Bert Swope
Lawn and yard maintenance includes keeping grass healthy and weed-free. Basic lawn care includes weed control and fertilization. It also involves edging and grass edging. For tips on lawn care, read on! You’ll be amazed at how much you can save by simply following some simple rules.
Weed control
Weed control is an important part of lawn and yard maintenance. It is important to identify specific weeds to effectively control them. You can ask a local Cooperative Extension agent for help identifying weeds in your yard and which herbicides will be the most effective. They can also point out potential concerns with weed control products, such as wind drift to neighboring plants and concerns with water quality. It is also important to know that many weeds are only an issue once they reach their maturity stage. A professional weed control service can target parasitic plants before they reach that stage.
There are many ways to manage weeds, including hand-pulling, using herbicides, and other methods. Hand-pulling weeds is a labor-intensive task, so you may want to invest in garden tools to make weeding easier. However, even if you are able to tackle the task, remember that weeds will come back if you don’t get rid of them. Weeds are often an indicator of poor lawn and yard care. A lack of water, poor soil quality, and insects are among the factors that contribute to weed production.
Herbicides can be used both pre-emergent and post-emergent. The former prevents weed seeds from germination. The latter is more effective in killing weeds once they’ve taken root, but you need to apply them at the right time.
Weed control is an important part of lawn and yard maintenance, as weeds can suffocate plants and take away essential nutrients. Additionally, they can affect your pets. They can sting, which is not good for them.
Fertilization
There are many different types of fertilizers available. Some are organic, while others are inorganic. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural materials like manure and compost. They provide the soil with the right nutrients, while inorganic fertilizers are artificially manufactured. The type of fertilizer you use depends on the type of grass and the time of year.
Fertilization should be applied at least twice a year. The first application should be in early spring, while the second one should be applied in mid-October. This second application acts as the lawn’s second helping of food before winter. A third application can be made in mid to late spring and should be combined with a crabgrass preventer. Avoid fertilizing your lawn during hot, humid weather, which can damage it.
A healthy lawn contains three main nutrients: nitrogen (for dense, green top growth), phosphorus (for root growth), and potassium (for general health). Many fertilizers also contain micronutrients. Check the label of the fertilizer to see what percentage of each nutrient it contains.
It’s important to apply fertilizer evenly across your lawn. Applying too much can lead to root rot and pollution of nearby waterways. Applying too little will result in a slower recovery after winter and a hard time battling weeds and grubs. The best way to apply fertilizer is to start at the perimeter and work your way toward the center.
Grass edging
One of the simplest ways to edge a lawn is by using a lawn edger. These tools have a sharp blade, so you can quickly shave off the excess of earth from the edges of your lawn. Once you’ve mowed the grass to the desired length, you can use your edging tool to scoop the earth away from the edge. Use a clean, distinguishable edge to avoid damage to your lawn. You can also mark the edge of the edger with a garden hose or spray paint. A square shovel also works well for edging.
Grass edging for lawn maintenance is easy to do, but it is important to have a schedule for it. If you don’t want to make a huge mess out of your lawn, you can also use hand shears to do the job. They’ll give you a more precise and beautiful edge than a weed whacker, and they’re far less labor-intensive to use.
Another popular option for edging your lawn is aluminum. Aluminum won’t rust and won’t oxidize, and it offers a wider variety of environmentally-conscious options. Since this material is recyclable, you can buy recycled aluminum edging. It’s easy to install and has the same corrosion-resistance as the non-recycled version.
When you’re edging your lawn, be sure to include your shrubs and other areas with edging. Shrubs can make great borders, as they don’t require as much trimming. You can place them in a row near your mailbox, or down a walkway. Shrubs can also be used as edging for lawns, but they do require regular maintenance.
Pest control
Pest control in lawn and yard maintenance includes a variety of methods. While many of these methods will kill pests, others may harm other organisms, including beneficial insects and humans. As such, choosing a product that will not harm non-target organisms is important. Pesticides, or insecticides, are a common choice for pest control.
Lawns and yards are vulnerable to pest infestations, which can decrease the value of a property. Professionals are trained in pest management techniques and have access to tools that a homeowner may not. They can effectively keep critters away and provide peace of mind. Whether your lawn is growing in the middle of the desert or the chilly Northeast, pest control is essential for keeping it healthy.
Several insects can cause significant damage to lawns, including sod webworms, which feed on grass leaves and leave brown patches. Sod webworm damage is most common in the summer months. Meanwhile, chinch bugs feed on grass plants and release toxins. If you see patches of brown or yellow grass on your lawn, you should contact a pest control company.
While the use of pesticides is a necessary part of lawn and yard maintenance, there are many other ways to address pest problems and protect your property. For instance, natural agents like ant and beetle-killing bacteria can control insects without harming beneficial insects. Additionally, insecticidal soaps and sprays can also help control pests. Professional lawn care companies use a variety of practices and products to deal with these problems.
Nematodes can be used to control many types of insects in your lawn. A nematode is an animal parasite that attacks a variety of insects in your soil. Nematodes can be applied to your lawn to control grubs and caterpillars. However, they should be applied in the evening or nighttime as they are sensitive to sunlight.