a supposedly routine procedure.

Wanting to clarify and shorten the list, I turned to Peter Sawchuk, a program leader in our technical division. He designed outdoor power equipment for more than 20 years before joining Consumer Reports, so he’s a mower-maintenance maven.

Sawchuk had already developed a two-tiered, end-of-season checklist for lawn mower and tractor maintenance. The first tier covers steps you have to take to ensure that your machine will start up next spring. They’ll cost you a few bucks and maybe an hour of your time.

The second tier includes things you should do if time permits or if it’s been several years since you last tuned up your mower. “Take something like spark plugs,” explains Sawchuk. “On a good mower, they should last a few years, so you don’t need to worry about replacing them every winter.”

What I ended up with is this prioritized checklist that should make this winterizing task more manageable, freeing you up for other jobs, like raking leaves.

If you’re in the market for a new machine—take advantage of season-ending sales—read our latest report and use our Ratings of push and self-propelled mowers, and lawn tractors to find the right mower for your yard.—Daniel DiClerico

A leaf blower “attachment”

Just because I’m an editor for Consumer Reports doesn’t mean I’m quick to replace a product that’s crying out, even begging, for retirement.

Take this leaf blower of mine, a trusty Craftsman model I’ve used for more than 12 years. Despite its many ailments, I can’t bring myself to relegate it to the scrap heap. A plastic piece on the vacuum attachment snapped off long ago; still, I manage to get the job done without the vacuum tube falling off. The power cord has needed replacement for some time and is on my priority to-fix list; for now, it’s bandaged well with electrical tape. And a tear in the collection bag spews yard debris toward my face at Daytona 500 speed. Yes, I wear eye protection.

My loyalty to this leaf blower is based on two factors: First, it can handle the job on my modest property. Second, it accepts an attachment that helps me fulfill a promise I made to my wife, Elena: to stay off the roof. This long, multipart extension hooks around at its front end and allows me to get debris out of the gutters from below. Sure, I sometimes get a bit wet—rainwater tends to pool up in the gutters—but this feature means I don’t have to pay someone else to do the work.

The time might have finally arrived for me to retire this piece of equipment, but I think I can get at least one more season of yard cleanup out of it.

If you’re shopping for your first leaf blower or are replacing a once-powerful model that produces more wheeze than wind, read our latest report for expert advice on finding the right model for your yard. Then refer to our Ratings (available to subscribers), which include more than two dozen gas- and electric- powered models, like the corded electric Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51599 (shown), highly rated in our latest tests.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Learn what features to look for in a leaf blower and make sure you don’t buy a model with inherent design flaws.

Tip of the day: Make faster work of leaf removal

Raking leaves can be fun . . . for about 10 minutes, perhaps a bit longer for kids whose sole job is to jump into the piles their parents are making.

But you can make quicker, easier work of leaf cleanup. Our tips won’t eliminate the chore altogether, but they might get you back in front of your new HDTV, snacks and cold drink in hand, in time for the second-half kickoff.

Before you start working, familiarize yourself with the guidelines your town has in place for fall cleanup by checking out the municipal Web site or calling the public-works department. You don’t want to build giant leaf mound