Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam shows host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about dethatching and aerating a lawn. Lee explains what thatch is and why it’s important to remove it, highlighting some tools to get the job done. Then, the two talk aeration, allowing air, water, and nutrients to get down to the roots for a healthier lawn.
Next, master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner assess their electricity usage. After surveying the electrical panel configuration and determining where the power is routed, the two troubleshoot to see where most of the power is going. Then, they install a home energy monitor and track the results.
Finally, we head to the shop with host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva for a lesson in routers. Tom shows Kevin the different types of routers, their bits, and what they can do. He even shows Kevin the value of a custom-made base for a variety of tasks.
Dethatching and Aeration 101
If you want a lush, green lawn this year, the soil needs air, water, and sunlight. Learn how to improve your lawn’s growing conditions with this breakdown on dethatching and aeration with landscape contractor Lee Gilliam and host Kevin O’Connor.
Where to find it?
Dethatching
Lee uses a power rake or an electric dethatcher for dethatching large lawns quickly. These can be rented from big-box retailers or landscape equipment rental companies. For a cheaper option that works well for smaller yards, a thatch rake and a regular leaf rake to clean up the pulled-up thatch.
Aeration
Lee prefers a core aerator because it removes soil instead of just pushing it down and compacting it further into the ground. Machine aerators can also be rented. For a cheaper option for smaller lawns, spiked aeration shoes can work.
Troubleshooting a High Electric Bill
Homeowners often do their best to control their energy and utility bills as best as possible. So when there’s a huge jump, it tends to cause a bit of panic. When a homeowner reached out to master electrician Heath Eastman about his bill doubling in the winter, Heath wanted to troubleshoot the issue in person.
Where to find it?
Heath installed the Siemens Inhab Energy Intelligent Home Energy Monitor.
A licensed electrician is recommended to do the installation.
The Basics of Routers
Host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva go over the ins and outs of routers, including the different types, how they work, and the different bits and profiles you can use to create your desired details.
Where to find it?
Plunge and Fixed Base Router Kit
Custom base plate—Tom made his own flat, square base plate for his trim router. This can be done with MDF, plywood, or acrylic.
Original Air Date: Apr 17, 2025, Season 23; Ep. 20 23:42
Products and services from this episode
- Lawn tool rentals: Home Depot
- Spike aeration shoes manufacturer: Plantnomics
- Home energy monitor manufacturer: Siemens
- Router supplier: Home Depot
- Router bit set manufacturer: Kowood
