| Protect those Joints!: | | | | B&B plants can be rolled directly into the hole |
| Use tools with padded handles and easy spring | | | | and then cut the burlap. If your plant has nylon |
| loaded handles to minimize stiffness in the hands. | | | | burlap it must be removed completely. This |
| If you are spending time on your knees, wear | | | | process will minimize stress on your lower back |
| knee pads, use a knee cushion or a kneeler seat. | | | | and stress on the plant. Plants do not like to have |
| These items will cushion the knee joint and reduce | | | | their roots banged around. |
| pressure. | | | | If you must lift heavy items, squat down, get a |
| Conserve your energy: | | | | firm grip and lift using your legs, not your Back! |
| Think Ahead! Carry all the hand tools you may | | | | Lifting with your leg muscles will give you more |
| use in a bucket and your large tools in a cart. This | | | | lifting power and save you a trip to the |
| will save you many trips to the shed or garage. | | | | Chiropractor. Asking for help is also a smart way |
| Sitting or kneeling on a Kneeler Seat instead of | | | | to save yourself from injury. Call ahead to plan |
| bending over will save your back, hips and legs | | | | for a Family member or Friend to help. A neighbor |
| from tiredness and stress. A Kneeler Seat is a | | | | will usually be happy to lend a quick hand. |
| low seat, and turned upside down it's perfect for | | | | One project at a time!: |
| kneeling and the handles will help you get back up. | | | | If you want your yard to be picture perfect |
| They are generally cushioned on both sides for | | | | NOW... hire a professional. If you are willing to be |
| comfort. | | | | patient and enjoy the fruits of your labor, start |
| Lift Smart!: | | | | small. Prioritize your projects and complete them |
| Bags of Mulch, Stone and Soils can be awkward | | | | one at a time. This will keep you from over-doing |
| and heavy to carry. Try taking them from your | | | | it. It can also keep your frustration level down. |
| vehicle to a garden cart or wheelbarrow. Move it | | | | You will be satisfied in having completed a project |
| where you need it, cut the bag open lengthwise | | | | and it will keep your yard neat and clean. Too |
| and dump it. The material will come out of the | | | | many projects started and none finished makes |
| bag easily. Or you can keep it in the wheelbarrow | | | | for a messy yard. |
| and shovel it out. | | | | Lastly... Listen to your body: |
| Heavy plants- if you are moving heavy plants or | | | | Your body will tell you every time when its had |
| shrubs, try tipping a wheelbarrow forward as | | | | enough. Drinking plenty of water will help keep |
| close to the plant as you can. Then gently rotate | | | | your muscles hydrated and reduce cramping. |
| the pot or ball of the plant into the wheelbarrow. | | | | Water can also reduce the chances of becoming |
| Slowly bring the wheelbarrow to a standing | | | | over-heated. When your done working in the |
| position, so as not to bang the plant around. move | | | | garden, STRETCH! Stretching will reduce muscle |
| it to its destination and reverse the process. If | | | | soreness and keep you more flexible. Treat your |
| you prepare the hole first, the plant can be easily | | | | self to a nice bath or shower and get plenty of |
| installed. If its in a pot, set it next to the hole and | | | | rest. Recovery is the key to happy gardening |
| remove the pot, then roll the ball into the hole. | | | | tomorrow! |