If you are looking for a lawn care company ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Also, look for companies like Prime Cut Lawn And Landscaping who has a reputation and competitive pricing.
Water deeply but less often; watering in the morning gives the grass a chance to dry before evening, which reduces disease. Aerate the soil every couple of years to eliminate thatch and improve nutrient circulation.
When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn, consistent and proper watering is one of the most important components. In fact, a well-watered lawn can be more attractive than one that has been treated with seed, fertilizer, weed killer and other products.
To determine how much and how often you should water your lawn, start by taking several factors into consideration. Your climate is a big factor; hotter weather means your grass will require more water than cooler temperatures. In addition, your soil type will play a role as different soil compositions have unique drainage properties. For example, sandy soil will dry out quickly and may need to be watered more frequently than lawns in clay-based soils.
A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn about an inch each week. This amount will vary depending on environmental conditions, but the general goal is to ensure that each area of your lawn gets a deep soaking. This will help activate the nutrients in your fertilizer and get them into the root system of your grass. However, you don’t want to overwater your lawn and create puddles. This will wash away some of the nutrients and may also encourage the growth of unwanted weeds.
When it comes to watering, using sprinklers is recommended as they mimic slow, soaking rain which is more effective than quick bursts of water that can cause run off and soil compaction. In addition, using a sprinkler system will reduce the possibility of overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases and thatch build up.
It is also important to water your lawn at the right time of day. Watering in the early morning can reduce evaporation and will help prevent the spread of disease and fungus. Watering in the afternoon can cause water to evaporate too quickly, preventing it from reaching the root system of your grass. Watering at night can lead to a buildup of moisture which will promote fungal disease and also encourage the growth of unwanted weeds.
It’s also important to monitor the soil moisture throughout your lawn on a daily and weekly basis. If you find that certain areas of your yard are not getting enough moisture, adjust the amount of time you spend watering by adding or subtracting minutes from each watering session.
Fertilizing
In order for grass to grow lush and green, it must have all the nutrients it needs. Fertilizing the lawn replenishes soil nutrient levels that are depleted by rainfall, grass growth and natural decomposition. Fertilizers typically contain three important elements: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen stimulates leaf growth, boosting plant productivity and color, while phosphorus helps grass to use water and absorb sunlight for nutrition. Finally, potassium improves stress tolerance, making it easier for grass to withstand environmental conditions.
The right type and amount of fertilizer can make or break your lawn’s health, appearance and weed control. It is important to understand that not all fertilizers are the same, and a professional lawn care company will know how to best choose and apply a specific type of fertilizer for your property. It is also a good idea to have your soil tested before applying any chemicals to ensure that you are adding only what your lawn and soil actually need. Over-fertilization can damage or even kill your grass, and excess fertilizer may run off into the environment and contribute to water pollution.
A good lawn care plan will include routine aeration, dethatching, pruning and overseeding. Performing these tasks will help to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant and will increase the overall value of your property. A great way to get started with your yard is to contact a local lawn care service and request a quote.
Properly caring for a lawn requires regular attention to detail, and it is not an easy task to do on your own. Using a lawn service can save you the time and hassle of doing it yourself and will also give your lawn the best chance to look its best. A reputable lawn care service will offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results of their services.
A well-maintained lawn is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is beneficial to the environment and people’s health. In addition to reducing erosion and providing a place for birds and other wildlife to thrive, a healthy lawn will reduce the need for herbicides, thereby contributing to a cleaner environment.
Aerating
Aerating the lawn helps break up thatch and allow water, nutrients, and sunlight to reach grass roots more easily. The process is usually done using an aerator pulled behind a mower or by hand. The best time to aerate is late summer into early fall for cool-season grasses. It gives grass seed the best chance to sprout before winter weather sets in, and it enables optimal results from overseeding.
One of the biggest reasons your yard may need aerating is because it’s compacted. When soil is too compact, it prevents oxygen from getting to the roots, resulting in stunted grass growth, an increase in weeds, and poor overall appearance. When the grass roots have easy access to oxygen, they can grow deeper and more densely. This in turn strengthens the grass and increases its resistance to diseases.
Soil compaction is often caused by heavy foot traffic, pets and kids playing on the lawn, construction work, and extreme weather. The compaction occurs when the soil particles become tightly pressed together, which reduces the pore space between them. Aerating your yard breaks up that compaction and allows the topsoil to mix with the underlying layer of nutrient-rich soil.
There are several types of aeration equipment available, but core or plug aeration is considered the most effective by many professionals. Tine or spike aeration may also be used, but these methods can further compact the soil and some experts do not consider them to be true aeration. Core aeration involves inserting a tool into the ground and pulling out small plugs of soil or creating holes with it. This method is preferred because it does not destroy the grass.
Aeration is a labor-intensive task, so it’s usually included in a lawn care service or performed by a professional. However, it’s relatively inexpensive and can be done by homeowners with the right equipment. Some experts recommend applying gypsum to the soil prior to aerating. This naturally occurring mineral works to coagulate soil particles and create channels between them, so it’s an affordable option and does not damage the grass.
Weeding
Weeds are a major problem that can wreak havoc on your lawn. They steal vital nutrients from grass, other plants and flowers, causing them to die or struggle. They also take up sunlight that would otherwise be absorbed by the grass, resulting in a yellow and unhealthy yard. By weeding regularly, you can eliminate these unwanted intruders and keep your yard looking beautiful.
A well-maintained yard can be a place where families and friends come together to enjoy the outdoors. Playing sports, practicing yoga, drawing chalk drawings on the sidewalk and grilling are some popular activities people like to do in their yards. However, an unkempt lawn can make these activities more difficult or dangerous for individuals with allergies and other health conditions. Weeds can carry heavy amounts of pollen that can aggravate these symptoms and cause anaphylactic shock, rashes, and other medical problems. By weeding frequently, you can reduce the amount of allergens in your yard and make the outdoor environment more enjoyable for all.
In addition to keeping your yard healthy and attractive, proper weed control can help you maintain the value of your property. Studies have shown that homes with lush and green yards are more desirable than those with bare or overgrown patches of grass. A properly weeded lawn is a sign of a well-cared for and maintained property.
There are many ways to remove weeds, including hand-pulling or the use of chemical treatments. Chemicals are generally more effective if used in the early stages of weed growth, before they begin to root. If you choose to use chemical weed controls, it is important to follow the product instructions exactly.
Taking care of your lawn is an ongoing process that requires attention throughout the year. Following these steps in spring will give you a healthy, green yard to enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our professional weed control services! We can help you get your yard back in shape for the summer! We also offer professional soil tests, aeration, seeding and overseeding to boost your lawn’s health.