Lawn care can be difficult enough without math. Keep these conversions handy and learn some cross multiplication basics to keep confusion to a minimum.
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 1 yard = 3 feet
- 1 meter = 3.281 feet
- 1 meter = 1.094 yards
Linear Measurements
- 1 sq ft = 144 sq inches
- 1 sq yard = 9 sq feet
- 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft = 4,840 sq yards = 0.405 hectares
Area Measurements
- 1 lb/1000 sq ft = 43.6 lb/acre
- 100 lb/acre = 2.5 lb/1000 sq ft
Rates of Application
- 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
- 1 pound(lb) = 16 ounces = 453.5 grams
- 1 ton = 2000 pounds
- 1 kilogram = 2.205 pounds = 1000 grams
Weights
Cross Multiplication
The most important math concept needed for lawn care is cross multiplication. Inevitably you will need to find x, whether it's a fertilizer rate or an amount of pesticide.
For example,
If the recommended rate of insecticide is 1 ounce/1000 sq ft, how much is needed for a lawn that is 45,000 sq ft?
To find x, cross multiply.
1oz/1000 = x/45,000
Multiply 45,000 by 1, then divide by 1000. x = 45 ounces.
That's all there is to it. Sometimes several steps of cross multiplication are needed, but it's generally pretty easy stuff. If it seems tough, it's probably my shortcomings as a math teacher and not the concept of cross multiplication.
However, if it's all too confusing and doesn't make any sense at all, hire a lawn care company. You can still do all your own mowing and maintenance if you want and let licensed professionals handle the fertilizer and pesticide applications.
