If you are xeriscaping a lawn from scratch, your best bet for preparing the lawn is to work with a xeriscaping specialist in your area. The most common first step to making the transformation, however, will be to remove the turfgrass from your lawn. The subsequent steps will often include amending the soil to support new plants and installing low-drip or drip irrigation systems.
Yes, you can conduct your own leaf removal, but consider that keeping up with leaf removal is time-consuming and requires regular yard work throughout the fall. The process can take a few hours a week. Professionals have lawn equipment that can speed up the process and save you time. Additionally, consider how you’ll dispose of the leaves. If your sanitation company won’t pick them up—especially if you have many bags from a once-annual cleanup— you’ll have to drive the bags to the dump. It’s usually easier to leave the work and disposal to a professional leaf removal service.
You cannot put anything you want into a rented dumpster, as there are significant restrictions on certain items.
Generally allowed items include:
Household Junk: Furniture, old linens, carpets, toys, small appliances, and excess trash.
Construction & Yard Debris: Wood, yard debris, roofing materials, old finishes, and other construction waste.
Commonly prohibited items include:
Hazardous Materials: Toxic waste, medical waste, dangerous chemicals, items with lead paint, and asbestos.
Flammables: Gasoline, oil, and fuel.
Specific Banned Items: Paint cans, electronics, batteries, tires, refrigerators, and hot water tanks.
Because rules can vary, you should always check with your specific dumpster rental company for their guidelines if you are unsure about an item.
You can’t typically leave your grill on the curb for your regular trash pickup. Most waste removal services will require that you schedule a special bulk pickup or dispose of your grill another way due to its large size and weight. Otherwise, you may receive a fine for leaving your grill out. Scheduling a bulky item pickup helps waste management workers prepare properly for a larger item like a grill.
Always remove leaves from hardscapes and other lawn features. Leaves and other yard debris can become slippery and dangerous, and fallen leaves can discolor and stain materials like stone, brick, and concrete. Use a rake, brush, or leaf blower to remove leaves from hardscapes and prevent staining.
The Carlsbad, CA homeowners’ guide to brush chipping services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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