Although pre-emergent herbicides are an essential tool in a weed management program, timing their application can prove difficult. We’ll be discussing key lawn care principles for developing a weed management strategy. We will also discuss what pre-emergent herbicide is capable of doing within a program and when it can be applied to different types of weeds.

Lawn Care: Develop a Weed Control Strategy

It is impossible to eradicate all weeds from a single application. This is something you should emphasize to your customer when developing a weed management strategy for a property. There is no magic bullet that will eliminate all weeds. A good program adapts to the specific needs of each property on a seasonal and annual basis.

Every weed has a survival strategy. They cannot all be eradicated because they have unique life cycles and reproduction methods. The seeds can remain dormant for many years before germinating. They can withstand fire, drought, herbicides, and even fire. Even if the entire property was cleared of seeds, vegetative propagules and seed can still be easily transported to it by wind, water or human activity.

It is important to ask the following questions when you are developing or revising your weed control strategy:

• Which weeds would you like to be rid of?
• Are these weeds to be prevented, eradicated, or both?
• Is there any cultural practice that can help reduce the number of weeds?
• What are the life cycle of weeds and what is the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide?
• Are there any desired plants on the property? Is the herbicide safe and labeled for them?
• How pre-emergent herbicide works

Let’s take a look at three key principles for pre-emergent control to get an idea of how it works.

Principle 1: Pre-emergent herbicides can be used to kill weed seeds that are germinating.

Pre-emergent, as the name implies, is designed to kill weeds that are not yet in the soil. Pre-emergent should not be applied to weeds that are visible above ground in order to obtain great results. This will prevent you from wasting your time and money down the line.

Please Note: Pre-emergent cannot be used to control weeds as well as weed seeds that already exist.

Only when the weed starts to grow from the seed, and hits the herbicide barrier, will it be killed. Seeds can remain dormant for as long as they are not harmed by pre-emergent herbicide applications. This is why weed management is a continuous process. There will always be some seeds beneath the surface, and some will germinate every season. To greatly minimize large infestations, it is important to apply annually.

Keep in mind that pre-emergent herbicide can affect desirable plants. This includes turf. Pre-emergent must be applied to the turf before seeding. To allow lawn establishment, seed first and then apply pre-emergent 6 weeks later. Seed at least three months after pre-emergent is applied.

Principle 2: Pre-emergent should be properly mixed and evenly applied to the target area in order for best results.

Mixing pre-emergent herbicides correctly is essential for the spray solution’s proper strength. Make sure to carefully read the instructions and calibrate your sprayer as part of your lawn care Myrtle Beach routine.

It is important to cover the entire area. Pre-emergents should be viewed as a blanket. You need to cover the entire area where weed seeds can not germinate. Because there is so much open space for weeds, spot spraying does not work. The manufacturer will tell you how much product to apply “per 1000 feet” or “per an acre”, which will determine how much herbicide you should use per gallon. It usually takes between 1 and 2 gallons to cover 1000 sq. feet.

Principle 3: Pre-emergent herbicides should be irrigated.

Watering in will trigger herbicide, creating a barrier below the surface. Most products require 0.5 inches of rain or irrigation within 21 days.

Apply the pre-emergent herbicide before any rain is expected if you are working in an area that is not irrigated or a drip zone.

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

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

One of the many tasks included in your regular lawn care is to get rid of weeds from your lawn. There are different ways to do this and you do not have to spend more than $20. In addition to getting rid of the weed, you also need to control and prevent their growth in your yard. To help you effectively do these, here are some of the most common weed control strategies that you can consider doing.

Maintain ideal grass height

Different types of grass have a different height requirement. Confirm with a local lawn care Myrtle Beach the ideal height for the grass that you have on your lawn. Maintaining your grass at the right height and making sure it is sufficiently fertilized and watered, will result in a healthier lawn eliminating any possibilities for weed grass to grow and develop.

Once you know how long your grass should be maintained, you can create a mowing schedule. This will depend on the type of grass you are mowing and weather conditions. At most, you will have to mow once every one to two weeks. Regular mowing not only results in maintaining the right level of grass but will also ensure that weed seed heads are clipped off before they reach maturity.

Know the specific type of weed you are dealing with

Similarly, in many situations, it helps if you get to know the weed that you’re dealing with so that you can plan the right solution and action to get rid of it. Generally, there are three types of weeds and each requires a different type of treatment. If you do not know which type of weed you have in your background, dig out a sample and bring to your local lawn maintenance expert.

• Broadleaf weeds – This type of weed has broad leaves. Examples include creeping Charlie, dandelions and clover. Broadleaf weeds can be prevented using small amounts of broadleaf herbicide. Lawn care experts suggest using the smallest applicator available in garden stores to help you save time and money. Using a small applicator also prevents the release of harmful chemicals, which are often present in herbicides, into the environment.
• Perennial grassy weeds – This type of weed has similar behavior with the average grass. It can grow dormant throughout winter and come out in the spring, along with your grass. To effectively eliminate perennial weeds, you will need to wipe a non-selective plant killer to the weeds that you want to remove. To do this effectively, dip a cloth glove in the herbicide and use this glove to touch the weeds. Make sure you wear a protective rubber glove underneath the cloth glove so you will not be affected by the herbicide. The best way to apply a generous amount of the herbicide to the weed is to grab it using the cloth glove near the roots and pull towards the ends of the leaf. Do not spray this herbicide to your lawn as this will also kill your other plants and grass.
• Annual grassy weeds – This type of weed is very much similar to the growth and behavior of crabgrass. After reseeding near the end of the growing season, they die and leave the seeds to germinate and grow in the coming spring season. Experts highly recommend using crabgrass preventer between the first and third mowing during the spring season. It is extremely important that you apply the herbicide during spring because this is when they germinate seeds.

For more information on lawn care, call Conner’s Lawn Care Service today. 

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

Spring is the best time to prepare your lawn for summer. You can have a healthy, fresh lawn in the spring and enjoy the beautiful weather. With proper lawn care maintenance, your grass will thrive in the spring.

You have two options when it comes to spring lawn care: either hire a professional or take care of it yourself. A lawn care Myrtle Beach expert will identify and perform any spring treatment that your grass requires to keep it beautiful and weed-free throughout the summer.

Conner’s Lawn Care Service offers several spring lawn care tips for those who choose to do it themselves. These spring lawn care tips will ensure that your yard stays lush and green throughout the summer.

Lawn Care Tips You Need To Know

#1: Give your lawn mower a tune-up

Our first spring lawn care tip doesn’t require you to even touch your grass yet. Your lawn will be cut regularly throughout the season, so even if it isn’t ideal, get your mower ready. Pre-prepared lawn mowers will keep your lawn healthy and prevent low cuts or malfunctions that can delay regular mowing. Your lawn mower’s needs will vary depending on how you maintained it in the fall. The basic steps are to change the oil, replace the spark plug, air filter, and balance the blades. This will allow you to be ready for spring by getting your lawn in tip-top shape. Make sure you read and understand all safety information about your lawn mower.

#2: Get rid of winter debris

You don’t know how meticulously you cleaned your yard in fall, but new leaves, sticks and other debris could have made it onto your grass. Your lawn can be affected by wind, rain, snow, and other debris. Some of that debris can be hidden by the snow until spring. It is important to get rid of winter debris every spring. It will be easier to maintain and treat your grass if you take the time to clean it before you start any spring lawn care.

#3: Aerate your Lawn

It is essential to aerate your lawn after storing heavy snow or having heavy traffic. The soil under your grass can become compacted, especially if it was covered with snow or if you have had a lot of foot traffic. Aeration loosens the turf, allowing water and air to reach the soil and roots of your grass. Although it is not necessary, you should still evaluate your lawn for any areas that are too compacted.

#4: Start overseeding your lawn

You may have bare spots on your lawn and need to overseed your lawn in spring. To help your lawn grow new grass patches, you can apply grass seed. It can be challenging to work with grass seed alone. Talk to Conner’s Lawn Care Service to find out how much seed you need and how to water it. Also, when is the best time to plant your grass seeds. Our lawn maintenance professionals can provide guidance on how to manage your lawn and keep it healthy.

#5: Take a look at your soil

It is time to look at your soil after a long winter and determine what you need to encourage grass growth. Soil care is the first step in lawn care. To determine how acidic your soil is, you should test it. The pH of grass is neutral. If your soil is too acidic, it can make it difficult for your grass grow back. Once you know what your lawn needs you can begin to add treatments to ensure that you have strong grass all year. A great spring lawn care program is essential.

#6: Enact weed prevention

Pre-emergent weed management is best used in spring. Pre-emergent can be applied before the target weed germinates in your yard. It is an effective preventative measure for annual grassy weeds. Professional lawn care can help you prevent crabgrass and other grassy diseases. Bed weed maintenance can also be a great way to keep your lawn in good shape. The local Lawn Doctor will be able to tell you which weeds are problematic in your area.

#7: Prevent lawn diseases

Are there dead spots on your lawn from the winter? This could indicate lawn disease. Spring is the best time to work on keeping your lawn healthy and preventing lawn disease. A good lawn maintenance program can help rejuvenate your yard. The Lawn Maintainer Care Program will keep your lawn healthy and free from pests.

#8: Mow your lawn and grass-cycle it

Start mowing your lawn once your spring grass has grown. For safety considerations and proper lawn mowing techniques, please see our lawn mowing tips.

Grass-cycling refers to the method of leaving the grass clippings on the lawn. Rather than bagging the clippings and putting them in bags, spread them out on your lawn. This will help to recycle grass elements into the soil and increase your lawn’s water retention. This can give your yard an extra boost in the spring.

#9: Fertilize your lawn

To keep your lawn lush and thick, fertilize it in spring even if you have fertilized in fall. Spring fertilization is a great way to help your lawn grow and replenish its roots. The timing and type of fertilizer you use will depend on your location and the growing conditions. Follow the instructions carefully. You’ll have a lawn you are proud to be able to enjoy in spring if you follow the directions.

#10: Balance your soil and check your pH

The right pH level can make a big difference in how your lawn looks. Lawn Doctor will professionally test your soil and help you decide which treatment is best for your lawn.

Soil enrichment encourages stronger roots and improves the soil structure. This process improves root penetration and soil retention, which makes regular watering easier. Soil enrichment can reduce the amount of salts in the root zone, and it can improve soil aeration.

#11: Keep your eye on your toch level

The soil can become compacted over time and restrict grass’s access nutrients. It also makes it more difficult for soil to absorb water. Thatch can also build up in your lawn. Thatch is made up of both living and decaying plant matter. Thatch can also be caused by grass clippings, which are easily broken down. Although a small amount of thatch is beneficial, too much can lead to root problems. Your spring lawn care should include some relief from thatch and compacted soil. Lawn aeration can help reduce thatch, increase water absorption, and promote grass growth.

#12: Water your lawn

Your lawn will be lush and healthy in the spring. We recommend not watering your grass more than 1 inch per week if it is new grass seed. Overwatering your lawn in spring can result in shallow roots and promote weed growth. Your lawn should be watered only when it is showing signs of drought stress.

Spring is the best season for roots to seek out water and nutrients. This encourages roots to be healthier and more prepared for summer stress. You should not turn your sprinklers on if you live in an area that receives regular rain.

These spring lawn care tips will help you maintain beautiful grass for your family and friends all year.

Contact your local lawn expert for more information about spring lawn care and other lawn care tips. Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now.

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

One of the many goals of homeowners is to have the perfect lawn and landscape. It’s been just a few months since the new year started and you still have the opportunity to start anew. Lawn care and maintenance isn’t as hard as you think. All you need is a bit of information, dedication, and some perseverance.

Hottest Lawn Care Tips

Right Nutrients

Nutrition is the first thing you have to take into account when it comes to lawn care Myrtle Beach. Your grass, just like all other living things, need nutrients in order to thrive and survive. A lawn that does not have the nutrients it requires will suffer from all kinds of lawn problems. Lawn diseases, pests, weeds, seasonal stresses, and fungi, are all the things that a lawn may go through if it does not have sufficient nutrients. The best way to give your lawn the nutrients it deserves is by providing it with fertilizers.

Make sure that you have a fertilization schedule for your lawn. Spring fertilization will wake the grass up out of winter dormancy. Fertilizing during summer will help the grass remain resilient through heat and drought stresses during the season. Lastly, fall fertilization can stimulate deep root growth, which lets grass store important nutrients for the upcoming winter.

Protect Against Invasive Weeds

Weed control should also be part of your lawn care strategy. Adding weed control into the schedule is a great lawn care tip that you should never forget. The grass in your lawn would be stressed out if there’s a lot of weeds. They also grow much faster compared to the grass, which means it out competes it for sunlight and space as well as damage the turf’s health. Apart from that, they would also drain the soil of water and nutrient, which causes the grass to wither. Make sure that you keep weeds out of the lawn so you can boost the health of the grass in your lawn.

Mow Lawn Strategically

The last tip from lawn care experts is strategic and proper mowing. You will see lots of healthy grass growth if you fertilize your lawn and get rid of weeds. So, you’d have to mow your lawn but you need to do this strategically so you can get some great results.

The appropriate mowing height is between three to four inches. During spring and fall, you need to do frequent mowing. You need to do this less during summer so the grass could stay thicker and longer. Mowing properly could also help in preventing weed growth. By following all these tips when it comes to lawn mowing, you could help the grass and lawn stay healthy and strong all throughout the year. In case you need more help, Conner’s Lawn Care Service provides expert lawn care services if you want to get the most out of your lawn.

Follow these simple lawn care tips and you’ll surely get a healthy lawn. In case you need help from a professional, don’t hesitate to call Conner’s Lawn Care Service.

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

Spring is marked by the return of the first crocuses and daffodils. These signs are also a sign that your lawn is ready for the growing season. These lawn care tasks will vary depending on the climate in your area. Start when it is clear that there won’t be any snowfall in your area. You can also time your yard work to coincide with when the local forsythia plants cease blooming and local lilacbushes start flowering.

There are eight things homeowners should do in spring to ensure a healthy lawn.

Lawn Care Tips You Need To Know

Make sure to rake deeply

When you want your lawn to be ready for new growth, the first thing that you should do is to rake it. You might think, “But my trees hadn’t lost any leaves for months.” Why should I rake? Raking is more than just removing tree leaves. Even if you do a great job of raking leaves in fall, there is still thatch to contend with.

Thatch, which is mainly composed of dead turfgrass tissue, is the layer between the green vegetation and the soil and root system below. If it is more than 1/2 inch thick, it can cause damage to your grass’ health. This is why it is important to rake leaves deeply in autumn.

You still have to rake in spring no matter how well you did in fall. To prevent dead grass from becoming a chokehold on new growth, it’s a good idea for you to remove any grass blades that have died during the winter. This is a spring-cleaning of your lawn. The turfgrasses can be vulnerable and tender in spring. It’s best to wait for the lawn to start to turn green. This indicates that the grass roots have firmly rooted and that the plants are actively growing. It’s better not to use a garden rake that has metal tines, which can cause damage to young plants.

A spring raking can also be beneficial if you find patches of grass that are matted. Snow mold, a type of lawn disease, can be found if you look closely and see that the grass blades are stuck together. These matted patches can be difficult to penetrate for new grass. Raking can help.

Aerate if Necessary

Soil compaction can occur when your lawn is subject to heavy foot traffic. You can remove moss from compacted soil. However, it is best to investigate the root cause. It’s often compacted soil, which needs to be aerated.

The lawn aerator allows air and water to reach the roots of the lawn by creating openings in the turf. A lawn aerator can be rented at big box hardware stores or you can use a hand-operated aerator if your lawn is small. It is unlikely that your soil contains a lot of clay, which would require regular aeration.

Although spring is not the best time to aerate your lawn, it may be necessary due to certain circumstances. It may be necessary for spring aeration if soil has become so compacted that it is unable to grow grass. Spring aerating should be discouraged as the aeration holes are a fertile spot for weed seeds. The first seeds to germinate in spring are lawn weeds, especially crabgrass. Aerating your lawn will stir them up and give them a home. Aerating your lawn in spring is a good idea. This will allow you to weed the grass after they have grown but before they go seed.

Examine the soil

Acidic soil can also be identified by moss covering the ground. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity soil. A pH value of 7 indicates neutral soil. Acidic soils have pH levels lower than 7, while alkaline soils have pH levels higher than 7.

A neutral pH is important for grass. If your soil is too acidic, it will not grow well or may become prone to moss growth. There are many soil amendments that can be used to bring the pH level back to the optimal level to grow grass. Ground limestone is one common way to raise the pH in very acidic soils. This is not an instant fix as the liming process takes place slowly.

To determine the soil’s acidity before you add soil amendments to your soil, send a sample of your soil to your local cooperative extension office. A cooperative extension office provides free scientific-based advice in agriculture, horticulture and other areas. You can call, visit their website or go to your local extension office to get advice on the amount of lime you will need per square foot. To apply lime, you will need a fertilizer spreader.

Too alkaline soil can cause lawn problems. To lower the pH in extremely alkaline soils, your extension office might recommend top-dressing with compost or elemental sulfur.

Overseed

A lawn with many bare spots due to neglect, dog spots, heavy traffic or neglect might need grass seed to fill those gaps. Overseeding refers to the practice of sowing seed on top of existing grass. When overseeding, apply a slow-release fertilizer (starter fertilizer). The new seed should be kept moist until it sprouts and is active growing. After the grass sprouts and germinates, it is possible to start a regular fertilization route using quick-release nitrogen fertilizer.

Although it is possible to only apply seed to visible bare spots, it is common to oversee the entire lawn to keep it healthy and thick. This is a great way to introduce grass seed from new varieties to your lawn. If you have recently lost shade trees, overseeding your lawn with a sunny-grass mixture can help ensure that it continues to thrive.

While fall is the best time for overseeding, spring is a good option if your grass needs it most. You should be prepared for crabgrass growing up and eating the fertilizer.

Fertilize

Organic fertilization can be done by adding compost to the soil or by using a mulching mower that turns lawn clippings into nitrogen. It should be part of your lawn care Myrtle Beach routine. Scotts Miracle-Gro Company offers a well-recognized schedule that fertilizes lawns, which includes a spring feed. Experts recommend that cool-season grasses receive a lighter spring feeding and a heavier fall one. Over fertilizing in spring can cause weed and disease problems. If you fertilize in the fall, your lawn will still have fertilizer for spring.

Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Spring lawn maintenance is not just about maintaining healthy lawn growth, but also about weed prevention. All lawn weeds can be treated differently. You will need to use either a pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide depending on whether the weed is perennial or annual.

You may need to use both because crabgrass is an annual weed that is difficult to eradicate. Crabgrass attacks lawns when temperatures remain between 65 and 70 degrees for several days. Pre-emergent herbicides are used to control weeds before they emerge. They act by creating a chemical barrier on the soil’s top layer that covers seeds, preventing them from growing roots or shoots.

Core aeration should not be done if you are using pre-emergent herbicides. This will cause the shield to be punctured and reduce the effectiveness of the weed killer.

Pre-emergent herbicides can also be used against grass seeds. If you are also using a traditional preemergent herbicide, overseeding will not be very effective. Pre-emergent herbicides can be used to kill weeds. Wait until the fall to overseed with turfgrass seed. Tenacity is a pre-emergent that won’t damage spring-sown grass seed. Tenacity, although a costly product, uses mesotrione which is highly selective and won’t damage turfgrass seed.

Use Post-Emergent Herbicides or Pull Spring Weeds

The dandelions, cheerful yellow flowers that first appear in spring, are a stubborn perennial grower. They can be a nuisance for some people, but they can cause serious problems for others. You can get rid of them by cutting off the flower stems. If you’re feeling more ambitious, remove the root from the weeds using a tool that can extract all the roots and prevent them from regrowing. There are many weed-popper tools that can do the job.

You should choose a broadleaf herbicide if you want to spray a post-emergent herbicide on dandelions. Organic green thumbs that don’t use chemicals can pick the dandelion leaves and make a salad out of them.

You can also deal with chickweed, white clover and wild violets in spring. However, these usually appear after the dandelions in late spring or early summer.

The Lawn Mower should be serviced

It’s also the perfect time to bring out your lawnmower and give it a good cleaning. It’s time to start it; stubborn start-ups can indicate that your mower needs a tune up. Your mower should be serviced once a year. You can restore your mower’s health in three simple steps. You might consider buying a new lawn mower if your mower needs more than a simple tune-up.

Sharpening the mower blade is one of the most important maintenance tasks. Regular sharpening will ensure that the mower blade tears rather than cuts the grass plants. This will result in a lush green lawn instead of one with brown tips.

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

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

Regular lawn care and maintenance throughout the year is important for a healthy and green lawn. If you don’t, the grass will become overgrown and it will be susceptible to different kinds of lawn diseases and pest infestation. The care and maintenance needs of your lawn vary depending on the temperatures and that’s why it is important to pay close attention to the season for proper lawn care. Provided below is a guide on how you can take good care of your lawn all throughout the year in Myrtle Beach.

Spring Lawn Care

The spring is one of the busiest time of the year for taking care of the lawn. This season brings sunshine and rainfall for your landscape plants and the entire lawn. It is considered as the major growth season. Plants and flowers produce new bloom, shrubs and trees, produce new leaves, and grass grows much faster.

In spring, your lawn care and maintenance routine should include weeding, lawn mowing, border edging for the sidewalk, driveways, and walkways, cleaning hard surfaces, cleaning up debris and dead winter growth, and more.

Summer Lawn Care

The summer season brings with it dry heat, less rainfall, and the hot sun and that is why lawn care Myrtle Beach is important to protect your lawn.

Lawn mowing on weekly basis is important to stop overgrowth and make sure that the lawn is maintained very well. It prevents your grass from becoming susceptible to lawn diseases and pests that could damage your landscape.

Watering needs to be done every week whether it be from an irrigation system or from rainfall. It should also be deep and infrequent watering than short and frequent sprinkler applications.

Mulching is an affordable and easy way to offer your lawn with several benefits. It creates a protective layer of material on top of the soil that aids in the retention of soil moisture and prevention of weed growth. Organic mulches such as grass clippings, straw, and bark chips naturally decompose and they can assist in improving the conditions of the soil.

Fall Lawn Care

Fall is the best time for you to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter. Plant and grass growth will start to decline and eventually go dormant. Your grass will still grow but at a much slower rate.

Clean up your landscape and lawn before the cold season arrives. You can hire a lawn care expert to help you. During this season, weak or dead tree branches and limbs will start to fall and then cover your lawn. You have to rake up the wet and dead leaves, and remove any of the dead plants and debris before winter comes. Anything that is left on the lawn could smother your grass and result in bare or dead spots in your landscape.

March is considered to be the most important month when it comes to fertilizing your lawn, but doing so on September and October could help in protecting your landscape and your lawn once the colder season comes.

Early fall is also the best time to plant or reseed new sod. During this time, temperatures will start to cool down a bit, and it is crucial to sod or seed before winter.

You can also stop soil compaction in winter by aerating your lawn during the fall season. Punching tiny holes in the soil will let grass roots and soil to obtain and store the required oxygen, water, and fertilizer throughout the winter months.

Winter Lawn Care

Even though your grass might look a bit browner in the winter, it still requires lawn care and maintenance on a regular basis to survive through the cold weather and create green and new growth during the spring. Even though winter needs a bit less lawn care, you should not ignore your lawn. Concentrate on your winter yard cleanup, lawn care and maintenance, as well as protecting your grass.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service if you need the help of an expert in maintaining and caring for your lawn.

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