Archive for the ‘Yard’ Category
Residential yard equipment
Using solar power to pump water
Solar energy normally winds up paying for itself, and solar powered water pumps will be no exception to the rule. The biggest growth market in solar-powered water pumps is in the agricultural sphere, such as farms, ranches and vineyards, but also in big back yard gardens. You will be able to acquire water pumps that operate only on solar power, or pumps that operate on electricity or batteries, but with solar the bulk of your cost will be the initial investment. Solar water pumps are deployed for agricultural roles, feeding cattle and livestock, or for water requirements you have around your home. When you are putting up a pump within 20 feet of the water supply, such as streams or ponds and perhaps some wells, solar-powered circulating pumps present you greater flexibility and convenience. When you are further than 20 feet from the water supply then submersible pumps are the way to go, and you can find these in solar, electric, and battery operated models. Before you dish out the cash for a solar water pump take into account how much sunlight will reach the solar panels, and how many gallons of water you will need to pump and how far. If you do not get a sufficient amount of sunlight to manage the size of the job, you can always augment your solar water pumps with boosters, which typically run on batteries or electricity.
Vehicle stuck? You could use a gas powered winch!
No matter if you are a serious outdoorsman or a volunteer rescue worker, chances are you can appreciate the value of a gas powered winch. These powerful, self-contained machines can be utilized anywhere you are required to move loads up to 3,600 lbs. Whenever a heavy duty machine is required, and you are far from a dependable source of power or the reach of a vehicle, this is the device you have to have. There are various functions where utilizing a vehicle mounted winch is not a possibility, such as out on the boat or in the woods. You will be certain to find one that meets your needs from the full selection available. The first detail you need to think about will be evaluating your maximum power requirements. Try to remember that you will want to have added power if you are thinking of hauling any item that does not move on wheels, or pull something up a hill. Anybody who has ever needed to deal with a hand powered winch to move equipment or materials will truly appreciate the ease with which these machines operate.
Enhance your garden
Using the correct liner will greatly extend the lifespan of a pond
The liners used for building ponds can be manufactured fromdifferent kinds of plastic that stop the growth of weeds and prevent the water from seeping out of the pond. Before you start digging, you will need to consider the overall size of the pond, the kind of material needed to make the liner, and the thickness of the liner.
The initial task when choosing a pond liner will be to calculate the minimum size. To determine the size of your liner, you will need to measure the width and length of your pond, and then add twice the depth to both dimensions. Also throw in an additional foot or two of extra material around the pond. A liner that is too big is better than one which is too little.
Pond liners can be manufactured from a variety of materials and are available in several different thicknesses, and are customarily measured in mils (1 ml = 1/1000 of an inch). If you are building smaller ponds, especially when they will be free form, a 30 ml liner is a safe pick. In case your pond is bigger you may want to consider a more enduring pond liner, manufactured from 40 ml or 45 ml rubber, which will provide you many years of reliable use.
Pond liners are manufactured from a variety of materials. Probably the best material is an industrial grade rubber compound called EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer). EPDM comes in an assortment of sizes and works perfectly in just about any kind of pond. The main disadvantage of EPDM is its high price, however lots of people feel the stuff is so easy to work with and so long-lasting that they do not mind the additional cost.
A second material which is commonly utilized for pond liners is HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and can be a good choice for folks putting in a new pond on a budget. It is a man-made plastic liner that is moderately sturdy and sold in 20 – 40 ml thicknesses. HDPE is cheaper than the rubber pond liner and ordinarily flexible enough to shape nicely into tight spaces.
A third alternative would be a pond liner made from PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). These are usually not as heavy-duty as either EPDM or HDPE liners, but they tend to be less expensive. It is also possible to obtain preformed liners in either fiberglass or hard plastic. Swimming pools have been made of fiberglass for many decades and is particularly tough and climate resistant.
Whatever kind of pond liner material you select, be certain that it is made with UV protection. This screens your liner from damaging UV rays that could cause it to crumble in a relatively short time. Pond liner stability and upkeep rely on the type of material selected, and that will determine what chemicals will be used to maintain the pond in peak condition.
Installing metal building kits saves time and money compared to wood
Metal building kits are an increasingly popular option for new small buildings, as the labor and material costs are far less than wooden construction. Not only will you save a a lot of money on the steel building materials, you can perform much of the work yourself as soon as the crane and forklift operators put the material in the right position. Steel building material has been improved to the point where it can handle many different temperature changes and environments. Steel is among the most sturdy and durable of building materials but there are drawbacks as well as benefits to steel structures. One disadvantage to metal buildings is condensation, but this problem can be handled with adequate insulation, which can also dampen noises. Because steel sheeting and framing conduct heat rapidly you ought to consider installing radiant barrier insulation so that the structure stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You will want building permits for any permanent structure but all the required plans and drawings are included with the building kit.
Add an attractive enhancement to your backyard with a garden wind chime
There is a peaceful beauty to the looks and sounds of garden wind chimes that can make any outdoor area more pleasant. Because each chime will have its own unique sound, it is wise to take some time to listen to them before you make a decision. The fact that the sound that is produced is a special combination of nature and craftsmanship means they are even more enjoyable. Many different types of materials can be used in their creation such as bamboo, glass, metal and ceramic, and each will have its own special sound. The artistic construction of the wind chime does have an important role in its sound as well as its looks. A high quality wind chime will fill your yard with beautiful music each time the wind blows. You will find that there is a large price range depending on how the chimes are built and their overall size. Regardless of what you pay the pleasure you receive is bound to be invaluable.
Assuming the above topics were beneficial, you will also get additional tips about garden accessories at the following sites. For instance, when you are interested in solar power garden lights, then Easy Solar Power Garden Lights has plenty of helpful material. Have an interest in cedar garden furniture? Then New Cedar Garden Furniture should be of help. You will also run across other resources relating to crystal suncatchers at New Unique Sun Catchers. Lastly, advice relating to yard statues will be available at Shop Yard Statues.
Improving a garden area
Adding space with a metal storage building
When you are in the market for your own storage shed or other useful building your best choice is a pre-built metal one. You’ll want to have a complete strategy for how you are going to use the structure, how much space you could possibly need, and how much of your property you are going to devote to it. You’ll probably find these kits on the Internet at a much better price and at a far bigger selection than at local stores. Since steel buildings conduct heat the type of insulation you will need is critical, especially if it will be occupied at times, or if it will store things sensitive to hot or cold. Another critical thing to think about is whether or not you need interior columns in order to bring down the cost of your project, or a floor plan that’s open without interior columns. It is important that you be choosy when you make a selection, take your time speaking with all the dependable manufacturers, and make sure you get all the accessories and paperwork you need with the kit.
Bring elegance to your landscaping with a garden arbor
If you want to vitalize the looks of your backyard consider adding an arbor, which is usually a tall arch that conveys a look of elegance to your exterior decor, and a prime focus in any landscaping design. Usually used as an entryway into a garden or lawn area, the arbor is among the most visibly stunning decorative structures available, and one of the least expensive. An excellent backyard garden arbor can also make a great front entryway to your property, particularly if you set it up with a gate and a fence. Arbors are usually constructed of best-selling materials such as wood, copper, wrought iron, or aluminum, depending on what your landscaping designs require. With the many models of arbors on the market in lots and lots of different sizes and styles, you are certain to find one to nicely fit in with the look of your house, garden, and other landscaping components. The arbor is typically an entryway into a garden, or it can be a crucial part of the garden itself with ivy or grape vines growing around it, flowers planted at the base of it, or flower pots hanging from the top. If the arbor is wide enough you can add benches under it and make it a place to get shade on a hot day, or, if you have children, hang a swing from it for outdoor play times. Although arbors can greatly enhance the marketability of your house, they are relatively affordable and very easy to install and maintain, which makes them one of the top home improvement value buys around.
Pond filters
Backyard ponds provide a sense of calm and serenity and can enhance the value of your property. There are four types of pond filters, submersible, in-line, intake and external, and each of them has its benefits and drawbacks. Intake filters safeguard the pump and are the least expensive but they are not effective at keeping algae out of the pond water and they need to be rinsed out daily. An easy and effective option is an in-line filter, one of the best devices for reducing or eliminating free-floating algae while helping to preserve the pump. You may have to wade into the middle of into the pond to deploy a submersible filter, and be cautious when cleaning them, but otherwise they are an effective filter for maintaining quality water. The largest and most popular model is the external filter, which can go weeks without cleaning, works great with waterfalls and fountains, and helps keep the water clean and your pump free of debris.
If you wish to keep on exploring the subject of gardens and accessories, checking out these few sites might be useful. For example, when you have an interest in a stone bird bath, then Stone Bird Bath Store will have a lot of useful material. If you have questions about organic vegetables, go to Organic Vegetable Benefits. Different posts about gardens and accessories and pest control products can be found at Pest Control Zap Away. The final gardens and accessories site would be Pond Kits Showroom which is about pond kits. You certainly will discover this website to be highly instructive.
Fences and gates
Enhance your security with an electric gate opener
One way to improve both convenience and safety for a business or home is to install electric gate openers. You will be able to locate lots of different models designed to operate with a variety of gate sizes from walk-through to driveway size. Gate openers are available in a variety of basic models such as load sensors, farm gate openers and automatic optical sensors. The right one for you will be based on a variety of factors including the weight and overall size of your gate and how you intend to control it. When you have one installed you will want to use it with a gate that is in top notch working order. When thinking about how much money you have to spend, add up the number of trips you make through the gate on a daily basis and the value of added convenience. Anyone who resides in a remote area or in a harsh climate will especially treasure the value of an automatic gate opener.
Chain link fencing machines
Chain link fencing cannot be manufactured by hand since it has to be put together by a chain link fencing machine that converts spools of wire into rolls of durable, low cost fencing. Chain link fences are typically used for residential purposes, commercial security, industrial applications, and public safety measures that involve quality protection and an unhindered field of vision. There is a full range of widths, heights, sizes and styles of chain link fencing, depending on the security requirements of the buyer, as there are significant differences between residential, commercial, heavy industrial,, and public uses for security fencing. A chain link fencing around a residential property doesn’t need to be as tall as one around an industrial plant, nor does the wire need to be as thick. In order to keep the metal chain link fencing from rusting or peeling, the wire has to be properly coated, and when the fencing wire is color-coated it can fade if it hasn’t been treated correctly. Commercial businesses often choose color-coated chain link fences to catch the eye of possible customers, and residential homeowners likewise choose color-coated fencing to spiff up the look of their yard. There are lots of public properties that have to be open to the public during the daytime but fully secured at night, such as school yards, playgrounds, tennis courts, parking lots, and swimming pools. Sometimes it isn’t enough to put up a tall fence around a property, as with heavy industries which need maximum security, and so razor wire is attached to the top of the fence.
Wrought iron fences and gates
When your garden landscaping and your exterior home decoration have an old fashioned appeal, think about installing wrought iron fencing. Decorative wrought iron fences are available in a number of designs and styles, from antique Victorian picket fences to spear-head or horse-head fences. Wood fences are cheaper than antique wrought iron but demands more attention and on-going costs for up-keep. For both commercial and residential property owners a 7 foot high wrought iron fence provides added security while making their property more attractive. Rather than serving a purely functional purpose, wrought iron fences are more of a decorative accent than a security measure. While these fences can provide excellent security, especially the 7 foot tall models, they are not very good for privacy fences since their beauty attracts attention. However, with an effective use of planted bushes and flowering vines a decorative metal fence can capably fulfill your need for privacy.
If you weren’t able to obtain the details you are searching for in any of the above articles, maybe these websites can be more appropriate. Do you need additional information about aluminum fencing? Then following the link to Buy Aluminum Fencing is a good idea.
Maintaining a lawn
Lawn care products
Every homeowner needs their lawn to thrive and be a healthy place for kids and pets to play, which is why organic lawn products are superior to unhealthy chemical fertilizers. There is an easy test for the composition of soil that that involves picking up a handful of moist (not wet) soil, strongly squeezing it, and then open up the hand. The soil in your hand will either fall apart immediately, which indicates sandy soil, or it will keep its shape but fall apart when you touch it, which indicates loamy soil, or it will keep its shape even after you poke it, which indicates clay soil. Once you find out the kind of soil is in your yard you can get the right organic fertilizers to provide all the nutrients healthy lawn requires. One ingredient that is welcome in any situation is compost which is rich in nutrients and aids to retain water in the soil. When you have the opportunity you should always think about including grasses, trees and plants native to your region as this will help balance your soil.
Thinking about a riding mower? Your back will appreciate it
People with big lawns full of thriving grass usually choose riding lawnmowers to keep their yard trim and manicured. Operating one will not place any strain on your back like a push mower will and the job is over in a lot less time. Riding mowers are highly recommended for people with health issues such as leg or back pain but you must make certain the seat is comfortable. If your yard is large with a pronounced slope you’ll want a riding mower with enough horsepower to manage the uneven terrain. Riding mowers are different than lawn tractors because of the location of the cutting deck, which allows riding mowers more maneuverability. The two critical factors governing your purchase is the amount in your budget and the size of the yard you need to handle. Another important consideration is how you intend to deal with the lawn clippings, either collect them in a bag while you’re mowing, or allow them to fall to the ground and become organic mulch.
If you are unable to find the facts you want from the articles above, possibly the following Internet sites might be more appropriate. Here you can find additional information regarding riding lawn mowers.
Garden upgrade suggestions
Setting up a decorative garden fence will add charm to your backyard
Nowadays gardens are full of so much more than flowers and vegetables, they also feature decorative elements such as statues and fences. Vinyl, wood and metal are some of the materials most commonly utilized to make fences. Folks with a relaxed country look to their outdoor living space may want to think about adding a beautiful split rail fence. Almost every home improvement store will stock a choice of ready-made panels that are easily set up. If an eco-friendly consciousness is a factor in your decision making, there’s a chance that bamboo will be the recommended material to match your requirements. Because bamboo is actually a member of the grass family, it may require a little bit more time and effort in order to maintain its good looks. Vinyl is normally the most maintenance free material that is used, but it will often be available at an increased cost. Material like vinyl will withstand the harshest of weather conditions and is available in an array of colors to coordinate with your garden and backyard themes. It doesn’t matter what material you select you are sure to love the personality and attention it brings to your garden.
Wind chimes create a mellow feeling outdoors
There is nothing like a wind chime to create lovely, restful sounds and arouse a sense of peace and happiness. First invented by the Chinese for religious ceremonies, wind chimes are traditionally constructed of metal or wood but are also made of enamel or glass plates. While you can find wind chimes in a vast array of styles, sizes and materials for both indoors and out, wind chimes made out of metal tubes are the most popular. Among the most unique outside chimes are ones made of bamboo that play relaxing music even when the wind is gentle. Chimes made of stained glass, also called sun catchers, are wonderful additions to any outdoor scene because they look as lovely as they sound. If there is any old silverware going unused you can convert them into wind chimes with a rustic look and a down home country charm. Gently ringing garden bell chimes are also a big favorite both indoors or outdoors, as the soothing bell tones sound wonderful anywhere you hang them. For outdoor wind chimes the best sellers are made of metal since they are more durable than stained glass and more weather resistant than wood chimes.
Garage and patio littered with yard supplies? A storage shed can help manage the clutter
Where are you storing all of those valuable garden accessories? If they are filling up your basement or garage, then the time has come to think about a garden shed. Garden sheds will provide you the space you need to manage all your tools so you know just where they are when you are doing yard work. Many people even pick a shed which coordinates with the style of their home.
Undoubtedly the initial factor you should determine is the right size for the new shed and taking into consideration what things it will need to accommodate. If utilizing it to stow a lawnmower, make certain you choose a storage shed that will have plenty of remaining floor space once you pack in in all the items needing to be stored. It is most often preferable to purchase a garden shed which is a little bigger than you need for your existing garden materials and equipment, because you know you will collect additional things in the future. It shouldn’t be necessary to have to spend money on a new shed only because you upgraded to a bigger lawn tractor. If you plan to employ your shed for more than one purpose, you may want to search for a model that permits for independent spaces. For example, your children must have their own isolated space, away from work equipment that might be unsafe to be near while playing.
As you determine the appropriate height of the roof of your storage shed, you will need to decide if you are going to use it as a work space. A higher ceiling will be needed to stand up for longer periods of time in case it is going to be utilized as a workspace. There are some storage sheds which include an additional space above the ceiling, which will give you added storage while not wasting any floor space. Garden sheds are available in a wide variety of materials including wood, metal and vinyl. Wood sheds are usually higher priced, but also more pleasing, while metal sheds are extremely sturdy and available in a range of colors. Sheds manufactured from vinyl will likely be your least expensive option and should need almost no upkeep.
Listed here are some of the many different websites which handle garden upgrades subjects. Are you surfing for articles about organic gardening? Then following the link to Better Organic Gardening will be helpful. Could you also be wondering about trellis screens? If so, Trellis Screens should be of help. And finally there is New Pond Pumps which will have information relating to pond pumps and has demonstrated its usefulness to many visitors.
Garden and yard accessories
Garden water fountains
It is possible to develop your own backyard oasis by installing a adorable water fountain to your garden, where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of water flowing amidst your favorite fragrant flowers and plants. Whenever you want to come home and unwind after a grueling day of work, there is nothing better than relaxing in your own backyard oasis of cascading water and fragrant flowers. Even if you have a limited amount of outside space around your home, you can find smaller fountains to embellish your yard, perhaps one that also serves as a birdbath to appeal to wildlife. There are small fountains for smaller yards and big fountains for big yards, but either way you will want to handle their placement with care and an eye for boosting the elegance of your exterior decor. There will be many variables when it comes to the purchase of an outdoor water fountain, such as the wide range of sizes, styles, and prices. Exterior water fountains might be one element of an array of water-bearing structures like simulated waterfalls and paved ponds, all of which highlight the inviting look and sound of flowing water. By installing lights with your fountains and waterfalls you can enjoy the paradise you’ve created in your backyard any time of the day or night, and you will likely find it even more striking after dark. Solar lights are an increasingly popular means of garden lighting as long as you have enough sunshine to the solar panels, in which case you can avoid needing to wire lights to the electrical system on your property, a possible safety hazard.
Angel garden statues will enhance your backyard
If you need to convey a sense of peace and serenity in your home landscaping design, you can rely on angel garden statues and the long-lasting elegance they provide. Angel garden statues feature an obvious religious significance, but even secular minded people can enjoy these symbols of optimism and eternal beauty. These lovely figures will help produce a haven of tranquility and peace around your home, particularly when combined with gently flowing water fountains and aromatic flowers. The more costly angel statues are made of material long prized for their timeless beauty, such as marble, ivory or bronze, but even garden statues made of less expensive material, such as granite, ceramic, porcelain, and polyresins, look terrific. A more and more popular alternative for those on a budget are garden statues made of polyresin, which can be coated to imitate the more costly statues made of ivory or marble. The ranks of charming garden statues are filled with whimsical figures of cherubs, gnomes, fairies and gargoyles, but none of them can match the angel figure for quiet reverence and tranquility. There are also several kinds of angel poses, such as kneeling with hands held in worship, standing with wings uplifted to represent joyfulness, or wings folded down to indicate humility. Angel garden statues are typically associated with a traditional design motif, but there are many styles on the market with a more contemporary look as well.
Attracting birds to your property will be a lot easier with a heated bird bath
Lots of folks put up birdbaths in their backyard and think the singing of birds is a pleasant, relaxing sound. Most of the time birds have to rely on puddles of water to drink and bathe in, but with a properly maintained birdbath they enjoy first class treatment, which in turn is fun for humans to watch. When you choose to build your own birdbath, keep in mind that you don’t want the water to be more than three inches deep, and the surface of the bowl can’t be too smooth or steep, or else the birds will not maintain proper footing. You will want to prepare the birdbath by putting some fine gravel at the bottom to help the birds keep their footing, and put in a few flat stones to create shallow areas for them to perch. If you have a birdbath that’s heated in the wintertime you are helping the birds survive because they need fresh, unfrozen water to live, so maintain the temperature between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Most pre-built heated birdbaths are out-fitted with a 120 v., 200 w. de-icer to warm up the birdbath, with a stainless steel guard to protect the heater from errant birds. A thermostat on the de-icer will regulate the water temperature no matter what the outside temperature is, and the thermostat will not create TV or radio interference. These de-icers are sealed in epoxy and waterproof, and are made with hardware such as stabilizing brackets, handles and hooks to make certain the heater isn’t dragged into the water by the busy birds.
You can find numerous additional sites which address gardens topics. Do you require more information about statuary fountains? Then Buy Garden Statuary Fountains is a good place to visit. One can also check out this link to find out about garden furniture. You will also locate advice concerning outdoor candle lanterns at Natural Outdoor Candle Lanterns. And New Gazebo Kits is another site which has information on gazebo kits, a subject which might interest you.
Enhancing your lawn
Sprinkler systems for home and garden
Any smart landscaping design which involves a lawn or garden or both needs to include an automatic sprinkler system to preserve those lush green looks valued by homeowners and their neighbors. Well maintained lawns also need fertilizer and sunshine, but watering your lawn is more of an on-going process which involves planning, unless you have the time to stand around with a hose doing it manually. Among the many benefits of using an automatic sprinkler system are convenience, intelligent water management, and proper lawn and garden care. If your yard is large enough you might consider a rotary sprinkling system which can cover areas as much as 85 feet away with a 360 degree rotation which will ensure a thorough watering. Pop-up spray sprinkling systems are perfect for small gardens and lawns, as they spray a light mist over an area of 18 feet away. Spelt Co. makes a hanging basket sprinkler system which uses the weight of the flower pot to set off the system, so that when a pot is too dry and light the water comes on, and when it is too heavy and wet it turns off. Drip irrigation systems are more complex and recommended typically for trees and bushes, and installation appears daunting due to all the parts involved including valves, emitters, jet sprays, filters, controllers, pressure regulators and fittings. Putting in a sprinkler system shouldn’t be a quick decision, but instead thought of as a key element of a landscape design that calls for a lot of thought and likely the help of a landscaping professional.
Zero turn lawn mowers
If you’ve ever endured bits of grass clinging to the sweat on your face from pushing a lawn mower on a hot day, you will treasure a zero turn riding lawn mower. While the old standard riding mowers were a big step up from push mowers, the zero turn mower is a critical leap forward which allows you the capability to make exact cuts close to your house and around structures, obstacles, and large objects on your property. Zero turn mowers have a revolutionary front wheel steering system which allows you the ability to turn sharp corners easily. Not only do you reduce the time it takes to mow your lawn, the ease with which zero turn mowers handle make them a pleasure to drive and an experience more akin to driving an all terrain vehicle. Those old conventional riding mowers look clunky and outdated next to the sleek, powerful looks of a zero turn mower, and the precision cuts of zero-turn mowers are “cutting edge” indeed. Brand new zero turn mowers are not cheap, but you can buy them in a reasonable price range both used and new and get a decent bargain, just make sure the motor is in top condition and the frame is durable. If you are looking for a mower for the home, don’t bother looking at the large commercial mowers that are more suitable for golf courses or athletic fields. The first step to take before you actually start hunting for a mower is to set up a budget, but be ready to spend the whole budget if it means buying the highest quality mower you can.
With the Internet there is a wide variety of additional websites which address lawns topics. Want more help finding lawn care? Five Lawn Care Tips might be the place to visit. An additional source of support will be My Mower Decks which has suggestions involving mower decks.
Snow removal equipment
Find the ideal snow thrower
When it comes to snow removal equipment you will find many different options from shovels to powerful gas snow throwers. A decent snow thrower will seriously take all the strenuous work out of clearing your sidewalks after a storm. There are three different types of snow throwers on the market,, two-stage gas, single stage gas and electric, and your choice depends on how heavy the snow is and how much area you need to cover. Those people who are only clearing a small area will most likely be happy with an electric model. These smallish electric models require less of a storage area and are easy to maintain. Single-stage models are built to deal with light and fluffy snow up to seven inches deep and are most effective when clearing relatively flat areas. When you take on the more difficult jobs such as sloping ground or heavy, deep snow it is best to stick with a two-stage model.
What to look for in a snow blower
New snow may be one of nature’s most glorious visual displays, but in a relatively short time you will need to get rid of all that beauty. You might use a shovel on all the snow you want removed in order that you can get to your car, driveway, or backyard, or you can break down and obtain a snow blower. The greater the rated horsepower the more effective the blower, and make sure the machine will move 300 pounds or so with no problem. With a foot of compressed snow to remove, you can either utilize a shovel, or a top quality blower, which means you should shop for the best snow blowers available. The more costly two-stage snow blowers pull in the snow and blow it off to one side, and will be the most powerful blowers on the market. If you will be dealing with four inches of snow or less you will be better off with a single stage electric blower, which will also save you money. The texture of the surfaces you will be clearing can also determine the type of snow blower to get, depending on whether or not the surfaces are smooth or lumpy. After you assess the surfaces you have to clear, calculate the square footage of the areas needing to be cleared and the amount of snowfall you anticipate, and at that point you will know enough to make a decision.