Thursday, July 21, 2016

Electric Lawn Equipment Being Tested

Electric Lawn Equipment Being Tested

NCSU Grounds Department is testing various electric lawn care equipment.  Thought you as a Green Industry Professional might find this article interesting:  NCSU Electric Lawn Care

On a more personal note, I purchase three pieces of lawn care equipment with rechargeable batteries, this Spring.  I charge the batteries using a solar charger.  The items are a leaf/debris blower that weighs about 3 pounds; a string trimmer that is about 5 pounds; and 4 gallon backpack sprayer that I mounted onto my riding mower instead of trying to carry it (I'm not quite ready to put 45 pounds on my back)  I can run either of them for the equivalent of 4 hours on a single charge and re-charge the batteries, if the sun is out,  in about 2 hours.  Since they for home use only I don't need extra batteries for the equipment- (I run out of energy before the batteries do) .  But I'm not paying for gas, oil, or electricity- as long as the sun is shining.   Just a thought worth sharing.  Solar chargers can be mounted onto a truck with an inverter and outlets one can charge several batteries while they are working.  

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

2016 Horticulture Industry IPM Symposium

2016 Horticulture Industry IPM Symposium

Information and registration for the 6th annual Horticulture Industry Symposium has now been posted.  Both Pesticide and Landscape Contractor credits have been applied for.  


Register online:


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.