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CNET
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- CNET
I Spent Weeks Testing Robot Lawn Mowers. Here Are 6 Things That Surprised Me
I spent the end of my spring and the beginning of my summer turning my backyard into a parking lot to test the best robot lawn mowers. In the process of doing that, I learned a lot about their benefits and their shortfalls. One of the biggest lessons was that, like most forms of automation, they can be a real pain to set up initially, but once they're ready to go, they save you a ton of effort and time compared with regular electric lawn mowers. I didn't expect that initial annoyance going into that project, but I think it's important to document those pains so you can avoid them in the future. Here are some of the lessons I learned about the obstacles you'll have to overcome if you decide to pull the trigger on a robot lawnmower. Way more wires than I expected The wires running through my yard for the robot lawn mower. It's not the most attractive sight. Adam Doud The 800-pound gorilla in the room for robot mowers comes in the instructions that every mower company sends along with the robot. First, there are a ton of wires. You might need to run power to the base station or to the RTK beacon or both. If you're unfamiliar, RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic, a beacon that corrects a mower's coordinates to improve accuracy. The mower companies tell you not to place the mower within 7 feet of a building or under a tree. They also tell you not to run wires through the grass. But if you're not supposed to place the base station under a tree or within 7 feet of a wall, where exactly are these wires supposed to go? I also ran into an issue where an animal chewed through a wire to an RTK station, and I had to drive 70 minutes (one way) to a service center to get it repaired. You'll want to protect your wires where you can. Burying them is one way of doing this. Since I had to run them around a garden, I ran them through pool noodles. It's crude, but effective. I had to use a pool noodle to hide the wires. It's not attractive, but it works. Adam Doud Not all yards will work well My backyard is almost entirely covered by a large tree, so it was difficult to find an appropriate installation space. Ultimately, despite instructions to the contrary, I had to line the mowers up next to my house. Only the Yarbo Lawn Mower and Airseekers Tron couldn't handle that; the rest were all fine. My yard isn't the simplest one for a robot lawn mower to navigate, with a large tree, trampoline and other obstacles. Adam Doud Yard boundaries are another thing to consider. Do you have a fence? Will the gate need to be opened to let the mower through? Do you have an insane neighbor who will set your yard on fire if a robot dares tread upon his property? Is there a boundary between your and your neighbor's property, like a fence, sidewalk or driveway? These are all important things to consider before taking a four-figure plunge into the world of robot mowers. I hope you have power outlets outdoors If you don't have an outdoor power outlet, you'll need to install one to set up your robot lawn mowers. I had to jerry-rig this one out of my outdoor light. Adam Doud One other important factor to consider: Do you have outdoor power? These mowers all need to be plugged in. In my case, I converted an outdoor lighting fixture into an outdoor plug; that may or may not be an option for you. The cords that mower companies provide you may not be long enough to get from the power to where the base station or RTK beacon needs to be, so you might have to buy extra cables, or you may need an electrician to come out and install a new outdoor outlet. Staying in bounds can be hit or miss The Eufy E15 was one of the easiest robot mowers to get working out of the box. I really liked its simpliciy. Adam Doud/CNET All the mowers I tested handle boundaries using GPS and an RTK beacon. The only exception to that is the Eufy E15 mower, which uses GPS and vision systems to navigate. Boundaries are typically set by manually controlling the mower around the property and saving a map. Obstacles are a different issue, though. Various mowers handle obstacles differently. Most robot mowers handle obstacles using vision sensors, and those that don't are not my favorites. The Sunseeker X3 has a bump sensor, like what you'd find on a robot vacuum, but I found it to be too sensitive and it would prevent good mower coverage. Others use a radar module, which I also came away less than impressed with -- or at least my toes did, since it wouldn't always stop before hitting my foot. The Sunseeker X3 was one of the best robot lawn mowers I tested. Adam Doud All the mowers allow you to set no-go zones for areas where additional sensors don't quite do the job. If a mower consistently gets stuck or otherwise has problems, you can set a no-go zone and the mower will ignore that particular patch. The common theme is that the more sensors you have working for you, the better off you'll be, but my favorites in order are: GPS, vision sensors, radar sensors and bump sensors. Maintenance wasn't demanding, aside from blades The mowers will need their blades replaced periodically as they wear down, but that's not too difficult to do. Adam Doud Robot lawn mowers are generally easy to maintain because they're designed to be outside. The most maintenance you'll have to worry about is blades and winterizing. Blades are fairly easy -- every mower I tested included a set of replacement blades. Keep in mind, these are small razor blades, so they may start to get dull a lot more quickly than a traditional push mower. They also might be more prone to breakage, so be sure you pick up any sticks or other debris in your yard, especially after a bad storm. Speaking of blades, these tiny razors that ship with the mowers make the mower more efficient by drastically reducing the weight the motor has to spin, but it comes with the trade-off that the blades may not last long. Upon concluding my first round of testing, I noted that most of the blades were starting to show signs of rust, which is not encouraging after only two months of use. That said, summer in Chicago is only about four to five months long, so one set of blades might make it, but if you live in an area where you're cutting the grass year-round, your blade budget will need to be higher. One of the blades of the robot lawn mower started picking up rust already after just a month or two of use. Adam Doud Beyond that, the main thing you have to do is bring the mower in for the winter. Preferably, before the first frost, you'll want to pack up the mower's components and bring them out of the elements. Each mower has its own set of steps and recommendations, but in general, you will want to store the mower in an environment that won't get frost. Your garage or shed may work. If possible, you may also want to remove the battery and store it inside your home at room temperature. You can also take this opportunity to clean the mower and the base station and even change blades. Your work is not done, most robot mowers will miss spots Just remember that a mower won't do all the work for you. If you have any narrow paths of grass in your lawn, the robot won't handle those well. You'll also still need to go out and trim the grass around the edges. You might also find some area the mower decided to skip for some reason -- maybe a sensor was tripped and the mower skipped an area. You'll still need to stay on top of things to make sure your lawn stays the best it can be. Our best overall, the Segway Navimow X390, is the most expensive robot mower you can get, but it offers the best performance too. Adam Doud/CNET Are robot lawn mowers worth it? Overall, the main thing I learned from my experience is that robot lawn mowers are ultimately worth it despite their foibles, an opinion I share with other CNET reviewers who've taken them for a spin. They eliminate a task that many homeowners don't like in the first place. Plus, they're easy to adjust. When the summer started getting too hot, I adjusted the cutting height higher to help the grass thrive. One day, when we were hosting a party, I just shifted the automatic mow time to a different day. Once you power through those initial steps, the mower takes care of itself. Just make sure other people in the family have access to the mower, so if you're in London, and the mower gets stuck, they can go help it out — and yes, that's based on a true story. But other than that, kick back and enjoy your perpetually shorn grass and your neighbor's envious glances.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Good Samaritan gardener targeted by cruel AI scam hits breaking point
A hardworking gardener famous for transforming the overgrown gardens of vulnerable Aussies has hit back at a cruel AI scam targeting his followers. Several fake accounts are posting Nathan Stafford's lawn care videos, usually with an American voiceover dubbed over the top, on TikTok and YouTube. The Sydney-based gardener started his mowing company in 2010 and has a 10million strong following across his social media platforms. Mr Stafford also donates a percentage of his merchandise sales to the Heart Centre for Children. However, in the last 18 months, the Good Samaritan has spent countless hours working to stop his followers from handing over money to scammers. Dozens of his videos have been reposted by fake accounts, some of which ask his followers for money under the guise of fundraising. Other videos feature insensitive voiceovers about single mothers and cancer patients. Mr Stafford told 2GB radio host Ben Fordham on Tuesday that the AI scam was affecting both his brand and his business. One video posted by a fake account claimed he was working on a single mother's 'mosquito trap' because she was 'too busy' to notice it was overgrown. 'It's very disappointing because I help a lot of single mothers and I don't find that entertaining at all,' Mr Stafford said. Several fake accounts (pictured) are posting Nathan Stafford's lawn care videos Some of the videos have a American voiceover dubbed over the top (pictured) 'To me it's making a mockery out of that situation. I even saw one last night about a person supposedly having leukemia. I lost a good mate that had leukemia. 'I don't appreciate any of that or find it funny at all. 'They're just trying to empty people's pockets.' He said there were 'hundreds and hundreds' of fake accounts on TikTok that he had been trying to get deleted for almost two years. 'It's really damaging, mate,' he told Fordham. 'Some of these fake accounts have amassed over 200,000 followers and reach out to my followers, pretending to be me, and request money.' Mr Stafford's content typically focuses on helping Aussies who are unable to take care of their own overgrown gardens, free of charge. 'I love doing it, it's a good way to also help people out in the community and spread a bit of positivity on my platforms,' he said. 'My profiles are based on helping people, honesty and all that kind of stuff. 'But (these AI scammers) are going out there and the stories that they're putting on these videos are horrendous. It's so far from the truth. 'I don't appreciate that because that's not what my channel is about.' Mr Stafford has called on TikTok and YouTube to deploy more resources to shut down fake accounts impersonating popular creators. 'Someone needs to step in here and speak with me. It's not just me. There's hundreds of other people that are going through this. It's out of control,' he said.
CNET
3 days ago
- Climate
- CNET
Keep Your Grass Emerald Green All Summer With These 5 Tips
Mowing might seem like a basic chore, but in the summer heat, it plays a major role in keeping your lawn alive. With the sun beating down and moisture evaporating fast, how you mow can make the difference between a thriving yard and a patchy one. Cutting your grass too short or at the wrong time of day can leave it scorched and stressed. Skipping water or ignoring dull mower blades can also make things worse. A few small changes to your routine can help your grass hold onto moisture, bounce back from heat, and stay green through the hottest weeks. Instead of letting your grass become a casualty of the summer sun, take a few simple steps to give it a better shot at staying lush and green. Raise the mower height, mow when it's cooler outside, and leave the clippings on the ground to help the soil retain moisture. These may sound like small changes, but they make a big impact over time. With the right approach, your lawn can stay vibrant even when the weather is working against it. 1. Keep it long A short trim can cause damage to your lawn, especially during hotter months. Chris Wedel/CNET For some, a perfect lawn is always well-trimmed and consistently kept short. Unfortunately, while this may look nice, it can be a detriment to the overall life of your grass. During the hottest days of summer when your yard is competing with sweltering heat, blazing sun and less rain, it's best to keep the grass about 4 inches high after a cut. That may seem long but taller grass retains more water and has longer, healthier roots. 2. Wait until the grass is dry Mowing when there is still dew on the ground can damage your lawn. Russell Holly/CNET It may seem obvious during the summer when it reaches unbearable temps during the day to try and get started mowing early in the cool morning hours. But if there's still dew on the ground, you can lose time and damage your lawn. This is caused by the high likelihood that wet grass will clump up in the discharge chute (that flappy thing on the side), requiring you to stop and remove the clog. Plus, your mower tires won't get great traction either and could put tracks in your yard. Instead, wait until later in the morning when the dew dries, or mow the lawn late in the day before the evening dew. Also, time your sprinklers to start up in the late evening or at night so there isn't extra moisture on the grass when you mow. Here are some more watering tips for your lawn. 3. Go slower Keep your speeds low to make mowing go fast. Alina Bradford/CNET Short on time or just want to get the chore over faster? Then going fast makes the most sense, right? But while it's tempting to go fast while mowing, it can actually create more work for you. By not taking your time and letting the mower do its job properly, there's a good chance it will leave some areas uncut and give the lawn an uneven, sloppy look. This means you'll have to take more time to re-mow it to make the lawn look correct. Instead, take the path of the turtle -- slow and steady. A slower, mid-speed mowing session is faster and better for your lawn than zooming around the grass and ultimately needing to re-mow it later. Also, remember that the choke needs to be lower for slower speeds to run properly. 4. Be consistent My yard has never had such a professional look. Chris Wedel/CNET Mowing randomly across your lawn can take up more time and lead to an uneven cut. Follow a pattern instead, using this technique: Start on the edge of your lawn with the discharge chute pointing toward your lawn Mow around the perimeter of your lawn When you get to your starting point, make a U-turn so the discharge chute is facing the strip you just cut Keep mowing around the perimeter, making sure the discharge chute is pointed toward where you just mowed. In the end, your lawn will end up with a nice pattern and the discharge chute won't clog. How to Prep Your Lawn Mower for the Season How to Prep Your Lawn Mower for the Season Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 2:58 Loaded : 3.33% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 2:58 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. How to Prep Your Lawn Mower for the Season 5. Prep your mower for the next round Regular maintenance on your mower is important to ensure it is reliable and does a great job each and every time you take it out. Spending a little time after you finish mowing will keep your mower in tip-top shape and lasting longer. Start by turning the mower over and rinsing the blades and discharge chute with a garden hose before putting it away. This will prevent grass from building up, drying out and being much harder to remove. If the air filter on your push mower looks dirty, give it a good wash with some mild dish soap and rinse it with the garden hose. Set the filter aside to dry so you can put it on right before mowing next time. One of the best time savers is keeping your lawn mower blade sharp. A dull blade will require you to go over the same patch of lawn more than once to cut any raggedy bits left behind. A sharp blade allows you to zip around your lawn just once and still get great results. Most mower repair shops will sharpen the blades for a small fee, or you can do it yourself with these tips. FAQs to help you get the best-looking lawn What order should I mow my lawn? It's best to start mowing around the edges of your lawn, with the grass clippings going into your uncut grass. After cutting around the entire perimeter of your yard, turn back around and mow in the opposite direction, with the grass chute pointing toward the perimeter grass you already cut. Continue this mowing direction until complete. Want to make watering your lawn easier? Here's CNET's guide to making your own automated lawn watering system.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
A spoonful of 89p Aldi bakery staple will fix bald, brown patches on your lawn WITHOUT having to returf
PREPPING for summer activities includes making sure your lawn looks as pristine as it can be. And luckily, you can do just that with just a spoonful of a cheap 89p Aldi bakery staple. 4 Getting the ideal lawn means fighting against moss, fungal infections, and numerous insects determined to leave it looking sparse and uneven. But we have an affordable and easy method to immediately enhance your lawn's appearance whilst deterring nuisances and making your grass look greener. The 89p Hack Gardeners are being urged to sprinkle cinnamon powder on their lawns this summer because it's a cheap and easy way to instantly boost the look of your lawn. Cinnamon isn't just a spice to season food, but it actually contains some properties that make your lawn look better. According to cinnamon is a good eco-friendly alternative to spraying chemicals on a lawn which will repel insects and pests, including ants, aphids and mosquitoes. But it will also stop squirrels from digging in your lawn to bury food too reports The Express. It says: 'Sprinkling cinnamon on your grass isn't just a quirky garden trick; it's a natural defence against a host of unwanted critters from industrious ants to delicate aphids to buzzing mosquitoes. 'Research, like a study featured in Molecules, suggests that cinnamon possesses remarkable properties. "That not only repel pests but can even deter insects from laying their eggs when applied in larger quantities. "This repellent effect can be attributed to the presence of potent compounds like cinnamaldehyde as well as terpenoids, known for their insecticidal properties." Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down Not a one-trick pony 4 Cinnamon isn't just a one-trick pony when it comes to pest control. The company said: "It boasts a versatile repertoire, capable of warding off and even deterring larger nuisances like squirrels and raccoons, making it a comprehensive solution for safeguarding the grass in your garden.' Cinnamon's anti-fungal properties also block the growth of moss, fungus and other harmful bacteria that would mean to do your lawn harm. It adds: 'Cinnamon doesn't just stop at repelling pests; it's also a powerful ally in combating harmful bacteria and fungi that threaten the health of your grass, as shown by a study in Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Gardening tips and hacks How to transform your garden on a cheap budget How to preserve your favourite flowers at home - 5 easy tips explained Which plants should I be wary about my dog being around? When is the best time to prune roses? When should I start planting daffodil bulbs? How high can a garden fence be and can it be taller than my neighbours? What colour of fence paint makes a garden look bigger? Will my garden plants still grow if my backyard doesn't receive any sun? "This aromatic spice has remarkable antimicrobial properties, primarily attributed to compounds like cinnamaldehyde. "When sprinkled onto your grass, cinnamon acts as a natural barrier, inhibiting the growth of detrimental bacteria in the soil.' So there you go - Cinnamon can stop mildew, and also stimulate plant growth for your grass and with Aldi selling it for only 89p - it's an easy gardening solution. Other garden hacks 4 Here are 7 simple hacks to get your garden summer-ready without breaking the bank. An old-wives hack that gets rid of rust from garden furniture for free – it used to be a gypsy secret but we are revealing all. The Queen of Clean's 5p hack that stops wasps & hornets attacking you in your garden – they get 'dizzy' & fly away. A cheap 30p hack that will transform patios and garden paths in seconds & make your outdoor space look very smart.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Turf Management Services Updates Website to Simplify Access to Landscaping Services in Erie, PA
07/18/2025, Erie, PA // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Turf Management Services is excited to announce the launch of its updated website, designed to simplify access to its full range of landscaping solutions for homeowners and businesses in Erie, PA. The new platform offers an improved experience, which makes it easier for customers to explore the company's services, view project examples, and request consultations. As one of the most trusted landscapers in Erie, Turf Management Services has built its name on comprehensive property care. It offers landscape design and installation, lawn care, seasonal maintenance, hardscaping, mulching, shrub and tree care, as well as snow and ice management. Whether managing a small residential yard or a large commercial property, the team brings attention to detail and a commitment to enhancing curb appeal, functionality, and sustainability. The new Turf Management Services website features a user-friendly layout that guides visitors through each service it offers. Erie property owners can quickly find the solutions they need, from routine mowing and fertilization to complete outdoor makeovers. A dedicated service area section outlines the neighborhoods and surrounding communities Turf Management Services serves, helping potential clients determine if they are within reach of the company's expert team. Turf Management Services proudly serves properties throughout Erie, including areas near well-known landmarks such as Presque Isle State Park, the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park, and Millcreek Mall. These vibrant local spaces showcase the natural beauty of the region and inspire the company to create landscapes that complement Erie's unique charm. What sets Turf Management Services: Trusted Landscaping in Erie PA apart is its ability to provide comprehensive care throughout the year, ensuring each property remains healthy and attractive through changing seasons. The company understands that every client has unique needs and preferences and tailors its services accordingly. Its team of landscapers uses proven techniques, high-quality materials, and well-maintained equipment to enhance both the appearance and value of each property. Clients can rely on the same high standards of professionalism, no matter the time of year. To showcase the company's quality work, the new website of Turf Management Services features photo galleries of past projects, offering a glimpse of its craftsmanship. Visitors can also read testimonials from satisfied clients and use the streamlined contact form to easily request a personalized quote or schedule a consultation. With its updated online presence, Turf Management Services continues to evolve alongside the needs of the Erie community. The company remains committed to delivering personalized and reliable landscaping solutions that improve the beauty, health, and value of outdoor spaces year-round. For more information about Turf Management Services and its services, visit its updated website at About Turf Management Services Turf Management Services provides professional landscaping solutions for residential and commercial properties in Erie, PA, and surrounding areas. Its experienced team specializes in creating and maintaining vibrant and functional outdoor spaces year-round. ### Media Contact Turf Management Services 3645 W Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16505 (814) 833-8898 newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Turf Management Services Updates Website to Simplify Access to Landscaping Services in Erie, PA
