Effective Lawn Care Tips For Healthy Lawn

lawn careProper and effective lawn care – to achieve and maintain a healthy lawn does not need to be time-consuming and costly. Experts agree that a healthy lawn is not due to the time and money you spend caring for it. It is actually due to how you maintain your lawn using the necessary processes at the right time.

Here are some things you can do to ensure effective lawn care, which will help you achieve and maintain a healthy lawn.

1. Maintain an appropriate height of lawn grass based on the current time of year
Many homeowners are not aware that the height of their lawn grass should be maintained depending on the current time of year and on their local climate. If it is particularly colder in your area, your lawn grass should be at least 1 1/2 inches in height at your first mowing of the year. The second time you mow, leave the grass at a 2-inch height. And before the year ends, mow them back to 1 1/2 inches in height. If you live in a warmer area, add another 1/2 inch to their height every time you mow.

2. Always mow with a sharp blade
Maintaining the tools you use to maintain your lawn is essential to effective lawn care in Myrtle Beach. You need to ensure the tools that you use are well maintained so they will not damage your lawn. This particularly applies to your lawn mower. You need to keep their blades sharp at all times before using them. Note that dull mower blades tear through your grass and cause more damage rather than take care of your grass.

When your lawn grass is left with a tear instead of a clean cut, it will eventually turn yellow and weaken, making them vulnerable to diseases. As a result, you would need to water them more frequently and add more nutrients to help them recover.

This is why it is important that you keep your mower blades sharp all the time. You can ensure they are in top condition by sharpening and balancing them at least three times a year, more frequently if you hit many rocks when mowing your lawn.

3. Soaking your lawn instead of running the sprinkler makes you use less water
According to industry experts, including Conner’s Lawn Care Service, soaking your lawn in at least 1 to 2 inches of water is healthier for your lawn than using your sprinklers. Deep soaking effectively reaches through the deep roots, helping them develop more quickly and produce healthier lawns.

Sprinklers, on the other hand, only wet the grass and the surface of the soil, missing the deep roots that need water and nutrients more. Because of this, you often find yourself watering your lawn more frequently, especially during the summer.

4. Mow when the grass has grown an inch more than the required height that you are maintaining

This allows you to mow only the top one-third of your lawn grass, which is usually thin and leafy. You want this part of your grass left on your lawn to decompose because it provides the nitrogen your lawn needs to grow healthy. Aside from this, leaving these thin and leafy clippings on your lawn to decompose also creates a layer that prevents the water on the soil from evaporating quickly. Plus, it also protects your lawn from weed germination.

Remember to mow only when the grass is dry, and the weather is fine. Avoid mowing your lawn at noon when the sun is up and blasting heat because this can stress your grass, and your mowing efforts will not gain the desired results.

Looking for professional lawn care assistance? Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now.

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

Is Lawn Care Service Worth It? Why Hire a Professional?

lawn careYou might wonder if lawn care services are worth the money in this DIY era where many people seem to be doing things themselves.

Why pay for something you can do yourself? You might think that you can do the lawn care services yourself, such as fertilization and weed control.

Should you hire a Myrtle Beach lawn care company? Let’s answer this question by highlighting some key factors to consider.

Lawn Care Services are Worth it for These Reasons

We’ve put together a list of reasons why you might want to hire a lawn service company versus doing it yourself. We want you make the right decision for your home.

1. The Lawn Treatment Process is More Complex than Many People Think

When the lawn doesn’t look its best, people tend to reduce lawn care to a simple matter of dumping some weed killer and fertilizer on it. In reality, the process is much more complicated than most people realize. DIY lawn maintenance can be overwhelming for those who are not prepared.

You can actually ruin your lawn by choosing the wrong solution for a problem. DIYers can end up misdiagnosing a problem and wasting time and money by buying the wrong lawn products.

They could also end up doing even more damage to the lawn, which would mean that it could take longer to achieve the desired results.

2. Your time is valuable

People tend to underestimate their time when comparing DIY lawn care with professional lawn care services. This is partly due to the fact that many homeowners underestimate just how much time it takes to maintain a lawn. They think they can do it on weekends.

It takes time and effort to make multiple trips to the shop, find the perfect day and weather for the project (and how much time is needed), clean up and store the materials. Many people find that once they start, they have other things to do.

3. DIY Lawn Care is more expensive than you think

lawn careThe number one reason people think about DIY lawn care is to save money. There are a number of hidden lawn care costs that can add up.

The first step is to purchase a spreader and then the products you will need.

Making mistakes can cost you money. There can be costs associated with rectifying mistakes.

When homeowners consider the costs of purchasing what they need (plus the trips to the grocery store), it may be worth the investment to hire a professional to maintain their lawn.

4. Do-It-Yourself Lawn Care is Dangerous

There are some safety issues or dangers associated with DIY lawn maintenance.

One thing to note is that working outside can be gruelling. Professional lawn care workers work outside all day (and therefore are better acclimated) but many homeowners underestimate how difficult and exhausting it can be to do this in the heat.

Snakes, spiders, wasps and other insects can be encountered when working outdoors.

You’re also working with chemicals. These products are perfectly safe when used and handled correctly, but you will not be given the same training as a professional to know how to use these products. You’ll also need to store these products safely.

5. It is possible that you may not get the results you desire

In the comparison of DIY versus professional lawn care, we believe that the lacklustre results you might get if you do these services yourself is one of the most important things to note.

You’ll get better results by hiring a professional (assuming that you hire a qualified professional). This is because professionals invest in commercial-grade, high-quality products that produce better results. You can’t buy these products at your local hardware store.

Professionals also know how to use these products correctly, which can make a big difference in the final results.

You can choose professional lawn care experts if you want to have the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood without having to deal with all the hassles.

We understand why some people choose to do their own lawn care. However, it is not always worth the effort. It’s true that fixing mistakes can be more expensive and frustrating than investing in good lawn care.

We can now answer the question, “Are lawn care services worth it? The answer is YES. You will not save money or time by doing it yourself.

Are you ready to have a lawn that looks professional? Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now.

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

Practical Lawn Care Tips for a Soaked Yard

lawn careIt can be difficult to maintain a yard that has been soaked in rain. Rain is good for the grass in the spring but it can make it difficult to maintain a regular routine of lawn care. Here are lawn care tips to maintain a lush, healthy yard in prolonged rainy weather.

Lawn Care for a Soaked Yard

1. Avoid Mowing Wet Grasses

It can be difficult to avoid mowing the grass when it is raining heavily. Mowing wet grass is not recommended. Let it grow longer than cut it while it’s wet. If you mow your lawn yourself or hire a local lawn care expert to do it, this can lead to compaction and ruts. It can also stress out the grass.

2. Stay off your rain-soaked yard

When you walk on a lawn that is soggy, the roots can be pulled out. Compaction can also be caused by increased traffic. It is best to wait two days following heavy rain before using your lawn as normal.

3. Clean Up After a Heavy Rain

Many homeowners overlook the importance of cleaning up debris left behind by heavy rains or flooding. Check your lawn for debris such as old grass and leaves. Remove any debris you find. If you don’t clean up, it will lead to dead spots and additional lawn care.

lawn careHow to care for a soggy lawn?

These tips are for the weekly lawn maintenance routine in wet conditions during the entire season. Here are some additional tips that you should consider long-term.

Improve Drainage

You may wish to improve drainage in areas of your yard that collect water. There are ways to improve drainage in your yard.

Regularly Aerate the Lawn

It can help in improving drainage and allowing your grass to breathe more effectively, especially in wet conditions. This will improve drainage, and your grass can breathe better in wet conditions. Learn more about the importance of aeration in lawn care by reading this article.

Hire a Professional

You can maintain your lawn all year round with the help of a professional lawn care service.

Our team is ready to help you with all your lawn care needs. Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now.

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

 

Lawn Care Tips For All Seasons

lawn careIf you want to have that serene look in your yard, you have to do some extra steps to achieve that next level of lawn care. That sensation when you walk barefoot on your freshly mowed lawn is priceless. Not only will you get that gratifying look and feel of a beautiful lawn, but you will also get your money’s worth as well. – That is if you let professionals do the work. However, it is also equally fulfilling if you’ve done the lawn care yourself.

A well-maintained lawn can give you a 100% return on investment in case you sell your property somewhere down the road.  Here are some lawn maintenance tips that will get you through every single season.

Lawn Care Tips

TIPS FOR EARLY SPRING

When winter has just thawed over, you can start taking care of your lawn by cleaning it up as part of your spring lawn care routine. Before you cut your grass, be sure that your lawnmower is in tip-top shape. Make sure you have fresh gas and sharp blades. Remember, dull blades harm your grass and sharp ones don’t.

THINGS TO DO DURING SPRING

The grass will start to grow during early spring and start to really grow when spring hits full swing. There are a couple of things that you need to do during this period and among them is trimming the grass. Remember to keep your blades razor-sharp. Also, do not mow when the grass is wet. Damp clippings clog your mower and could spread disease all over. You could also fertilize during this point. Spring and fall are the best times to fertilize your lawn.

EARLY TO MID-SUMMER TIPS

During early spring, your lawn will be teeming with grub worms that are highly active in warm weather. You can often tell if your lawn is affected by wiling patches or browning. If you do notice these signs, you will likely need to use some form of pesticide or alternative means. Summer is the essential season for lawn care in Myrtle Beach. This will be the time that you will need to constantly mow your lawn, water, and clean it.

When prepping your lawnmower, set the blades at 3 inches. This will cut just the right amount of grass that will not be harmful. Cleaning up the clippings afterward is completely optional. Just don’t leave large clumps lying around in one place. And with the summer heat, watering is necessary. However, you should not have a pattern when watering. This will promote better root growth for your grass. Landscaping can also be done quite easily during the summer.

EARLY FALL

During early fall is the best time to repair damaged or thinned areas as temperatures are relatively lower. Remove any dried or dead grass and break up the soil with a trowel. Add grass seeds to affected areas and work them around with a rake for better coverage. Water the area that you just patched and continue to monitor until new grass grows in the affected area. It’s also the right time for some brush clearing and the perfect time to remove all leaves and debris off your lawn.

Have your lawn maintained by professionals. Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service today.

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

Simple Steps to Spring Lawn Maintenance

lawn careThe first crocuses, daffodils, and other spring flowers are a sign that the season is approaching. These early signs will also let you know that it is time to prepare your lawn. Here are some lawn care tips you need to know.

When to start your lawn-care tasks will depend on the weather in your area. Start your lawn care tasks when the snow is gone. Start your yard work as soon as the forsythia or lilac plants bloom in your area.

In most areas, homeowners should perform certain tasks in the spring in order to maintain healthy grass for the remainder of the year. Create a list of these steps and you will be on your way to a healthy lawn.

Spring Lawn Care Steps

Rake Gently

Raking your lawn is the best way to prepare it for new growth. An early spring raking will remove any thatch deeper than half an inch. You may have some fallen leaves lying on the ground.

Aerate if Necessary

Compaction of soil can occur if your lawn is subjected to heavy traffic such as running or playing in the same area.

The lawn aerator makes holes in the turf to allow air and water to reach the roots. Rent a lawn aerator from a large hardware store or use a hand aerator if your lawn is small.

Aerating the lawn in the spring is not ideal, but it may be necessary. Aerating the lawn in spring may be required if the soil is so compacted that the grass cannot grow.

Assess the soil

A moss-covered ground is another sign of acidic soil. The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity in soil, with 7 being neutral. Alkaline soils are higher than 7 while acidic soils fall below 7.

Send a sample of soil to your local cooperative office for testing to determine the acidity. They offer free scientific assistance in agriculture, gardening, and other fields of expertise. You can find out how much lime you need per square foot by calling, checking their website, or visiting your local extension office. To apply the lime, you will need to use a fertilizer spreader.

Overseed

If your lawn has bare patches, it may be necessary to apply grass seed. This can be done due to dog spots or heavy traffic. Overseeding involves sowing grass seed over the existing grass. When you overseed, apply a nitrogen fertilizer with a slow release (starter fertilizer). Keep the seed moist up until it sprouts and starts to grow. After the grass has sprouted and germinated for five weeks, you can start a regular fertilization schedule using nitrogen fertilizer with quick release.

You can apply the seed to only the visible patches of bare ground, but it’s also common to overseed your entire lawn in order to keep the grass thick and healthy. It is also a good way to introduce different varieties of grass seeds into your lawn. If you have recently lost a few shade trees, for example, an overseeding of a sunny grass mix could help your previously shady yard continue to thrive.

lawn careFertilize

Organic fertilization of lawns is possible by using mulching mowers to turn grass clippings into nitrogen-rich sources. ScottsMiracle-Gro offers a schedule of fertilizing lawns with a chemical fertilizer that is widely accepted.

Many experts suggest a lighter fertilization in the spring and a heavier feeding in late fall. If you fertilize in the spring, it can cause weeds and disease. However, if your lawn was fertilized in the fall, there is still fertilizer for spring.

Apply pre-emergent herbicides

Spring lawn care in Myrtle Beach for those who want weed-free grass is just as much about weed control as it is about encouraging healthy lawn growth. All lawn weeds are not eliminated in the same way. You will either use a pre-emergent or post-emergent weed killer depending on whether the weed is an annual or perennial.

Use Post-Emergent Herbicides or Pull Spring Weeds

Dandelions, cheerful yellow flowers with a stubborn perennial growth habit, appear in the spring. Snap off the flower stems of dandelions before they set seed. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can dig them up by the roots with a tool designed to remove the entire root and prevent it from re-sprouting. There are many weed-popper devices that work well.

Lawnmower Maintenance

It’s also time to give your lawnmower a good once-over. It’s time to start it. If it is a little difficult to start, it may be in need of a tune-up. Once a year, give your lawnmower a tune-up. You can restore your mower to its original condition in three simple steps. Consider buying a new lawnmower if yours needs more than just a tune-up.

Sharpening your mower blade is a key part of any tune-up. Sharpening the mower blade regularly will help to ensure that the blade cuts the grass rather than tears it, resulting in a lush green lawn instead of one with brown tips.

Call Conner’s Lawn Care Service now. Our professionals will take care of all your lawn needs.

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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/

Spring Pests Prevention And Weed Control For Your Landscape

weed controlWeeds are the bane for every gardener. The second most common problem is pests. Weeds are another common problem that can be a real headache. It feels like a constant battle and takes away the fun of playing in the garden. We are here to let you know that there is an answer! For weed control and pest prevention to taking control of your landscape, you need to be ahead of the game. You ask, “How?” Learn how to prevent weeds from growing in your spring landscape using some tried and tested methods.

Weed Control

It is time to begin Myrtle Beach weed control today. The earlier you get rid of weeds the better. Spring is the best time to tackle weed prevention in your landscape. We’re talking about the usual suspects, including dandelions and chickweed. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

Once your garden has been established, you should temper your tilling. You can’t avoid it. Weed seeds can be sneaky, little bugs that prefer to lay dormant under the surface of soil. When they are brought closer to the surface of the soil it encourages their germination and spread.

Plant your Flowers Closer Together. Weeds love large, open spaces that are sunny. Planting your flowers closer together will give weeds less space to spread and take over. You’ll want to still follow the recommended planting distances, but by sticking your plants close together, you can take away valuable real estate from weeds.

Mulch is a great way to smother weeds and prevent them from taking over the landscape. By applying a thick layer of mulch (2 inches or more), you can smother weeds. This will also make it less inviting for weed seeds that you might have brought up to the surface. Mulch can be a good alternative to landscape fabric that is not organic. It will break down over time and improve the soil.

Just like other plants, weeds can’t live without water. It can be tempting just to turn on the sprinkler and water your garden in one go, but this will give thirsty plants what they need to overtake. Consider using a soaker-hose that will only water your plants where they need it.

Spring Pests: How to Prevent Them from Invading Your Home

Keep unwanted garden insects at bay by weeding early. Start by cleaning everything in your shed, especially any pots and planters that you intend to reuse. This will prevent any plant diseases that are recurring from appearing. Your soil will also benefit from some attention. Your plants will be more susceptible to pests if your soil is unhealthy and weak. Now is the perfect time to spread that compost you have been working on. Rotating your vegetables every year can also reduce pests.

weed controlHow to prevent weeds in your rock landscapes using natural methods

A newly laid out stone border in a stone patio or garden is a very satisfying sight. It looks so fresh and clean. It is not as satisfying to have to remove weeds from the cracks in those stones after a few months. You can tackle the weeds that grow in these rock landscapes with a variety of methods.

Sufficiently Sloped Patios: Weeds require moisture to thrive, and patios with a poor slope are more likely to retain moisture. A properly sloped patio, on the other hand, will promote proper drainage. It can be difficult for you to do this on your own but the effort is worth it. Our lawn care experts will be happy to visit your home to assess the problem and offer solutions.

Sweep regularly: This simple, but effective technique will help you to prevent weeds. Regularly sweeping your patio or driveway stones will reduce the chance of seedlings settling and disrupting new weed seeds.

Have you noticed that unwanted bugs are growing between stones? Here are some natural ways to get rid of weeds that have popped up between stones.

Baking soda is a kitchen staple that works best in spring or fall when weeds grow quickly. Baking soda will adhere better to weeds after rain. You can sprinkle baking soda on the weeds and then sweep the mixture into the cracks. Baking soda will draw out the moisture of the plant and kill it. Keep it away from flowers and grassy areas, as it can have the same effect on all types of foliage.

weed controlVinegar is an alternative to baking soda that can be used to kill weeds growing between stones on a patio, in cracks in driveway pavement, or along rock borders. White vinegar is usually found in most households. Pour some into a sprayer and spray it between the cracks of your rock landscape. After it has worked its magic for a few hours, return to the area and rinse off. Just be careful not to spray nearby flowers.

Boiling water: This is a simple and affordable solution. Boiling Water destroys the cell structure of a plant. You will need to be careful when applying baking soda and vinegar to prevent killing your plant babies. Use a teakettle with a spout to direct the water where you need it. Pour the water generously but slowly onto the weeds. Some weeds, especially the tougher ones, may require more than one application. Overall, however, it should work!

Keep Your Lawn Weed-Free

It is important to stop weeds before they grow and become a problem.

Synthetic herbicides are available in three different types: selective herbicides (selective, non-selective, and preemergent). Selective herbicides can be used on lawns. Just make sure to read the label. Pre-emergents and non-selective herbs are safe for lawns, but not non-selective ones. Here’s a bit more information about them. Use them with caution around children and pets, especially, because they contain powerful chemicals.

Lawn Care

Weeds will most likely appear when your lawn does not feel its best, but a little TLC goes a long way. It is important to water your lawn regularly, but not too often. This will encourage the growth of deeper roots. By mowing at the correct height (normally the highest setting on your lawnmower), you can encourage your grass to grow thicker, making it more difficult for weeds to germinate. Fertilizing your lawn every six to eight week during the growing period will give it strength to fight those pesky weeds.

Pests and weeds are a nuisance, but if you take the right steps early in the growing season, it will make your gardening life easier. 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/

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/