• Basic Lawn Aeration Tips

    Aeration improves soil drainage in your lawn for better absorption of nutrients. If your lawn seems worn, stagnant, and isn’t growing or looking as it should, aeration could be the solution for improved growth. A Tool Shed offers aerator and other lawn equipment rentals to help you on your way to achieving a greener, more beautiful lawn.

    pathway in the garden

    When to Aerate

    If you notice that your lawn is dry shortly after a rainfall or that water seems to run right off the top layer of your soil, it could benefit from aeration. If puddles form after watering your lawn, this is another sign that the ground is not absorbing moisture as it should. Worn areas, particularly where there is a high amount of foot traffic, also signal the need for aeration to improve nutrient content and growth in these parts of your lawn. If you park vehicles or construction equipment on your lawn, the soil in these areas can quickly become compacted and will also benefit greatly from aeration.

    How to Aerate

    Aeration is a two-step process. First, small holes are punched into the dirt, then these holes are excavated to allow air and water to penetrate the soil. The easiest way to aerate your lawn is to rent a core aerator machine. This piece of equipment will punch holes and pull up the contents in small, cylinder-shaped “plugs” as you move it over your lawn. Core aerators are the most effective equipment for the job; other aerators punch holes but do not remove the cores, doing little to improve soil quality. After aerating , you can either rake the cores into your soil or leave them to disintegrate on their own.

    At A Tool Shed of San Jose, we can help you find the solution to your lawn care needs. Visit any one of our six locations across Northern California , including Hollister, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz, for lawn and construction equipment rentals. Click on our website or call (831) 359-4769 to contact a staff member today.

  • When Should You Aerate Your Lawn?

    Aeration promotes the absorption of essential nutrients and moisture in soil. The type of grass planted in your lawn will determine the best time of year for aeration. If your lawn contains a cool season grass, aerate at the end of the summer in August or September. Warm season grass lawns should be aerated in June and July. A simple test can tell you whether aeration is needed. Remove a small square of your lawn one foot on each side and six inches deep. If the roots of your grass only grow one to two inches into the soil, it’s time to aerate. Clay soils should be aerated more often, as they require more work to maintain the proper consistency. However, if your lawn has recently been planted, wait at least one full year before aerating to reduce stress on your grass.

    Mowing the lawn

    Are you ready to aerate your lawn? Call A Tool Shed at (831) 359-4769 for lawn care and construction equipment rental in San Jose. We have six convenient locations throughout Northern California. Click on our website for more information about aerating, overseeding, and lawn care.

  • Renting Equipment for Construction Work

    Some yard or construction jobs require equipment you may not have to get the job done. Renting rather than purchasing equipment allows you to tailor your equipment to your needs without worrying about future storage, maintenance, or repair costs. When you rent construction equipment, you know it is ready for the job at hand and meets operational and emissions standards in your area. Check out this video to see an example of the construction equipment you can rent for your next job at A Tool Shed of San Jose.

    A Tool Shed provides construction equipment rentals for homeowners and light contractors at our six locations in San Jose, Campbell, Watsonville, Morgan Hill, Hollister, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz. Call (831) 359-4769 to make your next construction project easy and efficient. Check out our website to learn more about us and the full range of construction equipment we offer!

  • Why It’s Important to Remove Weeds from Your Lawn and Garden

    While you may think of weeds as an eyesore that spoil the otherwise beautiful appearance of your garden, these bothersome plants can actually be harmful to your outdoor space. That’s why professional gardeners and lawn care experts advise homeowners to stay on top of a weed problem using weed mowers, hoes, and other effective equipment available from their San Jose tool rental company. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s so important that you remove weeds from your lawn and garden:

    gardening

    Restore the Health of Your Plants

    One of the biggest reasons why you should rent a weed mower from your equipment rental company is to protect the health of your lawn and garden plants. Weeds consume a significant amount of water and nutrients in the soil, which should be solely reserved for your shrubs, flowers, and grass. If you neglect a weed problem, then you can expect to see your greenery slowly deteriorate in both health and appearance.

    Prevent the Spread of Foreign Species

    Another reason to eliminate weeds from your lawn is to improve your nearby environment and the ecosystem at large. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the state of California is currently dealing with over 100 invasive weed species including Mediterranean sage, itchgrass, various types of mesquite, and African boxthorn. By keeping your lawn free from these weeds, you can reduce their spread.

    Eliminate Pests from Your Property

    Weeds are the perfect hiding or nesting place for opportunistic pests. In order to prevent your lawn from becoming a safe haven for mosquitoes, mice, birds, and mollusks, address weed growth early on by renting a weed mower from your equipment rental center. Removing them with equipment is far more efficient than using harsh chemicals and is by far the safer alternative.

    If you’re ready to win the war against weeds in your lawn and garden, come visit A Tool Shed in San Jose today. Our equipment rental experts can walk you through the basics of using a weed mower so that once you go to work, those weeds won’t stand a chance. Call (831) 359-4769 to learn more about our products and rental services .