S E A S O N A L T I P S
Fall is almost here and we are getting ready for aerating and seeding our customers' lawns. Core aeration is one of the most important cultural practices available to help improve your lawn.
We will run the core aerator over the lawn to remove thousands of soil plugs. This process will relieve soil compaction, and allow for nutrients and water to get to the roots more easily, invigorating new root development - a key to a healthy lawn. This process will also prepare a seed bed to help improve germination when seeding in the fall. We will also go over the problem areas repeatedly and rake them as needed.
Planet Green Lawn Service offers two different packages in the fall - Aeration alone, or Seeding and Aeration. Remember fall is the only time of the year to get good results from Aeration/seeding.>
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How much do I need to water?
This is a very common question that can be difficult to answer. Luckily spring rains usually help to provide much of the needed water for your lawn. However, when dry periods develop you will be required to irrigate. The screwdriver test will help you know when to water. Using moderate effort you should be able to push a screwdriver 4-5 inches into the soil. If you cannot, then watering is suggested.
Always try to provide deep root water, this means watering until water penetrates the soil 4-5 inches deep. The clay soil that is most common can be very slow to absorb water, causing the need for slow watering for long periods, often several hours. You will find that areas in your lawn may require different amounts of water on different intervals. A little attention to your lawns specific needs now will help you during the stress of summer when irrigation is most needed.
Always water in the morning when temperatures are above 60 degrees at night and 80 degrees during the day.
Mowing the lawn isn't just a chore, done properly it can help your lawn and the environment. There are three factors that are critical to proper mowing.
- Sharp mower blade
This is one area that is very easy to overlook. Try to develop a habit of sharpening your mower blade at least twice each year, once in early spring and again in late summer. A sharp blade makes a clean cut leaving less tissue exposed, reducing water loss stress and disease concerns. A dull blade not only causes significant health concerns for your lawn, but can also cause discoloration.
- Frequency
The simple rule to remember is the 1/3 rule. Mowing should be done often enough to prevent the removal of more than 1/3 of the leaf at any one time. This will help lower the level of stress on the root system. Removal of more than 1/3 of the leaf too often or under periods of heavy stress can result in turf loss. This frequency will vary during the year, but once a week is usually often enough even during periods of heavy growth.
- Height
Mowing heights vary for different types of turf. See below for your turf type and mowing height.
| Fescue |
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3 - 4 inches - for fescue, the taller the better! |
| Bermuda |
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1 1/2 - 2 inches |
| Zoysia |
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1 1/2 - 2 inches |
| Centipede |
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1 1/2 - 2 inches |
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