Lawn care is more than just cutting the grass. It involves a variety of practices that improve health, promote vigor and encourage natural resistance to pests and diseases.

Begin by removing leaves, twigs and other debris. This helps reduce the attraction of winter home for bugs and disease spores. Aerate to improve air flow and soil nutrient penetration. Water deeply once a week, in the morning or evening. Visit https://www.primecutlawnky.com/ to learn more.

Lawns require a variety of nutrients to thrive. Ideally, these nutrients would come from the soil in which the grass grows, but the soil may be depleted of some of these necessary elements over time. In this situation, lawn fertilizers can be used to help the grass grow.

Lawn fertilizers usually contain three primary nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The nitrogen in the fertilizer helps promote leaf growth, phosphorous encourages root development and potassium aids disease resistance. Fertilizers are typically made up of a blend of these nutrients with a 3 number ratio that indicates the percentages of each nutrient (N-P-K).

There are two broad categories of lawn fertilizers — synthetic and natural. Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured and sold in granular or liquid forms. Some of these are slow-release, meaning the nutrient is released into the soil over a period of weeks rather than instantly. The slower release reduces the potential for overdoing the nitrogen, which can damage the grass.

Natural lawn fertilizers are derived from animal manure, plant matter or processed sewage. These are not as popular as the synthetic varieties, but they are a more environmentally friendly option. Using these types of fertilizers encourages healthy ecosystems in the soil, including microorganisms, earthworms, praying mantises and other garden-dwelling insects that prey on pests and harmful organisms.

Ideally, homeowners should have their soil tested to determine the nutrient content. Then, they can choose the best type of lawn fertilizer for their needs. If they do not have a soil test, or their soil is unbalanced, a turf-grade lawn fertilizer with a N-P-K analysis of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 should be used on a regular basis to maintain a healthy lawn.

Regardless of which type of lawn fertilizer you use, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When applying a fertilizer that also contains weed control, such as Jonathan Green Weed & Feed, the lawn must be damp prior to application in order for the weed killer to adhere to the grass leaves. In addition, the weed control must be thoroughly watered afterward to prevent it from washing away or running off into storm sewers and contaminating surface waters.

Weed Control

Weeds take away from the beauty of your lawn and require a lot of time and energy to keep them at bay. The best way to minimize weeds in your yard is with preventative weed control. Lawn care professionals use a variety of products and techniques to effectively tackle each type of weed. Taking the “ounce of prevention” approach by performing preventative lawn care services can save you endless hours of weeding down the road.

A key component to a preventative weed control program is regular lawn mowing. Most broadleaf weeds can be effectively controlled with short mowing treatments because their growing points are cut off. Increasing mowing heights also increases the density of turfgrass, making it more difficult for weeds to establish.

Soil aeration is another important weed control service, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Compacted soil restricts air, water and nutrients to grass roots, which can lead to thin, weak lawns that are more susceptible to weed invasion. Regular aeration breaks up the compacted soil and allows the roots to spread out more, creating a thicker, stronger lawn that is less likely to be invaded by weeds.

Lastly, selective preemergence herbicides can be applied in the spring to target annual grass weeds such as crabgrass and dandelion, and to suppress some broadleaf weeds (see Grass Weed Library for more information on each weed species). These types of herbicides are typically sold as granular products with fertilizer mixed in and referred to as “weed and feed” mixes. These should be applied early in the spring when weeds begin to emerge, generally around when lilacs start blooming.

Nonselective herbicides with minimal residual activity may be used for a spot treatment of established weeds in the lawn if necessary. However, care must be taken to ensure the proper application rate and timing to avoid injury to desirable grass and other plants in the landscape. Fairway Lawns employs the principles of Integrated Pest Management when applying herbicides to the lawn, which involves monitoring for weed infestation and using only the minimum amount of product needed.

Mowing

A manicured lawn not only adds curb appeal to a property, but it also enhances overall outdoor health. However, it takes more than fertilizer and weed control products to keep the lawn looking healthy. Proper lawn care involves a comprehensive approach to the soil and turf, which includes mowing, trimming, aeration, and pest management. Companies that offer these services enjoy profitable business opportunities while promoting healthy grass.

Regular mowing keeps grass at the optimal height for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. It also helps prevent diseases and reduces vermin, such as grubs and chinch bugs, that thrive in taller plant material. Furthermore, regularly cutting grass promotes lateral growth, which improves shoot density and thickness.

For customers concerned about the amount of fertilizers and chemicals used on their lawn, organic mowing and trimming services are available. These methods use natural fertilizers and do not introduce harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, they reduce reliance on local water sources by harvesting rainwater for irrigation purposes.

Adding aeration to a lawn care program is a way to promote the health of the soil and turf without using chemical treatments. The process involves poking holes in the surface of the turf with a machine, allowing soil and water to flow more easily. Aeration services can be offered in conjunction with weed control, as well as overseeding, to provide a complete lawn renovation.

Providing leaf removal as a part of a lawn care service is important in the fall when deciduous trees shed their leaves. A layer of fallen leaves can smother the lawn, detracting from curb appeal and harboring weed growth and pests. Offering aeration and leaf removal services is a great way to boost revenue and demonstrate your commitment to assisting your clients with the full range of their lawn care needs.

Irrigation

A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream. While mowing, fertilizing and pest control are important aspects of proper lawn care, irrigation is crucial to ensuring your grass stays healthy throughout the season. Irrigation provides a consistent supply of moisture, compensating for insufficient rainfall and delivering an even distribution across your property. In addition, it can prevent water runoff on sidewalks and driveways, reducing evaporation and saving money on your water bill.

Proper irrigation involves understanding your lawn’s specific needs, selecting the appropriate watering techniques, and creating a suitable schedule. It’s important to avoid overwatering your lawn, as this can cause shallow root growth, disease susceptibility, and water waste. On the other hand, underwatering can lead to drought stress and weak root systems. The goal is to strike a balance between these two extremes, which requires a thorough understanding of your climate, soil type, and grass species.

The best way to determine if your lawn is in need of water is by observing its physical appearance and conducting a simple soil moisture test. If your lawn is exhibiting initial symptoms of wilting, such as turning yellow or brown, it’s likely time to irrigate. If you don’t notice these signs, a soil probe or a shovel can be used to examine the top six inches of your soil to ensure it is moist.

In addition to allowing you to avoid overwatering, an efficient watering program can also reduce your energy consumption. Water that’s wasted or flows down the street and into nearby bodies of water is a major contributor to greenhouse gases.

A professional lawn care company like Bug Out Service can help you develop an efficient watering system for your home. Whether your property uses sprinklers or drip irrigation, we can help you find an optimal watering schedule that will promote vibrant green grass and prevent weeds, disease and insect infestation. Contact us today to learn more about our irrigation services. We look forward to assisting you with all of your lawn care needs.