First: What do the Fertilizer Numbers Mean?

When you look at a bag of fertilizer, you will see a series of 3 numbers. These numbers are commonly referred to as N-P-K analysis. 

The letters represent important nutrients that your lawn requires for growth, color, and overall plant health.

N stands for nitrogen, P represents phosphorus, and K stands for potassium. Together, these three elements will help feed and grow a healthy lawn.

However, when you look for the N-P-K ratio on the fertilizer label, you will notice there are numbers instead of letters. These numbers will vary greatly between fertilizers, so it is important to have a good understanding of what they mean before you buy a bag and start applying it to your lawn.

An example of an analysis you might see when scanning the fertilizer aisle is 10-10-10.

When looking at these numbers, it’s important to know that they represent percentages.
In this example, the bag of fertilizer contains 10% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium. 

You may be thinking, “If you add all of those together, that’s only 30%. So what’s in the rest of the bag?“

In this case, the remaining material is inert filler material that adds bulk to the product, which will make it much easier to spread and apply to your lawn.  

Once we have looked at the percentages listed in the analysis, the next step is to confirm the total weight of the bag. 

Most fertilizers will usually come in 25 or 50lbs bags.

Using our example of a 10-10-10 analysis and a 50lb bag to determine the total pounds of a given nutrient, you need to do a little math. 

You do not want to skip this step, especially in the summer. Calculating the correct amount of fertilizer to apply is crucial to avoid burning or injuring your lawn. 

So, if you have a 1,000 sq ft lawn, you would apply 10 lbs of product through your spreader to give you the desired amount. If you have a 3,000 sq ft lawn, you would apply 30 lbs of product.

So the next time your child asks you when they will use what they are learning in math class, you can give them this example.

What is the Best Fertilizer Ratio for Your Summer Lawn?

When determining the best lawn fertilizer ratio for summer, there are a couple of important factors to consider.

While many people think that applying any fertilizer at any time is good for your lawn, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

As with all lawn care, what you’re lawn needs is going to depend on a variety of factors that are unique to your lawn. 

Soil Composition

A valid soil test from a reputable source, like your local University Extension office, will provide you with information about your soil’s current nutrient levels.

The soil test results will take the guesswork out of your fertilizer applications and help you feel confident that you are applying exactly what your lawn needs throughout the season, including your summer fertilizer applications.

Grass Type

Whether or not you do a soil test, you will need to know if you are growing cool or warm season grass. This is because warm season and cool season grass have very different needs during the hot summer months.  

For example, common cool-season grasses like bluegrass, fescue, and rye will go dormant during the summer to help protect themselves from the heat.

Applying fertilizer to a lawn that is already under stress due to high temperatures is not recommended and could do more harm than good.

On the other hand, common warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass will continue to grow and thrive during the summer months.

Local Climate

The climate in which you live will also play a role in how much fertilizer your lawn needs during the summer.

For example, if you live in an area that experiences long periods of drought, your lawn may be stressed, which is not a good time to be applying fertilizer.

Additionally, if your area receives frequent rainfall and you supplement with sprinkler irrigation, you are probably safe with more frequent applications.

Type of Fertilizer

The type of fertilizer you use will also affect how much you need to apply during the summer months.

Irrigation and Watering

In order to achieve the best results, you should apply fertilizer to your lawn when it is dry and then water it deeply. This will help prevent any burn potential and ensure that the fertilizer is absorbed by the plant.

Now that you know all of the important factors to consider when determining the best lawn fertilizer ratio for summer, you are ready to choose a fertilizer ratio that will keep your lawn looking green and healthy all summer long!

Summer Fertilizer Ratios for Cool Season Grasses

Cool season grasses like Turf Type Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass, will have limited growth potential in the summer and can be negatively affected by too much nitrogen when the summer temperatures are hot. 

Pushing too much growth during the summer will put more stress on the plant that is already struggling to stay alive during the peak of summer. 

Applying too much nitrogen can put your lawn under stress due to high temperatures. Remember to only apply .50lbs or less of total nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn. This will give your lawn the boost it needs to stay green during the summer months.

During the spring and summer, cool-season grasses will benefit from fertilizers with lower nitrogen content and higher potassium content. 

Nitrogen promotes unwanted top growth while potassium will help reduce plant stress. 

A good rule of thumb is to apply a product with at least a 1 part nitrogen to 2 part potassium ratio. When in doubt it is best to use a fertilizer that has 1-1-1 ratio.  

For summer fertilizer applications of cool season lawns, you want to refrain from applying too much nitrogen. 

As mentioned in our fertilizer calculations, you would want to apply no more than .50lbs of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. This application rate will be just enough to give your lawn the boost it needs to stay green during the summer months without pushing too much growth and putting your lawn under undue stress.

Summer Fertilizer Ratios for Warm Season Grasses

Warm season lawns like Bermuda grass, Zoysia, and St. Augustine thrive during the hot summer months. During early spring and summer, these grass types have the highest growth potential.

Unlike cool season lawns, warm season lawns will benefit the most from larger applications of nitrogen fertilizer. 

Common fertilizer applications for warm-season grasses during the summer should equal about 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn monthly. This can be accomplished by fertilizing .25 of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet a week in June, July, and August or 1 pound per square feet each summer month, respectively.

When applying summer fertilizer to warm season lawns, you will want to apply more Nitrogen.

When Should I Apply Summertime Fertilizer?

In most cases, the best time to apply summer lawn fertilizers is late spring.

This is because the grass will be actively growing and will be able to utilize the nutrients more efficiently.

If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can split your fertilizer applications up and apply half in early summer and the other half in mid-summer.

Remember warm-season lawns will benefit more from summer fertilization than cool-season grasses.

It’s more important to focus on fertilizing cool season grass during its growth season, which is spring and fall.

No matter what, you should avoid applying fertilizer during the hottest part of the day. It’s best to schedule your applications during the cooler mornings and evenings.

Now that you know the best lawn fertilizer ratios for spring and summer, you can keep your lawn looking green and healthy all season long! Just remember to adjust your fertilizer application depending on the type of grass you have. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

First things first…

What is an Alpaca?

An alpaca is a type of camelid that can be found in the Andes Mountains of South America.

They are often bred for their fiber, which can be made into a wide variety of products such as yarn, cloth and blankets.

They are related to llamas and camels and have two toed feet and a long, bushy tail.

Alpacas can weigh anywhere between 100 and 200 pounds and are around three and a half feet tall at the shoulder.

There are two types of alpacas – Huacaya and Suri.

The Huacaya is the more common type, with fluffy fiber that grows in bunches

Huacaya alpacas are generally considered to be more common and can have fiber that is soft, bouncy and crimpy.

Suri alpacas can grow long hair with locks instead of individual fibers which can give their coats a silky appearance.

Over the past few decades homeowners have been getting more and more interested in alpacas.

This is for many reasons, such as providing income, a fun hobby, or even helping with stress relief! Not to mention they are adorable.

However, it’s important to remember that there are many things you need to consider carefully before deciding if an alpaca is suitable for your backyard.

Is it Legal to Have an Alpaca in my Backyard?

If you live in the continental U.S. you will be glad to know that alpacas are legal in all 50 states.

However, that doesn’t give you the green light to go out an buy an alpaca just yet.

It’s important to understand that there are a variety of jurisdictions that will ultimately determine whether or not you will be able to call a backyard alpaca your own.

City Ordinances

Certain cities may have regulations or ordinances that prohibit people from keeping farm animals on their property. This can mean horses, sheep, pigs, cattle…and alpacas!

If you are interested in having an alpaca living on your property, make sure to check with the city first before making any big decisions.

A good place to start can be by checking out their zoning department or website for more information regarding farm animals and ordinances.

If there are no laws prohibiting farm animals, it can still be important to check with your city before making any final decisions.

If you find out that alpacas are allowed in the area and there aren’t any ordinances prohibiting them from being kept on residential land, then this is a point in your favor!

The next step would be checking with your local government about how many alpacas can be kept on a certain sized property. This is common for many backyard animals, including chickens. While it’s legal to own backyard chickens in many large cities, there are limits on how many and the same could be true for alpacas.

If you have any questions about the ordinances that may apply to your city or county, don’t hesitate to give them a call!

Zoning Laws

In addition to being governed by local laws and ordinances, zoning laws can also play a role in whether or not an alpaca can be kept on your property.

Zoning laws can dictate the types of activities that are allowed to take place on a piece of property.

For example, if you live in a residential area and the zoning law specifically prohibits any agricultural activity from taking place, then it’s likely that keeping an alpaca on your land would not be allowed.

Homeowner’s Associations

Another essential thing to consider can be homeowner’s associations (HOA’s).

These can play a large role in whether or not you’re allowed to have alpacas on your property, even if it is zoned for agricultural activity and there are no ordinances prohibiting farm animals from being kept at home.

Homeowner’s associations can create their own guidelines which can include things like restrictions on the number or type of animals you can keep and the type or outbuildings and fencing you can have on your property.

Be sure to check your HOA agreement or contact them to see if any restrictions apply to keeping alpacas.

Property Size & Lot Restrictions

Finally, there can also be lot size restrictions when it comes to having backyard animals.

This can be the case whether or not there are any ordinances in place that prohibit farm animals from being kept on a piece of property.

It’s important to remember that alpacas can take up quite a bit of space!

How much land do you need to keep Alpacas?

Alpacas prefer a pretty significant amount of land to be happy.

Whether or not they are raised for fiber, meat, or breeding purposes can depend on the space requirements needed.

Generally speaking though, you will need at least one acre per alpaca in order for them to live comfortably.

However, alpacas are herd animals and best when there are in a group.

If you’re thinking about keeping backyard alpacas, it’s important to make sure that you have enough space on your property for them and can accommodate their needs.

Since you should plan on having at least three or more alpacas you will need a backyard that is approximately three-four acres. This will allow them enough space to graze and roam freely.

Remember: Alpacas can grow upwards of six feet tall and weigh up to two hundred pounds, so be sure to take this into account when measuring how much space they will need.

Fencing and Landscaping for Alpacas

If you have determined that you can in fact keep alpacas on your property, the next step is to make sure that they are safe and secure.

This means having a proper fence in place and ensuring that there is no way for them to escape.

Alpacas are curious animals and will often try to explore their surroundings.

They can also use their long necks to reach over or under fences, so it’s important to make sure that they can’t escape.

You also want to make sure they are completely protected from any predators you may have in your area like bears, coyotes or mountain lions.

Ideally, alpacas should have a six-foot fence all the way around their area with wire fencing at the bottom and top of the enclosure as well as on any other sides where an animal could potentially jump or climb over.

If you live in an area with cold winters, you will also need to make sure that they have a shelter to go into to keep them warm and out of the wind.

This can be anything from a small barn to just a few sturdy trees where they can get out of the weather.

In addition, landscaping can also be a big factor in successfully keeping alpacas.

When it comes to landscaping for alpacas you will want to make sure there are no poisonous plants or bushes that can harm them and plenty of grass for them to eat.

It’s essential to do thorough research before planting anything around your property and consider what types of food or forage can be grown to keep your alpacas healthy.

Why Do People Want Alpacas?

Alpacas can make great backyard pets for a variety of different reasons.

For starters, they are very friendly and love attention from humans!

They can be trained to do specific tasks like pulling carts, making them ideal for seniors or people with disabilities who want companionship but need help moving around.

However, alpacas can also be used for agricultural purposes.

Their wool is very valuable and can be sold for a high price.

Alpacas can also be bred for their meat, which is becoming an increasingly popular option for people who want to raise their own livestock.

Overall, alpacas make great backyard pets because they are beautiful animals that can be used for a variety of different purposes.

They can also provide you with additional sources of income if your property can accommodate their needs to graze and roam free.

Another reason that many people consider owning alpacas is for tax purposes. 

Alpacas can be claimed as a business expense on your taxes, which can save you money in the long run.

How Much do Alpacas Cost?

Alpacas can cost anywhere from $500 up to $50,000 depending on the age and breed of animal that you are looking for.

For example, a two-month old alpaca can be purchased in most cases for around $500 while breeding females can go upwards of ten times as much!

Male alpacas can also be much more expensive than female alpacas because they can be used for breeding, creating income for their owners.

Most people don’t consider the costs of owning an animal when it comes to something like a backyard pet, but there are actually several expenses that need to be taken into account before you can begin looking for your perfect alpaca.

For example, you will need to pay for a veterinarian if your alpaca gets sick, as well as purchase hay and grain to keep them fed.

You will also want to invest in a shed or barn to keep them warm during the winter months and a trailer to haul them to shows, their veterinary visits, or in case of an emergency like a wildfire.

The average monthly cost of feeding and caring for two alpacas is approximately $300. Compared to owning a dog or cat…this is quite an investment.

All of these costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to do your research and plan ahead before you decide that an alpaca is the right pet for your family.

Caring for Alpacas

Alpacas can be very high maintenance depending on the breed of animal that you have.

For their diet, alpacas eat hay and can typically eat up to about two-thirds of a bale per day.

This can be an expensive purchase if you are feeding alpacas that you plan on breeding frequently, so it’s important to keep this in mind when budgeting for your new backyard pet!

Fresh grass can also be a good source of food for your alpaca, so if you can keep grass growing in your backyard that will keep you alpacas happy and give them something to graze on.

Alpacas can drink upwards of six gallons or more per day so make sure that they always have access to freshwater!

Alpacas can also become very stressed if they are not kept with other alpacas, so it’s important to have the space and resources to own one or more of these animals successfully.

Their coats are also very important to keep groomed and free of parasites, so you will need to be prepared to brush them regularly.

Interestingly, alpacas have nails instead of hooves and they will need to have their nails trimmed every few months in order to avoid infection.

They also have sharp teeth that can grow quite long if they are not trimmed, so be prepared to pay for that service, unless you plan on learning how to do it yourself.

You should be prepared to provide regular veterinary care for your alpacas in case they get sick or injured.

Alpacas can live up to 25 years and females can begin breeding as soon as they’re about 12 months old.

That’s a long-term commitment…and many people don’t realize this before purchasing an animal.

Overall, these are beautiful animals that can make great backyard pets but they can also be high maintenance and require a lot of resources.

If you can provide all of the necessary resources, alpacas can make great backyard pets for people who are prepared for the investment.

They are intelligent animals that can be used for a variety of purposes and can provide financial stability.

However, if you can’t provide all their needs…you might want to reconsider putting an alpaca in your backyard.

Is Alpaca Wool Valuable?

The short answer is yes!

Alpaca wool can be very valuable because it’s so soft, silky…and can provide you with a source of income if your alpacas are sheared every year.

Most alpaca wool is turned into yarn. Alpaca yarn can be sold for around $15 per skein, so if you have a few regularly sheared animals, you can make a nice profit.

Keep in mind that this can vary depending on the breed of animal that you have and how much fiber or fleece they can produce.

Some can create a lot of fleece while others may only provide enough to make a few items each year!

Alpacas are typically sheared once per year, which can provide you with anywhere from four to eight pounds of fleece.

You can also sell the fiber at this time for an average price of $100-$120/pound…which can add up quickly!

Most people choose to only shear their alpacas when they are in good physical condition so that it doesn’t stress them out too much, so it can take some time to build up a large supply of fleece.

Keep in mind that shearing can also be done by an experienced breeder or farm who can do this for you as well!

That being said…alpaca wool can be very valuable and can provide you with additional income if you properly care for these animals.

Alpacas vs. Llamas

People often get alpacas and llamas confused…but there are some key differences between these animals.

• Llamas can be used as pack animals, while Alpacas cannot .
• Alpacas are typically much smaller than llamas.
• An alpaca can grow to be about four feet tall and can weigh up t o 200 pounds, while a llama can be over five feet tall at the shoulder and can weight well over 300 pounds!  Llamas also have thicker coats that make them more
• Alpacas typically have a higher wool yield than Llamas
• Alpacas come in more colors than Llamas .

While llamas and alpacas are both  South American camelids…they aren’t the same thing. If you plan on becoming an alpaca owner, it’s important you know the difference.

So, Can I Haven an Alpaca in my Backyard or Not?

If you can provide all the necessary resources for an alpaca, they can make a great backyard pet.

They are beautiful animals and can be used for a variety of purposes.

However, they can also be high maintenance and require a lot of resources…so if you’re not prepared for the commitment, you might want to reconsider.

Alpacas can make great backyard pets for the right family who is willing to invest in their care and upkeep.

They can provide you with additional income through breeding and selling of a high-quality alpaca fleece and a potential tax write-off.

If you feel confident you have the time and finances to support and care for alpacas your next step is to confirm with your local agencies that it’s legal  to do so.

If their are no restrictions, you can feel confident moving forward and preparing your property for keeping alpacas.

As long as you can provide them with everything they need to thrive, alpacas can make a great backyard pet

More Backyard Animal Posts:

• How to Attract Deer to Your Yard

• What To Feed Backyard Deer

How to Hang String Lights in a Backyard Without Trees

String lights, also known as bistro lights or cafe lights are a major trend in outdoor living right now.

Not only are they practical and useful, but they also create a warm and inviting vibe in any outdoor space.

But what if your backyard has no trees to hang the lights from?

Don’t worry, string lights are still a possibility for your backyard dreams.

With just a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can add outdoor lighting to your space.

Hanging string lights in a backyard without trees is definitely a little more challenging, but it can be done.

Here are ten ideas to get you started:

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. We only include brands we use and trust. See the full disclosure in the privacy policy.

1. Purchase a String Light Base Stand

If you’re looking for the easiest way to hang outdoor string lights in a backyard without trees, here’s your solution!

These string light base stands are specifically made for this situation. The genius design includes a pole that slides into the base which can then be filled with water or sand.

It comes with clips to attach lightweight globe lights to the top of the pole and can accommodate a 20 to 30-foot strand of lights.

The tank stands can be used indoors or outdoors on almost any surface including your lawn or patio.

2. Hang Them From the Roof

One way to hang string lights without any trees is to attach them to the roof of your house or patio cover. This option works best if your home has an exposed beam or rafters that you can use to attach the lights.

Many people attach the lights to their roof the same way they attach their Christmas lights; using a staple gun with staples that are long enough to go through the rope lights and into the wood. The idea is that the staple goes around the wire and pins it down using pressure.

This method is semi-permanent as you would need to remove the staples before taking down the lights, but it is a very secure way to hang them.

Another possibility is to use Command Clips that are specifically made to hang outdoor lights. These adhesive hooks are strong enough to stay attached to your siding and are removable if you decide to take them down.

They also make Q Hanger Hooks for hanging outdoor string lights that create a polished and clean look.

3. Attach Your String Lights to a Fence

One way to hang string lights in a backyard without any trees is to attach them to your fence.

This option works best if you have a wooden or metal fence, but can also be done with vinyl fencing.

If you are attaching the lights to a wooden fence, use a staple gun with staples that are long enough to go through the rope lights and into the wood.

If you are attaching string lights to a metal fence, there is no need for staples. You can use zip ties which creates a seamless and clean look.

For vinyl fencing, you’ll want to attach the lights using something that won’t crack or split the product. We recommend using the Command Outdoor Light Clips that will keep your vinyl fencing intact and looking great for years to come.

4. Hang Them From the Pergola

A pergola is a great way to create shade in your backyard, and it can also be a great place to hang string lights. The pergola can act as a natural frame for the lights, just like the gazebo.

Many homeowners install pergolas to provide shade over concrete patios or to create a designated outdoor living space.

By hanging the bistro lights to your pergola you can use the space in the evening for dining, mingling, or any other outdoor gathering.

5. Install Metal Poles to Attach Your Lights

You can also install poles in your yard and attach string lights to them, allowing you a ton of flexibility as to how and where they go!

Just make sure that the location allows for sufficient slack in the wires so they don’t tangle or break over time.

To install the poles you’ll want to use concrete to permanently set the poles and make them safe during wind storms.

You can also find Outdoor String Light Poles that come as a set.

These metal poles include a 4 pronged base that inserts directly into your lawn or soil. While these claim they can be left up year-round, we recommend that they only be used seasonally since a close inspection of the product didn’t have us feeling like they could withstand the 40 mile per hour winds that are common in our area.

That being said, they would work great for a pop up backyard bbq, birthday party or wedding.

Another consideration when installing poles for your lights is that they should be at least 9 feet high.

String lights tend to sag due to their weight over time, and you don’t want them strangling people as they walk through your yard. By hanging them high enough they will stay at the desired height and you won’t have to adjust them after they are installed.

6. Use Heavy Planters and 4×4’s:

This is a great option for DIYers looking for an easy weekend project.

Where we live the ground is incredibly hard, making the process of installing metal poles to hang our string lights next to impossible (and not very fun).

If your ground is hard or you just don’t like digging holes, using planters to hang your lights is a wonderful option.

Once you’ve determined where the planters will go, you’ll want to put them in place before beginning the project since they will be very heaving once you’re done. Of course, you can always use a dolly to move them if you need to.

Step 1: Attach the pressure-treated 4×4 to the bottom of the wooden planter with L brackets.

Step 2: Mix quick-set concrete and pour it into the planter until it’s about halfway full.

Step 3: Once the concrete is dry and the wooden post is secure you can go ahead and attach the string lights to the tops of the beams using cup hooks.

The planter stands should last for years to come and add style and charm to your space.

7. Hang String Lights from Decking:

If you have a deck, you can easily hang your string lights from the railing. This is a creative option if you want to avoid putting any holes in your fence or walls. You can use the same methods we have mentioned above to attachment the lights to the deck railing: zip ties, staples and hooks all work great.

8. Attach Them to Your Gutters

A super fast way to hang string lights in a tree-less yard is to hang them from your gutters along your roof line.

All you need are some gutter light clips and you’ll have your string lights hung in a flash!

The gutter clips make the process of hanging lights almost enjoyable.

The light clips literally clip directly onto your gutters without the use of any tools at all making the entire process quick and easy. All you have to do is clip the wire from your lights onto the opposite side and they will hang securely until you decide to take them down.

9. Use Your Neighbors Trees

If you’re really in a bind and need to find a way to hang your string lights but don’t have any trees of your own, ask your neighbors if you can borrow theirs!

If you’re friendly with your neighbors and promise to treat them to frequent backyard barbecues they will probably give you the green light to hang your outdoor string lights from their trees, especially if their branches cross over the fence line into your yard.

10. Attach Them to a Gazebo

If you have a gazebo in your backyard, this is another great option for hanging string lights. The gazebo can act as a natural frame for the lights, making your backyard space look even more beautiful.

If you have a free-standing gazebo, this is easy. Just do as use a staple gun or hanging hooks as mentioned above.

11. Use Garden Clips

Another method for hanging outdoor lights in your backyard is to use garden clips. These are typically used by homeowners who want to grow vines or other plants up their fences and over porches.

But they can also be used to hang string lights. Just attach the garden clips to your fence in the desired location, and then clip the light strings to the garden clips.

Garden clips are also great option if you want to have more control over where the lights are placed, and it also allows you to move the lights around as needed.

Backyard String Lights FAQS

Do you need a guidewire to hang string lights?

No, a guidewire is not needed to hang string lights.

Without a wire the light sets will be easy to install anywhere in your yard and can even be moved around if you change how they are displayed from year-to-year.

The purpose of a guidewire is to keep the light sets from hanging at different heights and to avoid tangling, so in the case of outdoor globe lights you don’t really need one.

How do you run power to outdoor string lights?

When hanging backyard string lights one of the most important questions is where you are going to plug them in.

If your lights are going around a patio or deck, there’s a chance that you already have an outside outlet that you can use as a power source. That’s the best-case scenario.

Of course, if you don’t have an outdoor electrical outlet you can always have one installed.

At our house, we were able to convert a lightbulb on our patio into an outlet using an outlet light socket adapter to power our string lights.

But what do you do if there is no access to electricity where you want your backyard lights to be?

In that case, most people use an outdoor extension cord.

If you choose to use an extension cord you’ll want to make sure that the cord runs along the edge of a patio or deck so that it’s not a tripping hazard.

It’s important to note that using outdoor string lighting is simple as long as there is electrical access nearby.

If there’s no electrical access in your backyard and you still want to hang lights then your best bet is probably going to be solar lights. However, it’s important to note that many homeowners report that solar patio lights aren’t as bright and cost quite a bit more.

When running power to your outdoor string lights, always follow the instructions that come with your set. There are a variety of ways to get power to your lights, so find the one that works best for you.

What kind of hooks do you use to hang string lights?

There are a variety of hooks that can be used to hang string lights. Some popular options include S-hooks, cup hooks, and J-hooks, but our favorite are Q hooks.

S-Hooks:

S-hooks are one of the most popular ways to hang string lights because they are so versatile. They come in different sizes and styles and can be used to hang anything from string lights, wreaths , wind chimes, bird feeders , etc.

Cup Hooks:

A cup hook is a staple in any homeowner’s tool box because it has so many uses that the average household could use on a daily basis. Like S-hooks they are available in different sizes and styles, but their defining characteristic is that they are designed to fit into a hole or nail head. This makes them the perfect solution for hanging string lights on wooden posts because it leaves no visible trace of how your lighting was hung up .

J-Hooks:

The only downside to cup hooks is that you need to have a nail or screw that will fit into the hook. If you don’t then your other option is to use J-hooks .

J hooks are similar to S-hooks, except they come with their own nails so there’s no need for any additional hardware. Just hammer them right in and you’re ready to hang string lights.

Q Hooks:

If you’re looking for an easy and quick way to hang string lights then Q hooks are the answer. They come with their own nails so there’s no need for any additional tools, and they can be used on a variety of surfaces – from metal to plastic.

The best part about Q hanger hooks and why we love them for hanging backyard string lights is they have a safety buckle design which clips the wire inside the hook and will prevent it from slipping out and falling.

Just like there are a variety of ways to get power to your backyard string lights, there are also a variety of hooks that can be used to hang them. Choose the one that works best for you and your lighting setup.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor string lights are a relatively inexpensive way to make your backyard more inviting and fun.

At first, it can seem like hanging lights in a yard without trees is a difficult task, but with just a bit of creativity and the right tools, you’ll be able to get your lights hung up in no time.

Whether you decide to install poles, hang them from your fence, or clip them to your gutters, there are lots of options that will allow you to add lighting to your backyard this weekend!

What is a lawn sweeper?

A lawn sweeper is a great addition to your landscape tool line-up. 

Lawn sweepers are designed to clean small debris and leaves from your lawn or property; things like leaves, acorns or pine needles.

They have thick brushes that spin when the unit is in motion.  These brushes provide a sweeping motion that propel debris and leaves into a catch basket for easy clean-up.

Lawn sweepers are either manually operated by a pushing motion similar to using a lawn mower or a pull behind model which would be towed behind your riding mower, atv, or tractor. 

Depending on your needs there are many different makes and models to choose from to fit your application.

Let’s take a look…

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Best Push Lawn Sweepers

Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0218 " 26" Push Behind Lawn Sweeper, 7 cu. ft Hopper Bag Capacity; Leaf & Grass Catcher, with Adjustable Brush Height

• Made with sturdy lasting parts, this Sweeper will last season after seasonHandles Easily:

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The Agri-Fab 26 inch push sweeper is the best homeowner model available.  This model includes a 26 inch wide brush system which is considerably larger than most push models available.  This lawn sweeper is lightweight and easy to maneuver and comes with a 3 year warranty. 

Best Homeowner Pull Behind Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, 44-Inch

Agri-Fab 45-0492 44" Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper, 28 cu. ft Hopper Bag Capacity; Leaf & Grass Catcher, with Adjustable Brush Height and Dump From Seat Handle

• Made in the USA

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This robust 44 inch lawn sleeper from Agri-Fab is well built and is equipped with a handy dump lever.  This towable model comes with a 25 cubic ft. collection bag that folds for easy storage.

Best Zero Turn Lawn Sweepers

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42" Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper, 12 cu. ft Hopper Bag Capacity; Leaf & Grass Catcher, with Adjustable Brush Height and Easy to Use Dumping Rope

• MADE IN USA

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The Agri-Fab 42 inch tow behind lawn sweeper works great for zero turn mowers.  This smaller version of the 45 inch Agri-Fab lawn sweeper is built to last and can accommodate the lower towing capacity of your zero turn without compromising its unique transmission.

Best Commercial Grade Lawn Sweeper

Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper

Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper, 50"/26 cu. ft ,Black

• 50” Sweeping Width; 26 cu. ft. capacity hopper

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This commercial grade lawn sweeper is built to last.  This Ohio Steel lawn sweeper provides a 50 inch sweeping path with a large 26 cubic ft. collection bag.  This sweeper is equipped with multiple mounting options to fit almost any application.

Do lawn sweepers work well?

Lawn sweepers work really well and efficiently.  They are great for clearing lawns from leaves and small debris.  Lawn sweepers also work well for clearing grass clippings and dead material from your lawn.  When using a lawn sweeper it is best to remove larger sticks, and other similar items from the lawn before use.

What is the Best Lawn Sweeper for Grass Clippings?

Our favorite lawn sweeper to use while mowing is the Ohio Steel Pro Sweeper.  This model works great as an offset tow behind and can effectively cover a large area.  If you you are using a smaller riding mower the Agri-Fab 44 inch will suit your needs best.

Can you use a lawn sweeper while mowing?

Yes you can use a lawn sweeper while you mow. 

The most important thing to consider is what direction your grass clippings will be discharged. Most mowers will discharge the clippings to the side so in-turn your lawn sweeper will need to be offset to that direction to effectively collect the clippings.  If you have a rear discharge mower then you can place the lawn sweeper directly behind.

Will lawn sweepers pick up acorns?

Some lawn sweepers are advertised and claim to pick up small nuts including acorns.  In our experience lawn sweepers fall short in being effective with this task.  If your turf is maintained at less than 2 inches results are better.  Acorns are difficult to manage with a lawn sweeper as they have a tendency to nestle within the turf.

Which is the Best Lawn Sweeper for Pine Cones? 

Lawn sweepers are generally effective for pine cones as they tend to sit higher on the turf.  All of the recommended lawn sweepers on our list will work well for cleaning small to medium sized pine cones. You can’t go wrong choosing one of these:

Agri-Fab 45-0218 " 26" Push Behind Lawn Sweeper, 7...

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Agri-Fab 45-0492 44" Tow-Behind Lawn Sweeper, 28...

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Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper, 50"/26 cu. ft...

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Which is the Best Lawn Sweeper for Pine Needles?

Lawn sweepers will make short work of pine needles. All of our recommended lawn sweepers above will do a great job picking up pine needles.

Who makes the best tow behind lawn sweeper?

When looking at tow behind lawn sweepers you need to take into consideration the sweeping width, collection capacity and construction.  For the value and construction we highly recommend the Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper.  This commercial grade lawn sweeper is a great option for the homeowner and will last for years to come.  The Agri-Fab 45-0492 Lawn Sweeper, mentioned above is our top pick for the average homeowner, but if are able to invest a little more, then Pro Sweeper is the way to go.

Which is better lawn sweeper or bagger?

If your push or riding mower has bagger you still might want to consider a lawn sweeper. 

A lawn sweeper works well in damp or wet conditions.  If you are trying to bag clippings or leaves in these conditions with your mower they have a tendency to clump in the bagging shoot leaving a mess and debri in your landscape.  If you have this problem during clean-up it’s time to consider a lawn sweeper.

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The Best Lawn Sweepers: Top Picks and Reviews