1 When mowing, the key to success is little and often – ‘little’ in this case meaning not too closely. Light cutting encourages the grass to produce extra shoots, and stunts weeds and coarse grasses. Most lawnmowers offer the facility of raising or lowering the height of cut. Mower blades need to be set at different levels according to the weather and amount of growth.

2 To produce the sought-after striped effect, you simply cut the grass in parallel lines, mowing alternate lines in opposite directions. Each time you mow, remember to work at right angles to the direction of the previous cut; north-south one week; east-west the next.

3 Before you start cutting, make sure that the grass is as dry as possible and free from surface litter. Lightly brush off dew or rain, wormcasts and dead leaves. When cutting the grass, you should always push the mower forwards steadily. Do not pull the machine to and fro and try not to lean heavily on the handle.

4 Clippings are best collected and removed – unless you mow very frequently. Allowing them to lie on the surface of the grass encourages worms and diseases and you’ll probably find clippings all over your carpets too.

5 As a general rule, in Summer you should cut the grass at least once a week, preferably twice if you can manage it. Do not mow too closely or the colour and texture of the grass will deteriorate. During droughts and in the Spring and Autumn months, mowing once a week is sufficient.

6 Apart from mowing, your lawn will require feeding, weeding and occasionally watering to maintain healthy growth. To produce a flourishing lawn you need soil which has the right balance of plant foods like nitrogen, potash, phosphorous and lime. Buy an inexpensive soil testing kit if you want to know the exact composition of the soil and which nutrients (if any) are lacking.

7 The average lawn will benefit from an annual Spring application of fully balanced fertiliser. Fertilisers not only encourage the grass to grow faster but also more densely. As a result, weeds and moss are crowded out and the lawn retains its good, even green colour. Apply fertiliser when the grass leaves are dry and the soil is moist for the best results. Water the lawn if no rain falls within 48 hours.

8 For small lawns, weeding by hand is the most effective means of tackling the special rosette or matt kind of lawn weeds, or you can ’spot’ treat individual weeds with a recommended weed killer. For a larger lawn, use a ‘broad spectrum’ type of weed killer which will destroy a wide range of weeds. You could also use a combined weedkiller/fertiliser mixture.

9 We usually receive sufficient rainfall in this country to maintain a green healthy lawn. If the weather is particularly dry and the grass begins to lose its bright green appearance, occasional watering is beneficial. A good soaking once a week is what you should aim for. Dampening the surface causes more harm than good – the earth should be soaked to a depth of at least 4 inches. A revolving sprinkler gives the best coverage.

 

Having a beautiful lawn during the spring summer and fall shouldn’t have to cost you money. By taking advantage of the lawn care tips you find in books and magazines, online and by asking questions of experts at your local lawn and garden store, you can easily take care of many of these jobs on your own. Once you are aware of some basic factors associated with lawn care, you can become a professional in your own right and your neighbors will start asking you for advice. The only requirement is that you spend some time researching how to take care of your lawn during every season of the year and devote some time to the tasks.

 

Mowing is one of the basic essentials of having a great looking lawn. However, there is a trick to this. In the spring, when you mow for the first time, mow the grass at the lowest level on the mower. This will remove all the dead grass and allow the roots to start producing new shoots. Make sure you rake up the lawn even if there are not many clippings because raking helps to revitalize the grass and the soil. Then when you mow the grass again, you should move the blades up a level. The lawn needs to be mowed on a regular basis. During how weather in summer, you can even have the blades higher so that you don’t mow too close to the ground and cause the grass to burn and turn brown. When you mow the lawn for the final time in the fall, place the blades at the lowest level again.

 

Watering plays a major part in lawn care. Without water the grass will not grow and will die causing brown patches to appear in the lawn. You have to know the type of grass you have and the type of soil so that you give it the appropriate amounts of water. You should never water the lawn after a rainfall because this could saturate the soil and cause the grass to die. When there is very little rainfall, the best time to water the lawn is in the early morning or just at sunset. This is because there is less chance of the water evaporating before it gets a chance to soak into the soil.

 

Fertilizing the soil is also important. For this you do need to know what type of soil you have. If you are not sure, you can bring in some of the soil to a garden center and the experts there will be able to provide you with the right fertilizer for your needs. You can also decide whether you want to use organic or chemical fertilizers, but whichever one you choose, you do have to follow the directions on the packaging. Using too much fertilizer can be harmful to the grass.

 

One thing that people do not realize is that the soil and the roots of the grass need air in order to grow, especially if the soil is compacted. To check to see if this is so, pour a small amount of water on the soil and wait a few minutes to see if it starts to soak down through. If it doesn’t this means you will have to aerate the lawn. What this means is to perform a simple procedure or poking small holes in the lawn a t regular intervals so that the oxygen can reach the roots and the water can get to them. The holes are small and will not be noticeable in the lawn.

Hemingway once said, “America is the land of wide lawns and narrow minds.” Now, I don’t know about narrow minds, but we definitely love our lawns. Fall is one of the most important times of the year to perform lawn care maintenance.

The process you need to follow will vary with the type of turf on your lawn. The two main types of turf grasses are cool season and warm season. The main difference is that cool season grasses require regular maintenance throughout the fall and winter seasons, while warm season grasses need to be prepped for the following spring. Common cool season grasses are ryegrasses, fescues, bluegrasses, and bentgrasses. Common warm season grasses include St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalograss. If you are unsure what type you have on your lawn, you can take a sample to your local county extension and find out which type you have. The most important thing to remember is that maintenance doesn’t end when the grass stops growing.

The process of fall lawn care consists of the following steps:

* Test Your Soil

* Apply Herbicides for Weed Control

* Water

* Fertilize

* Mow

* Seed or Sod

* Remove Leaves and Thatch

* Maintain Equipment

Test Your Soil

The first thing you should do this season is perform a soil test to determine levels of nutrients, pH and other factors that affect the growth of your lawn. These results will help you understand what your soil needs this fall. If you need to reduce the acidity in your soil, you should apply lime. If alkalinity should be reduced, then you should apply sulfur. The Cooperative Extension Service of state universities will usually perform a soil test for a reasonable fee. You can contact them or a local service to determine how you should collect samples and where to send them.

Apply Herbicides for Weed Control

Many broadleaf weeds start to show their ugly faces in the fall. Dandelions, plantain, clover and creeping charlie are just some of the perennial weeds that come out to play. If the weeds are spread out and few in number, you can spot treat them with an herbicide. Spray container products make it easy to do spot treatments. You should complete this task while temperatures are still above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you carefully evaluate the number and types of weeds in your lawn. It is not necessary to apply herbicides over your entire lawn unless there is significant infestation. Don’t worry about crabgrass and other annual weed-like grasses. These are controlled more effectively in the spring.

Water

Even though temperatures are cooler and the growth of your grass is slowing down, the lawn still needs to be watered. This is often one of the most neglected areas of fall lawn care. Visions of cool fall and winter weather often cause lawn owners to take a vacation and forget about their lawns. But, you should continue to water until the ground is cold and freezing temperatures are on the horizon. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you will need to use compressed air to blow out the pipes and sprinkler heads before damage occurs from a freeze.

Fertilize

If you are a lawn fanatic like me, you can make two applications of fertilizer, once now and another in the late stages of fall (late October/ early November). This will provide nutrients to your lawn over a longer growth period. Late season fertilizing often causes lawns to be the first to grow in the spring. However, the longer you wait to fertilize, the less likely it is to be beneficial. When in doubt, simply skip the final application. If your soil test indicates that your lawn has a shortage of phosphorus, then you may consider using a ‘winterizing’ type of fertilizer. Otherwise, leftover spring fertilizer or a weed and feed fertilizer is sufficient. One final thing to avoid is slow-release fertilizers. During this time of year, soil has a lower level of microbial activity which means it takes longer to break down fertilizer and make its nutrients available to the grass.

Mow

You should continue to mow your lawn throughout the fall until growth stops. It is important to keep your grass 2″ to 2 – 1/2″ tall during fall. If your grass gets too long, it will mat and risk lawn diseases like snow mold. However, if you cut it too short (less than 2″), you can diminish the lawn’s ability to make and store food for growth in the spring.

Seed or Sod

This is not always a necessary lawn care practice, but this time of year is the best time to establish or repair a lawn by seeding or sodding. Seeding and sodding should be completed as soon as possible before really cold weather sets in. If you are overseeding your lawn, you need to rake up debris and dethatch your lawn if thatch is thicker than half an inch. This ensures that the grass seed will be as close to the soil as possible. You should also aim to keep the soil moist for a few weeks while the seeds are germinating.

Remove Leaves and Thatch

When leaves begin to fall in autumn, it is important to remove them before a thick layer forms that can smother the grass. Simply raking often removes thatch from your lawn, but in bad cases of soil compaction, you may need to get a lawn aerator to perform core aeration. If you have the funds, and you’re serious about lawn care, you may want to buy an aerator. Otherwise, you can simply rent one at a local hardware or garden supply store.

Maintain Equipment

Lawn care equipment requires constant maintenance throughout, but the fall season involves a more thorough maintenance process. Upkeep can save you tons of money and heartache in the long run. Fall is a great time to perform an oil change on your mower. You should also drain the gas from your mower or add a gas stabilizer. Consult your manual before using a stabilizer, because it may void your warranty.

Remove the mower’s spark plug with a spark-plug wrench. Lubricate the spark-plug cylinder with a teaspoon of oil through its hole. Install a new spark plug, but keep the spark-plug wire disconnected. Grease where necessary, especially the rear height-adjuster on a self-propelled mower.

You should check your blade and the bolts on the unit to ensure tightness. You should also inspect and possibly sharpen your mower blade. After you have completed these steps, store the mower in a clean, dry place away from any possible ignition sources.

Final Thoughts

Following the fall lawn care practices outlined in this article will prepare your lawn for winter and reward you with a healthy, thriving lawn in the spring.

Are you dreaming of a lush, velvety green lawn? Achieving this is not as hard as you may think. Although the quickest and easiest way to make this dream come true is by laying sod, there are other ways if you stick to a good plan. First and foremost you must select grass that will work the best in your climate and for your soil conditions. After that the key is simply regular, scheduled lawn maintenance by ensuring appropriate mowing, watering, fertilizing and weed control.

Always keep the blades on your lawn mower sharp so you get a nice, clean cut. A dull blade can tear up the grass blade tips causing stress and promoting disease in your lawn. Avoid the heat of the middle of day while mowing. It is best to try early morning or after the sun starts setting.

Mow the lawn to an approximate 3 inch height to achieve deeper, stronger roots that are resistant to disease and drought. When mowing your grass to this longer length, do not bag the clippings. Instead leave the cut grass clippings in the lawn as it will act as a natural fertilizer and provide up to one fourth of the nutrients your lawn needs. If your lawn is too high, mow it in stages to get it to the proper height. Cutting more than half the length of the grass during one mowing will shock the grass. Also, do not mow your lawn when wet.

Your lawn needs approximately one inch of water, enough to reach the roots, at one time and it should usually be sufficient to do this twice a week depending on where you live. Remember deep watering instead of frequent watering encourages root growth. Water in the early morning or early evening but never while the sun rays are powerful as this will prevent deep soaking and the water droplets on the blades may scorch the grass. Try not to let your lawn completely dry out between waterings. A sprinkler system, even a home made one, can really make this easier. If your lawn, or parts of it, is without any sunlight, it will die. If a section of the lawn is deprived of all sunlight due to branches or bushes try pruning so the grass receives some sunlight during the course of the day.

Create a compost heap with things like lawn clippings, raked leaves, fruit rinds, eggshells, coffee grounds etc. to feed your lawn. In any climate, spring and fall are the most important times to fertilize your lawn. Fertilize with natural soil improvers you may be able to pick up from your local town such as organic compost or manure. After fertilizing, make sure you water your lawn so that the nitrogen in the fertilizer does not burn your grass. Aerate your the lawn when it becomes impacted. Aerating is simply allowing air circulation to the roots done by making small holes all over yard. Although a healthy lawn is rarely 100% weed free, keep them under control so they do not take over your healthy grass.

Staying on top of lawn maintenance is far easier than fixing problems once they have taken root. Keep to your plan and I wish you a lush, green lawn.

Weekends are down time for many individuals and not everyone wants to spend their relaxation time taking care of their garden or lawn, this is where lawn car and landscaping services play an important role. It is enjoyable to have a lovely yard but many do not have the time or energy to maintain that area. Lawn care and landscaping services are a great option.

You do not only have to use large, expensive companies but can rely on a neighborhood kid to mow your lawn, or you can have the full shebang done with complete planning, consultation, planting and management of your lawns and gardens. You should make lists and determine which companies will give you exactly what you are looking for and at what price.

Types of Services

It can be difficult to understand how you can transform a messy or overgrown garden or lawn into a beautiful and pleasing space. This is the main advantage to using a landscaper as they will know exactly how to redesign your space into whatever design you desire.

Landscapers have a vast amount of knowledge on what plants grow best in which climates and soil conditions. They know which plants look well placed with other types of plants as well as plants that may need full sunlight or those that prefer shade. Having a well kept and presentable lawn can be a large asset if you are trying to sell your home and a landscaper can help if you are not a gardener. Additionally you can keep costs down by doing much of the labour yourself and simply using the landscaper to design your garden or lawn.

Benefits Of A Lovely Yard

Much of lawn care is very straightforward as for the most part you will have to mow your lawn, or have it mowed, at least once a week. If the weather is cool then you may need to mow your lawn less frequently. However, to achieve that fantastic, eye catching lawn with beautiful green grass that is the envy of the neighbourhood, you will need to do a bit more. Lawn care and landscaping companies will know the proper times to apply fertilizer, kill weeds and aerate your lawn. They provide services to ensure that your lawn is looking its best.

You can compare prices from different companies about lawn care and landscaping services. These services may include, mowing, mulching, pruning and more.

Which Company To Use?

You should investigate a few different companies before you sign on the dotted line. You should check out lawns that you admire or ask your friends which companies they use. You will find lawn care and landscaping companies advertise at other areas than just the yellow pages. The best way is to find a lawn you like and then speak with the company that is maintaining it.

Before using a lawn care and landscaping service you should make sure that they are insured and licensed. You should also get references and testimonials if possible.

A beautifully mowed lawn is the cornerstone of a beautiful property. During the growing season, if you look around at the yards in your neighborhood, it is usually pretty easy to tell the lawns that look as though they were mowed by a professional landscape maintenance service from the ones that look as though they were hacked down by the kid who lives up the street. Whether you use a walk behind mower, or a ride on machine, this technique will work for you.

Here are 8 steps that, with a little practice and patience, are sure to give your lawn a professionally mowed appearance.

Before you begin, though, make sure that your lawn mower has been properly maintained, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure the mower blade is sharpened and balanced – replace if necessary, taking care to disconnect the sparkplug before reaching under the mower. Also, be sure to wear appropriate safety equipment like noise reducing ear-muffs, or earplugs, vibration absorbing gloves, and protective eyewear.

Set your mower to an appropriate mowing height of 2 ½” to 3 ½”, for most cool season grasses. To avoid damaging your lawn, do not cut more than one inch, or one-third of the total current length of the lawn, at any one mowing. Mowing your lawn every 5 – 7 days, with no bag, ensures relatively short grass clippings that will quickly dry up becoming unnoticeable, and eventually compost, nourishing the lawn.

Now you’re ready to mow the lawn, well, almost;

1. Using either a manual or power trimmer, proceed around the perimeter of the area to be mowed, trimming grass that would be difficult to reach with the mower. Trim the grass to the height you plan to mow the lawn – from the property line in about 4” to 6” should suffice. When the perimeter is done, continue trimming around trees, fence and lamp posts, islands and flower beds, drives and walks, and also around things like sprinkler heads and decorative rocks, making mental note to watch out for these obstacles when mowing.

2. Now, grab a trash bag and do a quick walk-about, picking up any debris and sticks, so they don’t get run over by the lawn mower. In your mind, divide the lawn into major sections for mowing.

3. Start your mower and make 3 complete passes around the perimeter of one of the major sections of lawn, allowing the grass clippings to discharge toward the center of the lawn. This gives you plenty of room to turn the lawn mower around without leaving patches of un-cut grass.

4. About half-way down one side of the section, turn so that you are facing the opposite side; with approximately equal amounts of lawn on your right and left.

5. Look across the section and pick a spot on the opposite side, directly across the lawn. Walk directly toward the spot you picked on the opposite side. Focusing on the spot, rather than the area directly in front of the mower, will help you make a straight line. Mowing in straight lines and proper trimming are the keys to a professional looking job. It is impossible to emphasize enough, though, the importance of bearing in mind the obstacles mentioned above. Pay attention and don’t run something over just for the sake of keeping a straight line.

6. Once you get across the lawn, carefully turn your mower around and look back at the line you just made. You can now see any places where the line varies from straight and, usually within the next pass or two, true it right up. Finish one side of the section, then the next, and then proceed to each section and repeat the process until the whole lawn is mowed.

7. When you are done mowing, take one more look at the important spots like entrance ways, walks and drives, and other places that draw your attention. If you missed any patches with the trimmer, or on lawn mower turn-around spots, now is the time to go back and get them. Paying close attention to the details is what sets the professional lawn care company apart from the kid who lives up the street.

8. Finally, use a broom or leaf blower to push stray grass clippings back on to the lawn. Beginning with the area around the primary entrance to your home, clean off the landing and steps, continue along the walkway and out the driveway to the road. Clean off any decks or patios you may have, or anywhere else that has collected unsightly grass clippings.

Here are three more things to keep in mind while mowing.

First, when using a power trimmer, like a line feed trimmer, the grass is ripped, not cleanly-cut, where it makes contact with the string. It is really easy to damage the grass, so be careful not to over-do – better it look a little less than perfect than you wind up whacking a hole in the lawn.

The next one applies when using a self-propelled mower, on turn-a-rounds. If the pivot wheel stops turning completely (or the power wheel loses traction), it will almost certainly tear up the grass, below. Always turn around slowly, but make sure that all the wheels of the mower keep turning, at least a little bit. This way you will minimize the damage done by the mower, on turn-a-rounds.

Finally, while you may have a favorite direction in which to mow your lawn, front-back, side-side, diagonal, or even something more unique, it is probably best to mow it a different direction, at least every other time. This, too, will help minimize damage to your lawn by reducing the frequency with which you turn around on the same spots.

As you can see, mowing to achieve that ‘professional look’ takes a bit more attention to detail, strategic planning and time than you may be used to spending on your lawn. With some patience and practice, though, your efforts will pay off, and your lawn will look as though it has been mowed by a professional landscaper.