Home & Yard Handbook

You’ve put your winter coat away, and the days are getting longer. Welcome to spring! Unfortunately, that’s not all that is getting longer. Your lawn is calling and you need to be ready to answer.

Spring is the start of the lawn care season, and with a little work early in the year your lawn and garden equipment will be ready to perform all season long. This guide will help you move into the yard without a hitch.

Safety First

• Remove the power cord, spark plug wire, or battery for cordless equipment prior to performing any service. Also gloves and eye protection are required to safely perform service.
• Next, check all of the unit’s fasteners, replace any that are missing, and tighten loose fasteners to the manufacturer’s recommended tightness. Loose and missing fasteners are a frequent cause of trips to the repair shop, and can be dangerous.

Sharp Cutters are Key

• Evaluate the condition of any blades, cutting attachments or blower impellers. If in poor condition, these items will impair performance and can cause injury.
• It’s probably best to leave maintenance of these items to a professional unless you are a very skillful mechanic and instructions for removal, replacement and sharpening are readily available.

Electric Equipment

• Electric equipment’s external cords and wires should be checked for fraying.
• Check all extension cords used to power these products. Any frayed cords and wires should be repaired immediately by a certified technician. Replace any bad extension cords. Don’t risk using the unit or extension cord even once as dangerous shocks can result.
• Ensure that all switches are intact and activate freely. Fully charge the battery, if applicable.

Gas Powered Equipment

•  Perform the simple maintenance procedures from the owner’s manual.
• Check the oil before starting any small engine that doesn’t use gas/oil fuel mix. Place the product on level ground to avoid false readings. If the oil is low, fill it to the recommended level with the specified oil. Also, while some oil consumption is normal for small engines, now is a good time to check for oil leaks that need to be addressed by a professional.
• Check the air filter; carefully clean dirt, oil, and debris off the filter cover and the surrounding area before removing the cover. Examine the filter, and if it is dirty, replace or clean it per manufacturer’s instructions.
• More experienced DIYers might want to change the oil and filter and check the spark plug. Make sure that your fuel is fresh as stale fuel can damage your engine. Unless you used a fuel stabilizer like Sta-Bil from Gold Eagle Co., any fuel more than 90 days old needs to be properly disposed of.

Cables and Levers

• Check to make sure all of these cables and levers operate smoothly. If they don’t, lubricate or replace them.

Start Up

• Connect the spark plug wire and fire up engine-powered equipment. Following the operator’s manual instructions, fill up the fuel tank with fresh fuel, making sure there are no fuel leaks, and start the engine.
• If the engine doesn’t start, it is often because unstabilized fuel was left in the unit during storage. This stale fuel doesn’t like to burn, and leaves varnish in your carburetor’s small passages and the fuel line. But all is not lost. If stale fuel and a dirty fuel system are the causes of hard starting, try a product like Start Your Engines! fuel system revitalizer. These starting fluids/system cleaners can refresh stale fuel and clean muck out of your fuel system just by pouring them into the unit’s fuel tank. It’s an easy and economical way to fix a gunked-up engine.
• If the engine still will not start after trying a fuel system revitalizer, it’s best to get a professional to evaluate the problem.
• Spring lawn care season is a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors. It can be rewarding and easy if your tools are ready from the start. So what are you waiting for? Get going!

For more information on Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer, Start Your Engines! fuel revitalizer, or other Gold Eagle Co. products, visit www.goldeagle.com or call (800) 367-3245. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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By Kate Siwik

Every headline in the papers, every top story on the news, and every topic of conversation at the White House points to our failing economy.  Yet, according to American Pet Products Association , in 2008, more than $43 billion … yes, forty-three billion dollars were spent on our pets.  I have to assume that not all businesses are falling apart!  

What about in your backyard?  Invisible Fence® Brand of Upstate NY, located right here in Rochester, took home three national awards for outstanding business growth in 2008, including National Dealer of the Year for the 3rd year in a row!  This is an achievement honoring a team who strives for excellence in customer service, guaranteeing results, and who is determined to make stronger relationships with people and their pets.

Did you know?

• Every year, 10 million dogs are lost due to behavior problems!
• Every year, 5 million dogs are euthanized due to behavior problems!
• Every year, 1 million dogs are killed on the road ways!

The Invisible Fence® Brand’s sole premise is to be the most trusted brand in the pet ownership experience by keeping pets safe, happy and well-behaved at home all the time. And it’s not just about containment— we also offer solutions to help manage other unwanted behaviors like barking, jumping, digging, and chewing.  We offer lifestyle solutions such as heated beds for arthritic dogs and automatic feeders for people who have busy schedules.  We offer love and compassion for people who truly need help managing their relationships with their pets.

Trip to Lollypop

A few weeks ago, Princess and I were at Lollypop Farm.  She always looks forward to the trip!  I can tell because she starts whining as we pull in the parking lot, cold nosed pressed against the window, her breath starting to become more rapid.  She’s like a kid in a candy shop!  She darts out of the car and pulls me to the door.  Her tail is wagging with excitement.  As we peruse down the hall, I know she wants to run, play and sniff the other dogs.  Her innocence is so sweet.  She has no idea what’s going on.  I always experience a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from loving every puppy in the place, to sadness at their droopy “take me home” faces, and anger when I read why they are there.  

I once saw a 10-year-old Schipperke who was given to the shelter because of “barking”.  Seriously?  After ten years you are just getting fed up with it?  I wonder why they didn’t call Invisible Fence® Brand—we can take care of that in just a few days.  I see a Siberian Husky who’s claimed to be “an escape artist”.  Are you for real?  Why didn’t you call Invisible Fence® Brand?  There’s a Rottweiler that keeps tearing up the couches.  I wonder if they would have given him a second chance if they let us create an invisible barrier that kept him away from all the couches.  I think back to the day I adopted Princess and realized she had severe separation anxiety, breaking out of three metal crates and hurting herself in the process.  I wonder if I would have known to call Invisible Fence® Brand to train her to use an invisible crate if I didn’t work for the company.

Help reduce the number of shelter admissions, euthanasia and lost dogs on the roadways—call Invisible Fence® Brand today and let us talk to you about how we can help improve your relationship with your best friend … before it’s too late. 

Kate Siwik is the Director of Sales & Marketing of Invisible Fence® Brand of Upstate NY—National Dealer of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Her dog, Princess, was adopted from Lollypop Farm in 2007.  Contact Kate at 271-1700 or email her UpstateNY@invisiblefence.com.

While new home construction has come to a grinding halt in most of the country, smaller home-renovation projects are still a viable option for homeowners. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently reported a “slight increase” in minor remodeling projects in its third-quarter 2008 Remodeling Market Index.

What does all this mean for homeowners? It spells opportunity. And for those who want to invest in their homes, it’s tough to beat bathroom additions and remodels, which rank high on NAHB’s list of the most prevalent remodeling jobs. 

Bathroom upgrades still provide a solid investment return, even in the present tightening economy, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2008-2009 “Cost vs. Value” report. The magazine estimates that a midrange bathroom redo will recoup nearly 75 percent of its cost; a bathroom addition recoups just under 65 percent.

Get the most for your money

Thinking about a new or improved bath? If so, avoid the high cost and hassle of creating under-floor plumbing connections — one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of any bath project. Instead, use macerating technology, an above-floor plumbing system that can be installed right on top of an existing floor in any part of the house in only half a day. 

With this type of installation, waste and water are pumped away and up from the plumbing fixtures through small-diameter piping into the sewer or septic tank. No more digging to set plumbing drainage lines. “This technology is easier, more convenient and less invasive,” says plumber Mike Sikorski of East Taunton, Mass., who installs Saniflo brand plumbing products. “It saves my customers an average of $1,000, and that’s on the low side.” 

Mike Coletto, another Saniflo installer and an independent plumbing, HVAC and electrical contractor in Illinois, agrees. “If a bathroom is on your project list, consider above-floor plumbing — especially if you’re planning a basement remodel,” he says. “Saniflo makes installing a basement bath a snap.” 

Here are some additional ways to keep your home bathroom remodel low-cost:

• Fix up vs. Replace: Instead of buying new cabinets, resurface or paint them; update handles and drawer pulls. Repair damaged walls and redo the caulking around sinks. Tile only halfway up the wall.
•  Improve vs. Expand: Instead of knocking down walls, gain space by replacing a hinged door with a pocket door. Put in a recessed medicine cabinet. Install a bowed shower curtain to increase the interior shower space.
• Lighten and Brighten: Repaint, using neutral colors. Repair damaged flooring, or install tile right over the floor. Place task lighting over the vanity, instead of installing a window.
• Think Green: Replace old windows with energy-efficient models and you may qualify for a federal tax rebate. Replace leaky faucets with low-flow models. 

To learn more about low-cost above-floor bathroom systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling toll-free: (800) 571-8191.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

by Lana Torre

As I write this month’s article, I am sitting in a Zen styled condo,  just about an hour outside of Shang Hai, China. So ironic, last year’s Homearama home that I designed was all Zen, and now I am living it for two weeks. I guess that’s called life imitating art!

The condo where we are staying is a large, open space. The walls are all swathed in soft, white paint. The trim is stained in a walnut color, to match  the hardwood floors. The furniture here is contemporary, clean, with long and low  lines. Leather, in clean white again, covers all the upholstered pieces here, including the sofa, chaise, armless chair, and dining room chairs, even the king headboard in the master suite is white leather, tufted and overstuffed. I am amazed at the toss pillows, large, soft and covered in linen stripes of grey, black and cream. This condo is a lesson in texture. From the glass topped coffee table to the Asian rug gracing this room, and the pillows, all have texture, all different.

The windows are large and tall. Mostly double treatments were used here, and some triple. This would cost many dollars in the states, but here in China, fabric is very reasonable. Roman shades in a soft grey linen are the first treatment. They diffuse the light as it passes thru, and can be raised to allow all the light to stream in. The second treatment is full length long panels, in a more neutral linen. These are hung from ceiling to floor on a traverse rod. And lastly, the third treatment  is sheer panels, in a striped silk, tone on tone in olive shades. { this condo in China could be in any contemporary living room in the states }. Today, we are visiting the silk farms to watch those little worms spin their magic into future window dressings.

The bathrooms are very modern, very western influenced. The walls are tiled from ceiling to floor, the floors are tiled too in large, textured, white,  square blocks. The cabinetry is a clean design, very contemporary, and it is a reddish hardwood, similar to cherry, but not. The handles are long , simple and brushed nickel. The lighting here is almost all  halogen, which we know is a hot, clean light. Mini spots shine down in every room. In the shower are glass shelves and stainless hooks to hold all your bath needs. {Pottery Barn must have gotten a few ideas from Chinese designs}

The kitchen is a small separate space. It’s glass paneled door hides the room from view. Cabinets in a grey composite material reminds me of cabinets from Swedish Ikea. The all stainless appliances  are of clean design as well. No crushed ice and water in the door. The oven, mounted on the wall, appears like just another cabinet, only sideways. There are large deep drawers to hold dishes and pots, and small narrow cabinets with smaller cubbies inside. I cannot figure out what these are for, unless they are for specific Chinese cooking pots.

As we walk the streets of Suzhou,  purple orchids for sale from flower vendors , fill the sidewalks. The streets are lined with large flowering trees, I think Magnolias, the landscape reminds me of Savannah. Flower gardens abound here, Suzhou is famous for its gardens, and canals, they call themselves “the Venice of the East”. 

Cement footbridges, adorned with  inlaid floral patterns, are seen everywhere. The new buildings are modern and tall, some with English designs and most with red tiled roofs. Pattern is everywhere.. From the sidewalks, bike paths and iron gates. Truly artistic.

China is an amazing , picturesque, country. I am most surprised by it’s western influenced designs, that are still infused with the old China.  This is a country and  a people  proud of their ancient culture, while growing into a more modern world. 

Lana Torre is the owner of Evergreen Interiors and recipient of multiple Interior Design Awards including several Best of Show for Homearama.  Contact Lana at 223-8776 or email her lana@homeandyardhandbook.com.

by Carmen Santora

It seems lately we have been experiencing more violent windstorms then ever and with them much more property damage from trees falling. There are not many people that are experienced enough to know whether a tree is rotted or decayed and if it warrants being cut down or not.

Carmen Santora, Executive Director of the BCB says, “because of the danger and fear of what falling trees can do to life and property, another scam is starting to develop. It starts with a concerned call from a homeowner to a tree and landscape company”. Most times after a storm the homeowner is worried and only calls one contractor for a price to trim or cut down dangerous trees. They are at a disadvantage and can be taken advantage of very easily, especially the senior citizen. 

The way the scam works is the homeowner is told the trees in question are rotted, decayed and very dangerous and must be cut down immediately before they fall and causes damage or injury to themselves or their neighbors.

Prices charged by the scam artists are usually higher than normal and payment is asked for up front preferably by cash or by credit card that is processed immediately. Most times there is no contract and many times nothing is given in writing explaining what will be done and what will not be done.

The scammer will tell the customer that they are a NYS Certified Arborist when all they are is a member of an arborist association. Consumers should be warned that when in danger they are the most vulnerable and should make sure they are dealing only with long established reputable tree service companies. If they have questions about trees they can also call a Tree Pathologist.

Some times the small fly by night tree contractors are not insured or if they are only have liability insurance to cover landscaping and not tree cutting which is much more expensive. If an accident occurs while their doing tree work and they don’t carry liability insurance for tree work the home owner could be liable for injury or damages to neighbors and their property and usually a homeowners policy will not cover the incident.

Helpful tips when in need of tree work

1. Never be high pressured into signing a contract or work order only because the threat of danger may be imminent. 
2. Unless the tree has already fallen and caused damage to property always get three estimates for the work.
3. Never pay by cash and only make checks payable to a company name not to a personal individual. If asked to do so that should be a warning that the contractor is operating deceptively. 
4. If a contractor says they are a NYS Certified Arborist check to see that they are and not just a member of an arborist association.
5. Make sure everything that is to be done is specified in writing, especially as to who will remove the tree limbs, stumps and debris. 
6. Ask to see a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance certificate and check if they are insured as a tree contractor not just a landscaper. If in doubt call the insurance company if necessary to verify it, as tree removal insurance is much more costly then landscaping insurance. 

If it is not an emergency situation check the contractor out with the Better Contractors Bureau at 338-3600. 

Carmen Santora is the Executive Director for the Better Contractors Bureau.  The BCB is a non-profit consumer protection agency established in 1974 to be of assistance to the homeowner.  Its goals are to “protect & inform” the consumer, eliminate unscrupulous contractors, and upgrade the image of the home improvement industry.�

You conserved energy in 2007 by installing programmable thermostats in your home. In 2008, you replaced your home’s incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights. If you’re wondering what you can do in 2009 to further reduce your carbon footprint, just take a look at product packaging.

Americans generated 60 billion pounds of plastic waste in 2006, and recycled just 7 percent of it. Despite our noble efforts, Americans still recycle less than we should. Every day, one landfill closes somewhere in the United States, so reducing the amount of materials that need to be disposed of is a critical part of environmental efforts.

From milk cartons and cereal boxes to household cleaner bottles, the packaging we use in our daily lives generates a lot of waste. In 2009, consider focusing your eco-friendly efforts on reducing the amount of packaging you and your family use and - ultimately - dispose of. Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you visit the grocery store.

Household Cleaners

Traditional cleaners may become passé as more people opt for natural products over harsh chemicals. Even if you are using natural cleaners, however, you can still do more for the environment — by choosing products that come in environmentally sensible packaging.

Some cleaning product manufacturers, like Arm & Hammer, are offering ways to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. The company’s new Essentials Cleaners use plant-based cleaners (with other biodegradable ingredients) with a twist — the “starter kit” includes an empty, reusable trigger-spray bottle and a cartridge of cleaner concentrate. Consumers fill the bottle with tap water, twist in the cartridge and are ready to clean. When they run out, they purchase a refill cartridge and reuse the same bottle.

The bottles can be reused, extending the usable life of the packaging — and keeping them out of the waste stream. The refill cartridges are also smaller and lighter than a full bottle of traditional cleaner, so it’s less costly to manufacture and transport them, reducing fuel expenditure and carbon emissions.  The two-pack refill cartridge system uses 80 percent less packaging than two traditional 32-ounce cleaners.

“Plastic from household cleaners and containers can generate more waste than many people suspect- 28 billion pounds in 2006 alone,” says David Bach, eight-time national bestselling financial author and green lifestyle expert who wrote “Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth (and Get Rich Trying).”  “Furthermore, people don’t think about recycling their cleaning products, meaning that most end up in landfills.  Reducing packaging reduces the volume of plastic entering the waste stream.” 

Cosmetics Industry

Much of the packaging used by the cosmetics industry is plastic and most of that does not get recycled — from lipstick tubes to eye shadow compacts. Just as consumer demand for cruelty-free products drove the industry to find alternatives to animal testing, cosmetics manufacturers are now offering more environmentally sensible packaging options.

For example, one company has introduced a lipstick tube made of a biodegradable polymer of organic sugars and oils. Other companies are using recycled materials to manufacture packaging or are designing their packaging with easily recyclable materials like aluminum. Some manufacturers are even offering products like eye shadow in reusable compacts — when the eye shadow is empty, consumers simply dispose of the cartridge and refill the compact with a new one.

Bottled Water

Many bottled water drinkers imbibe in packaged water for their health - bottled water is perceived as clean, healthy and convenient. But until recently, the industry also produced vast quantities of plastic bottles that never made it to recycling bins.

Bottled water manufacturers are trying to turn those numbers around, introducing compactable bottles designed to crumple easily, which makes it easier to recycle them after use. Some companies have also begun making bottles from recycled material. Others market reusable bottles that consumers can fill on their own by purchasing larger sizes of bottled water and filling the smaller, more portable bottles as needed. 

Packaging Pointers

Consumers needn’t simply wait for companies to improve their packaging process, however. There are plenty of ways environmentally conscious Americans can help reduce packaging’s impact on the environment, including:

• Shop for items with packaging that clearly states it is made wholly or in part from recycled materials.
• Avoid buying products in packaging that is not recyclable. You can check to be sure a bottle or other packaging is recyclable by looking for the recycling code - usually located on the bottom of the package.
• Choose to do business with companies that minimize packaging. For example, large wholesale club stores may not provide bags because it saves them money, but they’re also helping the environment by curbing packaging. 
• Let eco-friendly businesses know you appreciate their efforts, and voice your concerns to those that fall short in the area of environmental responsibility.
•  Choose products that have made an effort to improve their packaging and supply chain. Transporting goods through lower-impact transportation options, like railways and barges, produces less pollution than other alternatives such as trucking or air transport.
• Look for companies and brands that have an established history of environmental and social responsibility.

To learn more about Arm & Hammer Essentials, visit www.armandhammeressentials.com. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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by Brenna Hartmann

Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks?  Nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year. 

FACT:  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoors, 3/4 of all water is used in the bathroom.

One easy and inexpensive way to green your bathroom is to simply save water.  Reducing your personal water usage has a tremendous positive impact on the environment and on your wallet. The first step is being mindful of your habits.  Do you leave the water running while brushing your teeth?  Does your husband shave with a constant stream of hot water running from the faucet?  Do you let warm-up water go down the drain while drawing a bubble bath? Changing one of these costly habits will result in immediate savings to you and your planet.

To save even more money by conserving water, consider installing an aerator on your faucet.  Without an aerator, water usually flows out of a faucet as one big stream. An aerator spreads this stream into many little droplets. This helps save water and reduces splashing.

Showering represents approximately 17 percent of residential indoor water use in the United States—more than 1.2 trillion gallons of water consumed each year. Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower heads can reduce your home water consumption as much as 50%, and reduce your energy cost of heating the water also by as much as 50%

To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. You can also purchase an inexpensive “tank bank”. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day.

TIP:  Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.

If you are in the market for a new toilet, consider a “low flush” model, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons.

Replacing an 18-liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6-liter flush model represents a 70% savings in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30%.

No matter what model toilet you use, never flush garbage of any kind. Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

Overall water is our least costly utility, but continued wastefulness will likely drive it’s cost up too.  WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, makes it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment. Look for the WaterSense label to choose quality, water-efficient products. Many products are available, and don’t require a change in your lifestyle.  WaterSense is promoting Fix a Leak Week from March 16 to 20, 2009, to remind Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.  To learn how you can fix a leak, go HomeAndYardRadio.com-Living Greener and click on the WaterSense link. 

Brenna Hartmann is the co-founder of Fixin’Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement website; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. Brenna is dedicated to empowering women “do-it herselfers” (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve and green their homes. She is the co-host of “Home & Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick” on ESPN-AM (950). Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children. Email Brenna at fixiechick@homeandyardhandbook.com.�

Q: My husband and I are not from this area and due to his job we are moving again.  My husband is not very handy and we are preparing our house for the spring real estate market. We have several larger projects and a punch list from our realtor of about 2 dozen little things we need to address.  It almost seems overwhelming hiring multiple types of contractors to get this done. We have only ever heard horror stories about handymen who don’t show up or claim they can fix things that they are not qualified to do. Any suggestions?

A: First of all you have started in the right place. Home and Yard Handbook has many assets to our community that are right in the handbook and can probably manage all of your needs. What you need sounds like a general contractor that offers handyman services and doesn’t mind doing small jobs as well. In this economy I would imagine that to be an easy thing to find. While many peoples perception of a general contractor is that they make money for just organizing workers is somewhat true, let me tell you that it is a difficult job and most people are very thankful and willing to pay a little extra to avoid the headaches that come along with this job. A good G.C. will make your projects and punch list disappear quickly and you won’t have to invest in Advil! Start interviewing contractors and asking people you know for referrals and by all means utilize the Better Contractors Bureau as well. I used to do a lot of work for realtors under similar circumstances to yours and finding a one stop contractor to get your house ready as fast as possible for market is my best suggestion.

By Sally Bacchetta

I know less than most people about lawn and garden equipment.  In fact, if I add up everything I know about the subject I get a grand total of… three things:  

1. Our lawn mower is a John Deere
2. My hands and I are not going to make it through another summer with my oversized, rust-frozen hedge shears
3. www.ontracequipment.com.

I discovered Ontrac a few years ago when my husband convinced me it was time to step into this century and retire our old push mower.  I really don’t like to shop, so my goal was to pick a riding mower and get out as quickly and inexpensively as possible.  We looked at mowers from one big box store to another, and compared to what we had at home, they all looked great.  Colorful.  Shiny.  Not a one of them belching smoke.  Let’s just pick one, honey.  What’s the difference?  They all cut grass.

Then we went to Ontrac, and I don’t know if it was the direct eye contact or the warm handshake that did it, but as the salesman spoke with us, I began to feel something I hadn’t felt in a very long time.  Interest!  This guy was actually interested in us.  He wasn’t trying to push a price point or a certain factory feature.  He wanted to know what was most important to us.  He asked about our yard, our lifestyle, and our budget, so he could help us find the best mower for us.  Wow!  

Keith Perry, one of the owners, along with brothers Ron and David, of Ontrac Equipment, says that’s a typical experience at any of Ontrac’s five locations.  “Every person in our sales staff wants to sell to people what they need.  That’s how we get repeat business.  We’re now selling to the sons and daughters of our customers, because at Ontrac you’re not just a part of our business; you ARE our business.”  

Perry is proud that Ontrac Equipment has been the area’s power equipment marketplace since 1981, offering expert service and a personal touch at family-owned and operated locations in Brockport, Canandaigua, Henrietta, North Chili, and Macedon.  “If it’s a piece of power equipment for your home, we probably have it,” said Perry.  “Not just premium; we also have entry-level lines.  Weed trimmers, mowers, a full line of compact utility and utility tractors…  some people prefer entry-level equipment, and others invest more upfront.  We’ve got both.”  

And zero-turn mowers?  In case you don’t know, they’re the hottest thing going right now, and Ontrac Equipment has the most complete line of zero-turn mowers on the market.  They’ve got eleven mowers designed for home owners and another nine for commercial applications.  

When I pointed out that the economy has many people pruning their budgets as well as their shrubs, Perry said, “Yes they are, but people still need to cut grass.”  In fact, 2008 homeowner sales were the best Ontrac has ever had, and Perry attributes that to his superior inventory, great financing options, and his dedicated staff.  “Ours isn’t a cookie cutter approach.  Our goal is to get the best fit between customer and equipment, every time.  We carry both Stihl and Echo - the top two names in hand-held equipment (such as chain saws and weed trimmers) and we are a John Deere Gold-star certified dealership.”  In addition to John Deere equipment Ontrac Equipment offers in-house financing through John Deere credit, with a variety of interest-free and low-interest loans.  

Ontrac Equipment’s mission is “to provide Rochester and the surrounding area with the highest quality power equipment products, and to back those products with world class service and support.”  To that end, they offer pick up/delivery and off-season service plans.  I love making the annual call to have our mower picked up and serviced, because I trust the people at Ontrac and I know it will come back in top-notch condition before spring.  

Each Ontrac Equipment store is a full stand alone business, with its own parts, sales and service departments.  That means you get the same expertise and attention to detail at every Ontrac location.  And because they’re computer networked, you can find out in an instant if what you need is available at another site.  

Perry said, “People need to come in.  We’re definitely unique, and they will be surprised by what we have available.” I know he’s right.  I guess that makes four things I know about lawn and garden equipment. 

Ontrac Equipment Area Phone #’s:

• BROCKPORT, NY (585) 637-3700
• NORTH CHILI, NY (585) 594-3700
• ROCHESTER, NY (585) 359-3700
• MACEDON, NY (585) 425-4428
• CANANDAIGUA, NY (585) 394-1990

March has arrived!!! I am not going to complain about our winter because I do not think it was that bad.  It also might not be over! But I truly hope it is.  I long for the warm sun on my face and to be able to take a walk without a hat on. The days are growing longer and the sun is visiting us more. Taking a walk around my yard today, I noticed some trees are starting to bud and perennials are beginning to pop out of the ground.  I started to get excited about being able to get outside and WORK IN MY GARDEN SOON!  I think that the signs of Spring put a lot of us in a great mood. I know I am always happier when the sun is shining. 

 One way that you can really enjoy what this next season has to offer is visiting the GardenScape show at the Dome Center on March 12-15.  Tickets are available at Wegmans.  The minute you walk into the door you smell the flowers. The theme is Gardens Of Eden…an Oasis for the soul.  The theme says everything you can expect to experience.  You can have the chance to escape the grey, cold weather and walk into a warm climate surrounded by flowers, trees and ponds.  You will forget you are in the month of March.  It is also a chance to see what new plants are out and get some great landscaping ideas.  There will be many professionals on hand to answer your questions and offer great ideas.  It is not too early to plan what you will be doing in your garden this year.  You can also get a chance to decide which Landscaper you might want to use by viewing their work.  

This issue has a lot of great yard information.  Ontrac Equipment, our cover feature, can help you get your shed ready for Spring.  After reading the great story that our Sally Baccetta wrote on P.4-5, you will find yourself wanting to take a drive to one of Ontrac’s five locations.  The staff is great and can help you to find the right item for your yard.  

Carm Santora also has included a great article on trimming trees on P.13.  

So get out in the garage or your shed, take inventory of your yard tools, get yourself a new pair of garden gloves(three if you go through them like me) and take a deep breath, we will be outside hopefully before the next issue!