Fence, yard, nailer

[ho'ard]

Since you guys had to put up with all my questions about this stuff, I thought I'd post an update.
First, some images of the current state of the fence:
http://www.bikechicago.info/pics/fenceandyard/

Then, the nailer story-- it turns out I am able to use a 30 gallon compressor that is going to end up in the workspace of my new manufacturing business, so is basically part mine. It's not being used currently so I can sit on it. Tomorrow mid-day I will attempt to transport it across town by bicycle.

I will most likely purchase a brad nailer at Home Despot tomorrow (I liked Menard's selection but they're in the wrong direction). Will spend some time tonight reading reviews. I think I want an 18 guage nailer that does up to 2" brads. If possible a dual-purpose that does crown staples to at least 1 1/2" as well. I don't want to do staples on the fence since I'd like to do some levelling once they're tacked up.

Doesn't look like any of the Porter Cable models will do.


Finally, the yard. Here's what it looked like 5 weeks ago after a few passes with a rear tiller:
http://www.bikechicago.info/pics/dirt.jpg

As you can see it's seen some helathy growth in a short time.

Think the holes will fill in, if I water every day?

Thx . . .

[WHiiP]

The pictures were too small to see anything . . .

Guess I must NEED a 30" monitor now . . .

[OWC Jamie]

Was there a reason for bringing the fence all the way to the front of the garage, instead of ending at the rear ? (maybe making the walk wider)
Seems that narrow space will collect junk.

[ho'ard]

[quote WHiiP]The pictures were too small to see anything . . .

Guess I must NEED a 30" monitor now . . .


Didn't feel like converting them . . . at least I didn't post 'em inline.
They get automatically resized in my browser (Firefox).
What are you using?

[ho'ard]

[quote billb]Was there a reason for bringing the fence all the way to the front of the garage, instead of ending at the rear ? (maybe making the walk wider)
Seems that narrow space will collect junk.
Good questions.

Leaving that last length open would dramatically increase the likelihood of graffitti on the exposed side, which is a prime location because it's clearly visible from the head of the alley and the large open school lot about 150 feet away. Also, the next door tenants have been considering the space along the garage to be a public dump. Lastly, I actually do want to provide a space for one of my tenants, who's a part-time Junkero, to store some things between trips to the scrapyard. Gonna be a bit narrow though . . . most appropriate for lengths of scrap metal.

[Ted King]

The blank spots might eventually fill in, but I'd throw some seeds into the blank spots and keep them moist - like you obviously have been doing. Good work!

[ho'ard]

Thanks!
I've overseeded twice now, but haven't seen signs of anything new growing in the holes.
A friend who's a landscaper suggested scratching the seed in and then throwing a little play sand over it. I'll grab a bag next time it's convenient for me.
I've gone through a whole second bag (should have been enough for 3 lawns) overseeding.

[Ted King]

Odd that you have some spots that are so "resistant" to repeated sowing of seeds even though other parts seem to be doing pretty well. If your friend is a landscaper I'm sure he knows what he's talking about, but I'm surprised by the recommendation to use sand. Sand doesn't retain water - it just drains through. I'm a big believer in compost. It retains moisture and provides nutrients for the plants.

[ho'ard]

I used compost and manure to redo a "bad" patch of my lawn at home this year--
and it's steroid city all the way. I do intend to take a shot at the patches by overseeding and top-dressing with a thin layer of compost/manure if they don't fill in.
The reason for the persistence could be either that they're high spots from which the seed keeps washing away, or low spots which remain too damp . . .

Or for all I know some tenant or neighbor has dumped battery acid or some other toxin in the yard since initial tilling and seeding.

I re-fertilized (that granulated commercial stuff) and my hope is that existing clumps expand out to fill the gaps.

[ho'ard]

[quote h']I used compost and manure to redo a "bad" patch of my lawn at home this year--
and it's steroid city all the way. I do intend to take a shot at the patches by overseeding and top-dressing with a thin layer of compost/manure if they don't fill in.
The reason for the persistence could be either that they're high spots from which the seed keeps washing away, or low spots which remain too damp . . .

Or for all I know some tenant or neighbor has dumped battery acid or some other toxin in the yard since initial tilling and seeding.

I re-fertilized (that granulated commercial stuff) and my hope is that existing clumps expand out to fill the gaps.
Come to think about it the "bad" spots could be suffering from inadvertent overconcentrations of fertilizer :-)