FYI. A number of years ago I filled a sizable depression with a mixture of good screened topsoil and about 30% peat. For a couple of years after, that area was spongy to walk on and prone to "indentation" when the rider ran over it. You want a good solid base under your lawn and I think 40% peat would be counter-productive. 3" of new soil in itself is going to need plenty of rolling and watering cycles to give a good base for sod.

I'm not sure what your question is. Just for info, if any of the machines have a Tecumseh engine, that company has gone out of business. Parts are probably still available, but you might have to hunt around. Is the Lawn Boy a 2-cycle engine? Ariens is now owned by Husqvarna. Craftsman is likely a MTD, Murray, or AYP/Husqvarna product. Lawn Boy has been absorbed by somebody else, but I don't remember who.

Hi, Greg, I can't help much with "tropical" stuff (being in Colorado and all) but I stripped up my whole front yard (40' x 45') and am using flowering xeric perennials on a drip system and they are lovely. I wish I could give you specific recommendations but our zones are so different...you might check out www.highcountrygardens.com, they have a lot of desert species there. I love my agastache, which you can do in zone 10. My penstemon and catmint are gorgeous too, but I think those only go to zone 9? There should be penstemons that do well in 10, the flowers are gorgeous so it's worth seeking out. Most lavendars and salvias will do well in zone 10. Hope that helps out somewhat, I envy you your palm trees!

Since a recent pipe burst/water damage incident, I am in the process of remodeling my house. The carpet in the bedrooms, living room, dining room, and hallway has been removed and I am planning on having ceramic/porcelain floor tile installed in all of those areas plus the kitchen and family room (currently vinyl) and re-tiling the two bathrooms with whatever tile I pick for the rest of the house. I live in Florida where this is not unusual and also have pets so I think tile flooring would be easiest to maintain. I had hoped to be able to accomplish this all as one installation project. However, due to budget constraints, I am now thinking that I might buy all the tile to get the same dye lot, but then have it installed a couple of rooms at a time. I am wondering what opinions, ideas, etc. any of you might have about this idea?