Home > Lawn & Garden > Commercial Horticulture > Trimming And Edging Mechanically Compared With Herbicides [Image: herbicide drift] There are two ways to trim and edge turfgrass around sidewalks, flower beds, trees, buildings, etc. You can trim the turfgrass mechanically with a string trimmer and/or an edger, or you can use a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup® and similar chemicals). String Trimmer Safety And Maintenance [Image: string trimmer] As with any power tool, string trimmers are capable of causing injury if not used in a safe manner. String trimmers will last much longer and give more trouble-free service if used and maintained properly. Selecting And Using A String Trimmer [Image: curved shaft string trimmer] A string trimmer is a useful addition to almost any gardener’s toolshed. Self-Propelled Spreaders And Sprayers For Turfgrass [Image: self-propelled spreader] A relatively new class of products in the commercial grounds maintenance industry is the self-propelled spreader and/or sprayer. This kind of equipment can potentially reduce the effort required to apply fertilizer or pesticides to lawns, but it comes at a substantial cost and will require some trade-offs in operating mode.  more articles... Selection And Use Of Hedge Trimmers [Image: electric hedge trimmer] Hedge trimmers are perhaps not as popular now as a few years ago. Many people now realize that it is healthier for plants to be selectively pruned rather than sheared. Nevertheless, there are some situations where shearing plants to shape is appropriate. A hedge trimmer is usually the best tool for the job. Turf Edgers [Image: stick edger] Turfgrasses grow fast and aggressively in the South. If not edged back regularly, Southern turf will grow right over sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, etc. Low Cost Zero Turning Radius Mowers for Home Lawns [Image: low cost ZTR mower] ZTR mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market. In the past, there were few low-cost models available to homeowners, but this has changed. Low-cost homeowner models are now available from several companies. Use of a Rotary Garden Tiller [Image: deep tillage with rotary tiller] Whether you buy, rent or borrow a tiller, you will find that it has a wide range of uses. It can be a general purpose garden tool. Selecting a Rotary Garden Tiller [Image: hand-held rotary tiller] The right rotary tiller can make the job of gardening much easier, but if you choose the wrong tiller for the job, it can make your job more difficult. Ergonomics of Garden Tools and Equipment Factors such as price, performance and durability are important considerations in choosing garden tools and power equipment, but if a tool or machine is uncomfortable or awkward to use, you will regret buying it. The interaction between you and the tool or machine is called ergonomics. Loading Ramp Safety [Image: aluminum loading ramp] Loading equipment onto a truck or trailer usually requires the use of loading ramps. There are some safety issues involved in using ramps. Rotary Tiller Safety and Maintenance [Image: air filter] To get the best performance and longevity from your tiller you need to properly maintain it. You also need to be aware of some of the dangers involved in using a tiller, and take steps to protect yourself and others. New Version of Spreader.EZ – A Computer Program for Spreader Pattern Analysis Spreader.EZ is a computer program that allows you to analyze the patterns from broadcast fertilizer spreaders, determine the uniformity of the patterns, and select the effective swath width. How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Cost and Life Two questions of interest to prospective purchasers are: How much do riding mowers and small tractors in the various classes cost and how long can I expect one to last? Click for more information...