Eddie, the straw is there mainly to retain moisture. Without it I would need to water 3 times per day for a good stand. It should help keep the birds from eating the seed as well and will slow erosion on slopes. I seeded with an improved bluegrass fescue blend and used starter fertilizer both at the recommended rates. If you use straw, the second fertilization about a month after germination will require a little nitrogen because the straw will rob the soil of it as it decomposes.

I've never used one before this but it seems best suited for large areas. Pretty easy to use, even for a first timer. It was a huge timesaver. I wish I knew about it before.

Eric, I've seen it called a power rake also. The problem is some places call a rock hound a power rake or landscape rake too. This creates a bit of confusion if you renting and they are very different attachments.

'Tis the season, just thought it might help some of those finishing up the dirt work on their new ponds.



"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." Stephen W. Hawking