Stuck on what to get your loved ones for holiday gifts? How about gifts to “green up” their yard care?
Did you know in the United States more gas is spilled on the ground each year refilling yard equipment than the crude oil that was spilled by the Exxon Valdez? And that using gas powered machines means you are breathing in harmful emissions right beside you?
We’ve got some great ideas to green up your lawn equipment!
Give the gift of electric equipment! Recycle your gas equipment and buy electric yard equipment! Whether it is an electric mower, leaf blower, string trimmer, or even a snow blower, there are tons of great options on the market these days! Always choose equipment with a cord instead of battery, if your yard isn’t big–they will save money upfront, and never run out of charge! The cords also can be used on any brand, so no need for multiple batteries.
A “mulching kit” for the lawn mower–mulching kits make it easier for your mower to chop up grass leaves into tiny pieces, so the clippings biodegrade faster.
If you can’t afford to upgrade to an electric machine, purchase a new gas can that doesn’t drip! (recycle that old one at hazmat at our transfer station).
Give coupons for a few lawn mower blade sharpenings–blades should be sharpened after about 10-12 hours of use and sharpeners are often at farmers markets throughout the season.
Purchase a tune-up for equipment that is leaking–winter is a great time to give your business to small repair shops.
Looking for more creative gift ideas for the yard care addict in your house?
Give the gift of lawn aeration and overseeding! While best done by a professional in the fall, spring is a good time to get a jump on improving a lawn. Call a professional and ask for a quote–sometimes based on the square footage of your yard and photos they can get you an estimate. You can even buy bags of grass seed right now, and do a dormant winter grass seeding.
Give the gift of trees! Did you know that between November and March is the best time to plant most trees locally? Stop by a nursery and see what they might have heeled in or ready to dig and arrange for them to plant it–be sure it comes with a big bow!
Give the gift of a rainbarrel! And make a fun afternoon of it getting it hooked up in the spring.
Give the gift of a gift certificate to a nursery, so when spring planting season comes along, they can go stock up on pollinator plants!
And when all else fails…who doesn’t love a houseplant? Your local nurseries carry them year-round to freshen up your indoor air!
