lawn Care
Residential and Commercial Mowing
Mowing height and frequency depends upon many factors. The species of grass, the variety developed, the usage, climate, watering systems, fertilization, weeds, and sometimes disease. The time of the year will also affect the rate of mowing. Whether it is a new lawn or older established lawn, grasses that are in shape and getting the right amount of fertilizer and water will naturally grow faster and need more mowing. No more than 1/3 of the grass blade should be removed when cutting. Taking off too much can cause the grass stress. This also causes the grass to take much longer in recovery. During the more stressful growing months like July and August, the grass should be cut higher and less often. This will help minimize the stress of the grass during its weakest time. Cutting the lawn at 2" in spring and fall, and 3 to 3 1/2" during the hot months is a good standard.
Residential and Commercial Weed Control and Fertilization
Here, the operative word is control. Maintaining a totally weed free lawn is next to impossible. The first step to controlling weed levels is to maintain a healthy lawn through proper cultural practices and by following a regular fertilizer program. Proper management practices include:
- Mowing at the recommended height of cut.
- Applying the proper amount of moisture.
- Spreading the recommended amount of fertilizer.
- Minimizing compaction and thatch.
Although these practices will create a thicker and healthier lawn that will be less susceptible to weed infestation, a weed control program may still be necessary.
Trimming and Edging
Often overlooked, trimming and edging can drastically improve the appearance of your lawn. it could be compared to the perfect tie or pair of shoes that help you complete an outfit. Your lawn might look good after a mow, but with proper trimming and edging, it will look great!
Spring and Fall Clean-Up
The Spring and the Fall are arguably the most important times of year for your lawn. How you take care of your lawn during these seasons could impact your lawn as much as any decision you make in the Summer. Spring clean-up helps prepare your lawn for the summer. By removing dead leaves, sticks and debris from the late Fall and Winter, your are allowing your lawn to receive the highest amount of sunlight and water possible. This is the best time for your lawn to receive the sun, as it is not hot or humid enough to burn or promote disease. Fall clean-up's help prepare your lawn for the Winter season. Removing leaves and debris from the lawn will ensure the snow cover begins to melt and the moisture goes directly into the soil. More importantly, your lawn has become use to receiving plenty of sunlight all summer long. Keeping your lawn clean allows your turf to get as much sunlight as possible.
Power Raking
A "Power Rake" is a machine that looks very much like a walk behind mower, however it is very different. The main purpose of power raking a lawn is to remove the dead and/or dying grass, commonly called dethatching. Almost all lawns will benefit from dethatching. The dying grass soaks up water and nutrients while blocking sunlight form new growth. Dead grass that is left, tangles with the roots of healthy grass, preventing proper growth.
Aeration
Aerating a lawn is crucial for proper soil compaction and root development of the turf. Almost every lawn needs to be aerated once a year. Although you can aerate a lawn almost any time of the year, most experts agree that the best time is either in late fall or early spring. The best time to seed your lawn is directly after aeration, by using a 50/50 compost/seed mixture.
