Busy lifestyles today leave little time for lawn care.  Keep your lawn healthy by enlisting the help of a professional.  TruGreen has been in the lawn care business since 1973.  They have expanded their operations from basic lawn care to include total landscape care.  Commonly misspelled as TrueGreen, the actual company name is TruGreen.  It began in Michigan, and is now part of the Servicemaster corporation-a group of businesses that help homeowners and businesses maintain healthy, clean and “green” home and work environments.  Here are some of the benefits of using TruGreen (not TrueGreen) to help maintain your lawn at peak condition.

Benefits of Using TruGreen

• Professionally trained technicians treating your lawn and garden. Much pesticide pollution is actually caused by un-trained individuals purchasing and using chemicals available at home and garden centers.  TruGreen technicians have had extensive training and supervision to mix and apply treatments safely.
• More time to spend enjoying the lawn, rather than working on the lawn. Professional lawn equipment is large enough and powerful enough to complete the job in a fraction of the time it takes a homeowner with a standard-sized push mower and trimmer.  Instead of spending three or four hours of hard-earned free time taking care of the lawn, let TruGreen put their powerful machines to work.  They are in and out in a flash, leaving homeowners with more time to enjoy their weekends and evenings.
• Free analysis for your specific lawn’s needs. Adding fertilizer where it isn’t needed is expensive.  Mowing at the incorrect height can cause damage to lawn grass.  Spraying broadcast insecticides pre-emotively do little good for the health of the lawn.  TruGreen provides a free analysis for anyone requesting one.  This analysis will identify the types of grass in your lawn, any insect, pest or disease problems, and a free tutorial about how to properly maintain your lawn for best health.
• Catch problems before they are out of control. Prevention will keep your lawn healthy to a point.  Prevention in terms of mowing technique, watering frequency, and proper fertilization.  Sometimes,  good maintenance is not enough to stop problems.  Early detection can keep lawn problems from ballooning out of control to the point where they are difficult to control.  Because TruGreen visits each homeowner’s yard on a regular basis, they can detect insect, fungal and disease problems while they are still manageable.  They can also recommend and complete a course of action to alleviate the problem.
• Receive priority access to yearly maintenance such as aerating, de-thatching, feeding and other tasks. These are tasks that you can accomplish yourself, but you may not have access to the best equipment.  For example, you can rent punch aerators at most equipment rental shops.  Those aerators can cause more damage than good by punching the soil further down into the lawn, rather than removing it to increase air circulation.  TruGreen only uses professional core aerators, which remove plugs of soil and allow the lawn to breathe.

Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Lawn with TruGreen

Lawn health is not just a cosmetic issue.  Maintaining the lawn also has health benefits for people!  Controlling common weeds that cause allergic reactions ensures a safe place for family activities.

Keeping a weed-free, lush lawn increases the value of your home, a major benefit during stressful economic times and lower home prices.  Curb appeal is one aspect of readying a home for sale that some homeowners forget about.  A beautiful lawn can help your home sell faster, and for a better price.

A healthy lawn will also need less water, and provides valuable green space in cities, to help slow the flow of water into storm water treatment systems.  Rain that falls on a lawn will percolate back into the drinking water aquifer, replenishing it.

For help maintaining your lawn, consider TruGreen.

Wichita, KS is located on the Arkansas River and is in the midst of the great central plains of the United States. It is also a place of extreme weather fluctuation. The average summer temperature in Kansas is 81 degrees Fahrenheit in July, but extremes as high as 110 degrees are possible. Summer is a hot and humid time, but can include periods of drier weather as well. The spring and summer are also fair game when it comes to thunder storms, which can be accompanied by heavy rain, hail, high winds, and tornadoes. Average annual rainfall is about 15 inches.

In the winter Wichita, KS experiences the other extreme. The average temperature in January reaches a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but the temperature can reach well below freezing. The average annual Kansas snowfall is 16 inches.

The most important things to consider when thinking about lawn care are the soil type and quality in the area. Fortunately, Kansas has some of the most fertile and easily worked prairie soils in the United States. The soils in Kansas tend to be silt loams. These are very nutrient-rich prairie soils that have the right conditions for growing. Because loam is such an easily worked and nutrient rich soil, there isn’t much you need to do to prepare it. It is important to check the acidity level of the soil and to balance it if necessary. Fertilization may be necessary in places in Kansas where the soil is beginning to lose its fertile nature.

Common Wichita Lawn Types

• Bermuda Grass
• Fescue Grass
• Centipede Grass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Wichita

• Cold Snaps
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• How to Mow Your Lawn
• Organic Pest Control
• Lawn Mower Accessories
• TruGreen Prices

How Wichita Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Wichita, KS the growing conditions for lawns is good for much of the year. The soil in Kansas is very fertile and this means that there is less care involved than in many other portions of the country. One of the most important factors in lawn care is to keep the lawn mowed and to control the insects that might damage the lawn, such as grubs. Insect control can be accomplished with a good pesticide. If the lawn is in need of fertilization, there are good fertilizers available.

Featured Wichita Lawn Service Provider
When your lawn care, lawn maintenance, or lawn repair is more than you can handle you can call on a professional to do the job. In Wichita, KS you will find the Kansas lawn care specialist, TruGreen. TruGreen will take care of all of your lawn care needs and offers a wide range of services to ensure your lawn is well cared for. Call on TruGreen today for a free evaluation and enjoy the TruGreen guarantee of quality.

Pensacola, FL is not as hot and humid as much of the rest of the state. The maximum summer temperature in this part of Florida is a balmy 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the area experiences mild seasonal changes. In the winter the temperature can go as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Florida summers are quite humid, but that humidity wanes as fall approaches. Rainfall in Pensacola, FL is fairly high year round, with the lowest average rainfall being around than 4 inches. July is the month with the highest rainfall with 8 inches of rain on average.

The summer heat and humidity and the high amount of rainfall make this area of Florida an oasis for plant life of many kinds. Growth excels during the summer and because of this proper lawn care is extremely important. In the winter months, the near freezing temperatures can cause stress for many plant species that thrive during the summer months in Florida. When planning your lawn and garden in this part of Florida, it is important to consider what plants will be able to stand up to these lower temperatures.

The soil type in Pensacola, FL must also be taken into consideration. In general, Florida has soil that is low in phosphorous materials and it is a sandy soil, which makes growing some plant life a challenge. The soil is not nutrient rich in general and it does not hold water well. The sandy soil of Florida also is home to a variety of nematodes. In short, these are difficult conditions to grow anything other than native plants. This means that lawn and garden care in Florida can be time consuming. When adding organic material to the soil, for example, a ratio of 25% sand to 75% organic material is necessary for most forms of plant life. Organic material must also be added to the soil on an annual basis to ensure that the organic composition of the soil is maintained.

Common Pensacola Lawn Types

• St. Augustine Grass
• Bahia Grass
• Centipede Grass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Pensacola

• Cold Snaps
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil or sandy soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Winter Grass
• Liquid Fertilizer
• All About St. Augustine Grass
• Centipede Grass
• TruGreen Lawn Care

How Pensacola Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Pensacola, FL there are a wide range of products available to help residents maintain a healthy and eye-catching lawn all year round. Fertilizers and pesticides that can be sprayed on the lawn are a popular choice. These can help to restore and balance the pH of the soil and get rid of the undesirable weeds and insects that can destroy an otherwise beautiful lawn. In Pensacola, FL the most harmful pest is the Mole Cricket. This insect lives beneath the turf and is rarely seen. However, it can do a lot of damage to your lawn through tunneling and eating the roots of the grass. Aside from the above care, mowing the lawn is required on a regular basis due to the rapid growth of the grass.

Featured Pensacola Lawn Service Provider
Many people don’t have the time or the knowledge to handle the lawn care in such conditions. Fortunately, there are lawn care professionals in Pensacola, FL that you can call on for all your lawn and garden needs. TruGreen is the top Pensacola, Florida professional lawn care provider. TruGreen can care for any lawn and garden and has available a wide range of treatments to ensure the health and growth of your plants. Services include lawn mowing, trimming, planting, and others to meet your general landscaping and maintenance needs. So call on TruGreen for all your lawn care needs.

New Orleans, LA offers a sub-tropical climate, which is ideal for lush growth. The summers in Louisiana are hot and humid and average temperatures reach as high as 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The low in the winter is still a comfortable 46 degrees Fahrenheit. October tends to be the driest month and the summer months bring in more precipitation, with an average of around 6 inches of rain falling in July.

The challenge in New Orleans, LA is its low elevation and its susceptibility to hurricanes that often come through the area. The Louisiana coastline is sinking and New Orleans has an elevation that is below sea level, with water surrounding it to the north, east, and south. This low elevation means the natural level of the water table in this part of Louisiana is just below the surface and these are very wet conditions in which to grow vegetation. With pumping, the water table is artificially kept lower, but when it rains there is flooding everywhere and with the pumping comes subsidence.

The soil in New Orleans, LA is very wet and acts like a sponge every time it rains. The soil itself is sandy silt and clay. This is a good mixture for soil fertility and needs to have organic material added to it to ensure proper drainage and consistency. It is important to get the pH tested so that you know the acidity of the soil and then you can add fertilizer as necessary.

Common New Orleans Lawn Types

• St. Augustine
• Bermuda Grass
• Centipede Grass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in New Orleans

• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Wet Soil
• Subsidence

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Mowing Wet Grass
• Lawn Drainage
• Lawn Weeds and Pests
• TruGreen

How New Orleans Residents Care for Their Lawns
In New Orleans, LA lawn care calls for an assortment of treatments and activities. It is important to mow the lawn regularly as the subtropical climate of Louisiana allows for quick growth of grass. Mowing twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter is usually sufficient. In addition to this, it is a good idea to ensure a balanced pH in your soil. Fertilizers are helpful in balancing the pH. There also might be a need for pesticides, particularly for the sod webworm caterpillar, which is common in Louisiana and eats the grass at a fast rate causing dead patches to appear in the lawn.

Featured New Orleans Lawn Service Provider
Lawn care might not be for everyone and if you cannot keep up with the care of your lawn or do not wish to do it yourself, then you can call on a lawn care professional for all your needs. TruGreen is the Louisiana lawn care specialist to call on in New Orleans and when you do you will not be disappointed. TruGreen offers a wide range of services for lawn maintenance and lawn repair as well as other services including trimming, planting, and more. Call TruGreen today and sign up for a free lawn care evaluation

When caring for your lawn in Miami, FL one of the most important things you will be doing is mowing it. This is because the south of Florida experiences a truly tropical climate where the “winter” temperature never goes below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and averages 64 degrees Fahrenheit. These warm temperatures are coupled with high humidity, makes Miami a very lush part of Florida. Because it is tropical, Miami basically has two seasons – the wet season and the dry season.

Miami, FL is also one of the rainiest cities in the United States. Between mid-May and October it averages of 58 inches of rain. This is during the hurricane season and it is not uncommon for hurricanes to whip through this part of Florida. This large amount of rainfall makes irrigation less of an issue, but it is important to ensure lawns don’t’ get too much water.

The type of soil found in the Miami, FL area is mostly sandy, as this is the predominant soil type along the Florida coast. This soil is nutrient deprived and is especially low in phosphorous matter. The key to working with this type of soil is to ensure that a large amount of organic material is worked into the soil to help give it a nutritional base and to help it retain water. Organic material will need to be added once a year.

Common Miami Lawn Types

• Bermuda Grass
• St. Augustine Grass
• Centipede Grass
• Bahia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Miami

• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil Nutrition
• High Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Sandy Soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• How To Mow Your Lawn
• Lawn Mowers Review
• Rain Water Collection
• Organic Gardening
• TruGreen

How Miami Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Miami, FL it is important to mow the lawn regularly, about every 2 weeks. Cut about 1/3 of the grass leaf, but do not cut it any shorter than about 2 inches. After mowing it is good to leave the grass clippings so that they can go back into the soil and provide a healthy source of nitrogen for the lawn. It is best to fertilize in the spring and summer in Florida and there are a wide variety of products available for Miami residents. There are also products to control pests such a grubs and crickets and other treatments to ensure a healthy lawn.

Featured Miami Lawn Service Provider
Whether you are putting in a new lawn or need lawn maintenance, consider having a professional provide these services for you. TruGreen is the Florida lawn care expert in the Miami area. At TruGreen, we know how important your lawn is to you and we provide a wide range of services, including lawn mowing, planting, landscaping, trimming, and pest and weed control. Call on TruGreen for a free evaluation of your lawn and our guarantee of quality.

Lexington, KY is situated in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Country and is an area full of small creeks and streams that run into the Kentucky River. The area is seasonal, but the range of temperatures and weather in Kentucky is generally not extreme. The average rainfall per month is 3-4 inches. The average summer temperature in Kentucky is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit and in January the average is 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

The soils in the Lexington, KY area are silty and sandy loams. These are very fertile and nutrient-rich soils with an abundance of organic material. The soils of Kentucky are also well drained. Although Kentucky soil is generally healthy, it is still important to check a few things. Determine the pH and balance of it if necessary. Fertilizers can also be applied to help the health of the lawn if nutrients have been depleted.

Common Lexington Lawn Types

• Bermuda Grass
• Fescue Grass
• Centipede Grass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Lexington

• Cold Snaps
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Winterizing Your Lawn
• Bermuda Grass Maintenance
• Zoysia Grass
• Organic Fertilizer
• TruGreen

How Lexington Residents Care for Their Lawns
Lexington, KY residents can take a number of measures to care for their lawns. Mowing is one of the best things to do. It not only improves the look of the lawn, but also keeps it healthy. If the soil fertility isn’t good, organic material and fertilizers are available. Fertilizers are also used to balance the pH of the lawn and to reduce the amount of weeds in the lawn. Grubs are a problem in virtually any lawn, including those in Kentucky, and there are a number of pesticides from which to choose.

Featured Lexington Lawn Service Provider
When lawn care in Lexington, KY becomes too much to handle or you just don’t feel you have a green enough thumb to pull it off, you can call on the local professionals to care for your lawn and get the job done right. In Lexington you will find TruGreen, your Kentucky lawn care specialist. TruGreen offers a wide range of services including lawn maintenance, lawn repair, planting, trimming, and more. Call on TruGreen today for a free evaluation of your lawn.

Indianapolis, IN lawn care is highly dependent on the area’s climate and soil. Indianapolis has a fairly temperate climate and fairly even rainfall all year round. On average the annual rainfall in Indiana is 40 inches and the average snowfall is 23 inches. In the winter, the average temperature in January is 26 degrees Fahrenheit and in July the temperature reaches a comfortable average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Indianapolis has an elevation of 645 to 910 feet above sea level. This makes the soil content in Indiana clay-rich with high nutrient levels; however, the soil is not very porous. Adding a lot of organic material to this soil will help loosen it up and make it workable. This will also improve your lawn’s drainage.

Common Indianapolis Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Indianapolis

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Why Lawn Aerating is Necessary
• Winter Lawn Care
• Mowing Wet Grass
• TruGreen

How Indianapolis Residents Care for Their Lawns
To care for the Indianapolis, IN lawn a few things need to be considered. If the soil is compacted and clay-rich, then using organic material and aerating the lawn is a good place to begin. Aerating the lawn will allow for better drainage and help the fertilizer to settle into the ground. Organic material will do the same and will also improve the nutrient content of the soil. Fertilizers will help balance the pH of the soil and it will also help reduce weeds. Liming the soil might also be necessary. For the general maintenance of your Indiana lawn, it is important to mow it regularly and to not cut it below a length of about 3 inches. Insect pests such as grubs can be managed by the use of pesticides.

Featured Indianapolis Lawn Service Provider
When you do not want to spend the time making your lawn look gorgeous, you can call a professional Indianapolis lawn care provider to get the job done right. TruGreen is that Indiana professional. This Indiana lawn care expert offers lawn care, lawn repair, and lawn maintenance and their services include planting, trimming, and landscaping. When you need lawn care services call on TruGreen for a free evaluation.

Chicago, IL has a climate that includes high amounts of precipitation and hot, fairly humid summers. Summer temperatures in Illinois range from around 78 degrees to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the temperatures can dip below freezing, with an average temperature of 29 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The rainiest part of the year is summer and the annual average amount of precipitation is 36 inches. The winter brings an average of 38 inches of snow with it. Although Chicago is near Lake Michigan, it rarely gets lake-effect snow because a prevailing westerly wind passes Chicago before it acquires moisture from the lake. For this reason, winter storms are rare and Chicago might get one per year.

The lawns and plants in Chicago, IL must be able to stand up to the high levels of precipitation and the cooler weather in the winter. As such, the choice of grass must reflect this climate. Chicago also has a unique soil composition. When the city was first built the soil was too wet to support construction. Repeated filling treatments were done to help absorb the excess moisture and make the land more suitable for building on. Now, the subsoil has a very high clay content and near the lakeshore there may be sandier soil. Unfortunately, city development and filling of the soil during the city’s construction has stripped much of the natural nutrients from the land.

In order to improve the workability and nutritional quality of the soil in Chicago, IL working organic material into it is necessary. This will loosen up and clayey soil, add nutrients, and allow for better drainage. Organic material will need to be added annually to ensure that the soil remains loose and workable.

Common Chicago Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Chicago

• Winter Weather
• High Amount of Precipitation
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Winter Grass
• Nitrogen Fertilizer
• Lawn Weeds
• Pest Control
• TruGreen Prices

How Chicago Residents Care for Their Lawns
Residents of Chicago, Illinois have a wide range of products available to help them make their lawns beautiful. The most important thing that can be done to improve the soil’s workability is to ensure that the soil has a good pH balance. There are various organic fertilizers that will do this as well as help control weeds. Pesticides are also available to control the insects that are harmful to the lawn in Illinois, particularly white grubs that feed on the roots of the grass. Mowing the lawn regularly not only maintains its beauty, but helps maintain the health of the lawn. It is recommended that the mowing length not be shorter than about 3 inches.

Featured Chicago Lawn Service Provider
When you are looking to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn in Chicago, IL and you either cannot or do not wish to do the work yourself, then you can call on a lawn care company to help. TruGreen is the Chicago, Illinois lawn care expert and they have a wide range of services that include lawn maintenance, lawn repair, and garden and tree care as well. Call TruGreen today and have a free evaluation of your lawn done.

Boise Idaho is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Idaho has a very temperate climate, in which the hottest summer temperatures are just above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and in the month of January, the temperature can dip to below freezing, reaching an average of about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The summers are very dry and most of the precipitation comes during the winter months. The annual precipitation is usually about a foot of rainfall and 21 inches of snow.

Because the summers are dry in Idaho, irrigation of the lawn is essential. Less water is needed during the spring and fall. Many Idaho residents have sprinkler systems installed in their lawns to ensure proper irrigation. In the summer, most grass types need about 2 inches of water per week and only about 1 inch per week in the winter.

In Boise, ID the soil type is generally clay-rich, which means that it retains moisture easily, but when it dries out, it hardens and cracks. Clay-rich soils have high nutrients levels, but are hard to work. Boise residents can add organic material to the soil in order to help increase its workability. It is also important to ensure the pH is at an acceptable level and adding lime might also help to make the soil more workable.

Common Boise Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Buffalo Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Boise

• Low Rainfall
• Sunburned Lawn
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Lawn Irrigation
• Drought Resistant Grass
• Lawn Care Equipment
• Organic Lawn Fertilizer
• TruGreen

How Boise Residents Care for Their Lawns
Boise, ID residents need to ensure proper irrigation of their lawns as the climate is so dry. This, along with mowing regularly, is crucial to a healthy lawn. When mowing the lawn, it is important not to cut it lower than about 3 inches. Any lower and it can compromise the root growth and the grass can become more susceptible to drought. It is also important to ensure the soil is workable with a balanced pH and enough nutrients. Mixing organic matter with the clay-rich soil will provide the added nutrients and will break up the clay so that water can filter through it more easily. Residents of the Boise, ID are can also use pesticides to help control insect pests, particularly the Billbug, the larvae of which feed on the root system of the grass.

Featured Boise Lawn Service Provider
Lawn care in Boise, ID can be challenging due to the dry climate. If you are having a difficult time getting the lawn you want or you just don’t want to put the time in to make it beautiful you can call in an expert to take care of your lawn maintenance and lawn repair. TruGreen is the Idaho lawn care professional to call on for all your lawn care needs. From regular lawn maintenance to trimming, planting, and landscaping, TruGreen will create a lawn of beauty of which you will be proud. Call TruGreen for a free evaluation today.

St. Louis, MO has a unique location within the continental United States because it is situated on the border between the continental climate and the subtropical climate. This, coupled with the fact that there are no major land features to control the weather, means that this part of Missouri experiences extreme climate fluctuations.

The summers in St. Louis, MO are humid and in July the average temperature reaches 91 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can easily go above 100 degrees. During the winter, temperatures dip drastically, hitting an average of 21 degrees Fahrenheit in January. The summers in this part of Missouri are also notorious for severe thunderstorms.

The soil in eastern Missouri is a spectacular silt loam that is highly nutrient-rich and very easily worked. This means that little preparation is needed for your lawn. It is still important to have the soil tested for pH and nutrient content so that adjustments can be made if necessary. Adding lime and/or fertilizer can help correct any problems with your soil’s pH levels.

Common St. Louis Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in St. Louis

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Winter Grass
• Mowing Wet Grass
• Lawn Irrigation
• Over Seeding a Lawn
• TruGreen Prices

How St. Louis Residents Care for Their Lawns
In St. Louis, MO lawn care is a must, especially during the hot, humid summers. Mowing the lawn the proper height, about 3 inches, and keeping it well irrigated can help keep your lawn healthy. Aerating and seeding the lawn, particularly in the fall can also help keep your lawn looking good throughout the summer. It is also important to ensure the pH is balanced and that insect pests, such as grubs, are controlled with the proper application of pesticides.

Featured St. Louis Lawn Service Provider
Whether or not you like working with your lawn, sometimes you need professional help. In St. Louis, MO TruGreen is the company to call. TruGreen is the Missouri lawn care specialist who will take care of all your needs. Whether you need lawn maintenance, lawn repair, or other lawn and garden services, TruGreen is ready to take care of your lawn. Call TruGreen in Missouri today for a free evaluation.

Portland, ME has a continental climate. This means warm, humid summers and cold, sometimes harsh winters. Portland is on the Southern coast of Maine, where the climate is more moist and warmer that in the northern part of the state. Summer temperatures in this part of Maine go as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the average in July is near 80 degrees. During the winter, temperatures can dip very low with an average of about 12 degrees Fahrenheit in January.

Precipitation in Portland, ME is fairly steady throughout the year, with an average of 3 to 5 inches per month. August is the driest month, which means that irrigation is needed for lawns in Portland. An average of about 6 inches of snow falls during a Portland, ME winter.

The soil in Portland, ME is silty clay and offers poor drainage. This can be helped by working in organic material in order to loosen up the soil and get the water moving. Maine has a short growing season so seeding the lawn in the late summer is best. Fertilizers and liming can also help improve soil quality and drainage. Be sure to check the pH of the soil; you may find that you need to balance your lawn’s acidity.

Common Portland Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Portland

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Soil With Inadequate Drainage

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Irrigation Tips
• Lawn Drainage
• Organic Lawn Fertilizer
• TruGreen Lawn Services
• How to Control the Chinch Bug

How Portland Residents Care for Their Lawns
Residents of Portland, ME have a short and relatively dry growing season. As such, it is important to follow the necessary steps to keep lawns looking healthy year round. Watering the lawn frequently is a good idea. In addition, fertilizing the lawn will help it grow healthier and with fewer weeds and ensuring the pH is balanced is crucial. Mowing is important for lawn health in Maine as it is everywhere else. Pests can also harm Maine lawns. The most common pests in Maine are the white grub and the Chinch bug. These can be effectively eliminated with the use of pesticides.

Featured Portland Lawn Service Provider
When lawn care in Portland, ME is too much to handle or of it just isn’t your thing, then call on TruGreen, the Maine lawn care specialists. TruGreen can take care of all your lawn needs, including lawn maintenance and lawn repair, trimming, planting, and more. If you want a beautiful lawn in Portland, ME, call TruGreen today for a free evaluation.

Kansas City, MO is located in the center of the United States. It is also near the meeting of the Missouri River and the Kansas River. The weather in this part of Missouri can be extreme. In the summer, moist air comes up from the Gulf of Mexico, making the air humid. Temperatures in the summer can rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but usually average 90 degrees in July. Kansas City, MO is also situated in Tornado Alley, which means that severe storms can pass through the area.

Winters in Missouri can also be extreme. The average temperature in January is a frigid 21 degrees Fahrenheit and the average annual amount of precipitation is 38 inches, with 20 inches of snow fall in a winter.

Western Missouri is known for its heavy clay and rich prairie loam soils. If your soil is has a high clay content, then you will need to add organic material to it in order to make it more workable and to increase drainage and nutrients level. The loam of western Missouri is already very rich in nutrients although some fertilizer may be required.

Common Kansas City Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Kansas City

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Potentially Heavy Clays

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Lawn Watering Done Right
• Organic Lawn Fertilizer
• Zoysia Grass
• TruGreen

How Kansas City Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Kansas City, MO residents must ensure their lawn has the proper nutrients, pH, and drainage to remain healthy. Adding organic material and fertilizer are helpful and a good way to keep weeds at bay. Pesticides can be used to minimize insect pests, including grubs. In addition to this, regular mowing is recommended. This not only improves its beauty, but also its level of health.

Featured Kansas City Lawn Service Provider
There are those who love to care for their lawn and there are those who would rather enjoy their lawn without having to put in the work to maintain it. Fortunately, the Missouri lawn care specialist is ready and waiting. TruGreen services the Kansas City, MO area and will take care of lawn maintenance, lawn repair, trimming, planting, and so much more. Call TruGreen today for a free evaluation.

Southfield, MI is located near the Great Lakes. This causes the city to experience a continental climate that has warm summers and cold winters. Summers are humid and in July the average temperature is a warm 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter in this part of Michigan has a high average temperature in January of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures can reach extremes and will often go well below freezing in the winter and above 90 degrees in the summer.

In Southfield, MI precipitation amounts are fairly steady throughout the year, with an average monthly precipitation of 2-4 inches. There can be very significant amounts of snowfall between November and April, with a monthly average of 1 to 10 inches. Much of the snow in Michigan is caused by cold air blowing over the Great Lakes.

The area of Southfield, MI contains clay-rich soil. This soil becomes compacted easily and it does not drain well. It is also difficult to work. For this reason it is recommended to add a lot of organic material to the soil in order to increase workability and drainage. Aerating the lawn will also improve drainage and reduce compaction and adding fertilizers will improve the health of the lawn.

Common Southfield Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Southfield

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

How Southfield Residents Care for Their Lawns
Lawns in Southfield, MI have a short growing season. For this reason, it is important to ensure maximum growth and health during the summer months. The clay-rich soil needs to be aerated and needs organic material to be added on an annual basis in order to loosen it and improve drainage. Fertilizers are needed to improve lawn health and to reduce unwanted weeds. The pH must be balanced as well and it may be necessary to add a pesticide to the lawn to reduce the impact of harmful insects such as white grubs.

Featured Southfield Lawn Service Provider
When you don’t have the time or energy to care for your lawn or when the problem seems too overwhelming, you need a lawn care professional that you can trust in Southfield, MI. That Michigan lawn care specialist is TruGreen. TruGreen offers services that include lawn maintenance, lawn repair, and garden services including trimming, flower planting, and much more. Call on TruGreen today for all your Michigan lawn care needs and you will receive a free evaluation of your lawn.

Detroit, MI has a continental climate. This means it has a very warm humid summer and a cold winter. The weather is affected by the presence of the Great Lakes. The average high temperature for Detroit in July is a warm 83 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter the January high is 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can easily reach more extreme values during the summer and winter.

There is plenty of precipitation in Detroit, MI and on average the monthly precipitation is 2 to 4 inches. Snowfall in the winter generally happens between November and April and can be very heavy, averaging from 1 to 10 inches per month. It is common for Detroit, MI to experience lake-effect snow due to its location relative to the Great Lakes.

The soil in Detroit, MI and the surrounding area is generally clay-rich. This means that it is fairly nutrient-rich, but it offers poor drainage and becomes easily compacted. To loosen up the soil for drainage and workability, add lots of organic material. Fertilizing and aerating the lawn will also improve drainage and the health of the lawn.

Common Detroit Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Detroit

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

Winter Lawn Care
• Lawn Watering
• How to Mow Your Lawn
• TruGreen

How Detroit Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Detroit, MI lawn care in important due to the short growing season and the nature of the soil. It is important to ensure that the lawn has enough drainage and that the soil is not compacted. For this reason, aerating the lawn is important and adding a lot of organic material will help as well. Adding organic material annually will be necessary. Fertilizing the lawn will help reduce the amount of weeds and keep the lawn healthy. In addition, it may be necessary to use pesticides in order to control insect pests, such the white grubs that are common in Michigan. Additionally, be sure that the pH of your Michigan lawn is well balanced.

Featured Detroit Lawn Service Provider
In Detroit, MI lawn care can be a pleasure or a pain. When you need professional help, call on the true Michigan lawn care specialist, TruGreen. TruGreen will help you care for your lawn and offers many services, including lawn maintenance, lawn repair, trimming, planting, and more. So call on TruGreen in Michigan today for a free evaluation of your lawn.

Boston, MA has a very diverse climate. Massachusetts is located at the very northern border of the subtropical humid zone and is also affected by the humid continental climate. This means Massachusetts has hot, humid summers and cold winters. In Boston, MA the average temperature in July reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter the average temperature in January is 36 degrees, although the temperature frequently goes below freezing.

Annual precipitation averages 43 inches in Boston, MA and in the winter the city sees an average of 40 inches of snow. The climate is kept somewhat mild due to the location of Boston, MA on the Atlantic Ocean. However, this location also brings strong Nor-easters, which are weather systems that bring large amounts of precipitation into the area. North and west of Boston, MA the amount of snowfall increases significantly.

Boston and much of Massachusetts is defined by Paxton Soil, which is a fine sandy loam. This is a very rich soil in which to grow plant life and is good for lawn growth. This soil drains well and holds a water table. Fertilization might be required in areas where nutrient depletion has occurred.

Common Boston Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Boston

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Winter Grass
• Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
• Planting a New Lawn
• Zoysia Grass
• TruGreen

How Boston Residents Care for Their Lawns
Lawn care in Boston, MA is relatively basic, but some maintenance is still required to ensure a healthy lawn. Mowing the lawn regularly is important for the look and health of the lawn. Adding fertilizers will improve the health of the lawn as well as reduce the number of weeds present. Pest control is also important and pesticides are available in order to control insects, such as grubs and Chinch bugs, which are common in Massachusetts.

Featured Boston Lawn Service Provider
General lawn care can be a pleasure, but sometimes it is just too much to deal with. Whether you need temporary help or wish to turn your lawn care over to a professional in Boston, MA, you can call on TruGreen. TruGreen is the Massachusetts lawn care specialist that will take care of lawn maintenance, lawn repair, as well as trimming, planting, and other lawn care needs. TruGreen is available for a free evaluation of your lawn so call today.

Baltimore, MD sits on the Atlantic coast of the United States and is protected from extreme fluctuations in weather conditions by the Appalachian Mountains to the west and Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The average July temperature in Maryland is only 77 degrees Fahrenheit and the average winter temperature in January is balmy 32 degrees. This area experiences severe thunderstorms and hurricanes during the summer and fall respectively and often experiences sleet and freezing rain in the winter.

Maryland soil is a sandy loam, which is rich in nutrients and very easy to work. This is fertile soil that is ideal for lawns and plant life of any kind. If there has been nutrient degradation, then fertilizers may need to be added to the soil to ensure maximum health. Drainage is good in this soil, but if any compaction has occurred, then the lawn needs to be aerated annually. Soil testing is recommended in order to ensure the pH is balanced.

Common Baltimore Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Baltimore

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Soil Compaction
• Mowing Wet Grass
• TruGreen
• Ryegrass Lawns

How Baltimore Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Baltimore, MD residents need to ensure that their lawns are cared for during their relatively short growing season. Lawns get plenty of precipitation, but cooler summers. Mowing the Maryland lawn is important and it is also important to ensure a balanced pH and a winterized lawn. Granular fertilizers can be used to enhance the lawn and minimize the appearance and growth of weeds. When it comes to insect pests, such as grubs and Chinch bugs, there are many pesticides from which to choose on the market. Taking care of a Maryland lawn will allow it to grow healthy and strong all summer long.

Featured Baltimore Lawn Service Provider
Baltimore, MD residents are often in need of a lawn care professional who can provide lawn maintenance and lawn repair. The Maryland lawn care expert is TruGreen. TruGreen will ensure that your lawn care needs, including gardening needs such as trimming and planting, are met so that you can enjoy the lawn of your dreams. Call on TruGreen in Maryland today and enjoy our free evaluation of your lawn.

St. Paul, MN is a truly windy city and one of two cities, the other being Minneapolis, that stand side-by-side and are known as the twin cities. St. Paul sits in the state of Minnesota, in the center of the continental United States, and in the continental climate zone as well. This means that Minnesota bears the brunt of clashing weather systems and extreme temperatures because there are no landforms that can form a natural barrier of protection.

In the summer, St. Paul, MN experiences high humidity as air from the Gulf of Mexico makes its way north. The average high temperature in July is 83 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can reach above 90 degrees. Summer in St. Paul, Minnesota also brings severe thunder storms and tornadoes and Minnesota is at the northern end of Tornado Alley. In January the average high is 22 degrees Fahrenheit due to the Arctic air that comes from the north.

Minnesota is known for its heavy clay soil. Clay soils are themselves known for poor drainage and they are very difficult to work. The way to loosen them up is to work organic material into them and this should be done annually to ensure the soil remains loose and will have good drainage. Aeration is another method by which the soil can be loosened up and drainage can be improved. Fertilizing for pH and weed control may also be necessary.

Common St. Paul Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in St. Paul

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• How to Mow Your Lawn
• How to Choose a Lawn Care Company
• Nutrients Needed By Lawns
• TruGreen
• How to Control the Chinch Bug

How St. Paul Residents Care for Their Lawns
In St. Paul, MN lawn care is required for a short growing season. The clay soil must be aerated and organic material must be added to it so that it will provide better drainage and will be easier to work with. The Chinch bug has also made an appearance in St. Paul, Minnesota and this means that measures must be taken into account where lawn care is concerned. There are many pesticides from which to choose to ensure an insect-free lawn. Fertilizers are necessary in order to keep the weeds under control and the pH balanced. Finally, it is crucial to mow the lawn regularly so maintain its appearance and its level of health.

Featured St. Paul Lawn Service Provider
When you live in St. Paul, MN and you do not have the time or the desire to care for your lawn, TruGreen is the Minnesota lawn care expert that can solve all your lawn care problems. TruGreen offers many services including lawn maintenance, lawn repair, planting, trimming, and more. When you want the best lawn around and you need the help of a professional, trust TruGreen to come in and evaluate your lawn for free and work to give you the lawn you desire.

Minneapolis, MN is one of two cities, the other being St. Paul, that together are known as the twin cities. This area of Minnesota is in the center of the United States and has no natural barriers to protect it from weather systems. This means that there are a wide range of temperatures in this part of Minnesota.

The summer temperatures are warm and the atmosphere is humid as the air comes up from the Gulf of Mexico. The average high temperature in this part of Minnesota in July is 83 degrees Fahrenheit and in January that high dips as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit as the cold arctic air comes down from Canada. Minnesota is also an area that experiences high winds. Tornadoes are an annual occurrence in Minneapolis, MN as the city is located near the northern end of Tornado Alley.

The soil in Minneapolis, MN is clay-rich soil. This means a high nutrient content, but low drainage and when it does get dry, it hardens and cracks. To loosen up the soil and improve the drainage, it is important to add lots of organic material to it. Aeration will also help the drainage of the soil and lessen the level of compaction. In addition to this, it is important to test the pH of the soil and adjust it if necessary.

Common Minneapolis Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Minneapolis

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Grass Aerator
• Planting a Rye Grass Lawn
• Controlling Chinch Bugs
• Mowing Wet Grass
• TruGreen Landscaping

How Minneapolis Residents Care for Their Lawns
In Minneapolis, MN lawns have a short growing season, yet humid, hot summers. Proper and regular mowing is crucial to the success of any lawn. In addition, the tough clay of Minnesota will need organic material and annual aeration in order to keep it loose and workable and draining properly. The use of pesticides may also be required to keep control of insect pests that can do damage to the lawn, particularly the Chinch bug and white grubs. Fertilizers are also available to help balance the pH of the soil and diminish unwanted weeds.

Featured Minneapolis Lawn Service Provider
In Minneapolis, MN there are times when you just don’t want to deal with your lawn. Whether you want help with lawn repair, regular lawn maintenance, or garden care that includes planting and trimming, the lawn care expert in Minnesota is TruGreen. TruGreen is just a phone call away when you need a lawn care professional and offers a free evaluation of your lawn.

Elmhurst, IL lies to the west of the Great Lakes, saving this part of Illinois from lake-effect snow in the winter. However, this part of Illinois still receives a high amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 36 inches. Most of this precipitation falls in the summer, but in the winter this area of Illinois sees an average of 38 inches of snow.

Summer temperatures in Elmhurst, IL are warm and the air is humid. Summer temperatures in Illinois range from 78 degrees to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter the temperatures can dip below freezing, with an average temperature of 29 degrees Fahrenheit in January.

The soil in Elmhurst, IL contains a lot of clay. This makes it heavy, impermeable, and difficult to work. When you want to plant a new lawn or care for your existing grass, then lots of organic material must be added to the soil. This will loosen up the soil and allow for better drainage. Aeration is another good way to improve drainage and reduce compaction in the soil. The soil in this part of Illinois should also be tested for pH.

Common Elmhurst Lawn Types

• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fescue Grass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Zoysia Grass

Common Lawn Problems in Elmhurst

• Winter Weather
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Hard, tough clay soil

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• How to Mow Your Lawn
• Spring Lawn Fertilizer
• Do-It-Yourself Lawn Repair
• TruGreen Landcare

How Elmhurst Residents Care for Their Lawns
Lawn care in Elmhurst, IL is fairly routine yet knowing the insider tricks is important. Every lawn needs to be mowed regularly to maintain its health and beauty and lawns in Illinois are no different. In addition to this, there are often insects that prey on the lawn, such as white grubs, and a good pesticide is needed to control them. When it comes to the pH of the soil, a fertilizer is a great way to balance the pH and control weeds. It is also important to aerate the lawn annually and to put down organic material so that the soil will allow good drainage and be easier to work.

Featured Elmhurst Lawn Service Provider
Some people greatly enjoy caring for their lawn, but sometimes it is time to hand it over to a professional who can see to all your lawn care needs. In Elmhurst TruGreen is the Illinois lawn care professional to call upon. TruGreen will come in and do a free evaluation and they offer a wide range of services including lawn maintenance and lawn repair. Gardening services and trimming are available too. Call TruGreen today for your free evaluation.

San Antonio, TX exists in a subtropical climate that is loaded with sunshine and clear skies much of the year.  Situated amongst oak trees, mesquite, and cacti, this city has a lush landscape.  Average annual precipitation is about 28 inches and comes mostly in the form of light rain.  However, summers are also very humid and because this part of Texas is adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, San Antonio experiences severe storms and hurricanes.

Temperatures in San Antonio, TX are on the warm side in the winter, with an average January temperature of 49 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is not common for the temperature goes below freezing, although it does happen a few days during the winter.  In the summer the average July temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit and San Antonio, TX is the fourth hottest city in the United States.  There are, on average, 111 days with temperatures over 90 degrees.

In San Antonio, TX the soils are calcareous and generally clay rich in many areas.  Testing the soil for pH and nutrients is important before beginning any lawn work.  If the soil has a high clay content, then working organic material into it will loosen it up and allow for better drainage.  Applying a fertilizer will help balance the pH if necessary.

Common San Antonio Lawn Types

• Bermuda Grass
• St. Augustine Grass
• Zoysia Grass
• Buffalo Grass

Common Lawn Problems in San Antonio

• Potential Freezing during Winter
• Weeds
• Inadequate Soil pH
• Insect Pests
• Severe Storms

Helpful Articles on Lawn Care & Maintenance:

• Winter Grass
• How to Choose a Lawn Care Company
• Do-It-Yourself Lawn Repair
• Lawn Mower Review: Cub Cadet 2166
• How to Control the Chinch Bug

As the largest lawn and landscape maintenance company in the United States, TruGreen has local branches in almost every region.  Because lawn and landscape care is region-specific, with each area having different lawn care needs, there are thousands of regional TruGreen locations around the country to meet the needs of homeowners in all climactic conditions.

Each branch provides similar lawn and landscape services, through locally trained and knowledgeable technicians.  Additionally, every TruGreen location offers individual services, suited to the needs of that specific geographic location, and according to the equipment and technicians available at that branch location.

Standard Services at TruGreen Locations

Most TruGreen locations will offer the following services:

Lawn Care (Including Weed Control and Fertilization)—Seasonal fertilizing and weed control, according to the needs of your lawn.  Personal monitoring from TruGreen technician to catch problems before they reach a level difficult to control.

Tree and Shrub Care by TruGreen helps these architectural features of the lawn stay healthy.  Trees will be given proper nutrients, insect control, pruning to maintain optimum form and size, dormant oil applications (where needed) and specific treatments for your individual plants.

Core Aeration services help restore vigor to the root system, and alleviate compaction.  This lawn maintenance service opens pore areas in the soil for air and water penetration, and improved structure.  This service reduces dead spots, fungal diseases and dieback.  Regular aeration also prevents an unhealthy amount of thatch buildup, which can harbor pests and insects.

Overseeding after core aeration to restore turf vigor and to keep the lawn thick and lush.

Flea and Tick Control to eliminate problems with family pests.  This service begins with an initial lawn application to lower the number of fleas and ticks.  Follow-up treatments provide long-lasting control for these pests.

TruShield Fire Ant Control is a specially developed program to save you and your lawn from fire ant infestations.  A topical application of TopChoice granular fire ant treatment treats surface level and underground aunt problems.  Larger mounds are also treated with a separate application.  Continued watering keeps the applications active and working to protect the lawn from recurring infestations.

Organic Lawn Care programs are available in many TruGreen locations.  This program utilizes natural fertilizers to encourage plant growth.  The Organic program does not use pesticides.

Nuisance Pest Control helps eliminate infestations of fleas, ticks, spiders, chiggers and pillbugs.

Pruning to maintain health and growth of trees and shrubs.  TruGreen will remove diseased, dead and broken branches from trees and shrubs, at the correct time for each individual plant.

Slit Seeding, a premium seeding program utilizing a slit seeder that cuts slits into the soil, and sows turfgrass seeds.

White Grub Control to reduce problems with Japanese beetles.  Timing of application depends upon the larval stage grubs in each regional area.

While each TruGreen location will offer a variety of services, the above services are the most commonly available for all areas.

Compacted soil makes it harder for you lawn to recieve all the necessary nutrients and water.

Soil compaction is a potentially deadly problem for lawn grass.  Compaction is a factor in every type of soil, though some types are more prone to compaction problems than others.  There are some routine lawn maintenance activities that will help you alleviate soil compaction and keep your grass growing strong.

Why is Soil Compaction a Problem?

Soil contains many different elements, including air, water, mineral particles, organic matter, insects, worms, nutrient particles and other elements.  Each of these elements work together like finely calibrated parts of a machine to grow healthy plants.  Whenever one of the elements is out of balance, the entire function of soil is disrupted, thus impacting the health of plants growing in the soil.  Compaction of soil is just like compaction of anything else-a literal “squashing” of the soil particles together.  When soil particles are compacted together, the structure is impacted.  Soil structure determines how much space is available for air and water movement in the soil.  Compaction removes spaces for air and water, making both less available for plants.

How can you tell if Soil is Compacted?

A very easy way to tell if your soil is compacted is if it is hard.  Soil that is not compacted will have a springy feel.  Compacted soil is not springy. If it is difficult to put a shovel into the soil, it is probably compacted.  Lawn grass does not grow well in compacted soil, and weeds out-compete and thrive.  Areas with a lot of weed problems are likely compacted.  Lastly, if the soil is in an area with heavy foot or vehicle traffic, it is undoubtedly compacted.

How to Alleviate Soil Compaction

Though soil compaction is a serious problem, the methods to alleviate soil compaction are fairly straightforward, and involve aerating and top-dressing with light compost or organic matter.  Here’s how to do it:

• Mow the lawn about 1/3 shorter than you would normally mow.
• Water the lawn deeply at least twice, a few days before aerating.
• Aerate with a punch core aerator (not a spike aerator).
  • This part of soil compaction alleviation is best done by a professional. Professional lawn maintenance companies are more likely to have a punch core aerator in good working condition, and have the skills and strength to work with it.
• Top-dress with a lightweight compost and rake it into the lawn.
• Continue to water and mow as normal.

When you follow these steps to aerate, you will add organic matter into the soil and encourage growth and activity of insects and invertebrates that will further break down and improve soil structure.  Once you have alleviated soil compaction problems, your lawn will be healthier, include fewer weeds, and will require less maintenance in the long run.

Source: http://www.mayberrys.com

Homeowners can choose from a dizzying array of push mowers, including the Toro Recycler lawn mowers.  There are several different models of the Toro Recycler, but even the basic models are chock full of features that help make lawn care easier.  Here’s a rundown of the benefits of the Toro Recycler lawn mowers.

Features

The Toro Recycler mowers have many features that make lawn mowing easy.  The Personal Space self-propel system senses walking speed and automatically adjusts.  Some models have an electric key-start, but the pull-start is easy to use, as well.  These mowers have recessed front wheels, which allows you to cut closer to hardscape, eliminating time spent with the trimmer.  The best feature of the Toro Recycler, and hence its name, is its 22 inch deck, and mulching blade system.  These blades chop up grass pieces to fine bits, so that they break down quickly, returning nitrogen to the soil as a form of natural fertilizer.

Price

The features included in the Toro Recycler mowers would make them a bargain at a much higher price point than where they are generally priced.  These are by far not the cheapest mowers available, and are generally priced between $250-$450. Most mowers come with a two or three year warranty on the various parts and mechanics.

Value for Price

These mowers are a superb value for the money. Each level of model is equipped with more features than the model below, adding to the functionality and convenience of the mower.  Several features, such as the power of the mulching blades and the recessed wheels are not standard on other mowers at the same price point.  These mowers are a great value for the price.

Ease of Maintenance

One of the best aspects of these mowers is the quick washout port that allows you to run water around the mower blades to clean them off without needing to turn the mower upside-down.

Ease of use

Each feature of the Toro Recycler mower is designed to make mowing easier for the homeowner.  The recessed wheels, self propel system, easy start and powerful engine help this mower do the work so that the homeowner doesn’t have to.

Source: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu

Plants need balanced nutrition to thrive, just like people.  One of the important nutrients for plant growth and development is Potassium (K), which is a component of most standard lawn fertilizers.  To use Potassium fertilizers correctly, it is important to understand how Potassium functions in plants, and how to recognize the signs of Potassium deficiency.

Potassium in Fertilizer

Potassium is one of the “big three” nutrients found in most lawn fertilizers.  Most fertilizer analysis gives the N-P-K number, which indicates what percentage of each nutrient is in the fertilizer.  The percentage of Potassium is indicated by the last number in the N-P-K analysis.

Potassium Function in Plants

Potassium is integral to many growth processes in plants, including:

• Photosynthesis
• Starch and protein production
• Enzyme reactions
• Water movement
• Protein synthesis
• Cell wall components
• Fruit development

Recognizing Potassium Deficiencies

(See above picture.)

Potassium deficiency is a serious problem for all plants, because it is involved in so many different plant processes.  Plants experiencing potassium deficiencies will show the following symptoms:

• Yellowing and curling of edges of lower (older) leaves
• Sometimes leaves will turn purple
• More likely to occur in times of drought stress
• Leaf edges looked burned

There are a number of things that can cause potassium deficiency.  Sandy soils tend to be more deficient in potassium, because it is leached easily from soils that do not have a high CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity).  Adding organic matter to the soil can help in potassium retention.  Soils with a low pH (acidic soils) sometimes have enough Potassium, but it is not available to plants.  It is important to test the soil pH to see if the potassium is there, but not available.

Correct Application of Fertilizers

Many soils are deficient in Potassium, but it is always a good idea to look at the soil test before adding any fertilizer.  Flowers, fruits and vegetables need more potassium fertilizers during flowering and fruiting.  General lawn fertilizers will usually have a balanced analysis, and will have enough Potassium for the average lawn, unless the soil is severely depleted or the pH is off.  Apply potassium fertilizers that are balanced with Nitrogen and Phosphorous, and your soil will receive its necessary requirements to support plant growth.

Not all insects that you find in your lawn and garden need to be removed. Many are actually beneficial.

These insects are worker-bees that actually help you in the garden.  Make sure that you do everything possible to keep these insects around.  You can encourage beneficial insects by eliminating broad-spectrum (that means, kills everything) insecticides from your lawn care program.  Once beneficial insects establish themselves in your lawn or garden, they can mostly take care of the destructive insects.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are beetles, and there are hundreds of different species.  You can keep ladybugs in your garden, eliminating pests by not spraying insecticides.  Aphids are one of their favorite foods.  A healthy population of ladybugs can completely eliminate aphids as a problem in your garden.

Lacewings

The larval form of the lacewing is actually the heavy lifter when it comes to keeping your garden free of pests.  The larvae will pretty much stay put in your garden if you are lucky enough to lure them there.  The adults do fly away, but will often lay eggs before they fly.  They are most effective at controlling soft-bodied insects like mites and aphids.

Big-EyedBugs

If you don’t have a pest that these guys like to eat, they can live on pollen until a pest shows up.  They eat mites, aphids, small caterpillars and just about any other garden pest you can think of.

Parasitic Wasps

There are several species of parasitic wasps.  Most of them are uniquely adapted to only attack a specific pest, though.  If they end up in your yard, you can feel thankful, but shouldn’t go to great lengths trying to get them.  They work on pests by laying their eggs inside the host insect.  The larva hatches inside the pest and eats it alive from the inside out.

Make your garden a friendly place for beneficial insects, and you will have many fewer problems with insect damage on all of your plants.

Being able to identify the cause of your lawn problems is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn.

Identifying lawn problems, and correctly treating them before they spiral out of control is a fundamental aspect of good lawn care.  Here are some of the most common lawn care problems, and ways to identify and resolve them.

• Not enough water. The lawn will have a bluish, grayish cast to it. The individual grass leaves will be rolling in on themselves, and if you walk across the lawn the grass will not spring back, but, instead, your footprints will remain visible. Remedy this problem by giving the lawn at least an inch of water. (Put a straight-sided container in the path of the sprinkler. When it has one inch of water in it, your work is done.)
• Too much water. Too much water can appear in a lot of different ways. The lawn might turn yellow, from lack of oxygen, or because nutrients have leached out of the lawn. Soils with heavy clay, poor drainage, or a location at the bottom of a slope are prone to poor drainage. You can improve soil structure, and water movement in the soil by adding compost to the lawn.
• Moles or voles. Moles and voles are different animals, with different diets, but they both damage the lawn by tunneling or making runways through the lawn. They also dig holes to get underground. Moles and voles are difficult to eliminate-particularly moles. Moles eat insects, such as grubs. If you have a grub problem, you have to eliminate that to make the moles go away. The best way to get rid of voles? Get an outdoor cat.
• Grubs. You can most often tell if you have grubs if you have moles in your yard. The term “grub” is a general term referring to the larval form of many different insects. Japanese beetles are one destructive pest that begins life as a grub. The most effective way to rid the lawn of grubs is to treat with milky spore, a beneficial bacteria. One application can last for up to ten years. Milky spore is available at most lawn and garden centers.
• Imbalanced pH. The pH of the soil affects many different aspects of soil and lawn health, one of which is nutrient uptake. Often, the first sign that pH is off is symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in plants. To determine your soil pH, get a professional soil test done. Then, you can raise the pH by adding lime or lower the pH by adding sulfur. You should do neither without a soil test, as you could be wasting money or harming your plants.
• Fairy ring fungus. There are several different fungal problems that create brown patches in the lawn. The fairy ring is one of the most difficult to treat. As it grows, the underground structures of the fungus fill the soil to the point where the structure breaks down, it becomes compacted, cannot hold air or water and causes death of the grass living above. The problem is not really with the plant, but with the soil. To rid the lawn of this fungus, you almost have to completely dig up, discard and replace the soil where the fungus has taken hold. You can also aerate frequently, top-dress with compost, and water heavily to restore the grass to health. If you aerate a fungus infested area of the grass, always disinfect the tools before moving to another area so that you do not spread the fungus around.

There are many lawn problems that can plague a conscientious homeowner, some of which are easily corrected by adjusting maintenance practices.  The above problems are more often caused by outside influences, and trickier to diagnose and treat.  Identifying lawn problems is the first step of defense in growing a beautiful lawn.

Aerating your lawn in the spring time will help your lawn on the road to recovery from cold winter weather.

Early March is a great time to think about scheduling your lawn aerating service for spring.  Over the previous summer, the lawn will have been subjected to a lot of traffic, causing compaction.  Soil compaction leads to a variety of other problems, if not alleviated, so it is best to alleviate compaction as early as possible in the year.  Aerating will also take care of any thatch buildup problem your lawn might be suffering from.  A little bit of thatch is fine.  Too much thatch can lead to many of the same problems that soil compaction causes.

Why Spring for Aerating the Lawn?

Lawn aerating is helpful for the health of the grass, but it is also stressful because it disrupts the roots and the regular growing habit of the grass plant. Aerating in the spring, when the lawn is actively growing, gives the lawn a chance to recover more quickly than aerating during the summer or late fall when the lawn is not growing as quickly.  If you didn’t get a chance to aerate the lawn in the fall, the spring is, obviously, the next best choice! The spaces opened up by aeration will allow you to keep your lawn healthy all summer long.  Air, water and fertilizer will penetrate the soil more easily after aeration, ensuring an overall healthier lawn.

Prevent these Problems with Spring Aeration

Aerating can help correct certain problems in the lawn, and avoid others.  Take care of this garden task in the spring to avoid these problems:

• Fungal diseases. Aeration won’t completely eliminate these problems, but better air and water movement in the soil will reduce them.
• Thatch buildup. An inch or so of thatch is ok.  More than that, and you provide a home for fungal, bacterial and insect pests.
• Weeds. Weeds sprout when lawn grass is unhealthy and unable to out-grow or out-compete the weeds.  Overall improvement in health of the grass will keep weed problems to a minimum.

Steps for Successful Lawn Aerating

1. First, mow your lawn to about ½ of the normal mowing height.  For example, if you usually mow your lawn to a height of three inches, set the deck at 1 ½ inches.
2. Give the lawn at least one inch of water a couple of days in a row, a couple of days before you aerate.
3. Aerate using a punch-core aerator.  These actually remove little cores of soil.
4. After aeration, water to break up the cores of soil.
5. Top dress with a light layer of compost or lightweight topsoil.
6. Keep the lawn watered well-at least one inch a week-until it starts to fill in. Aerating is both helpful and stressful for the lawn, so good care after aeration is important.

You can hire a professional to complete your lawn aerating for you, or do it yourself.  It should be a priority at least once a year.

LawnCare.Net brings you reliable lawn mower reviews so you can find the best mower for your lawn!

Buying a lawn mower is a large investment, one that you hope will pay off in the long run.  To help you make the best purchase for your lawn care needs, LawnCare.net offers comprehensive lawn mower reviews and lawn mower ratings for every type of lawn mower.  We have high standards, and have used the following criteria to create our lawn mower reviews:

• Features

• Price

• Value for Price

• Ease of maintenance

• Ease of use

Each of our lawn mower reviews will contain ratings about the above areas to help you find the best mower to suit your needs.  Here’s a little bit more about how we will rate each mower in each category.

Features

One of the most important parts of the overall value of a lawn mower is the features. Is the deck simple to raise and lower?  Can you add and remove attachments?  Does the mower include mulching blades or a bag?  Does the mower have a pull start or an electric start mechanism.  Is it gas or electric?  What are the warranties included?

Price

When you purchase a lawn mower, you hope that if you properly care for it, it will last a long time.  Sometimes price is an indication of quality, and sometimes it isn’t.  Our review system separates the expensive and effective mowers from the expensive and overpriced mowers.

Value for Price

When you consider the price of the lawn mower with the features, and factor in durability and ease of use, you have the value of the mower.  We look for mowers that perform well for their price.  Sometimes, you don’t need a top of the line model to get the job done. Other times, if you have a large area to mow, or a high profile space, you need a more powerful mower.  We’ll help you decide if a mower is worth the investment.

Ease of Maintenance

A lawn mower is only as good as the maintenance it receives.  Dull blades on a high performing mower will cut a ragged edge just like dull blades on an inexpensive, low level mower.  The availability for finding maintenance technicians for the mower, and a reliable supply of parts is key to keeping a lawn mower in top shape.  The easier the mower maintenance is, the more likely you are to maintain it.  In this way, ease of maintenance greatly contributes to the overall value of the mower.

Ease of Use

Do you have to spend three hours with an instructional manual, or is the mower designed so that it can be run intuitively?  As with ease of maintenance, ease of use goes a long way toward encouraging people to use their mowers regularly, and care for their lawns properly, all of which results in a cycle of proper lawn care and lawn mower care.

Tune in for our ongoing additions of lawn mower reviews and lawn mower ratings!

Lawn Mower Reviews:

• The Lawn Boy 10795 Self-Propelled Mulching Mower
  
• Cub Cadet Model 11A-18MC
  
• Toro Recycler Lawn Mower
• Cub Cadet 2166 Riding Lawn Mower
  

The Lawn Boy 10795 self propelled mulching lawn mower has many great advantages and a few downsides.

If you’re looking for a walk-behind, self-propelled, tope of the line mulching mower, the Lawn Boy 10795 mower may be the right choice for you!

Features

This Lawn Boy mower model features a top of the line Honda engine, the Honda GCV 160 OHV/OHC engine.  Honda engines are known for their reliability and durability.  The Sens-a-Speed® Self-Propel System:  makes pushing the mower easy, as it adjusts to the operator’s walking speed. The deck is 21″, cast aluminum, and can be adjusted for a cutting height between 1″ and 4 ½”. Other features include the easy lift bag, and quick stow lever minimizes.  The mower comes standard with options for mulching, rear bag collection and side discharge of clippings.  Numerous features and accessories are available for adding on to this model.  Cruise control is one of the most attractive add-ons.  Large wheels, and a comfortable foam handle are the icing on the cake!

Price

This Lawn Boy mower is not the least expensive mower you can purchase.  In fact, it is top of the line, and top of the price line as well.  These mowers are priced from between $550 and $675, depending upon the retail establishment.  For that price, you do get a five year warranty, which makes maintenance costs less expensive.

Value for Price

If you need a high performance mower with all of the bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with this Lawn Boy model.  It is pricey, but comes with all of the features needed to professionally care for your lawn in comfort and ease.  The mower isn’t just loaded with bells and whistles-each of the mower features is easy to use and contributes to the efficiency of its work.

Ease of Maintenance

Because Lawn Boy mowers are such popular brands, every major mower shop will be able to help maintain this mower.  Spare parts are easily found with the Lawn Boy website’s maintenance and repair directory that helps owners find the nearest repair shop to their home location.  Adjustment of the deck, and storage of the mower and bag are facilitated by easy to use levers that move the deck, release the bag, store the mower handle at a 90 degree angle, and allow the bag to hang from the handle during storage so that it can dry out.  The ease of working with the lawn mower ensures that the owner can always give proper care to each portion, extending its life.

Ease of use

All of the features included in the Lawn Boy 10795 mower make for an extremely easy to use, full-service, professional quality lawn mower.

Edging your lawn is an important step in giving your lawn that professional look.

Do you really need a lawn edger?  That really depends upon the size of your garden, the number of flower beds and hardscape areas around which you would want to edge.  You can use an edger for more than edging the lawn.  It is great for edging around flower beds, and for preparing planting beds.  Edgers are different than string trimmers, which cut weeds with a rapidly spinning piece of nylon cord.  Edgers have a thin, steel blade that rotates rapidly, slicing into the ground.

Why Edge?

Using an edger puts the finishing touches on a lawn.  Mowing regularly is a key component of a healthy lawn care strategy.  Edging is what makes the lawn look crip, clean and finished. For warm season grasses that spread via rhizomes or stolons, creating  clean edge, especially an edge that goes at least three inches below the soil line, will keep the grass from encroaching into flower beds, growing over the driveway or sidewalks.  Some lawn grass types are fast growers.  The edge will slow down the onslaught a bit.

Flower beds look nicer, and stay healthier, with an angled trench edge around them. The trench provides a place for water to run so that beds do not become over-saturated in heavy rains.  Mulch can collect in the trench and be re-shoveled into the beds if it washes out, as well.  The trench will help keep grass from growing into the beds, and makes it easier to tuck straw-type mulches such as pine straw.

Preparing to Edge

The best way to keep your lawn edger in good shape is to thoroughly prepare the area you plan to edge.  Remove any twigs, branches or rocks from the area.  Not only will these quickly dull your blade, they can also break the blade, or spray up toward you, which can cause injury.  Depending upon where you want to edge, you might need to adjust the settings of the blade to cut to a certain depth.  When operating an electric lawn edger, you should always wear protective gear-eye glasses or goggles, closed-toe shoes, and long pants.

Edging

Most edgers have a guide wheel that will help you keep the edger straight as you push it along the concrete, brick or asphalt edge.  Unlike edging along flower beds, when you want to cut at an angle to create a trench, you will want to hold the edger straight up and down against the hard surface.  Edging is more to keep grass from growing over and into the patio, sidewalk or driveway, and less about creating a trench.  Creating a deep trench around a walking path can actually create a bit of a safety hazard.

Electric Lawn Edgers vs. Gas Powered Edgers

If you are considering purchasing a lawn edger, you will need to choose between a gas powered edger or an electric lawn edger.  For an electric edger with the power of a gas powered edger, you need an edger with a cord.  That being said, if you have an edger with a cord, you need to be VERY careful and pay attention to where the cord is at all times so that you do not cut through it or electrocute yourself!  An electric edger works well for people with small yards, and all surfaces to be edged are less than 100 feet from an electrical outlet.  They are also usually less expensive than gas powered varieties.  For people with a large yard, or lots of surfaces to be edged, with many situated away from outlets, a gas powered edger will be easier to manager.

To keep your lawn looking lovely, don’t skip the step of finishing your weekly mowing with a lawn edger.

Centipede grass is a low maintenance grass type that thrives in warm climates.

Centipede Grass is low maintenance and ideal in warmer climates.

A native of China, centipede grass made its way into the United States around 1916. Since then, it has become popular in the Southeast. Known for its low maintenance properties and ability to adapt well to warm climates, centipede grass is mostly used for lawns, parks and golf course turf.

If centipede grass is properly maintained, it rarely encounters pest problems. This grass type thrives in acidic, sandy soils found in the Southeastern region of the U.S. Centipede grass found in the Southwest often lacks adequate amounts of iron. Additionally, centipede grass doesn’t flourish in the North due to colder temperatures.

Centipede grass seed can successfully grow wherever St. Augustine grass thrives; however, centipede grass doesn’t tolerate saline environments like St. Augustine grass, but it endures colder temperatures better and necessitates less mowing. Slow-growing and coarse in texture, centipede grass flourishes in areas that receive a great deal of sunlight. Additionally, centipede grass does not withstand heavy amounts of traffic.

The establishment of centipede grass occurs via seed, sod or sprigs. Centipede grass seed should spread by hand or with a seeder. With sod or sprigs, centipede grass care is just as important as with seed, and they require more hard work when planting. With appropriate attention, centipede grass can be fully established within three months.

Yellow-greenish in color, centipede grass produces a dense turf. In mild climates, this grass type remains green year round. Because it poorly tolerates cold temperatures, centipede grass does not enter a phase of inactivity during unfavorable conditions. Nevertheless, it resumes growth immediately after temperatures become favorable again.

During hot summer months, centipede grass requires appropriate water management. Also, it does not withstand drought-like conditions very well, so proper amounts of water are vital to keep it healthy and strong. Oftentimes homeowners apply too much nitrogen to their centipede grass, believing it will improve its growth and color; however, it can cause a handful of other problems if over-fertilized. Essentially, centipede grass should receive one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during the summer and fall, with summer applications being optional.

For homeowners who live in warmer regions of the United States, centipede grass is a great option for a beautiful and healthy lawn. With proper centipede grass care, a lawn covered with centipede grass is stronger and will live longer.

Nitrogen is a nutrient that all types of grass need. If nitrogen levels are low try using nitrogen fertilizer to help you lawn return to a healthy state.

Grass is notorious for needing a lot of nitrogen fertilizer.  Nitrogen is a macronutrient that all plants need.  It is the basis for proteins in plants and animals, and is present in the chloroplasts, which are the molecules within plants that perform photosynthesis, making food for the plants.  If plants do not have enough nitrogen, they turn yellow, in part because the chloroplasts are not functioning properly. Some plants require more than others.  Most species of grass are what are called “heavy feeders” and require a lot of nitrogen.  You will often hear people say their lawn has “greened up” after an application of fertilizer.  After fertilization, the nitrogen levels in the plants are higher, including inside the chloroplasts, hence the greener color.

Forms of Nitrogen Fertilizers

Organic nitrogen is found in decaying plant and animal material.  This is why compost is a good addition to soil.  Commercially synthesized nitrogen generally includes either nitrate or ammonium.  In the form of nitrate, plants can quickly and easily absorb nitrogen, but it leaches, or is washed, from the soil quickly.  The ammonium form bonds tightly with soil particles, so it moves through the soil to plants more slowly.  To provide your lawn with the nitrogen it needs, use fertilizers that have both forms of nitrogen, or alternate applications of each type.

Organic forms of nitrogen are beneficial to the lawn, but take longer to break down and become available for plants.  Inorganic forms such as nitrate or ammonium are more quickly available to plants, but can be lost into the groundwater, causing pollution problems downstream, if not applied correctly.

When to use Nitrogen Fertilizer

“More is better” is not the name of the game when fertilizing a lawn.  To much of a good thing is not, in fact, a good thing, when it comes to fertilizer.  Over-fertilized plants produce soft, weak growth.  When more nitrogen (or any nutrient) is added to the soil than can bond with the soil, it will move through the soil, and can cause imbalances away from the site it was added.  Many factors affect the ability of plants to take in nutrients.  Weather, soil pH, plant type, and stage of growth all influence the way plants take in and use nutrients.

Each species of grass has different fertilizing requirements.  Usually, nitrogen fertilizer also includes phosphorous and potassium.  These formulations are called “N-P-K” fertilizers.  The ratio of each nutrient to the other is indicated by a number.  This is called the “fertilizer analysis.”  You could buy a 10-10-10 fertilizer, which has equal parts of each nutrient.  A 20-10-10 would have twice as much nitrogen as phosphorous and potassium.  The numbers also correspond to percentage by weight in the particular fertilizer.  A 10-10-10 fertilizer is made of 10% of each nutrient.  The additional 70% of ingredients are inert, or inactive.  A higher number corresponds to a larger amount of active ingredient in the fertilizer.

Nitrogen is important in overall plant health. Phosphorous is integral in root formation.  Potassium regulates water movement.  If you are just establishing a lawn, you might want to use fertilizer that has more phosphorous by percentage than nitrogen or potassium, so the plants can establish a healthy root system.  During the summer, when the grass is actively growing, you may want to use a fertilizer with more nitrogen.  Always apply nitrogen fertilizers at the rate recommended for your growing conditions and the species of grass that you grow.  A plant can only use so much fertilizer.  Any excess will be waste-in terms of money spent, and in terms of a resource that is underutilized.  Nitrogen, in particular, is harmful when over-applied, as extra nitrogen will seep through groundwater, into streams and continuing to rivers causing algal blooms and other environmental impacts.

Nitrogen fertilizer is an important part of a lawn maintenance plant.  When applied in the proper form at the proper time, it will help maintain a lawn in peak condition.

Lawn aerators are an important lawn care tool. They can dramatically improve the health of your lawn.

There is a bit of mystery surrounding the lawn aerator.  What does it do?  Which type is best? When do you use it?  A lawn plug aerator is actually one of the most important tools to keeping your grass healthy.  This is a specific type of aerator.  Not just any will do.  Here are the reasons why:

1.  Lawn plug aerators actually remove plugs of soil from the lawn, which opens up spaces for air and water to penetrate.

2. These lawn plug aerators are vastly superior to a punch aerator or aerating shoes because they actually remove the soil, rather than pushing it down further.

3.  The purpose of aerating is to alleviate compaction, so removal of soil is more likely to do that than pushing soil further down.

4.  Some lawns need more organic matter added to the soil and removing plugs of soil creates space for the top-dressing organic matter to incorporate into the soil.

5.  Most often, lawn plug aerators work with hydraulic systems, giving them the power to reach a much deeper soil layer than an aerator/roller combination.

When To Use a Lawn Aerator

If you can find an aerator to rent, all the better.  Most of the time, though, if you want the benefit of a lawn plug aerator, you will have to hire a professional lawn care service to aerate your lawn for you.  They are more likely to have the equipment, or have access to it.

The best time to aerate your lawn is in the spring or fall.  Doing so in the fall will help the lawn if you overseed it.  It will also relieve compaction from heavy use during the summer season.  During the fall, roots of grass grow quickly, so the extra space, air and water will aid good root growth before the grass goes dormant or slows growth for the winter.  The spring is a good time to aerate to incorporate organic matter into the soil, and to aid with lawn renovation.

Lawn Care Before and After Aerating

Before you deploy the lawn aerator, mow your grass slightly lower than normal and water it well for two to three days before aerating.  Next, use the lawn plug aerator to aerate the lawn.  You will want to break up the clods, and help the lawn recover from the stress of aerating, so you need to water the lawn again immediately after you are finished aerating.  To improve your soil structure, a couple of days after aerating, top-dress with a compost/topsoil blend and rake it into the holes.  Earthworms and soil insects will work in the new addition, improving the soil quickly.  Using a lawn aerator the right way will improve the health of your lawn, thus reducing the amount of time you will need to spend caring for it.

Herbicide, pesticide and fungicide all spell homicide to the weeds and insects that live, and often thrive, on yards all over the world. However, few stop to think about what those “cides” mean for the planet and those of us who live here. In recent years, there has been a surge in environmental awareness which has sparked much advancement in everything from eco-friendly household cleaners to organic lawn care products and practices.

Green Lawn care is more efficient as there is minimal amounts wasted material and it results in beautiful verdant lawns that are the talk of the neighborhood. Organic lawn care is a proven science and backed by soil biologist, plant breeders, educators, researchers, engineers and renowned turf professionals. Green lawn care can be achieved through the following  practices:

1. Taking care of your soil using compost and organic fertilizers.
2. Selecting the best grass for your climate and average amount of sunlight.
3. Watering well.
4. Using green lawn care tools.
5. Cutting grass correctly with a sharp blade.

Taking Care of the Soil

Green lawn care begins by having your soil analyzed to find out what nutrients are present or lacking. Once this is determined, you can begin adjustments to make it healthier. Organic lawn care improvements include:

• Using compost.
• Having your yard aerated.
• Applying organic weed killers such as mulch made from bark, leaves or newspaper and routine cultivating and weeding or even spraying them with vinegar that is at least 5% acetic acid.
• Never cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade and leaving the cut grass to decompose.
• Saturating your lawn with compost tea at least 3x a year.
• Overseeding when appropriate.

Grass Selection

A key factor in green lawn care is using the best grass for the area in which you live. Cold regions best support grasses like fescues, bluestem or ryegrass; warm regions thrive on zoysia, centipede, carpet grass and Bahia. Should you live in a neutral zone, bluestem or Buffalo grass is recommended.

Watering

No matter what type of grass you choose, and as obvious as it may be, watering is an important part of organic lawn care as it aids with the photosynthesis and growth process. However, this does not mean you should daily water your yard; rather, you should water infrequently but thoroughly. There are 3 signs to indicate watering needs:

1. The leaf blades are folded in half lengthwise.
2. Footprints are still visible when you walk across the lawn.
3. Grass appears blue-gray.

It is important to note that green lawn care such as fertilizing and applying compost will help to retain moisture and encourage grass growth as well.

Organic Lawn Care Tools

Maintain your lush lawn by using these items—a flexible rake, a  metal rake for shaping and leveling the ground, and hand tools like trowels, pruners and yard scissors. Other labor saving devices are a wheelbarrow and an energy efficient lawn mower.

Cutting Grass

Maintaining a well cut lawn employs these green lawn care steps:

1. Making sure that your mower blade is sharp and at the proper height.
2. Mowing in the early evening.
3. Cutting in a line then overlapping by 2 inches on the next pass.
4. Pushing, not pulling your mower.
5. Mulching.
6. Never cutting more that 1/3 of the grass height.
7. Paying attention.
8. Taking care of your mower.

Organic lawn care benefits everyone. By making some basic changes, you will soon have a yard that is envied by all who see it.

Before you can remove lawn weeds, you have to know how to identify them. Most of us are familiar with dandelions, ground ivy and chickweed, but what about the dozens more found in yards all across America. Interestingly, according to the Gardening Trends Research Report, weed and insect control are the top two activities American’s planned for their lawns in 2007. If you are one of the Americans who wanted a weed-free lawn, then deciding what types of lawn weeds you can live with and without, will save time and energy. For example, in past decades of American horticulture, clover was an enviable ground cover, but then, people began citing clover as a common lawn weed because it did not look like regular grass. Today, we have come full circle, as this “common lawn weed” is making a come-back as many landscapers and gardeners have realized that not only is clover’s evergreen-color pretty to look at, but it elevates the nitrogen levels in the soil, camouflages other weeds and non-grass plants, and it is disease resistant.  Consequently, clover is now being purchased at seed supply store and garden supply catalogs by many Americans.

To help you in your quest for a weed free lawn, become familiar with the types of lawn weeds that grow in your region by looking for the identifiers listed below.

There are many common lawns weeds that are found coast to coast in America. Talk to your local agricultural extension department to find out what is prevalent in your area.

The characteristics of Bermuda Grass make it a perfect candidate for golf courses all across the southern U.S.

You have recently moved from the winter storms of the North to the South’s sunny acres. You have spent years cultivating and maintaining yards abundant in bluegrass, winter rye grass, and fescues, but are a bit unsure when it comes to lawn coverings of the South. There are a variety of grasses grown in southern lawns, but one of the most prevalent is Bermuda grass.

Why Plant Bermuda Grass?

The fertile Bermuda grass has been called “the bluegrass of Dixieland”; it is a grass that is frequently found on the numerous golf courses throughout the South. Bermuda grass thrives under the intense sun, preferring temperatures of 50*F or higher, with no shade trees or bushes. Bermuda grass (it Latin name is Cynodon) is aesthetically appreciated as it is very low to the ground. The grass has a deep root system which allows the Bermuda grass to be erosion resistant, and able to withstand excessive foot traffic. Bermuda grass contains both rhizomes (underground runners that extend sideways to start new plants) and stolons (above ground runners that spread grass varieties) so it works great as a ground cover repair.

Lawns started using Bermuda grass seed can be thick and verdant within 3 months of planting. There are a variety of hybrid grasses and cultivars which have come from Bermuda grass seeds that have been designed to adapt to cooler weather, have more color, softer texture and are able to withstand disease better. These Bermuda grass cultivars are Tifsport, Tifway, Aussie Green, Celebration, Premiere, Patriot, and Ashmore.

In spite of all its great features, Bermuda grass does have a few drawbacks. These negatives are:

1. Bermuda grass requires more nitrogen that other warm weather grasses which results in attracting insects.
2. Bermuda grass forms thatch and requires a great deal of maintenance.
3. Bermuda grass must be edged as in can be invasive.
4. Bermuda grass will turn a straw color after a frost, so it is necessary to plan on winter overseeding.

Bermuda Grass Q&A:

1. What zones should plant Bermuda grass seeds?
   USDA zones 7-10
2. Where did Bermuda grass originate?
   Africa
3. What is the pH range of Bermuda grass?
   5.8 to 7.5
4. How long is the germination and establishment?
   Between 7 – 14 days
5. How high should you let Bermuda grass grow?
   1-2 inches
6. How much water is needed?
   Average amount
7. What is the nitrogen level?
   4-5 at pounds per square foot
8. What is Bermuda grasses salt tolerance?
   Good
9. How much maintenance is needed?
   Bermuda grass requires a great deal of care; it could be called the diva of the warm season grasses.
10. What soil is best for planting Bermuda grass seeds?
    Bermuda grass will grow in any soil type
11. How tolerant is Bermuda grass to insect and disease?
    Bermuda grass has only a mild tolerance level
12. When is the best time of year to plant Bermuda grass seed?
    April