Work Smart, Not Hard
“Man, do I hate weed-eating!” exclaims my neighbor one afternoon. I just smiled in agreement and said, “Yep.” I’m sure he hates it with a passion. Especially since he waited until 1pm on a blazing hot day to tackle it. He was wearing shorts and flip flops, nothing more. With every swish of the tool sand spurs and pebbles were pummeling his legs and feet. He was using one of those plug in weed eaters that are about three feet long with a bend in the neck that causes people to stoop over in discomfort as the debris is slung even closer because of the proximity of the head.
The string was the thinnest (and cheapest) so it constantly broke on him, slowing his progress. Mosquitoes pelted him constantly on his shirtless back and torso despite the gallon of bug spray and the toxic cloud that circled above his head. He had to keep his eyes narrowed to a Clint Eastwood type glare to prevent rocks from blinding him.
Funny thing, I’ve been there so I completely understand. As I rounded the corner what a good chuckle I had at his expense, (sorry dude.) Truth is, we as human beings make things way more difficult. Why try to do all the yard work in one day? A few minor adjustments and we make our lives easier.
Time of day: Yard work is best done early morning or late afternoon as the sun is dipping. Direct sunlight will sap your energy and expose you to harmful rays. Besides, it’s just hot out!
Attire: I know shorts are cooler but honestly I wear pants year round. You gotta keep the mosquitoes and gnats off your limbs. They just frustrate you. Same for shirts. I wear a light long sleeve shirt the majority of the time for the same reason. A good pair of outdoor shoes, maybe old running shoes or boots serve to protect your feet from sand spurs, etc. Wear a hat to keep circling horse flies and gnats off your dome. Wear safety glasses or some form of good eye wear to protect yourself from flinging debris. Even just pruning can blind you. I have had an employee scratch their eye trimming sweet grass.
Weed eaters: Avoid the bent neck ones at all cost. There’s no need to throw your back out doing this type of work. If you have trouble with the gas powered ones they have new rechargeable outdoor tools that work really well for one yard. Beats dragging cords around.
Well folks, I hope you have a great June! Let me know if I can be of any help.
Charlie Stonecypher is the owner of Suncoast Irrigation and Landscaping. They specialize in products that work smart without wasting resources. Contact him at (843) 327-8642 or email suncoastirrigation@gmail.com.
