A well-maintained lawn not only adds curb appeal to a home; it also provides an attractive setting for flower gardens and a foraging ground for wildlife. It’s important to keep your lawn in good condition by mowing at the proper height, removing weeds and using preventative fungicide treatments.

A well-managed lawn also benefits the environment by providing shade and capturing pollutants that run off hardscapes. Visit https://www.pristinecutslawncarellc.com to learn more.

Weeds compete with grass for sunlight and nutrients, so removing them is an important part of lawn care. Almost all lawns have some weeds, but proper treatment can prevent their growth and keep them in check.

Weed control products are used to kill weeds and allow grass to grow more vigorously. The key is to apply the product when it will be effective. This means that blanket spray applications of weed control must be done in the fall and spring, and spot treatments are needed for weeds that come up between applications. Most weed control chemicals are systemic, meaning that they have to be absorbed by the plant and move through its leaves and roots to kill it. This can take a few days, depending on the weed species and how actively it is growing.

Annual weeds, such as dandelions and crabgrass, are easier to treat than perennial weeds like ground ivy and bindweed. Perennial weeds produce seeds that lay dormant in the soil for up to 60 years, and they sprout each year until they are treated or pulled.

Ideally, weeds should be removed when they are young, before they begin to produce seed or rhizomes and tubers. Regular hand weeding of small patches is the best way to control most annual weeds, and using a dandelion fork or fishtail weeder can help get to those deep taproots. Perennial weeds can be controlled by cultivating the soil to bring up buried rhizomes and tubers, or digging them out completely.

Some fertilizer products contain preemergence herbicides to control weeds before they emerge and post-emergent herbicides to kill them once they have grown. These are often called “weed and feed” products, but it is important to understand that the herbicide part of the product is only effective when it is applied in the proper season and on a weed problem that has been observed. Applying a preemergent when it is not yet necessary and using postemergent herbicides at the wrong time can actually increase the problem!

Adding organic matter, such as composted leaves or grass clippings, to the soil can improve its ability to drain water and retain nutrients. Incorporating the appropriate amount of soil amendment can also make it less spongy and better able to support turfgrass, reducing the need for excessive amounts of fertilizer.

Fertilization

When the soil loses nutrients, it’s important to replace them. Fertilization replenishes those lost nutrients to help maintain a lush, green lawn. A lawn that is healthy and well fed will be less likely to suffer from the stress of weeds, disease or insect infestations.

Grass that is fed properly will grow thicker and deeper roots, making it more resistant to weeds. This can also help your lawn withstand drought and extreme weather.

There are many different types of fertilizer. It’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs. For example, if you have clay soil, you might need a fertilizer with added clay-modifying materials, which will help it drain more easily. You should also choose a type of fertilizer that is suited to the season, such as one that is higher in nitrogen in spring to promote leafy growth and tackle the oncoming warm weather, or one that is higher in phosphorus and potassium to prepare your lawn for fall.

It’s important to follow the instructions on your fertilizer label, including how frequently and when to apply it. If you’re applying a granular fertilizer, it’s best to use a spreader rather than trying to do it by hand. It’s also important to avoid fertilizing a wet lawn, as rain can wash away the nutrients from the soil and into nearby bodies of water.

The best time to fertilize a lawn is usually in the fall, but this depends on your region. It’s best to avoid applying fertilizer during very hot temperatures, as this can burn the grass.

Using a granular fertilizer, it’s important to spread it evenly across the entire lawn. You’ll want to wait a day or two before mowing again, so the grass has time to absorb the nutrients and get stronger.

Liquid fertilizers are also available, which can be a good option for many people. They’re easy to apply and can be effective in the short term. However, it’s crucial to choose a product that is safe for pets and children, and doesn’t contain weed killers or other chemicals. A great option is Mirimichi Green’s Premium Organic Fertilizer and Biostimulant, which contains sea kelp and carbon to aid in nutrient uptake.

Aeration

Aeration is the process of perforating soil with small holes that allows air, water, and essential nutrients to penetrate into the root zone. It’s a specialized lawn care service that’s often recommended as part of a comprehensive lawn maintenance program to prevent soil compaction and to stimulate grass growth.

Aerated soil is healthier and stronger, making it easier for roots to grow. It also promotes more vigorous, dense grass that crowds out weeds. When combined with overseeding, aeration is even more effective at combatting weeds.

In addition to relieving soil compaction, aeration encourages beneficial organisms, such as earthworms, aerobic bacteria, and fungi. These microorganisms thrive in porous, oxygen-rich soil and help improve the health of the root zone.

Over time, soil can get compacted and squished down, especially in high-traffic areas. This can lead to shallow root systems and a weak, unhealthy lawn.

As part of lawn care, aeration loosens the soil and reduces thatch, which is made of dead and decaying grass tissue. It also helps improve drainage and reduces the risk of flooding, ponding, and runoff.

Professional aerators use either a core aerator or spike aerator to mechanically remove small plugs of soil from the lawn. Both options break up thatch and allow for deeper root penetration.

Aerating can be done in the spring or fall (depending on the grass type) to improve soil health and prepare for future growth. It’s generally better to aerate early in the season, before the soil heats up. However, some experts recommend the fall because it allows lawns to recover before winter.

Before aerating, it’s important to water the lawn to soften the soil and make it easier for the aerator to pull out small plugs of soil. It’s also a good idea to check the irrigation system, sprinklers, and septic lines to ensure that they’re not in the way of the aerator or could be damaged by it. After the aeration is completed, it’s necessary to “top-dress” the lawn with a layer of screened topsoil that’s mixed with compost or organic matter. Then, the lawn is ready for a healthy growing season.

Pest Control

Maintaining a healthy lawn involves more than just water, fertilizer and sunlight. You also have to fight weeds, insects and other pests that can damage or even kill your grass. Some pests, like grubs and chinch bugs, attack turf grass; others, such as aphids and mites, affect ornamental plants. And some, like mosquitoes, spread diseases that can affect your health and that of your pets and children.

Lawn care professionals know how to spot early signs of problems and prevent them from getting worse. They also have the right products on hand to treat them. For example, if you see brown patches of your lawn and moths hovering over them, you probably have tropical sod webworms. These moths lay a thousand eggs in clusters at the base of grass blades where they hatch into caterpillars that feed during the day and rest under dead or dying sod during the night. Unless the problem is addressed quickly, it can spread and devastate your lawn.

Some pests, like aphids and ants, prey on grass plants while others cause disease, such as fungus. Fortunately, there are effective fungicides that can help. Some companies provide ongoing fungicide treatments that can be applied during the year to keep fungus at bay.

If you are looking to sell your home, a lush green lawn can significantly increase the value of your property. However, a pest infestation can be a deal-breaker for potential buyers. For this reason, it’s important to do everything you can to avoid pests and protect your yard and garden.

The best way to minimize pests is by keeping your yard clean and free of debris, tall grass and standing water. Also, make sure to close up any entry points where pests can find shelter, such as holes in the siding of your house or around window frames.