***Lawn Care News***
Spring 2012
Spring preparation of your lawn and landscape for the new season.
Doing all the right things in the Spring will make your lawn and landscape easier to maintain, as well as stronger and healthier throughout the summer months. There is no substitute to a good spring regiment. Follow the outline below and maximize the potential of your lawn and landscape.
1) SPRING CLEAN-UP
Now is the time to clean up your shrub beds and your lawn. Spring is the time to pick up any large debris that has fallen into your yard throughout the winter months; this may be a larger job for most of us this year due to the large amount of tree damage from last October’s heavy snow. Only a light raking of your lawn is recommended to fluff the grass and loosen any debris and leaves that may be leftover from the fall, many believe that a heavy raking or mechanical thatching of their lawn is needed in the spring. This is not something we recommend. In doing so, disturbing the soil in the Spring will create the perfect environment for weeds and crabgrass to grow later in the Summer. As an alternative, we recommend a light, thorough raking, this will accomplish two things: it will help remove any matted debris that remains on your lawn, as well as lift some of the compacted turf that has taken place over the winter. This light raking is also an effective method in relieving the stress of a fungus called Snow Mold. (see Snow Mold below). Avoid Spring dethatching and/or aeration unless recommended by one of our lawn care professionals. Aeration is recommended in the fall to promote breakdown of thatch, and allow maximum root development, as well as allowing for the penetration of water, air and nutrients.
2) SPRING FERTILIZER WITH CRABGRASS PREVENTOR
Spring has arrived much earlier than normal this year. We are still months away from our lawns being taken over by crabgrass, however now is the time to take action! Applying a balanced Spring fertilizer with a crabgrass preventative, will not only green up your lawn, but help reduce and control crabgrass later in the Summer. If you would like the ultimate in crabgrass protection G & H Landscaping now includes our exclusive “TRIPLE CRABGRASS PROTECTION” with our “GOLD PLUS” and “GOLD 5” Lawn Fertilizer Programs.
3) SNOW MOLD
Snow Mold is a fungus that is caused by excessive moisture throughout the Winter. This Winter was not ideal for snow mold. However, the presence of snowfall is not always necessary to have snow mold. The mild winter was fairly kind to our lawns and landscapes. However, some winter kill may be a problem with the overall lack of moisture this winter. Snow Mold can be identified as circular areas varying in size, with a matted, wet, or moldy appearance. The good news is that Snow Mold usually only affects the blades of the grass, and in most cases does not cause enough damage to kill the entire root system. As recommended above, the best course of action to help your lawn repair itself is a light raking. This will help increase the airflow to the lower areas of the turf. After the areas have been raked, a professionally applied quality Spring fertilizer will provide the turf the nutrients it needs to repair the damage. In extreme cases some reseeding may be needed. Remember, it is always recommended that a licensed professional make these applications for you. However, if you do it yourself, be sure to thoroughly read ALL label instructions.
4) SPRING SEEDING
Spring may be the time to evaluate your yard for any bare, thin, or damaged areas that may need to be seeded. Although spring is not the ideal to seed because of the potential of weeds and crabgrass, it may be necessary to repair plow damage, or severely bare or damaged areas caused by tree damage from the October storm, or grub damaged areas from last season. Seeding now will help prevent the invasion of unsightly weeds in bare areas. Now might also be the time to finally consider renovating an old or run down lawn. It is very important that you do not apply crabgrass or weed controls over any new seeding or sodding. Be sure to consult a professional!
G & H Landscaping offers a variety of Spring and Fall seeding and sod options to help you with these repairs, and finally create a permanent, healthy lawn!
5) MOLE DAMAGE
Moles usually become active during the fall and stay active during mild winters. If mole activity is still present, action to control the mole population may be necessary at this time. As a rule of thumb, the more activity on the turf area such as routine mowing and outdoor activities, the moles will look for a different place to hang out and set up shop. Call us for more information on mole control products if mole activity persists.
6) SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECK-UP & START-UP
Although we had unseasonable warm temperatures in March this year, turning your sprinkler system on should be delayed until the threat of a hard freeze is over. However, lawns and plants will be begging for water soon, especially if the current lack of rain continues. Making sure that your sprinkler system is working properly before you need to use it, will not only ensure that your lawn stays healthy and green throughout the hot summer months, it will also provide for any preventative repairs and assure optimal use of water. Consider ordering our “SPRING START-UP” service, which includes: a thorough inspection and adjustment of: all sprinkler heads; valves and wire connections; rain sensor; controller wiring. We will also adjust the position of sprinkler heads to avoid any mower or equipment damage. Call us today to schedule this service for you this spring.
7) MOWING EQUIPMENT
Getting your mower and trimmer ready now will assure a reliable first mowing this season. Be sure to have your mower serviced, if needed. At a minimum have your blade sharpened professionally; check the air pressure in your tires (if equipped); change your oil, air filter and gas filter. Be sure to use fresh gas to avoid engine problems. Grease and lubricate cables, pulleys, wheels, etc. The recommended mowing height in the spring is 2 to 2.5”, raising the cutting height as the season becomes warmer. The recommended summer mowing height is 3 to 3.5”. In addition, we recommend to mow often, so as not to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade. Bagging the clippings is optional, as long as the resulting clippings are not excessive. Avoid clumping and heavy clippings from being returned to the soil. Finally, we recommend changing mowing directions routinely so the turf does not lay down from repetitive directional mowing. You can make your patterns as interesting as you like.
8) LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE PROJECTS
Now is the time to plan your new landscape, patio, walkway or retaining wall project(s). Call us today for a custom consultation and plan for your project.
9) LOW VOLTAGE ACCENT LIGHTING
The addition of low voltage accent lighting to your landscape will not only show off the beauty of your property, but a new lighting system is a great way to increase your security, as well as saving on your electric bill by only using a fraction of electricity. Let our team design a professional lighting system for you!
Call us today for more information or price quotes on any of your Lawn, Landscape, or Lawn Sprinkler needs. Phone: 413-532-4888 E-mail: info@ghlandscaping.com.
Like us on Facebook!
