Lawn Care Kentucky is the ongoing process of ensuring that your lawn is healthy and thriving. It requires knowledge of your grass type and its needs, the soil composition and the weather patterns in your area.

All lawns need regular fertilization. Nitrogen stimulates green growth while phosphorous promotes seed size and potassium improves overall plant vigor.

Fertilizing a lawn properly will keep it lush and green, as well as prevent future weed growth. It’s important to follow the right schedule based on grass type. Each type of grass requires a different amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Nitrogen helps stimulate new growth and color, phosphorous promotes root development and improves seed size and potash increases overall plant vigor.

The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, which for most lawns is from spring through fall. Before you begin, water your lawn to prepare it for fertilization. This helps the soil retain the nutrients and reduces the likelihood of excess run-off into nearby bodies of water. When possible, use a natural, slow-release fertilizer instead of a fast-release product, which can cause weeds to become resistant.

Also, avoid fertilizing during wet weather, since the rain will wash away the nutrients and could run off into water bodies. Use a deflector shield on your spreader to contain any fertilizer that may land on sidewalks or driveways. If you’re fertilizing near a body of water, leave a 10-foot strip of soil unfertilized as an extra precaution. Sweep any unused fertilizer back onto the lawn and store any unused product in a cool, dry place for later use.

Weed-and-feed products combine fertilizers with herbicides to save you a step, but they can be less effective than using separate treatments for each issue. For best results, spot treat weeds instead of using a weed-and-feed on the entire lawn. Weed-and-feeds also tend to be less environmentally friendly than applying weed killer separately.

Weed Control

Weeds can spoil a lush lawn and compete for nutrients, water and sunlight. Whether they are annual grassy weeds like crabgrass or perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelions and clover, removing them regularly is essential to a beautiful yard.

The easiest way to control weeds is by hand-pulling them as soon as they are young and their roots are small. Perennial weeds, however, often have long roots that are more difficult to pull out and they may grow back from a tiny piece of root left in the ground. To prevent the return of weeds, a pre-emergent weed killer, such as Scott’s Weed B Gon MAX, should be applied in spring to stop them from germinating.

A non-selective herbicide such as Roundup can be used for spot treatment of large weeds, but it should not be sprayed over the whole lawn because it will also kill desirable grass species. It is important to read and follow the herbicide manufacturer’s instructions as far as proper application, safety and disposal. Avoid applying chemicals on hot days, as they can volatize and drift into neighborhoods causing damage to landscape plants and garden crops.

Some of the best lawn care practices are designed to help contain and reduce weeds without using chemical herbicides. Regular mowing, aerating and removing thatch can allow grass to compete more effectively with weeds for nutrients, water and sunlight. Another option is to spread a layer of mulch, such as grass clippings or corn gluten meal, around the yard. This blocks weed seeds from the sun and can also act as a fertilizer.

Irrigation

A healthy lawn needs a consistent supply of water to thrive. Irrigation systems provide this in a way that is efficient and effective, compensating for inadequate rainfall and ensuring even moisture levels across your yard.

A well-irrigated lawn requires less watering than a poorly irrigated one and can handle weather extremes better because it has deep roots that can access water stored underground during drought conditions. An irrigation system can also be set to water your landscape at the optimal times of day to improve soil absorption and minimize wasted watering.

Irrigation is especially important because it reduces the need for pesticides, fungicides, and other lawn treatments that may be harmful to the environment. An irrigated lawn is also less prone to weeds and other unwanted plants because it does not have the extra space that some invasive species require.

Proper irrigation requires a knowledge of your climate, soil type, and grass species in order to understand how much water it needs to stay healthy. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, shallow root growth, and runoff pollution of nearby bodies of water. Underwatering can result in drought stress and weak, brittle grass.

A professional irrigation system is an excellent investment for your home and can help to keep the value of your property high. It can also save you time by eliminating the need for hand watering and allowing you to schedule your sprinklers from the convenience of your smartphone. This is particularly useful for busy homeowners, those with large yards, and those who travel often. It is also ideal for people who want to maintain a lush, green lawn without having to spend the extra effort and money on expensive chemical treatments.

Mowing

At first glance, mowing your lawn seems like an easy chore: just fire up the mower and go to town. However, the way in which you mow your lawn has a huge impact on its health and appearance. For example, cutting your grass too short actually damages it, as it impedes its ability to photosynthesize and makes it more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

A well-manicured lawn also protects your soil by preventing erosion. Regular mowing creates a protective layer that stabilizes the soil, so it does not wash away during heavy rainfalls. In addition, a lush lawn acts like a sponge, soaking up the water instead of letting it run off into the streets and gutters.

Keeping your lawn weed-free is also crucial to its health. Aside from being unsightly, weeds compete with your grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Weeds that are left unchecked will eventually choke out your lawn, leaving it bald and patchy. Regular mowing, combined with a thorough weed control program, will keep your weeds at bay.

It’s important to note that your lawn care schedule will likely need to be adjusted depending on seasonal changes and your specific landscape. The best way to stay on top of it is to keep a record of your lawn treatment schedule, so you can spot any potential problems and address them before they become serious.

An expert Bergen County landscaper can help you develop a lawn care program that includes regular mowing, aeration, fertilization, and weed control. If you already have a diseased or pest-infested lawn, we can also provide safe and effective solutions to restore it. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get started with a free quote for your home.

Inspecting

A healthy, lush lawn enhances the appearance of your property and contributes to the overall health of your landscape. Regular inspections help you stay ahead of potential issues, such as pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, and irrigation problems. With a watchful eye and the guidance of your Plant It Earth professional, you can unlock your lawn’s true potential.

During a lawn inspection, your Plant It Earth team will monitor the condition of your turf and your yard’s ornamental trees and shrubs. For example, soil compaction is a common problem that can be addressed with aeration. This technique involves puncturing holes in the ground, which helps water, oxygen, and nutrients reach the root systems more easily, promoting healthier plant growth.

Inspectors also check to ensure that your sprinkler system is functioning properly. Leaking or damaged pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves can result in poor coverage and overwatering. They will assess and adjust the programming of your system to ensure that all areas of your yard are receiving adequate hydration. In addition, the team will look for signs of water evaporation or runoff, which can impact your lawn’s health and appearance.

Shrubs and ornamental trees are an important part of your yard’s beauty and can add value to your home. However, these plants are often vulnerable to many of the same pests that attack your grass. Regular inspections can detect pest issues, such as chewed leaf blades and dead spots. Your Plant It Earth professional can apply targeted treatments to address these issues quickly.

Regular lawn inspections can help you keep up with your landscape maintenance schedule, ensuring that your treatments are applied at the right time and in the correct dosage. The team will also take a close look at your lawn for signs of disease, such as brown patches or wilting areas, and make adjustments as needed to prevent any lasting damage.