The fastest way to rid your yard of pesky stickers or burs is to go mechanical on them with a lawn mower or garden rake. Use a lawnmower with a bagger attachment to avoid spreading the seeds around and causing a bigger issue. If you choose to rake the stickers off the plants, be sure to dispose of them properly. Avoid putting them in with the composting and check local guidelines for disposing of lawn waste.
While tipping junk haulers is not required or expected, it is a greatly appreciated gesture for a job well done. Many junk removal companies state that tips are welcome but not mandatory. A good rule of thumb is to tip between 10% and 20% of the total bill, or a flat amount of $10 to $20 per worker. For exceptional service, a tip of $20 to $50 for the entire crew is also appropriate. It is often best to give cash directly to each worker at the end of the job.
Consider tipping if the crew:
Goes above and beyond your expectations.
Handles heavy, bulky items or navigates difficult spaces like tight hallways or stairs.
Works in inclement weather or deals with potentially hazardous materials.
Takes extra care to protect your home and property.
Accommodates a last-minute scheduling change.
Unless it’s rubber or you need to prune suckers and remove weeds, you shouldn’t need to get rid of the old mulch around your tree. Simply push old mulch a few inches away from the trunk of your tree and then top it off with enough fresh mulch to reach 3 to 4 inches in height.
Hiring a leaf removal company is a reliable way to get rid of a lot of leaves in your yard. Some companies offer a full range of yard cleaning services, while others may only haul away the leaves you gather and bag yourself. If you prefer the DIY route, you can try mulching leaves with your mower, using a leaf blower to collect them, using a leaf tarp to bag them, and more.
It’s possible to over-mulch leaves. If the leaf mulch is thick enough that it’s blocking and smothering the grass, that’s a problem. Ideally, you should still be able to see the grass when you’re done mulching to ensure its ability to continue growing. The solution is to make another pass at the top layer of leaf mulch to collect some of the top layer.
The Martin, SD 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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