Lawn Maintenance: Preventing Mushroom Invasion

lawn maintenanceAmong the many reasons why many homeowners continue to seek more effective lawn maintenance strategies is to prevent mushroom invasion. Like weeds and unwanted grass, mushrooms often grow in lawns and yards along with other types of fungi. In fact, these are commonly considered by experts as a natural part of lawns.

Lawn Maintenance Tips

How mushrooms benefit lawns

Believe it or not, mushrooms and fungi actually benefit lawns. And in many cases, lawn maintenance experts will not suggest removing them, especially if they do not exist in large quantities. These organisms serve an important role in the soil food chain that helps keep your lawn and grass healthy.

What mushrooms do is they feed and break down organic matter that exists in your soil. The organic matter may come from old roots, remnants of buried wood, branches and thatch. As they do this, they recycle the nutrients from the organic matter and bring it back to the soil for your grass and plants.

You will be surprised at how big mushrooms grow. The mushroom cap that you see peeking through your grass and lawn are just small parts of a larger organism that is buried in your lawn. This larger organism is what actually feeds on the dead organic matter in your soil.

Removing mushrooms and fungi

lawn maintenanceLike what is mentioned earlier, experts will often recommend leaving mushrooms alone on your lawn. In many cases, their presence does not negatively affect your lawn and plants. But if you really want to remove them, you will have to hire a professional. Conner’s Lawn Care Service will work to identify the specific species of mushroom that is growing in your lawn by looking at their size, color and shape. Learning about their species will help professionals determine the appropriate strategy to remove them from your lawn.

The only time lawn care in Myrtle Beach will recommend removing them is when they grow into larger quantities that follow a circular pattern. This is what is often referred to as fairy rings. And the first obvious sign of a fairy ring in your lawn is when you see darker portions of your grass in the lawn.

Fairy rings become a huge lawn problem because the fungi that create fairy rings release unwanted nutrients back into the soil after they feed and decompose organic matter in the soil. One of these nutrients is nitrogen, which can negatively affect your grass and plants. This is what actually causes your grass to become darker in color. If not kept in check, fairy rings can grow bigger and larger until it consumes your entire lawn.

Industry experts will recommend the use of fungicides along with continuous aeration of the lawn to treat and effectively remove fairy rings. Regularly aerating the lawn, especially in the area where the fairy rings exist, will allow more water to penetrate in the soil and this is what will help prevent the growth of the fungi.

Looking for professional lawn maintenance 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/

Lawn Watering Tips You Need To Know

lawn careWater is a crucial part of a healthy lawn. However, it is important to make sure that you do it correctly as part of your lawn care routine. For instance, if you run the sprinklers at night, you’re creating the perfect setting for disease to take hold. But if you water lightly then the grass roots won’t grow deep enough, which will create a problem for you once the hot weather comes.

Lawn Care: When To Water Your Lawn

If you notice that your lawn has taken on a dull green color or has a grayish cast, then it’s a sign that it needs water. You should also walk on your lawn. This will help you check if the grass is moist enough or not. If your footprints don’t disappear right away then the grass blades are not that moist. Although it might appear as if you can easily water your lawn anytime, your lawn needs specific lawn care and maintenance.

Water before 10 in the morning. It is much cooler and the winds are calmer, which means water can soak into the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots well before it could evaporate. In case you have to water the lawn at night, you can do so between 4 in the afternoon and 6 in the evening, which will provide the grass blades enough time to dry out before nightfall. There’s a greater possibility of disease becoming prevalent in the lawn if you water the grass much later.

How Much Water Should You Use?

If you need to water a lawn, it is best to water until the top 6 inches of the soil is wet. Most of the lawns require about 1.5 inches of water per week. It could be from rain or water, so the soil can be soaked deeply. You can apply the water in just a single watering or it can be divided into two waterings within the week. But never overwater the lawn.

lawn careHave You Watered Enough?

As part of your Myrtle Beach lawn care routine, you should check the soil every 15 minutes to know how long it will take to soak it. This should be done during the first watering. You can use a screwdriver to check how deep the water has moved. Take note of the time when the soil was soaked to a depth of 6 inches at least. This will indicate the length of time you need to water your lawn in the future. So, keep this rule in mind. If you are having a hard time sticking a screwdriver at least six inches into the soil then you need to water your lawn.

There is something you can do to determine how long you need to run your sprinkler system. All you need to do is multiply your lawn’s square footage by 0.62 gallons and then divide it by the sprinkler flow rate.

You can also measure using cans. Use empty and clean tuna cans in various spots around your lawn and measure the time needed to collect 1.5 inches of water in every can. Because the sprinkler coverage patterns differ throughout the lawn, you can use the average time it needs to fill all the cans.

You can also use a flow or water timer. Pick out a timer that will measure the water flow by the hundreds of gallons. Multiply the square footage of the lawn by 0.62 gallons to know the total number of gallons required for the whole lawn.

If you need help in taking care of your lawn, don’t hesitate to call Conner’s Lawn Care Service.

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

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 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/

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.

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