Let's Melt Some Ice!

Now that we’ve had our first snow, and the second… you’re probably looking for something to melt the slippery ice that remains. I often get asked, “Do you have ice melt that’s safe to use on concrete?” First to answer the question, YES we absolutely do! Although you must avoid using any ice melt on concrete that is less than 1 year old. Ice melt used according to the package directions should not damage sound concrete. Also, I think that most of us figure that if a little bit is good, more is better. But that isn’t so. Ice melting products that say they are safe for concrete will typically state the same thing about use on new concrete in the directions on the bag.

Most damage to concrete is caused by the thawing and refreezing that is accelerated by using ice melt. When the ice melts, the water gets into the small cracks in the surface and then refreezes and expands causing the crack to enlarge. It is best to use ice melt early in the day when the sun is shining so the water can evaporate off the surface. It's also a good idea to shovel slush off the surface.

Different ice melting products will work best in different temperatures. It should say on the bag what the temperature range for melting is. Less expensive products tend not to work as well in colder temperatures. When the temperature is below zero, traction sand may be a better option. (Which we also carry)

We carry an ample supply of different ice melting products to fit your needs. And we will even carry it out to your car for you! Stop in for all your winter weather supplies, and experience our “award winning customer service”.

Jim

Fall Lawnmower Care

Despite the recent warm weather we’ve been having, many of us have mowed our lawns for the last time this year. Servicing your lawn mower now will make it easier to start in the spring, plus our lives are usually a little busier in the spring. The first thing to do is change the oil; I don’t like to leave dirty oil in my machine all winter. Next, drain the gas and then start the mower on choke to get all the fuel out of the carburetor. If you choose not to drain the fuel tank, make sure to fill the tank full with fresh fuel and treat with a stabilizer like STA-BIL or Seafoam. Clean or replace the air cleaner and spark plug. Lastly, remove the blade and have it sharpened and balanced.

We stock all the supplies you need and our award winning staff is here to help you.

Thanks for checking in,
Jim

Where did summer go?

Where did summer go? It seems like it was just July 4th and now we're looking at Labor Day. I would like to get in some more golf and put a few more miles on my motorcycle before the weather turns too cool.

Mid September is the time to put down your last application of lawn fertilizer. Fertilizing in the fall will help your lawn green up faster in the spring. Fall is also a good time to aerate or over seed your lawn.

It's not too late to seal your blacktop driveway. The temperature needs to be 65 or above with no rain for 36 hours. It's also a good time to wash your windows so you don't have to look out of dirty windows all winter.

Joyce, our paint manager just informed me that the fall Pottery Barn color books have arrived. Stop in the store and pick one up for free.

Jim

Thank You

For the third year in a row Daily Union readers voted Goyer Ace “Best Customer Service” in the area. Customer service is how we set ourselves apart from our competition. We have a GREAT staff and we spend a lot of time training so we can help you solve your problems correctly.

During the next few weeks we will be featuring our staff on this site because we would like you to get to know us better. So visit our site, or better yet stop into the store and experience award winning customer service first hand.

Jim

Hope everyone enjoyed their Independence Day!

Summer isn’t quite half over so don’t forget about your lawn just yet. Right now is a good time to apply another round of fertilizer. Fertilizers today won’t burn your lawn and are safe to apply anytime during the growing season. If you have clover, creeping jenny, or other types of broad leaf weeds in your lawn you can apply a weed and feed to help control them. We have regular fertilizer as well as some “low grow” fertilizers that will green your lawn without excessive growth. Stop in and talk to our staff, they are prepared to answer all your lawn care questions.

Jim

Take back your yard!

I hope all of you have been able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather! In between rain showers that is. It was nice to be outside… before the mosquitoes showed up. You don’t need to suffer inside because of mosquitoes; we have many options from repellents to traps that will help keep them under control. Stop by and let our friendly staff show you how to take back your yard!

Jim

It’s spring, again. After a cool start to May spring is back! With night-time temperatures warmer it’s a good time to think about staining your deck. We often get asked “do I need to wash my deck before staining?” Think of it this way. Would you wax a dirty car? Proper preparation is important for good looking and lasting results. I do not advise pressure washing your deck. Also, don’t use a “home brew”. That may harm the wood and prevent adhesion of your finish. Use a good deck wash product and a scrub brush or stiff broom. Your deck needs to dry for at least 48 hours after washing or rain fall.

Although the prep work might not be much fun, proper deck care will protect your investment. When done right you should achieve beautiful long lasting results. Stop in and let us recommend the right products for your best results.

Jim

After last week’s rain I’ve noticed that dandelions are popping up. It’s best to kill them before they turn white and spread more seeds. Now is a great time to use a liquid lawn weed killer. You can spray your entire lawn or spot spray just the weeds. For best results use at least 2 days after mowing when there is no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours.

With spring coming early this year many of you want to get a head start on refinishing your decks or sealing your driveways. Although the air temperature may be warm the surface temperatures are not. I do not advise applying any outdoor coatings until nighttime lows are consistently above 50 degrees.

Happy Spring
Jim

What should I do with my lawn?

We get asked that a lot this time of year. Spring is the best time to take care of crabgrass issues before they start. Right now is the prime time to apply a fertilizer with crabgrass preventer. Although not its primary function, this will also help to prevent some early season weed growth.

If crabgrass is not a concern and you already have some active weed growth you may want to consider applying a weed and feed. Weed and feed does not prevent weeds rather it kills active weed growth. Weed and feed works best when applied to a damp lawn such as in the early morning and needs 48 hours of no rain. Timing is everything.

Our staff at Goyer Ace is well trained to recommend the right product for all your lawn care needs.

Jim