FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT TYPE OF GAS AND OIL SHOULD I USE IN MY LAWN MOWER?

Use regular unleaded automotive gasoline in your lawn mower. If the gas supply in your mower won't be used up within 30 days, add gasoline stabilizer additive to your can of gas. SAE 30 motor oil is recommended for use in your lawn mower. The exact amount will be specified in your owner's manual but the approximate amount is 0.6 litres or 20 ounces.


DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE OIL IN MY LAWN MOWER?


Yes. Just like your car engine, your lawn mower engine will run smoother and last longer if you change the oil regularly. The engine oil should be changed after the first 5 hours of operation to remove any initial contaminants. After that, it is recommended that you change the oil approximately every 25 hours or, as a rule of thumb, after every lawn mowing season. Bring it to Imperial Services and we will do it for you.


WHY WOULD I WANT A  SELF PROPELLED MOWER OVER A  REGULAR PUSH MOWER?


With a push mower, all the energy required to move forward comes from the operator, while a self-propelled mower generates its own energy and, in effect, pushes itself forward. If you have a large lawn; or if your lawn has some sections that require uphill cutting; or if the operator is an older individual, then a self-propelled mower will be a big help by saving both time and energy.


WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF CASTOR WHEELS OR HIGH WHEEL DESIGNS?


Front castor wheels make maneuvering and turning the mower a lot less work, so trimming around bushes, trees and flower beds is much easier and the end result is neater and more professional looking. For straight cutting in open areas, the castor wheels are easily locked in place. The high-wheel design on the rear wheels is recommended for hilly or rough terrain. The larger wheels roll easily over uneven ground and smooth out any bumpiness. It's also easier to push a high wheel mower up a hill.


DO I NEED TO BUY A SPECIAL MOWER IF I WANT TO MULCH THE GRASS CLIPPINGS?


We recommend a mower with at least a minimum of a 4 HP engine if you plan to mulch. Other than that, mulching kits are available to quickly and easily convert a side discharge mower into a mulching mower.


WHAT SHOULD I DO TO GET MY MOWER READY IN THE SPRING  AND THEN TO STORE IT IN THE WINTER?


At the end of each season you should drain the gas and oil out of the engine and clean the underside of the cutting deck. At the beginning of the season you should add new SAE 30 Grade engine oil and fresh gas, check the blade and sharpen it, check the air filters, and make sure the spark plug is clean and properly gapped. You can either do these things yourself or have your nearest Columbia service dealer do it for you, Imperial Services, is proud to be a Columbia Service Dealer.


BROUGHT TO YOU BY : IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM

If you are just starting out in Landscape Maintenance

A landscape maintenance business can handle a variety of different tasks on properties ranging from gardening and lawn care to snow removal and debris pickup. The specific set of skills that a business offers to clients helps to establish what type of properties will be maintained. Industrious companies with many varied employees might work for a city maintaining a large park, or grounds for large commercial buildings, or even golf courses. Smaller businesses typically work for individual homeowners with small to moderately sized properties. Anyone who is considering starting a landscape maintenance business needs to acquire the skills and gear necessary in order to operate their business professionally. At Imperial Services we have what you need. Check out our web site for a complete list of our inventory, along with pictures and videos. We have a great service department that can service your outdoor power equipment, including generators, pressure washers, snow blowers, riding tractors etc. … we also have a RENTAL department and Delivery Service.


Purchase the proper tools


One of the first steps in starting a landscape maintenance business, is to purchase all of the tools needed for the most common tasks. It is important to understand that some standard retail power tools are not a good investment for professionals and will break quickly if used for long hours every day. Commercial outdoor power equipment is designed to be durable and is able to handle long hours of daily use. Professional string trimmers are just one example of something that every maintenance company should have. Professional string trimmers come with a powerful motor and strong trimmer line that remove weeds, trim grass and create edges for as long as is needed. We carry a great line called Red Max. If you go to our website  homepage you will be able to see a short video of  Red Max Products. Here at Imperial Services we will be able to outfit your new company with all the proper equipment.


Know Your Tools


It is important that everyone who is going to be performing landscape maintenance knows exactly how to use the commercial outdoor power equipment that was purchased. This involves proper training for workers and testing each tool to check exactly how it works, as well as learning the limitations of each piece of equipment. Workers who do not know how to use commercial hedge trimmers might make mistakes because the operation of the specific trimmers is not fully understood. A poor understanding of the commercial outdoor power equipment that is being used will produce unprofessional results.


Learn About Lawn Care and Landscaping


Many landscape maintenance businesses do more than just trim grass and hedges. Complete lawn care and landscaping services need to be concerned about how the plants grow, the watering requirements and the differences between popular types of plant material that must be managed regularly. This involves learning some basic gardening techniques, like the life cycle of the different types of trees and plants as well as some information about the climate and weather in the region. Some states require a pesticide applicator's license for commercial use. When used together, this knowledge will help when determining how short to cut grass, when a tree needs to be removed and how much fertilizer or other treatments that a lawn needs. Just a small amount of this type of knowledge and training will enable a landscape maintenance business to offer more services to customers.


For more information on outdoor power equipment please go to Imperialservicesinc.com or call us at 978-988-1121

Proper chainsaw maintenance

When you have a tool that is as powerful and destructive as a chainsaw can be, it’s important to keep it well-maintained and to follow the old rule of, “if you respect your tools they’ll respect you back”:


Sharpen the chain
Dull chainsaws are not only ineffective but dangerous. Make sure that the blades on the chain are sharpened before you proceed with using it.


Check the fluid levels
After reading the manual for the proper mixtures and amounts, fill your chainsaw with the proper amount of fuel and oil. Unleaded gas is intended for larger engines so don’t put it in the chainsaw.


Check the plugs
After you have replaced the fluids, check the spark plugs. If they are saturated with fuel, put a new, clean plug in. If there’s nothing wrong with the one you took out, besides being contaminated with fuel, clean it off and use it next time.


Check the air filter
If your chainsaw is frequently used, you should check it every couple of weeks to see if any dirt or grime has gotten into the air filter. If it’s getting dirty, putting it in water and mild dish soap should do the trick in cleaning it off. After you rinse and let it dry completely, put it back in the chainsaw.


WE CAN DO IT ALL FOR YOU HERE AT: IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM

Summer Lawn Care Checklist

Summertime is the time to think about backyard cookouts, lazy days at the beach, school vacations and outdoor living. To make outdoor living more enjoyable for the entire family, it is important to properly care for your lawn. A well cared for lawn looks attractive, is easier to maintain and provides a better environment for your friends and loved ones. While summer lawn care does not have to be difficult or time intensive, there are a few steps that should be taken to make sure a lawn remains healthy.


Check and Service Equipment


Before starting to work on the lawn, make sure your outdoor power equipment is in working order. Take your lawn mower in for a professional tune up to replace worn spark plugs, change the oil and install a new filter. A lawn mower’s blade wears over time, and it is a good idea to have it sharpened before the heavy mowing of summer begins. In addition to your mower, check your other lawn maintenance equipment for damage or replacement needs. Replace the oil, add gas and change out any lines that show excessive wear.


Fertilize & Check for Lawn Insects


After you have cared for and conditioned your equipment, it is time to start thinking about the yard. Apply lawn fertilizer to your entire yard and over seed any areas that show damage. The late spring and early summer months are also a great time to start considering insect control, and yards should be treated for fleas, ticks and mosquitoes to prevent health risks to your pets and family. There are several products on the market that effectively eliminate insect problems, or a professional company can be brought in to treat your yard and provide follow up maintenance.


Water Efficiently


Water is essential to your yard year round, and it is especially important during the sweltering months that summer brings. If you do not have an irrigation system, consider installing one. While the initial investment may be high, an irrigation system offers the perfect option for keeping your lawn properly moistened, and it can save you money by allowing you to water in the earliest hours of the morning before the heat evaporates your efforts. If you are not able to invest in an irrigation system, make sure to water your lawn on a regular basis with hoses, use barrels to capture and store rainwater and a high quality set of sprinklers. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation. If your area is windy, consider increasing your watering efforts.


Mulch


Early summer is a great time to replace mulch in your flowerbeds and around trees. Mulch helps to retain moisture, and a hardy bed of it will reduce the amount that you have to water. Mulch also helps to reduce heat stress to the roots of new plants in your garden, and it is an attractive finishing touch for your yard. Mulch comes in a variety of colors, and it can be purchased and delivered by the pallet to save money. You can also create your own mulch with a wood chipper.


Mow High


When it comes to mowing in the summer, allow your grass to grow high. Set your mower blade to one or one and a half inches higher to help your grass survive through the heat. Taller grass will shade your soil, reduce water evaporation and inhibit the growth of weeds and crabgrass. Cutting your grass too low can harm your yard. It is not necessary to mow more than once a week.


Check Equipment Often


As you continue to work on your yard through the summer, make sure to eyeball your lawn equipment from time to time. Check the blade of your mower for excessive wear, chipping or other damage. Also make sure to check oil levels and add more whenever necessary. Since your equipment gets a lot of use through the summer months, it is beneficial to do this at least once a month.


Taking these small steps will keep your equipment in good working condition and make caring for your yard an easier task to accomplish. Your family will enjoy spending time in your outdoor living space, and you will help your lawn and garden thrive throughout the hot summer months.


Whether your job is large or small, Imperial Services can make finding Outdoor Power Equipment fast and easy. We have the newest lineup of zero-turn, self-propelled, and walk behind mowers, along with a huge inventory of lawn tractors. Imperial Services  represents the greatest names in Outdoor Power, so if you’re looking for a chain saw, trimmer, edger, or blower, we have the proper tools to fit your needs. We stock many OEM Replacement Parts which are ready to ship. Feel free to contact us at 
978-670-6016
or via email, imperialkam@msn.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM

Ethanol and Outdoor Power Equipment

A quick note on Ethanol and Outdoor Power Equipment.


Today the EPA approved E15 fuel for use in the U.S.  This fuel is 85% Gasoline and 15% Ethanol from corn in most cases.  While you can run E10 or 10% Ethanol in most Power Equipment, E15 or above can cause some very serious issues. Stalling, hard starting, brittle fuel lines, even burnt valves and other internal engine damage may occur.  Please be watchful of the fuel you use. Most warranties do not cover repairs for fuel related problems. All new equipment sold at Small Engine Specialty is compatible with E10 and below.  Still, make sure you never use fuel older than 30 days or left out in a non-sealed container. Water is attracted to the Ethanol in today’s fuel and can be especially harmful to 2-stroke engines. Keep your machine running great, especially if it is only used occasionally with our K100 fuel additive. It can combat the effects of Ethanol in fuel and really help maintain the performance of your Outdoor Power Equipment!




BROUGHT TO YOU BY: IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM

Beauty Is Waiting In The Wings: Attracting Birds And Butterflies

(NAPSI)—Birds and butterflies add color and excitement to a garden that can’t be found from any other source. And their contributions are much more than aesthetic: Birds help control insects and slugs; while butterflies are important pollinators. Almost anywhere a plant grows will get an occasional visit from these attractive and beneficial creatures. Making your yard a welcoming oasis for them can be as simple as choosing the right plants.


Inviting Butterflies


Butterflies and hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar, a sugary liquid produced inside flowers. Certain plants are exceptional sources of nectar, such as the aptly named butterfly bush (Buddleia), which is a favorite of hummingbirds as well. 
Though these shrubs have long been popular, newly introduced varieties offer major improvements. For example, a Miss Molly butterfly bush has intense dark magenta flowers on a compact 4˜−5’ (1.2−1.5m) plant. If space is an issue, you may care to try the Lo and Behold series of butterfly bushes. These shrubs pack all the flower power and attractive silver foliage of their larger kin but in a neat, compact package: Blue Chip is just 24−30” (60−72cm) tall. 
White butterfly bushes, such as Ice Chip, make an excellent choice for busy people who can only enjoy their gardens at night. The light-colored flowers appear to shine in the dark and at just 18−24” (45−60 cm) tall, it can be planted in a large pot or as an edging around a deck or patio.


Attracting Songbirds


Numerous species of much-loved songbirds, such as cardinals, cedar waxwings and bluebirds, rely on berries for food. Fortunately, several easy-to-grow landscape plants provide fruit for the birds and beauty for the gardener. 
Winterberry holly, a native shrub, is an especially nice choice. Unlike other hollies, it loses its leaves in autumn, making the berry-laden stems extra showy. Some varieties are especially fruitful, such as Berry Heavy, while others are selected for exceptionally bright color, such as Berry Nice. Birds prefer the fruit of Winterberry Holly when it’s ripe and soft; consequently, the ornamental display remains until mid-winter.


Birds, Butterflies 
and Lady Bugs


Certain plants are veritable bird- and butterfly-attracting powerhouses, providing both nectar-rich flowers and edible berries. Black Lace elderberry, for example, blooms in early summer with large clusters of pink flowers favored by a host of beneficial insects including lacewings and ladybugs. Once they have pollinated the plant, the resulting fruit is relished by a number of bird species; human garden visitors are equally fond of this shrub with its lacy dark purple leaves and attractive habit. It adapts readily to growing in a container, making it especially suitable for nature lovers with limited space. 


Viburnum is another excellent option that provides nectar and fruit. There are many varieties available, but for maximum wildlife benefit, select one that bears abundant crops of fruit, such as the Blue Muffin with its dark blue berries, or Cardinal Candy with clusters of shiny red berries. 
Shrubs provide excellent habitat for birds, as their much-branched interiors make lots of perches for building a nest and their foliage ensures good coverage to hide from predators. However, to keep the welcome mat out year-round, it is important to include some evergreen plants in every garden. 
Varieties such as Soft Serve false cypress add graceful structure and rich color while providing a safe resting spot for feathered visitors, a service they’re sure to appreciate between the meals you’ve thoughtfully laid out for them. 


BROUGHT TO YOU BY: IMPERIALSERVICESINC.COM

Learning to Live with Moss

Moss is a fact of life if you have certain growing conditions in your lawn or garden. Moss usually thrives in poor, highly acidic soil. You can love moss or hate it, but it's easiest for you and your lawn and garden if you learn to live with it.


A Moss Experience:
You should test your soil and then respond appropriately. Even if nothing is done to encourage it, and you do not have a particularly damp back yard. However, there it is, taking over the lawn, inch by inch.
It turns out, if you do a soil test, you can actually learn a lot about what you're working with! If a soil test returns a pH level of around 5.0, that is HIGHLY acidic. Grass doesn't like growing in acidic conditions. Bingo! There lies the problem.


Did a bit more research, and found that moss grows most happily not only in damp, shady, or humid places, but also in poor, infertile, compacted, sandy, acidic soils. If you have moss in your lawn, moss isn't your only problem.


If You Really Want Grass
If you have moss in the yard, you can get past it and get your lawn back. First you need to test the soil pH. If the pH is lower than 6.5, you'll need to add lime to the soil. Check with your cooperative extension agent for liming recommendations. Often, bags of lime will also have information on amounts to spread to raise the pH in increments of .5.
It can take up to a year for the pH of the soil to increase enough to take the next step, which is to plant new grass. In cooler areas, the best time to plant a new lawn area is the fall. In warmer areas, plant in the spring. Continue to monitor the pH and add lime yearly if the pH keeps dropping. Keeping the pH regulated will go a long way toward keeping grass and not moss in the yard.


Love the Moss
Moss is big business these days. You can buy "moss milkshake" which is a concoction of ground up moss that you mix with water or buttermilk and spread over the yard, or dead stumps, or anything you'd like to cover in moss. You can buy moss in terrariums, and moss from mail order catalogs.  


There are people who love moss.
After testing your soil and finding out the reason you can achieve great results bringing our lawn grass back from the brink your yard. A bit of moss in the corners isn't going to hurt anything. You can use the opportunity to add other shade-loving, acid-loving plants and create more interesting shade gardens.
Moss isn't an immediate cause for concern. Before going to great lengths to remove it, decide if you can live with it. It is, after all, green!


Brought to you by imperialservicesinc.com

WRIGHT MOWERS

STARTING AS LOW AS $65.00 A MONTH WITH OUR SHEFFIELD FINANCING!

imperialservicesinc.com

FREE RED MAX HAT OR T-SHIRT WITH ORDER