A lawn that is properly cared for looks healthy and is less prone to insect and disease attacks. Proper mowing, soil amendments, and irrigation techniques can help.
Lawn care services often include edging and trimming, which create crisp lines around sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds. They may also offer mulching, which promotes soil health, and preventative fungicide treatments, which help control turf diseases like dollar spot fungus, leaf spot, and summer patch.
Mowing
Lawn care services like mowing and edging help create an attractive property, increasing curb appeal and adding value. Hiring a professional lawn service saves time and prevents mistakes that could cost money in the long run.
For optimal results, most lawns require weekly mowing during growing seasons. For more specialized or mature lawns, services like aeration and dethatching may also be needed to keep the grass healthy and prevent problems with fungus and thatch.
In addition to mowing, a lawn care company may offer services like mulching, weed control and fertilization treatments. These services are important for a well-maintained, healthy yard that is resistant to drought and disease.
Proper lawn care reduces the likelihood of insect damage and protects from damaging pests like grubs. This helps protect trees and shrubs and reduces soil erosion that can threaten the integrity of landscapes and waterways. It also helps maintain a clean environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering pollutants from air and water. It also improves the overall health of people, pets, and wildlife that enjoy spending time outdoors in a lush green space.
Irrigation
Grass needs a steady supply of water to thrive. Relying on natural rainfall can leave your lawn vulnerable to dry spots and stress. An irrigation system can provide a consistent moisture level, compensating for insufficient rainfall and maintaining uniformity across your yard.
Proper irrigation encourages deep-root development, which reduces the likelihood of fungal growth and weeds. It also allows for an efficient use of water, minimizing the chance of over-saturation. Reliable irrigation services also address regional environmental conditions, ensuring that your grass isn’t overly exposed to heat or frost.
One company handling both your lawn care and irrigation means that there are fewer points of contact for miscommunication or finger-pointing. If a lawn care technician is fertilizing and notices that a section of your lawn has been extra wet, they can alert the irrigation team to investigate. This keeps your lawn healthy and ensures that you don’t waste money on unnecessary treatments. Additionally, it prevents lawn diseases that could otherwise spread to other areas of your property. This includes issues caused by compaction and thatch buildup, which are addressed by aeration and dethatching services.
Fertilization
Lawn fertilization services help you get a lush, rich lawn with plenty of vibrant green color. This process helps your grass retain vital nutrients that would otherwise be leached away by rain and irrigation, enhancing the health of your soil. Regular fertilization also improves your lawn’s resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions by encouraging dense growth that naturally suppresses weeds.
Professional lawn care experts can recommend the right type of lawn fertilizer for your property based on your soil test results, your watering habits, and your desired look. The most common types of lawn fertilizers include synthetic or chemical fertilizers and organic lawn fertilizers. Synthetic or chemical fertilizers provide a fast boost of nutrients that are readily available to grass immediately after application. They typically have a high percentage of nitrogen and often contain phosphorus and potassium (the N-P-K ratio displayed on the front of fertilizer packages).
Organic or natural lawn fertilizers are made from organic materials, which slowly release their contents into the soil over time. These are typically safer around children and pets.
Weed Control
Weed control services are essential for maintaining your lawn’s health and appearance. However, many chemical herbicides can be toxic to pets and children. Using natural weed killers, including preemergence herbicides that stop weed seeds from germinating and postemergence options for controlling existing weeds, protects your family and the environment.
Non-toxic, natural weed control methods like mulching and solarization also help reduce the leaching of chemicals into water bodies and support ecological balance in your lawn’s ecosystem. This is especially important if you live near a stream or creek, where your soil may be exposed to chemicals that are carried into the water and harm wildlife.
Proper weed control ensures that your desired plants, trees, and grass have access to the nutrients, light, and air they need to thrive. Without regular weed removal, unwanted plants will compete with your desired vegetation and choke them out. Not only is this unsightly, but it can lead to a decline in the value and beauty of your lawn and landscape. Additionally, certain weeds can harbor pests and diseases that threaten the health of your plants and the safety of your family.
Weed Removal
Using herbicides, specifically designed to target specific weed species, can help eliminate weed infestations while minimizing harm to desired grasses. This type of proactive lawn weed control can also help prevent future problems from recurring by eliminating existing populations.
Regular weed removal helps ensure that plants, trees, and grass receive vital nutrients in the soil, which they need to thrive. Weeds are known for sapping nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil, leaving desired vegetation starved. Weed removal allows soil to better direct these nutrients toward thriving grass.
Properly weeded landscapes present a consistent, attractive appearance that elevates curb appeal and adds to property value. Additionally, weeding can eliminate the need for labor-intensive hand pulling, freeing up time for more enjoyable or productive activities. Furthermore, incorporating weed prevention practices into a comprehensive lawn care regimen can reduce the need for chemical interventions, further contributing to the health and sustainability of a lawn. Non-toxic organic weed control methods such as vinegar-based herbicides, as well as homemade natural weed killers can be utilized for safe and eco-friendly weed management.