Popular Garden and Landscape » lawn care tips

Lawn Service

admin — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:07:36 +0000

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Lawn Service Provider

1. A lawn care program customized to your lawn's needs -

Every lawn is unique, with specific strengths and challenges. It takes a considerable investment of time to properly identify all of these aspects of your lawn. Lawn service professionals take the time to analyze your lawn, taking note of its grass and soil types, turf density, exposure, diseases, insects, weeds ... even pet damage. This information is then used to develop a treatment program customized to address your lawn's specific problems while enhancing its strengths.

2. Lawn care designed around your goals -

You probably have specific ideas about how you want your lawn to look. That's why your lawn care provider will work with you to understand what you want to accomplish with your lawn. Together you will develop a program designed to give you the results you're hoping for. You may be able to learn basic lawn care tips on your own, but only a professional can deliver the customized results you are really looking for.

3. Professional grade products you can't buy at the hardware store -

Give your lawn the edge it needs to thrive. Sure, you will be able to find fertilizers and grass seeds at your local hardware store -- even pest control products. But you will not find the professional grade products that are available to licensed lawn care providers. Additionally, your lawn service provider knows exactly how to use the products to treat your lawn, far reducing the risks of damaging your lawn -- or your health -- through improper handling of chemicals.

4. Certified, trained landscaping professionals -

Put your lawn in the care of true experts. Most lawn service providers require their field staff to undergo rigorous training and certification procedures. When deciding on a lawn care provider, make sure to investigate the training and certification methods. Settling on the cheapest service might only deliver mediocre results that you could have achieved without paying for professional assistance.

5. Attentive, expert service all season long -

A good lawn service provider will monitor your lawn carefully, with bi-monthly or even weekly visits all year long. The certified lawn specialists will evaluate your lawn's progress during every visit, adjusting your custom treatment program as your lawn improves. They will even work with you to establish an optimal mowing and watering schedule essential for your lawn's success. Don't trust your lawn to people who just spray it and move on; make sure you are getting a thorough and comprehensive evaluation from your service provider.

6. FREE service calls within 48 hours -

The whole idea behind a lawn service professional is that you shouldn't have to worry about your lawn -- ever. Even if you notice problems or have questions between visits, most lawn service providers have on-call service available to full-program customers. If something unexpected happens to your lawn between your regularly scheduled visits, you'll have an emergency service number. You call and the provider sends a specialist to take care of the problem right away.

7. Environmental stewardship -

When your lawn is strong and green, it helps cool the air, filter rainwater, prevent erosion and improve air quality. A lawn care specialist can help enhance these benefits, offering certified organic options. Additionally, they rigorously screen their products and service programs to ensure that your lawn is treated in the most environmentally friendly way possible. By using scientific research, the most state-of-the-art, accurate equipment and trained professionals, your lawn is never over-treated and your environmental footprint is always minimal.

8. Only the treatment programs you want -

Contrary to what some home owners think, lawn care professionals make sure you are in control every step of the way. Your lawn will grow and thrive according to your goals and specifications. And since there are typically no long-term commitments, you are usually free to stop your lawn care service at any time.

9. Results the "neighbor boy" can't deliver -

Jimmy, the neighborhood go-getter, is not a lawn care professional. Sure, he may offer to mow your lawn and take care of your plants, but he doesn't have the experience and training needed to really treat and care for your lawn and landscaping. Don't just pay anyone to treat your lawn -- make sure they are professionals.

10. Professionals can guarantee their work -

Lawn care professionals stand behind their service and our products. The people associated with these companies take pride in their work, from the service professionals who monitor and treat your lawn during scheduled visits to the customer support staff that keeps everything running smoothly. In the event anything should go wrong, or leave you dissatisfied, they have the resources and the dedication to fix it to your standards.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/landscaping-articles/top-ten-reasons-to-hire-a-lawn-service-provider-1295588.html

About the Author

Perry Boylan is a Marketing Manager with Scotts LawnService. Perry has worked for Scotts Miracle-Gro for 10 years providing sound lawn, garden, and pest management advice. Scotts LawnService will transform your lawn with professional lawn care services, tree and shrub care, and gardening tips. Scotts offers a FREE lawn analysis. Visit http://www.scottslawnservice.com/ for information.

Lawn Service is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Summer Lawn Care

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:06:34 +0000

Summer Lawn Care Tips to Keep Your Lawn Beautiful

Author: Perry Boylan

Summer is a time to enjoy being outside with your family. Barbeques and playing games in the yard are integral parts of the summertime experience. However, summer can wreak havoc on the health of your lawn, with extended hours of heat and warm weather pests. Having a professional company handle your lawn care and maintenance can leave you with a beautiful lawn all summer long - and leave you with enough time to enjoy it.

Lawn maintenance professionals know where to look for evidence of current or future insect and lawn disease problems and can usually stop the problems before they become serious threats to your lawn. The following tips are great for those who handle their own lawn care and maintenance and also serve as a great way to check up on your lawn in-between professional visits.

Lawn Grubs are a unique problem in lawns, because they work underground where they can't be seen while doing their damage. They feed on tender grass roots, which cuts off the lawn's source of water and nutrients. Lawn grubs are actually the larvae of a variety of beetles that lay their eggs in the summer, beneath the soil surface in the lawn. The eggs soon hatch and the larvae devour grass roots. Although the damage is done at that time, it may not show up until weeks or months later (when it is far too late to do anything about it).

Left untreated, the lawn will eventually turn brown and die. In severe cases, all the roots are severed and the sod can be rolled up like a carpet. To help prevent this, most lawn care professionals offer season-long protection against damaging lawn grubs with as little as one application.

Sod Webworms are one of the most common insect pests. Webworms are difficult to spot in a lawn since they're small and tend to stay at the soil surface (where they feed on the crowns of grass plants). Lawn care pros are trained to recognize the early signs of webworm damage. However, the best way to deal with sod webworms is to stop them before they start. Webworms are the larvae of small, tan colored moths that can be seen flitting about the lawn when the grass is disturbed. A few moths are normal in a lawn, but large numbers indicate that it's time to use a control to stop the larvae that will hatch soon after the eggs are laid.

Unwanted pests are not the only cause of brown, unsightly lawns. As summer temperatures rise, conditions are ripe for the infestation of lawn diseases such as dollar spot and brown patch disease. Here are the common symptoms of these lawn diseases to watch out for:

Dollar spot starts as individual brown spots about the size of a silver dollar. As the spots increase in number, they begin to join together, forming larger brown areas. If the disease is allowed to reach this stage, recovery can be slow, reducing the beauty of your lawn.

Brown Patch Disease starts in small patches a few inches in diameter and grows to cover large areas of lawn. Frequently, a "smoke ring" of dark-gray, spider-web-like mycelium may surround the area.

Follow these tips and you can enjoy the comfort of a lush, green lawn all summer long.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/landscaping-articles/summer-lawn-care-tips-to-keep-your-lawn-beautiful-1060132.html

About the Author

Perry Boylan is a Marketing Manager with Scotts LawnService. Perry has worked for Scotts Miracle-Gro for 10 years providing sound lawn, garden, and pest management advice. He has worked with both product related and service delivery business units. Scotts LawnService will transform your lawn with professional lawn care services, tree and shrub care, and pest control. Scotts offers a FREE lawn analysis. Visit http://www.scottslawnservice.com/ for information.

Summer Lawn Care is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Complete Lawn Care

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:03:58 +0000

Complete Lawn Care Tips - Killer Tips On Having A Great Lawn

Author: Avery Howe

Having a great looking lawn can be one of the easiest and quickest ways to increase your homes value.

People do not realize that the soil and the roots of the grass need air in order to grow, especially if the soil is compacted. This process of aeration just means is to perform a simple procedure or poking small holes in the lawn at regular intervals so that the oxygen can reach the roots and the water can get to them. This will help prevent thatch and increase the amount of nutrients getting to the soil. Your lawn can become compacted over time and aeration is especially important for long term health.

Adequate fertilisation is crucial point in keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful. Firstly learn what soil type you have and adjust the fertilizer to your soil needs. Over fertilizing can be harmful to your grass and make so called fertilizer burn for that reason compost is the best available fertilizer for organic lawn care .

Over-watering is one of the most common lawn problems. Too much water causes much more damage than under-watering does -- this is because most varieties of turf handle short droughts fine, but can be wrecked with flooding. Brown patches (commonly a fungal infection) on the lawn can often be attributed over-watering. To avoid disaster, know the requirements of the grass type you have planted and water accordingly.

Don't forget to pull any weed on your lawn. Include the measure to cut your grass higher,so you prevent the sunlight feed the weed. Weed have deep roots and many times you have to remove weeds digging them out by the roots,spraying weed is not very effective in fall, but if you choose it, remember to follow the indications on the herbicide label.

There you have my basic tips to keep a healthy enough lawn to make you want to defend it with your life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/complete-lawn-care-tips-killer-tips-on-having-a-great-lawn-1550940.html

About the Author

I know how you feel, you want the perfect lawn but are a bit overwhelmed by it all. Then this is what you need to do NOW First, go to http://lovelawncare.com/lawn-care-reviews/ to get honest and impartial reviews on some popular and successful 'lawn care and maintenance' products. Next If you are serious about having a beautiful lawn, TRY one of them, they do work. Third enjoy the si

Complete Lawn Care is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Lawn Care Mn

admin — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:02:47 +0000

Mn Lawn Care Tips - Great Lawns In Minnesota Start With Early Care

Author: Wayne Westerberg

Everybody has seen it. It doesn’t take an expert to drive through a neighborhood and spot the house that obsesses on their yard (in fact, it might be they do!) and the house that only mows when the city is knocking on their door. In Minnesota, most people get excited when the snow starts to melt and the grass starts getting green. So, what should you do to give your lawn a head start? You do want a beautiful lawn without devoting your entire summer to it, right?

A lot of people suggest getting your lawn ready for spring before the first snowfall…but of course time gets away from a lot of people. So, here are some tips for those who weren’t able to find time to baby their yard before the snow came.

1. When most of the snow has melted, get your wheelbarrow out and start picking up the debris left behind from the fall and anything the snowplows may have thrown into your lawn. You will want to get your rake out so that you get all of the twigs, branches, leaves, etc. that are in the yard. (This will also make it easier to mow when it comes time for that!)

2. Then get out your shovel (hopefully for the last time) and flatten out any piles that are taking longer to melt. They might be lining your sidewalk from shoveling previously or in areas that don’t get as much sun. Why? While the extra snow shouldn’t kill the grass, it might stunt the growth and that won’t make for a superb lawn.

3. Fertilizing in the spring. I am a firm believer that it is easier to start a nice lawn early than it is to bring a dull lawn back to life in midsummer. So, go to the local hardware store and search for a fertilizer for the spring (it should say when to use the specific mixtures on the back). Remember not to over fertilize because this can actually cause more harm to the grass than good, so read the directions thoroughly.

4. Attend to any lawn problems you had last year. Did you have crabgrass (or any other nuisance) invade your yard last summer? It is vital to stop these annoyances before they can get started. Some, including crabgrass, have a very limited timeframe to be taken care of each year. (See my other articles regarding this)

5. Areas of patchy grass? I like to use a method called "overseeding." This is when you put down a lot of grass seed in the patchy areas. It will make your grass grow faster and stronger, and of course you will have a much fuller looking lawn! Don’t do this too early…the grass seed you choose should have directions for when to plant it!

So, there you have it! Some early spring lawn care tips for my Minnesota people! This might not make your lawn the nicest on the block in one summer, but if you follow these steps every spring, your yard will eventually be one of the best! MN Lawn Care made easy!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/mn-lawn-care-tips-great-lawns-in-minnesota-start-with-early-care-812807.html

About the Author

Wayne Westerberg is the owner of Four Seasons Outdoor Services in Cottage Grove, MN. The company provides residential and commercial grounds maintenance for the east metro (Cottage Grove MN, Woodbury MN, Hastings MN, Afton MN, Stillwater MN, Eagan MN, Inver Grove Heights MN, South St. Paul MN, St. Paul Park MN, Newport MN, and surrounding areas). Four Seasons Outdoor Services is one of the premier grounds maintenance companies in the Twin Cities. They provide lawn care, lawn mowing, tree service (tree removal, stump removal, tree trimming, tree planting), and snow removal. For more information on the company and more tips visit their website at http://www.4SeasonsOutdoorServices.com

Lawn Care Mn is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Fall Lawn Care

admin — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:12:05 +0000

Fall Lawn Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Lawn Through Winter

Author: Perry Boylan

As the fall season approaches, people across the country will begin preparing their lawns for the cooler temperatures. For many this is as simple a task as raking the newly fallen leaves and keeping the grass mowed. However, there are several steps that any average homeowner can take this fall to make sure their lawn is adequately prepared for the coming winter season. These tips work for every lawn, in almost every climate -- whether you fall into the do-it-yourself category of lawn maintenance or if you have a professional lawn care service provider.

Pruning and Trimming

Pruning and trimming your trees and shrubs is a good habit to adopt year round. It keeps the plants looking their best while also maintaining their health and stability. It is even more important to prune and trim these plants in the fall as winter approaches. The colder temperatures will likely result in a few more dead branches and limbs than usual, so it is important to remove these quickly for the health of the tree. Additionally, when temperatures drop even further, pruning larger, fuller trees and shrubs allows light to penetrate further into the center of the tree, providing warmth and nourishment. This tactic is especially important when dealing with coniferous trees and shrubs.

Mowing and Watering

While mowing and watering alone will not get your lawn adequately prepared for the colder temperatures and approaching winter months, they are essential. Good watering practices depend on a number of different factors, including your climate, grass type, the amount of rainfall and conditions which are unique to your lawn. Your lawn care service provider should be able to provide you with a proper maintenance schedule for in-between visits. If you aren't using a lawn care service provider, a good rule of thumb is that lawns need from 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches of water per week, whether it is coming from rainfall or sprinklers.

Mowing your lawn is just as important as watering in terms of routine lawn care and maintenance. If you set your blades a little higher for the hot sun of the summer months, now would be the time to reset the blades to their original position. It is extremely important not to take the blades too low or you will risk scalping the lawn causing undue stress before winter.

Raking

Raking or blowing the dead leaves which have fallen onto your lawn is necessary to maintain your yard's health and appearance. Not only does it look bad to have a layer of soggy, decaying leaves cluttering up your yard, the dead leaves release chemical compounds as they decompose which can be harmful to your lawn in large doses. Leaving a layer of leaves on the lawn over the winter can also smother the lawn causing unsightly dead spots in the spring. Rake or blow the dead leaves into bags or into your rain gutters along the street, in compliance with your municipal lawn waste regulations.

Pest Control

Pest control is a paramount concern as the winter months approach. As the temperatures outside get colder, insects will be looking for shelter and warmth anywhere they can find it. You will want to take measures to protect your house from these invading pests. Your lawn care specialists should be able to help you set up a plan to handle unwanted pests. If you don't have a lawn maintenance company protecting your lawn, always consult a professional and read label instructions carefully before applying insect controls yourself.

By following these tips you will be able to enjoy the crisp, cool fall air outside with your friends and family. Your lawn will remain healthy and begin to prepare itself for winter.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/landscaping-articles/fall-lawn-maintenance-tips-for-a-healthy-lawn-through-winter-1316149.html

About the Author

Perry Boylan is a Marketing Manager with Scotts LawnService. Perry has worked for Scotts Miracle-Gro for 10 years providing sound lawn, garden, and pest management advice. Scotts LawnService will transform your lawn with professional lawn maintenance tips, lawn care service, tree and shrub care, and gardening tips. Scotts offers a FREE lawn analysis. Visit http://www.scottslawnservice.com/ for information.

Fall Lawn Care is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Lawn Pest Control

admin — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:11:28 +0000

Summer Lawn Care Tips to Keep Your Lawn Beautiful

Author: Perry Boylan

Summer is a time to enjoy being outside with your family. Barbecues and playing games in the yard are integral parts of the summertime experience. However, summer can wreak havoc on the health of your lawn, with extended hours of heat and warm weather pests. Having a professional company handle your lawn care and maintenance can leave you with a beautiful lawn all summer long - and leave you with enough time to enjoy it.

Brown Patch Disease starts in small patches a few inches in diameter and grows to cover large areas of lawn. Frequently, a "smoke ring" of dark-gray, spider-web-like mycelium may surround the area.

Proper mowing and watering habits are critical to maintaining your lawn throughout the hot dry summer.

On average a lawn needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week through irrigation, rainfall or a combination of the two. It is best to water less frequently and applying more water each time. For example, watering twice a week and applying 0.5 to 0.75 inches of water each time is more effective than watering a little bit every day. Infrequent, deep watering encourages a deeper root system which should cause your lawn to be more tolerant to drought over time.

As the temperatures climb during the summer months raise your mowing height one or two notches until you are cutting at the maximum cutting height your mower allows by mid-summer. A lawn that is mowed high is less stressed and can more easily withstand the rigors of heat and drought. Keep you mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut. Not only does this improve the appearance of your lawn, but also prevents the shredded grass blades that are a haven for disease spores.

Follow these tips and you can enjoy the comfort of a lush, green lawn all summer long.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/landscaping-articles/summer-lawn-care-tips-to-keep-your-lawn-beautiful-1192497.html

About the Author

Lawn Pest Control is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape

Fall Lawn Care Tips: How To Maintain Your Lawn’s Beauty

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:02:18 +0000

Tips of lawn care are always prevalent, whether they are for the winter, fall, summer, or spring. One of the most difficult seasons for lawn care is fall, and so everyone should take the time to learn some fall lawn care tips. This is so you are well informed and are not struggling through each fall, not sure what to do. The following are some important lawn care tips to consider:

Aeration

Aeration is one of the most important things to do in the fall, and so this is one of the best fall lawn care tips that you will ever get. If you forget to do this, then in the spring when you go to start your gardening and yard care, you are not going to have as much success and get the results that you were hoping for. So this is a step that you are not going to want to miss.

One of your top priorities with you lawn is if the soil is very compact, this will need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Fertilizing

Another of the most important green lawn care tips has to do with fertilization. There are special fertilizers that are for use in the fall only, and so you know that you are getting the best results when you choose these fertilizers for the fall season. You want to get these fertilizers in particular because they are slow release, which means that they are going to really benefit your lawn come next spring.

There are so many people, even lawn care professionals, who do not know how important proper fertilization is, and this is one step that is definitely going to pay off when you start your gardening the next spring season.

A lot of people do not realize that there are different lawn care tips you should be learning for each different season, and these are just examples of the best fall lawn care tips, what you should know for yard and lawn care in the fall season.

There are so many different things that are important to learn about when it comes to yard and lawn care any time of the year, and taking the time to do research and learn up on these things is going to be to your benefit.

Fall Lawn Care Tips: How To Maintain Your Lawn’s Beauty is a post from: Popular Garden and Landscape