TRICKS OF THE TRADE
With an understanding of some common problems and utilizing basic tips ALLCARE LAWN AND SNOW SERVICES can work toward making your yard a healthier ecosystem.
PROBLEMS
Moles
Moles are one of the most frustrating cultual problems a homeowner can face. Although they do not feed on turf grasses, damage may occur as a result of burrowing. Roots are left suspended in the air drying out and depriving the grass of essential nutrients and water
Controlling the Problem:
Moles eat the organisms that live in the soil, insect larvae and earthworms. The best way to get rid of the problem is not the mole itself, but to get rid of its food supply. Which will force the mole to move on to better turf.
Shady Lawns
Growing turf grass in deep shade is a challenge. It is important to understand that shady conditions require different grasses and different cultural procedures than sunny conditions. Kentucky bluegrass varieties do not, in general, grow good in the shade. A better grass to use would be a red fescue. This grass will often be found under large trees. In some cases turf grass may never be able to grow. In this case you may need to use shade adapted ground cover.
Lawn Insects
Many insects live in lawns. However, only a few cause considerable damage and are important enough to require control measures. ALLCARE LAWN AND SNOW SERVICES provides many different programs to best meet your needs
Most Common
- Sod Web Worm
- Grubs
- Chinch Bugs
TIPS
Mowing
One of the biggest mistakes home-owners make in caring for there lawns is not mowing often enough and cutting the grass too short. Two to three inches is the best length for healthiest lawns that are able to withstand diseases, insects, and environmental stresses.
Helpful Tips:
- Mow Frequently
- Keep Clippings Short
- Alternate Mowing Directions
- Keep Blades Sharp to Prevent Ripping
Watering
If you want a green lawn throughout the growing seasin you will have to water it. This normally means applying 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Soil type will have an effect on how much water you will need to use.
Helpful Tips:
- Watering your lawn once or twice per week prevents shallow roots.
- Water in the early morning to prevent evaporation or burning.
- Most sprinklers run 1 inch of water per hour.
- Watering in the evening will encourage turf grass diseases.
Thatching
Thatch is primarily dead grass stems and roots, which accumulate as grass plants die and are replaced. A vigorous lawn will produce thatch very fast. It is very important to remove thatch because it builds a crust like layer between the roots, which will not allow water sunlight and nutrients to pass.
Helpful Tips:
- Always thatch in the early spring before the growing season.
- Aeration is a good form of thatching.
Aeration
Aeration is one of the best things you can have done for your lawn. Not only does it reduce your thatch layer, but also it helps stimulate root growth, which is required for a healthy thick lawn. Aeration is the practice of removing plugs of turf from your lawn, allowing air and water to penetrate the soil.
Benefits:
- Thatch Build-up is reduced
- Soil Layering is disrupted
- Optimum water penetration
- Stimulated root and shoot growth
