In the summer, lawns face a variety of stressors, including heat and pest infestations, such as turf caterpillars and grub worms. Lawn services should focus on mowing, weed control, and treatment for these pests.

A soil test is key for a healthy lawn, as it helps determine how to care for the grass. Aerate the lawn when the soil is damp to ensure oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots. Contact Harrisburg Lawn Care now!

A well-manicured lawn is an attractive feature that adds curb appeal to any home or business. In addition, it provides a green foil for colorful herbaceous beds and a resting place for wildlife. However, maintaining a lush lawn requires regular watering, feeding and cutting to keep it healthy. Hiring a professional lawn care service is one way to ensure that your property stays in prime condition.

Lawn care services typically include mowing, edging and trimming, aeration, fertilization and weed control as well as yard cleanups. In addition, many lawn care companies provide a variety of seasonal treatments to protect and enhance turfgrass health.

When hiring a company for lawn mowing, look for a crew that has a consistent mowing pattern. Mowing the grass at a uniform height promotes dense turf that is resistant to drought and weeds. The ideal mowing height is between 2 1/2 and 3 12 inches. For best results, cut the grass at the same time each week during the growing season. This helps reduce the shock to the grass from frequent clipping and improves the overall appearance of the lawn.

In addition, mowing crews should always remove stray debris from the yard. This will help prevent injury to pets and children, as well as reduce the risk of tripping and falling over items left on the lawn. Lawn care professionals should also rake around shrubs, trees and flowerbeds, and sweep the driveways and sidewalks.

Besides mowing, lawn care services usually include weeding, fertilizing and fungicide treatment. Fungicides are used to control diseases like brown patch, summer patch and leaf spot. They can also be applied to protect young grasses from insect damage and to improve their color.

A healthy lawn is a good deterrent to harmful insects, but some do infiltrate residential and commercial properties. Lawn care services often use a combination of granular and liquid insecticides to prevent pests from damaging turfgrasses. They may also recommend lawn insect monitoring services to track and identify problem areas before they become widespread infestations. These are often offered in a monthly or weekly program that can be adjusted based on the needs of each client.

Fertilizing

Lush, green lawns aren’t just for show – they also protect homes from moisture loss and add to curb appeal. However, healthy turf depends on proper care and regular fertilization.

Choosing the right type and timing of lawn fertilizer is vital to your property’s health. For example, a lawn fertilizer that is high in nitrogen will encourage rapid grass growth and lush color, while one that is high in phosphorus will promote root development and help the plant stand up to drought and cold. It is also important to use a slow-release fertilizer so that the nutrients are released over an extended period of time, which helps the soil retain the moisture it needs for good health.

Fertilizers are available in both organic and chemical forms. Organic lawn fertilizers are made with natural materials that feed the soil and improve its structure, while chemical lawn fertilizers contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to people, pets, and the environment. If you choose to use chemical lawn fertilizers, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and use, as too much can actually damage your yard by overstimulation of the grass or thatch build-up.

Most lawns need a seasonal schedule of fertilization that corresponds with the growing seasons. In spring, the lawn needs a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen to kickstart growth and color, while in summer it should be high in potassium and phosphorus to keep the grass hydrated and combat the hot weather. In fall, it should be high in potash to strengthen the plants so they can withstand winter.

Aerating the lawn prior to fertilizing is also a good idea, as it will improve the soil’s overall condition by removing plugs of earth and allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate more easily. Weed control is another essential aspect of lawn care, as it ensures that the only thing competing with your grass for nutrients and water are the desired plants. Many companies offer weed control treatments that are both organic and non-toxic to the environment.

Weed Control

A beautiful lawn can be marred by weeds that compete with desirable grasses for sun, water and nutrients. Proper identification of the weeds is essential in determining whether or not chemical control is needed. A weed control plan should include steps to minimize the use of chemicals, as well as other options for weed removal.

Weeds can grow in any soil type, but they usually thrive best in compacted, dry soils and in areas that receive excessive shade. Soil improvement practices that reduce compaction, increase water infiltration and improve root mass can help prevent weeds.

Sound lawn care practices that promote a thick, vigorous turf are best at preventing and controlling weeds. Mowing at the proper height (3 to 4 inches), watering adequately, fertilizing properly, and managing thatch can help keep weeds at bay.

The first step in weed control is to apply pre-emergent herbicides before the weed seeds are able to sprout. Lawn care services typically begin applying pre-emergent products around April 1. If weeds still appear, post-emergent herbicides can be used later in the season to kill them once they have grown and gone to seed.

When weeds are already established, they can be killed by using either contact or systemic herbicides. It is important to follow the herbicide label and to understand that nonselective herbicides such as glyphosate can also kill the desirable lawn species. It is therefore not recommended to spray the entire lawn when addressing perennial weeds such as nimblewill or zoysiagrass, but rather patches of the unwanted species.

It is also important to avoid hot days when spraying as these chemicals can volatize (turn into vapor) and drift across neighborhoods affecting desirable landscape plants and garden crops. It is also important to wait a few days after application before mowing and 30 days before seeding a treated area.

Organic herbicides are available and can be applied in the same manner as synthetic herbicides. However, they may not provide the same level of control, and they are not recommended when spraying weeds close to trees or shrubs.

Irrigation

A well-maintained irrigation system is one of the most effective ways to ensure your lawn is healthy and lush. Irrigation systems are often more efficient than hoses and sprinklers, allowing you to save water and money in the long run. Plus, they eliminate the hassle of dragging out a hose and moving sprinkler heads around your yard.

To properly use your irrigation system, it’s important to know how much and when to water. Different types of grass have varying water needs, so it’s critical to understand your specific lawn’s requirements and adjust your irrigation schedule accordingly. Watering too often or for too long can lead to a buildup of salt in the soil and other problems, so it’s best to water sparingly.

In general, a well-maintained lawn requires 1″ to 1 1/2″ of water per week for optimal growth. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages deeper root growth and increases the soil moisture reservoir, which helps prevent weeds. For the best results, water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. You can also take steps to conserve water and abide by local water restrictions by using a smart controller.

When watering your lawn, be sure to avoid pools of standing water on the sidewalks and driveways. This is a sign of overwatering, which can cause fungal diseases and other issues. To avoid overwatering, use a smart controller that checks the local weather report and adjusts your irrigation cycle accordingly.

When determining which irrigation system is right for your home, be sure to compare initial installation costs and operational expenses against the potential benefits of water conservation and reduced maintenance costs over time. It’s also a good idea to consult with Wake Forest landscaping professionals, like the team at Fort Smith Landscaping, to determine which irrigation options are most compatible with your home and local climate conditions. Then, we can help you install and optimize your irrigation system for maximum performance and convenience. We’re committed to providing high-quality landscape services that enhance your property value, increase curb appeal, and maintain the health of your lawn and garden.