Lawn Maintenance Tips

lawn maintenanceYou can have a lush green lawn if you put the effort into a regular lawn maintenance routine. You can either do the simple weekly and daily tasks yourself or ask a professional to help you. These nine tips will help you maintain a perfect lawn in between visits from a landscaper.

Lawn Maintenance Tips You Need To Know

1. Mow Grass Weekly

Regular grass cutting is the first tip for a beautiful lawn. Standard lawn care involves mowing your lawn once a week in the spring and summer. You may need to adjust your mowing frequency depending on the climate or weather conditions.

It is important to consider the time of day when you mow. Lawn care experts recommend that you mow your lawns early in the evening to keep them moist. Also, only cut about one-third of the height of your grass each time you mow.

2. Sprinklers in the morning

Water is the next essential ingredient for a healthy lawn. You don’t need to water your grass every day unless there are new seeds sprouting. Watering your lawn is best done two to three times per week.

Use a sprinkler to cover the entire lawn area. Watering should be done in the morning between 6 AM and 10 AM. It may be best to avoid watering in the middle of the night or during the day.

3. Customize your Grass to Perform

It’s possible for new properties or areas that need a lawn overhaul to choose the best grass type. Many different types of grass are used for lawns. Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and other varieties don’t need as much upkeep.

The performance of grasses also varies depending on the climate and rainfall in your area. Choose the grass that is right for your climate zone. You can get customized advice from a Myrtle Beach lawn care professional for your new lawn.

lawn maintenance4. Include Fertilizer in Your Lawn Care Routine

You will need to include fertilizer in your routine to get the “grass is always greener on the opposite side of the fence look”. It’s easy to fertilize a lawn yourself. All you need is a lawn spreader, and high-quality lawn fertilizer that matches your grass type.

Drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders are the two main types of spreaders. Drop spreaders work best on small lawns, while broadcast spreaders work well for large areas.

You’ll want to water the lawn a couple of days before fertilizing to prepare the soil. You’ll then need to prepare your spreader. Fill the spreader up with fertilizer from a gardening or home improvement store. On the packaging of the fertilizer, there should be instructions on how to adjust the spreader.

You can then walk around the perimeter to feed and fertilize your lawn. Fill the middle of your lawn with fertilizer. Dispose of any remaining product properly.

5. Investing in Weed Management

Most homeowners find it difficult to keep weeds from taking over their lawn. Some basic principles for lawn care can help you keep weeds under control. You can keep weeds at bay by mowing your lawn weekly, fertilizing it, and watering deeply.

Broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, and other weeds can be very frustrating. You may need professional landscaping services in order to eliminate these weeds. A lawn care expert can apply a herbicide formula that is precise and kills weeds without damaging your lawn in the spring.

6. Train your pet to use a small area

Your dog could be negatively impacting the lawn. In yards with pets, there are often yellow or dead patches of grass. This is where dogs will likely relieve themselves and can look unsightly on a healthy lawn.

You can prevent your dog from ruining the hard work you have put into your beautiful lawn. You can train your dog to urinate in a certain area of the yard, just as you trained them to use the toilet outside. You can designate a specific area of your lawn for your dog to relieve themselves, preferably in a hidden and shady spot. Begin by using a lead and rewarding them for using their new bathroom area.

7. Get your soil tested

Learn about the soil in your yard to keep your lawn looking great year after year. Some lawns will not respond to fertilizer, watering, or mowing. Consider having your soil tested by a professional if you are still struggling to maintain a beautiful yard.

You can learn about your soil’s health and what to do to improve it. These tests reveal the pH balance and nutrient content of the soil.

8. Reseed thin areas of the lawn

Reseeding is necessary if your lawn has patches and some areas look good. Reseeding may be necessary for lawn spots that have become overgrown with weeds. To begin the reseeding procedure, kill all weeds using a powerful herbicide.

Choose a grass seed that is adapted to your climate zone. Rake the soil and aerate it to prepare it for seeds. Spread the seed using your spreader. Fertilize and water your lawn every day, until it reaches a height of about 2 inches.

9. Maintain Your Mower

Last but not least, if you want a beautiful lawn, give your lawnmower some love and attention. When it comes to maintaining a green and healthy lawn, your lawnmower is going to be the most important tool you will find in your shed.

Be sure that your lawnmower blades are sharp. Professional sharpeners can help with this potentially hazardous project. You should clean the undercarriage of your lawnmower every time you use it to avoid rusting and keep it running smoothly. A professional lawnmower tune-up is a great way to maintain your mower’s performance.

Make your lawn a neighborhood favorite. With the help of an experienced lawn care professional and a few simple lawn maintenance routines, you can create a beautiful lawn. Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

Lawn Care Guide to Repairing Patches of Grass

Lawn careYou may want to repair your lawn this weekend if you’ve noticed patches of dead grass. It is easy to fix and prevent patchy grass for experienced gardeners. However, you should first determine what is causing the patches. Here are a few lawn care tips you need to know.

You can easily identify the cause of patches on your lawn. The dog and wear and tear caused by children playing football are obvious culprits. However, a disease could be the reason for the patches.

These lawn care expert tips will help you maintain your lush lawn or fix any emergency patches.

Lawn Care Tips

You need to determine why your lawn has patches before you can decide if it is the right time to plant grass seeds. The cause of patchy grass can be a variety of things, including diseases like Red Thread or Snow Mould and pests such as Leatherjackets or Chafer Bug Grubs.

Patches of grass are often caused by constant usage, “poor drainage” or a ‘poor top’. This is especially common in newly constructed properties. He says that identifying the problem and resolving it are always the first steps to restoring your lawn before you repair or replace it.

Investigate when you should add lime to your lawn, since the pH of the ground could be the cause of patches of grass and poor health.

Dethatching a lawn can also leave bare patches of grass.

1. Aeration can penetrate the roots of grasses.

Aeration is a process that ‘increases airflow to the root, encouraging oxygen to promote root health’. This will encourage stronger roots to grow deeper and promotes a lush lawn that’s more resistant to patching in the future. This process will also reduce soil compaction, resulting in a more versatile lawn that is ready for cooler weather.

2. Sow grass seed

The best Myrtle Beach lawn care tip to fix your patchy lawn is with new grass seed that grows quickly. If you want a uniform-looking lawn, buy the same seed you used previously.

Before sowing, lift the soil and remove the brown or bare patch. Replace the sod removed with topsoil, compost, or a mix of the two, and scatter the seeds according to the directions on the seed packet.

3. Top Dress with Nutrient-Rich soil

Topdressing is a great way to fix your grass patches and keep your lawn thick and green.

The top-dressing of nutrient-rich dirt can make air, water, and nutrients more available to the roots as they break down.

This process will encourage the grass to grow thicker and re-root. It will also promote a healthier plot throughout the summer.

4. Regulate your Mowing

It may sound contradictory but the secret of a patch-free lawn is to maintain a regular schedule for the lawnmower.

Lawn care5. Patch with Sod

What is another quick way to heal your patchy lawn?

You can lay sod any time during the year in a similar way to how you would use seeds.

To ensure a uniform finish, buy the sod from the supplier you used the first time.

Cut out the patchy lawn in a rectangular or square shape that matches the size and shape of the sod section, then loosen the soil underneath with a garden spade.

Keep the area at least an inch below the surface so it can be leveled with the soil. Cut a small piece of sod, and place it at the repair site. Press the patch gently and walk over it to settle it down. Water the area thoroughly so that the water sinks into the soil.

Why are there brown patches on my lawn?

Two things can cause brown patches on a lawn. Your grass could be just dormant, meaning it will grow back. It could also be dead or diseased. Knowing the difference is important before you fix the lawn.

If you gently pull a handful of dormant grass, it should not come off. Dormant patches are usually large because grass does not go dormant in isolated and small areas. Why do grasses turn brown and dormant? It’s usually a cold-season grass that doesn’t like heat or a warm-season grass that doesn’t like cold. Once the temperature is better, they’ll grow back green. Combine warm- and cold-season grass seeds when you sow to avoid this problem in the future.

A lawn care professional can diagnose and treat diseased patches.

If you gently pull on the dead grass, it will fall off in your hands. If you have brown patches of dead grass, it is best to replace the sod. Dormant patches.

Will brown patches in a lawn turn green again?

If the grass doesn’t have any disease or is dead, it will turn green when temperatures are suitable and you water it frequently after the frosts pass.

What causes bare patches in lawns?

The bare patches on your lawn are usually caused by wear. You can fix them easily if you convince the children to play somewhere else, move the water slide, take a new route to the shed, or lay down a path.

Excessive shade can also cause bare patches. This can be reversed by trimming shrubs and trees and sowing shade-tolerant seeds. Also, avoid cutting the grass too short. This part of the lawn will need to be fed.

Dog urine can also cause patches.

How to Repair Dog Urine Patches in a Lawn

Dog urine is often responsible for yellow or dead patches of grass on a lawn. You can’t stop your dog from peeing but you can minimize the damage.

This only works if your dog is willing to go out in the garden every time and then water it with a hose.

Sprinklers are best used in dry weather. Your lawn will be more likely to remain patch-free when it is kept moist.

Maintain a long lawn: this will keep the moisture in the grass and reduce the chances of developing brown patches.

A healthy lawn will be less likely to experience urine burn.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now if you need help in maintaining your lawn.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

Lawn Care Tips For A Healthy Lawn This Summer

lawn careYour grass will start to grow like crazy as summer approaches! You may be having trouble maintaining a lush lawn because of the way you mow. Here are six lawn care tips for a healthy and vibrant lawn this season.

Summer Lawn Care Tips

1. Don’t Overwater

Sprinklers can be a great way to keep your lawn moist during the summer, but they also have some drawbacks.

The more you water healthy grass, it will grow faster. You’ll have to mow more often, and your lawn will suffer long-term damage from the compaction of your grass caused by heavy mowers to the wear on the blades.

Oversaturated lawns can also cause problems. (Think rotting and musty odors!). Wet lawns can develop mold and disease, attract pests such as mosquitos, and have ruts caused by heavy equipment sinking in soft soil.

This summer, water deeply but infrequently. It will encourage deeper roots and stronger turf, which means you’ll need less water! Unsure of how to water your lawn properly? Call a lawn maintenance expert.

2. Beware of “Scalping

Scalping means cutting your lawn too short. It’s like exposing the bare scalp of your landscape in Myrtle Beach!

Your turf is left vulnerable and exposed when you cut it low. Thick grass prevents certain diseases and pests from damaging the root system of your blade. It’s not just that grass less than 2 inches tall is more prone to weeds and grubs but also more susceptible to pesticides.

The crown of the blades of grass can be damaged by a very short cut. This is an important part of the structure and health of your lawn. It can take up to a season for crown damage to heal, which will put your lawn under stress.

Remember that your grass blades absorb nutrients from sunlight, just like leaves on plants. If your blades are shorter, there is less surface to perform photosynthesis. Always leave your grass about three inches or higher.

You say “I am a golfer, and I always mow the greens very short with no issues”. Remember that these grasses are bentgrass varieties, which are meant to be mowed short. They are mowed daily. By removing 1/3 of the grass blades at a given time, cutting your turf once a week will shock it.

3. Keep Your Blades Sharp

Wearing mower blades can also make your lawn look messy. Dull scissors will pull the material they are trying to cut, instead of cutting it cleanly. Dull mower blades may not be obvious, but they can pull up your grass roots and cause them to be disturbed. Consider how much faster a clean wound on your skin heals than one that is jagged. When left uncovered, frayed grass can invite diseases.

You may forget to sharpen the blades of your lawnmower. After all, they are still spinning and doing their job! But a quick sharpening can do wonders. Sharpen your mower blades at least every two months or every time you start a new “mowing” season. Due to the heavy use of our commercial mowers, they sharpen their blades twice a week.

4. Trim Weekly

How often should we mow? This depends on many factors, including the season, how much rain you get, and the type of grass that you have. South Carolina homeowners should mow their lawns once a week in the summer.

More frequent mowing can be very stressful to your grass. It takes a lot of resources and energy to grow back, only to get hacked down before it can absorb enough nutrients from the sunlight! Mowing too often can also compact the soil and reduce the growth of the turf’s roots.

The downsides of waiting too long to mow your lawn are also significant. You may adjust the deck of your mower incorrectly in an attempt to cut that tall grass. This can cause your lawn to be scalped, as discussed above. Cutting off a large portion of grass can also cause your lawn to panic, as it will not have the resources necessary to recover and grow. Take two or three passes in a few short days to bring your grass back to its normal height if you returned from vacation to find it two weeks high. Remember that you should never cut more than 1/3 the blade of grass at one time. If you keep your height at 3″, as we recommend, you shouldn’t go much higher than 4″ for the next cut.

5. Take Your Time

It can be tempting when mowing frequently to hurry the job. Some homeowners enjoy rushing around their zero-turn mowers, as though they are in a hurry to get inside to relax.

Fast mowing can result in sloppy cuts or missed patches. Sharp turns can also tear up your lawn, creating rivets that compact your soil or damage your roots.

6. Skip the Bagging

Resist the urge to bag your clippings when you mow the lawn. Many homeowners bag the grass clippings left behind after mowing their lawns, thinking it will make their turf look neater and cleaner. However, you are actually robbing them of valuable organic matter that will be eventually broken down and reabsorbed into your soil. The grass that remains on your lawn helps it retain more water.

You should only pick up clippings in two situations. If you have waited too long to mow and did not listen to our advice, mow in increments to bring it back to its proper height. The piles of grass cut can either smother the grass, preventing it from absorbing sunlight, or too much water.

Second, you can add your trimmings to your compost. Your trimmings, when mixed with brown and nutritious table scraps, can be a great fertilizer. You can use it to give your lawn an extra mineral boost by spreading the mixture on your lawn.

Nothing is more satisfying than a well-kept lawn on a sunny day. Even the most pristine lawns will not be able to fix a messy landscape.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now if you need professional help in maintaining your lawn.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

Lawn Care Tips About Watering Your Lawn After Fertilizing

lawn careSome rules are just made for following. Always stop at a kid’s lemonade stand. Water after fertilizing your lawn. The lemonade thing is easy. But when exactly do you water after fertilizing? And for how long? Whether you apply your own fertilizer or hire a lawn care company to do it, here’s the deal with watering after fertilizing your lawn.

Lawn Care: Why Water After Fertilizing?

Watering after fertilizing washes the fertilizer off of the grass blades and into the soil, where it can get to work nourishing your lawn.

It’s also important because if fertilizer sits too long without being watered in, it can burn the grass.

When to Water Your Lawn After Fertilizing

If your lawn gets liquid fertilizer, wait until it dries before watering, about 2-4 hours.

If it’s granular fertilizer, water right away. One exception: if you also got spot weed treatments at the same time, wait for that to dry before watering, or the water will wash off the weed killer before it can work.

How Long Should You Water Your Lawn After Fertilizing?

The fertilizer and soil should be thoroughly moist, but don’t water so much that the water begins to form puddles. About 20 minutes should do the trick.

You don’t want to wash away all those good nutrients — or let the fertilizer get carried away by the water, where it could contaminate groundwater and nearby streams, ponds or rivers.

If you’re using hoses and sprinklers to water after fertilizing, not an irrigation system, be sure you move them around to provide nice, even coverage over all areas of your lawn.

lawn careLet the Rain Help Out

If you can, try to time your fertilizer application just before you expect a rainfall of at least 1/4 inch. Rain provides good, even coverage over the entire lawn.

But if weather forecasters are predicting heavy rain, never mind. That can flood your lawn and wash away the fertilizer.

You’ve Watered after Fertilizing — Now What?

After this initial watering, avoid watering your lawn for a couple of days so the nutrients can settle in. Then, return to your regular lawn-watering schedule, and remember these tips:

Don’t water every day. Water deeply and infrequently. Water too often, and encourages shallow, needy roots. Water less often but deeply, roots will grow deeper and healthier — and be happy with less water. Grass needs about an inch of water each week. Early morning is the best time to water. It’s still cool, so all that valuable water won’t evaporate in the hot sun. Wrap up your watering as close to sunrise as possible. If sunrise is at 6 a.m., you should be done watering at 6.

See It All On Video

Instructions for watering after fertilizing are included in our customer follow-up videos.

Five minutes after our lawn care technician leaves your yard, you’ll get an email with a quick video featuring our technician explaining what they just did and any follow-up tips you need to know.

It’s just one of the ways we make lawn care easy.

Is Your Lawn Ready for a New Best Friend? Ready to nourish your grass with fertilizer for a green and healthy lawn? Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

 

How to Plant Grass seed

Lawn carePreparation is key to a lush, green lawn. Preparing the area before seeding is necessary to cover up that annoying bare patch or uneven ground caused by recent renovations. If you want to know how to seed a new lawn, it’s important to prepare the area before starting. This lawn care guide will help you to eliminate the guesswork from preparation. You’ll also get tips on how to choose the right type of seed and care for the seedlings once they have germinated. Get your lawn mower ready, because, in a matter of weeks, you’ll be able to cut fresh grass for the first time.

The Best Types Of Grass Seed

Start by selecting the correct grass seed for your area. The hardiness of grass seed is divided into two boards. Warm-season grasses thrive in Zones 7 and above, including Bahia and Bermuda species, as well as the centipede and St. Augustine species. Cool-season grasses can tolerate freezing temperatures, and they grow well below Zone 6. Cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue.

Beginner lawn care mistakes that prevent lush grass from growing

Other than their winter hardiness, different grass species can grow in the sun or shade, tolerate foot traffic and tolerate dry conditions. Learn more about grass species in your locality by visiting a garden center or box shop. Many grass seed mixes are sold for specific conditions or combinations of conditions. You may find grass seed mixes for dry and shaded conditions, or for high foot traffic and full sun. You should carefully read the packaging to ensure you choose the correct seed for the site.

When to Plant Grass seed

Your location will determine the best time to plant turf grass. Plant warm-season grass from March to September if you live above Zone 7. Warm-season grasses will germinate and thrive in heat when there is enough moisture to support growth. Cold-season grass should be seeded by homeowners in Zones 6 and lower from mid-August to mid-October. Autumn is the best time to plant cool-season grass seeds because of moderate soil temperatures combined with cool air temperatures and some regular rain.

How to Plant Grass Seed

It’s now time to prepare your site and start planting. The process for planting Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda grass is the same. This 6-step method can be used to seed a new lawn or a patch of bare ground.

1. Get Rid of Weeds

Remove any existing grass or weeds. Dig out the plants with a shovel, taking care to remove all roots. Rent a seed cutter if the area you want to seed is large and full of weeds.

Lawn care2. Enhance the soil and smooth surface

Add a layer of compost that has been well-decomposed after removing the weeds. Compost, for example, can help improve drainage and add valuable nutrients. Then, till the soil until it is about 4 inches deep. The compost will be mixed into the native soil by tilling. This will prepare the seedbed. Use a stiff garden tool to smooth out the soil after tilling. You can contour it if necessary and remove any large rocks or clumps of soil. You want to create a loose, smooth soil surface which will be a good mat for grass seeds.

3. Plant the grass seed

Spread grass seed by hand over small areas. For larger areas, a drop spreader will make this task easier. Spread the seed evenly on a calm, wind-free day. The seeding rate is indicated on the bag. Usually, rates are expressed in pounds per 1,000 sq. feet. To get the best results, you should sow half of the recommended seed in one direction. Spread the remainder of the seeds at an angle of 45 degrees to the first half. You can always hire a lawn care expert to help you out.

4. Protect the Seed

Rake over the area to cover seeds with a thin soil layer. For small areas, a leaf rake will do the trick. You can use a harrow that is pulled by a lawn tractor to cover larger areas. Spread a thin layer of weed-free hay over the area to conserve moisture and stop seeds from washing or blowing away.

5. Water the Seed

Sprinklers can be used to lightly water the seedbed. Water the seedbed frequently enough to keep it moist, but not saturated. Overwatering may cause seeds to be washed away or sink deep into the soil, where they won’t germinate. Water lightly two or three times per day until the seedlings appear in about 2 to 4 weeks. Continue watering every day until the grass is 2 inches high.

6. Cut New Grass to Control Weeds

Start mowing when the turf reaches approximately 4 inches. Mow it regularly and maintain the height at around 3 inches. It is safe to apply a weed preventative product after mowing the grass and maintaining it for about two months. This will help to prevent crabgrass and other invaders from taking over new turf. Please read the product label for instructions on how to apply it.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service if you’re looking for a reliable lawn maintenance expert in Myrtle Beach.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

Fertilization: The Benefits and Application

fertilizationFertilizing your lawn has many benefits. First, you will have a healthier and more beautiful lawn. The benefits of fertilization extend beyond aesthetics.

All About Fertilization

WEED REDUCTION

Fertilizer is a combination of chemicals that promotes grass growth. This may lead homeowners to believe that fertilizer promotes weed growth. This can be true in certain situations, but fertilizing your lawn can sometimes reduce the number of weeds. Some grass fertilizers contain weed killers, so while you promote grass growth, you might also be discouraging weed growth. Moreover, fertilizer can make grass thicker, stronger, and taller. This will give it more control over the soil and environment. The weeds will be unable to compete when the grass is taking up all of the nutrients and water in the soil. The grass will become taller and stronger, while the weeds will be less successful.

PREVENTION OF DISEASES

Each year, many homeowners deal with large sections or patches of dying grass. Sometimes it seems like the grass just dies without any explanation. Sometimes, however, it can be caused by disease. Unfertilized grass can make it weaker and less healthy. This can make your grass more vulnerable to disease. This is the same as human disease. Humans who are weak, frail, and unhealthy are more likely than others to develop a disease or be in poor health. You can fertilize your plants in a similar way as giving medication to humans. This makes your grass stronger and gives it a better chance of fighting off major diseases before they cause serious damage.

FAR LESSER PESTS

As weaker grass is more vulnerable to disease, so is it more likely to be infested by pests. Your grass will be less likely to become infected if it is stronger and healthier.

PLUS, MORE GROWTH

Many lawns have different conditions. Different areas of the lawn receive different amounts of rainwater. Some are more shaded than others, while others are more prone to sun. Inconsistencies in the lawn’s water supply can cause uneven grass growth. Your lawn’s sunny areas will have more lush growth, while those in the shaded areas will be less productive. These areas may need to be fertilized with nutrients to encourage growth. Your lawn will grow more evenly across your property.

DECREASED EROSION

Soil erosion refers to the washing away soil from the ground’s surface. This is caused by a lack in stability on the top of soil. A thick, dense layer of grass can provide the soil with the stability it requires. A strong, tightly woven root system is a sign that your grass has thick, healthy roots. This root system keeps the soil’s top layer in place and prevents it being washed away by heavy rainstorms.

MUD LESS

Different elevations are common in lawns. This can cause problems with heavy rainfall and even excessive watering. Low elevation areas can see pooling which can cause muddy areas to form in your yard. Mud can be unsightly and dangerous. It can cause your family to slip or fall. It can also cause equipment and other vehicles to become stuck on your lawn. It is annoying and can cause severe damage to your grass. The thick roots that grow from fertilizing your lawn will be better able to absorb more water from the soil. This can reduce the amount of mud on your lawn.

INCREASED CURB CAPPEAL

The ultimate benefit of fertilization is beautiful lawns. Your home will have more curb appeal if your grass is tall and uniform. This will make your home more appealing when you sell it. While passersby might not notice your lawn’s health, they will compliment other parts of your property such as your home or landscaping. Prospective buyers will be more likely to notice your lawn and other aspects of your property, rather than being distracted by the dead grass.

APPLICATION TIPS

While fertilizer can do wonders for your lawn it must be properly applied. You must ensure that fertilizer is applied correctly and not used in a cheap manner. You can be sure that your lawn will be healthy and safe if you hire a professional Myrtle Beach lawn care service provider.

SOIL TESTING

Every lawn is unique. Different soil types have different amounts of nutrients, which can have different effects on grass. Your grass needs will depend on the nutrients in your soil. A soil test is required to obtain a complete analysis of your soil. This will allow you to see what is happening in your lawn and the best way to treat it.

CHOOSING A FERTILIZER

Three main elements of lawn fertilizer are necessary to promote grass growth: nitrogen and phosphorous. There are many types of fertilizer available on the market, each with different amounts of each element. The soil test can help you determine which fertilizer is right for you. It will also tell you what nutrients are most important. This can be a complex process so it is best to let experts do a chemical analysis of your soil to determine the right fertilizer for you.

FERTILIZING AT THE RIGHT TIME

It is crucial to use the correct fertilizer. However, it is equally important to fertilize your lawn when you need it. It is beneficial for many homeowners to fertilize their lawns in the spring and fall.

Two benefits of spring fertilization: Spring fertilization is beneficial for two reasons. It keeps your grass looking great through the summer and late spring when most homeowners want it to look its best. It encourages strong root growth that will sustain the grass in the summer heat.

Fertilization encourages strong root systems which will allow the grass to survive the harsh winter.

WATERING YOUR LAWN

It is crucial that your lawn has the best chance of absorbing fertilizer when you prepare for it. Your lawn will be more able to absorb the fertilizer if you water it before fertilization. A few days prior to fertilization is the best time to give your lawn a deep watering.

HOW TO USE THE RIGHT TOOLS

After you have chosen the fertilizer you want to use and prepared for it’s application, you need to choose the best tools for spreading it. Spreader is the general term for the tool that is used to apply fertilizer. There are many types. Broadcast spreaders and drop spreading are the main types of spreaders.

Broadcast Spreader: Spreads fertilizer across a large area of grass.

Drop Spreader: Provides greater control and drops fertilizer in an area that is no larger than the wheels.

Both types of spreaders may be needed to reach all areas on your lawn.

PROPER HANDLING

While fertilizer can solve many problems when it is used correctly, it can also cause problems if mishandled. Ingestion of fertilizer can prove to be extremely dangerous. Fertilizer can be very dangerous if it is ingested. We should avoid allowing children or animals to come in contact with it.

Over fertilizing your lawn or allowing fertilizer to enter your street can lead to fertilizer getting into water bodies. This can cause animals to be in danger and encourage the growth of bacteria and algae in the water.

The University of Massachusetts has great resources to help you understand how fertilizer should be stored and handled. It is best to have fertilizer applied by a professional lawn care expert who is experienced and trustworthy.

Fertilization is a great way to ensure your lawn has lush, dense growth. Fertilization will not only enhance your lawn’s appearance, but it will also prevent diseases, erosion, pests, and increase curb appeal. Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now if you need assistance with soil testing and choosing and applying fertilizers.

 

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

 

The Importance Of Lawn Maintenance

Lawn maintenance Myrtle Beach SCMany homeowners think a house without a yard is like a summer without sunlight: It doesn’t make any sense. For those who live off the grid, or are trying to live sustainably, there are some downsides to lawn maintenance.

One, grass can’t produce vegetables, and two, it needs plenty of water and attention to grow well and healthy.

A lawn has its benefits. You might be tempted to toss your lawn and install artificial turf or garden boxes, but you should wait to see the true benefits of grass in your yard.

Lawn Maintenance Tips

Why Grass is Important

A healthy, thick, and deep-green lawn is eye-catching. But it’s not the only benefit.

In fact, grass can be an essential part of a sustainable ecosystem, especially in densely developed areas such as the suburbs.

Here’s how a lawn can help your ecosystem, no matter where you live.

Cleanse the air. Grass can be considered a plant. Like other plants, grass photosynthesizes – i.e. by absorbing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and emitting oxygen, grass creates energy. A lawn can help clean the air. This is particularly important for areas with high vehicle emissions.

You might not like the idea of paying water bills every month. However, it is vital that grass can absorb water in urban areas.

Filter water. Lawns absorb water and filter out harmful chemicals. Groundwater is essential for humans, so grass’s filtration is crucial.

The temperature should be lower. Because grass needs water to grow, it tends to maintain a moderate temperature. This is a blessing for homeowners living in hot climates as it can help lower their summer cooling bills.

Reduce noise pollution. Hardscaping can bounce sound around, amplifying it around your home. Soft landscape features absorb sounds better that hardscaping. A lawn can be used to insulate your home from the noise in noisy areas.

How to Keep a Sustainable Lawn

It’s easy to waste lawn care. Overwatering is a common problem.

You need to plan your lawn maintenance in Myrtle Beach and maybe hire a professional.

These tips can help you get started.

* Select the best grass variety. Some grasses are not suitable for all climates. If you try to make a lawn from St. Augustine or Zoysia grass, you might fail. Talk to lawn care experts in your region or search online to find the right variety for you.

Learn how to water, aerate, fertilize, and seed your lawn.

* Your grass’s height will vary depending on the variety. Cold-season grasses should reach 3 inches, while warm-season grasses should grow to about half an inch.

* Every week, your lawn requires at least 1 inch of water. This should include both natural watering (such a sprinkler, hose, etc.). You should also consider precipitation.

* Aeration refers to the process of removing soil from the lawn. It is best done within the first few weeks after spring.

* It is a good idea to fertilize your lawn at least once a year, in the last weeks of winter. However, if your lawn is having trouble in spring, you might want to fertilize it again.

It is also beneficial for homeowners to fertilize in summer. Different seasons require different fertilizers, so it is worth taking the time to get familiar with each component of fertilizer.

* Overseeding is a way to fill in the bare spots in your lawn. It is usually done in spring.

* Use non-toxic pest and weed control. It is not necessary. Chemical herbicides and insecticides work very well.

Organic weed and pest control is an excellent option if you want your environment to be safe for children and pets.

There are many organic products that can be purchased at big-box home and gardening stores. However, you can also make your products from household items.

Although grass is not for everyone, it is not the resource-hogging plant that some homeowners might consider it to be.

You can reap the many benefits of a lawn, and also reduce your environmental impact with proper care.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now if you need help in maintaining your lawn.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about lawn care services.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

Lawn Care Guide to Fertilization

Lawn careFertilizer is essential for maintaining a healthy, green lawn. Most homeowners skip fertilizing their lawns because they don’t know what products to use or how to apply them. The problem is made worse by the fact that lawn fertilizer can cause more harm than good if it isn’t applied properly. Here are a few things you need to know about lawn care.

Lawn Care: Easy-to-follow guidelines for lawn fertilization

Make sure to check the temperature of your soil

The best time to fertilize your lawn is in spring when the soil temperature (not the air temperature) reaches 55o Fahrenheit. The lilacs and grass will bloom when the soil reaches 55o.

You can also buy a soil thermometer to check the temperature at any moment. This means that the application of lawn fertilizer should be done by mid-April in most areas of the country. If you haven’t yet started, mark the date.

Get the numbers

Three numbers are printed on fertilizer labels when you shop for it. These numbers are the primary nutrients required to feed your lawn.

Use a slow-release fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizers are slower to break down nutrients so that you can wait for them to be used again. Slow-release fertilizers can be applied every six to eight weeks, depending on how you water your lawn. This saves both time and money.

Use Granules

Professional landscapers will often spray the entire lawn with fertilizer in a tanker truck. Pros do this every day so they are familiar with how to account for wind and ensure even coverage. They also have the right equipment to do the job correctly. For homeowners, granules are super easy to apply with a spreader.

The second feeding should be done approximately four weeks after the initial application. It should take place around mid-May. You should fertilize your lawn every six to eight weeks from that point onwards, right through October. Instead of using a traditional fertilizer, you can use organic materials such as manure for the third feeding.

Remember to also feed your plants in fall. This is actually the most important fertilizer application for the entire year. Use a slightly higher level of phosphorous or potassium in fall fertilizer to promote root growth.

Remember to water

Contrary to popular belief, lawns that are tended to be more watered need more fertilizer. You need more fertilizer if your lawn is growing faster. The grass needs more nutrients as it grows. You should fertilize your lawn every six weeks if you have an automatic sprinkler system. You can wait two additional weeks without a sprinkler system before you fertilize your lawn.

You should also carefully read the label on fertilizer to determine if you should water your lawn before or after fertilizer application. Granulated fertilizers require moisture to be broken down. Some fertilizers may require that you soak the lawn before application.

Get rid of the Hopper, and fill up your Spreader

Once you are ready to put fertilizer in the spreader, place it on your driveway or patio. You can also put a tarp underneath it. This will prevent any granules that have escaped from the spreader from collecting in one place on the lawn. They can then burn the grass. Before filling the spreader, make sure that your hopper is closed. This is lesson number one, which everyone should learn at least once.

Don’t apply too much

Conners advises against following the label on fertilizer labels. Half of the recommended rate on the bag should be used. Applying fertilizer with the spreader open is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. He suggests spreading fertilizer at half to slightly less than the recommended rate by the manufacturer.

Before fertilizing, check the weather forecast. Apply the fertilizer just before it rains. This will cause a lot of fertilizer to be washed away.

Stray Granules:

The spreader can occasionally dump fertilizer on your patio, sidewalk, or driveway. It is better to sweep it up than let the rain wash it away.

Once you have finished fertilizing your lawn with fertilizer, take any remaining fertilizer from the spreader and put it back in its original bag. Seal the bag tightly and keep it dry. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now if you need help taking care of your lawn.

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Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

 

Spring Lawn Care Tips You Need To Know

lawn careDon’t neglect spring lawn care because if you do, you will pay for it for the rest of the year. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your lawn in good shape.

Lawn Care Tips For Spring

Raking

The first tip for lawn care in Myrtle Beach is that you need to do during spring, is raking. Rake deeply when you rake leaves during the fall to avoid thatching.

Checking For Compaction

Your lawn may start to show signs of decline in case it is exposed to high levels of traffic annually. During this time, the lawn is most likely dealing with compacted soil. You can address this but successful eradication starts with recognizing that moss must not be treated like it is just another weed.

Liming

Aside from compaction, having moss plants implies acidity. However, grass loves a neutral pH. You could fix this issue by liming the soil. However, do not expect an instant solution; the effects of liming are very slow to happen.

Overseeding

If your lawn is filled with bare patches because of dog spots, neglect, or heavy traffic, you may want to consider applying grass seed to fill in all those bare patches. This is referred to as overseeding lawns. What you need to do is apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer once you overseed. About five weeks following the grass germination, you should put in quick-release nitrogen fertilizer.

But spring is not the perfect time for overseeding your lawns. Fall is the recommended time so the new grass will not have to compete with the crabgrass, which is eliminated by the autumn frost. So you should most likely postpone the overseeding until the fall season

Fertilizing

Lawns could be fertilized organically by making use of compost and then mulching the mowers. However, for those who would rather use chemical fertilizers, you can always follow a schedule. Experts at Conner’s Lawn Care Service recommend lighter feeding during spring and heavier feeding in late fall, particularly for lawn grass types that are referred to as cool season grasses.

Applying Preemergent Herbicides

If you know very well that you’ve got issues with annual weeds, and crabgrass, then spring fertilization must go together with adding preemergent herbicides. They deal with weed control even before their seedlings emerge. They form a shield that prevents seed germination. Don’t take on core aeration after putting in the preemergent herbicides, because if you do, you will only decrease its efficiency.

Applying Postemergence Herbicides

Check for perennial weed growth. If you would rather have organic weed control, you always have the option to pull them out.

Tuning Up Existing Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowing all throughout the summer could be a tiring lawn care Myrtle Beach task. You don’t have to make it harder for yourself by using a lawn mower that does not start up right away. If your lawn mower is stubborn when it comes to starting up, that could be an indication that it requires a tuneup. Even though you can get by without tuning it up, we still suggest that you have the mower tuned up every year.

Buying A New Lawn Mower

Or maybe you are fed up with your old lawn mower and you are thinking of making a change. Do your research and find out what type is most suitable for your own unique lawn maintenance needs.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service for professional lawn care services if you wish to make sure your lawn is in perfect shape for spring and the rest of the year.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about lawn care services.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/

 

Lawn Care Tips to Keep Bushes Looking Their Best Throughout The Year

Lawn careAll agree that bushes are an important part of any lawn. They are a wonderful addition to walkways and fountains. They can be used as a background for your garden beds, making lawn care a must.

You must take good care of these woody plants, which can range in size from small to medium. This is how you ensure that they add structure, texture, and beauty to your landscaping.

There’s something for everyone, whether you have bushes already or are planning to plant them on your lawn. We will discuss the lawn care tips required to keep woody plants healthy and strong.

Lawn Care Tips

Plant the Bushes at The Right Time

You must ensure that the lawn plants you plant are able to adapt to your local climatic conditions. For information and labels about the best growing conditions, refer to the package.

Fall is the best season to add new plants to your lawn. This gives the plant more time to adapt and grow before winter. The plant’s root system will also be able to establish itself easily in the fall before it is too late for spring.

Establish a watering schedule

To thrive and survive, lawn plants need water. It is important to water your lawn at least once per week. Make sure you do this regularly.

Set the sprinkler timer to at least 10 minutes when watering plants. When the soil is saturated with water or the lawn has soaked in water, it’s time to stop watering.

Your new plants should be watered at the time of planting and every 2 to 4 weeks thereafter. After planting, water your plants every 2 to 3 days. This should be done between 3 and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the roots will be more established.

Adhere to proper feeding habits

Mulch the soil with sufficient compost instead of fertilizing your newly planted bushes. Mulching enriches the soil with micronutrients.

You can later add fertilizers that are based on the plant’s nutritional requirements. A layer of compost can be helpful for fragile plants to increase soil nutrients.

Potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen are the most common nutrients used by plants. You will also need to have large amounts of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Prune at the Right Times

Regular pruning can help to maintain the size and shape of your plants. It is also important to use different pruning tools.

Spring is the best time to prune your plants. You must also determine when the plant blooms. If the plant’s blooming season falls in spring, you can prune it once flowering has stopped.

If it flowers in summer, you can trim it in the spring or in winter to prevent new growth. For deciduous plants, you can do light pruning in summer, but heavier pruning in winter is best for dormant plants.

Ties or Stalk the branches

If the new bushes appear weak or difficult to straighten, you can help them by stowing them. The plants should be supported until they grow a strong trunk. Ensure that the stalk is the same height as your plant while you do this.

The stalk can be tied to the branches with heavy-wrapped wire. To protect the bark of the plant from being ground, shield the cable with a hose.

Check the soil

You can test the soil to determine if there are any deficiencies. You can correct any deficiencies found by soil testing with the appropriate fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers can help you overcome nitrogen deficiencies.

If you send a sample of your soil to a local soil laboratory, your soil can be tested professionally. This task can be accomplished using soil test kits that you have purchased locally.

Pay attention to Pests

Insects can be a problem when it comes to lawn maintenance. A lawn care expert will be able to advise you on the best way to combat pest infestations on your lawn.

Japanese beetles are some examples of lawn pests that can cause severe damage. Other pests include mites, caterpillars, and aphids.

Mulching the soil to retain moisture

Mulching is an excellent way to preserve the soil’s warmth and moisture. Mulch can be used to help your shrubs get water from the soil in winter. If you prefer the organic option, mulch can come in the form of either tree bark or wood chips. Plastic paper is an alternative.

Mulch can be applied to the soil around your plants. Mulch can be used to reduce soil erosion and control weeds. This will increase the growth of your new shrubs and reduce fertilizer costs.

The Takeaway

Proper bush maintenance and lawn care in Myrtle Beach are the best ways to ensure your lawn and bushes look healthy throughout the year. These practices can be applied to your lawn with great success.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service is available to assist you if you require professional lawn care and landscaping services. Get a free estimate by calling us today.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about lawn maintenance services.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-504-4901
http://connerslawncare.com/