Help-Please!

[WannaBee1]

I apologize upfront for not meeting the exact qualifications for this site, but I hope somebody would take pity on me and answer my questions anyway. I would greatly appreciate it.

Unfortunately, I'm the sole provider for this household and unable to hire a full-time lawn maintenance service at this time. I'm also the mom of two children under 2 and step-mom to 3 more (ages 3-9). So, I don't know as much as I would like or as much as those reading this would expect from a site member.

I live in a deed-restricted community and have a small, neglected backyard. It's only neglected because at this moment the money would either go to feeding my family, lawn equipment, or lawn maintenance contract.

Our backyard went from barren to almost waist-heigh grass in several rainy, unattended months. Should we chop it with a weed-wacker or machete before using a lawnmower? Also, what type of animals should we expect to find (i.e. snakes, spiders, rodents, etc.)? And, how best to manage?

I ask because we might need to borrow or rent the equipment if we cannot afford to purchase new and I don't want to damage it. I need the most affordable, but effective and safe solution.

Thanks!

[easycareacres]

Ill swim over from australia crickey you buggers habent got mowers
burp

[Joeypole]

Where are you located?

I would highly recommend using the weed wacker first. You can buy a brush cutter attachment and extra blades for under $20 at Home Depot. That will help with the heavy brush.

A residential push mower will not go through that without restarted the mower 5,000 times. It will bog down and die in the high stuff.

I would trim it down first with either the machete or the weed wacker and then get it down a bit to use the push mower.

If you don't have a push mower they can be had for less than $50 on Craigslist if you need one.

Hope that helps.

Joe

[T56 Impala]

As for wildlife, it depends on where you are. If it is remotely hot, you may find a few snakes. Don't worry too much about them. The sound of you and your tools moving around back there will scare them off. (Not so much the sounds, but the vibrations.) You will likely see some squirrels, chipmunks and birds. Again, not a big deal.

You will find bugs. Every kind you can imagine! Be sure to apply insect repellent while you work. ANY standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Expect a few bites even with repellent on. If you do find standing water, a cap full of household bleach will kill any eggs that may be as of yet unhatched. You can also buy several hose end, premixed, sprayers at any Lowes, Home depot, Menard's or Ace hardware. You might consider spraying the area before you start working to knock some of the bug down. After you finish, check yourself, and anyone that was in the yard, carefully for ticks. They can cause serious illness.

No need to rent big equipment for this job. As stated, use a weed whacker to knock it down to a manageable height. Mowers can be found very cheap on CL or at yard sales. Heck, if you were in my area, I have a nice Craftsman that I'd GIVE you. When using a mower on it, go slow as it will like bog down and possibly stall.

If you are not familiar with using a push mower let us know. There are tricks to keep it running in thick grass. Make sure the blade is SHARP. Most equipment repair shops (yellow pages) will replace a blade for you for under $25. If they want more, they are asking WAY too much. ($25 is too much IMO.) Keep in mind that NEW and SHARP do not always go hand in hand.

Most of all, take your time and be safe about working. Keep hydrated. Know your equipment and read the instructions if you have them. Also, feel free to ask questions. If not here, at a local Box store. Their garden section folks can be very helpful.

FWIW, I'm not a pro either. I rarely cut my own yard though I am getting back into taking care of it myself. No need to be a pro or even hire a pro if you are willing to take the time to do it yourself. Even on a tight budget, every yard can be a nice one!