I hope to get the rest of my leaves this weekend. I wanted to finish them off last weekend but the rain has not been in my favor. Mulching them with my mower has been working so far but I also plan on testing out the vacuum/mulcher attachment of the Lehr Eco-blower too.

Once the leaves have been dealt with, it's time to winterize the lawn tools. Mowers and trimmers need to be winterized but so do hoses, pruning shears, rakes and other lawn care products you may use. They no longer need to be front and center, at least pack them away for the season so you're not tripping on them to get to the snow shovel.

Some lawn chemicals need to be kept from freezing so be sure to read the labels and ensure they are stored properly and separate from products like rock salt so there's no confusion about what is what.

It's also a good time to make sure the snow blower is working, there's plenty of sand or ice melt on hand, and there is a functioning snow shovel or two. Do you really want to be that person rushing out to get a shovel or ice melt right before the storm?

photo © Dougal Waters/Getty Images

Like dominoes falling, Canadian province Prince Edward Island has banned all cosmetic use of pesticides containing chemical herbicide 2,4-D on lawns. Cosmetic pesticide bans already exist in Quebec and Ontario, while other provinces like New Brunswick, Alberta, and British Columbia are considering or in the process of enacting their own bans. Is the United Sates next?

Under the PEI pesticide ban, golf courses will still be able to use pesticides cosmetically as applied by licensed pesticide applicators. Detailed records must be maintained and reported to the environmental department. This is in accordance with laws that already exist in most provinces and states already. I have been a licensed pesticide applicator, at one time or another, in Alberta, New York, and Rhode Island. I have always had to maintain records and send in annual reports to local governments. Golf course workers are among the most educated and responsible pesticide applicators there are.

As with most pesticide bans, the concern is not necessarily with licensed, professionals applying pesticides within the framework of an Integrated Pest Management program, but with the dangers posed by the frequent, uncontrolled use of 2,4-D on millions of lawns. It's encouraging to see the precautionary principle work where it is targeted while maintaining a levelheaded courtesy toward the golf course industry.

I've always approved of these types of pesticide bans and feel that they put everyone on a level playing field. If you want to have the best lawn on your block now, it's going to take some skill not just a four step program. Lawn care companies that relied on these chemicals are going to have to learn how to grow grass instead of weeds. Best of all, we are all better off without the stuff. The best way to deal with these bans is to learn more about Integrated Pest Management and embrace an organic weed control regimen.

Links:
Cosmetic Pesticide Ban for PEI on its way!
Calgary ponders pesticide rules
David Suzuki Foundation

Arthur Wilson, 100, just signed a five year contract to continue mowing the lawn at his nephew's house in New Zealand, proving that age is no barrier for some fresh air and hard work. Heartwarming lawn care stories don't make the news everyday so it was a pleasure to hear of this centenarian who still hops aboard a riding lawn mower and cuts grass. Not just a little suburban plot either, the yard is quite large.

Be sure to click on the video link to see Mr. Wilson and his nephew sharing laughs and trading friendly barbs in between shots of him mowing the lawn like a pro. As a lawn mower safety advocate, I must add that it would have been nice to see him wear hearing protection and there was a safety shield on his mower that should have been in the down position, but who's going to tell the 100 year old guy that he's not doing it right? Honestly, if that could be me at 100 years old I'd be a happy and thankful man.

Read the article:

Watch the video

The good people at Lehr have just sent me their propane powered Eco-Blower to review. I've already used the blower to move some leaves around in my backyard and plan on using the vacuum/mulcher attachment tomorrow.

Lehr first hit the lawn care tool scene with their propane powered trimmers. I have yet to try one myself but the initial feedback that I've heard is all positive. Both the trimmers and blower run on the standard 16.4oz propane canisters commonly used for camp stoves and lanterns.

The engine itself is similar to standard gas burning engines with engine oil and a spark plug. Instead of storing gas cans and fussing with fuel mixtures though, Lehr offers simple Twist 'n Go fueling with propane, which is an EPA approved eco-fuel.

Once the second part of my review is complete, I'll post the results. Check back soon.