Archive for the ‘Landscaping’ Category
Simple Often-Overlooked Lawn Care Tips
Most homeowners know the basics for having a beautiful and lush landscape…watering, fertilizing, mowing with a sharp blade, etc. However, there are several often-overlooked items in the landscape that should be addressed to ensure that picture perfect yard. Every homeowner needs to understand their soil type and condition, how to address problem weeds, and the value of trees in the landscape.
Soil
You might think soil is soil. Or just plain dirt. But, you would be wrong. Our soil is teeming with vital living organisms that can make or break your lawn. Having a basic understanding of your soil and its composition will put you on the path to a greener lawn. You’ll want to find out if it’s acidic or alkaline. You’ll also want to know how much organic material there is and if your soil is mostly hard Georgia red clay. Your county extension agent can test your soil and give you the results in just a few days and often for free. Be sure to have your soil tested before spending your hard earned money on expensive amendments that might not work.
Weeds
Every homeowner hates weeds, but most do not understand them or how to treat them. Most healthy lawns will almost always contain a few weeds. In addition, several plants that most consider weeds, such as dandelions and clover, can aid in maintaining a healthy lawn by adding rich nutrients to the soil.
There are many products on the market that can get rid of stubborn weeds. Some even fertilize the lawn simultaneously. We recommend that you find one of the growing list of environmentally friendly products available. Weeds generally will start to die out within just a few days of spraying with an herbicide. Some may take longer. It’s best to wait until the weeds are growing vigorously and the grass is in good condition.
In the hot Georgia summers, a neat trick to keeping weeds at bay is to let your grass grow taller. The taller grass will develop deeper roots, block out weeds, and as a bonus, use less water. Finally, the best way to control summer weeds is to apply a pre-emergent in the spring to prevent them from germinating in the first place.
Tree Care
Tree care and shrub care is often overlooked when developing your lawn care program. This is often a costly mistake and can detract from the beauty of your home’s landscape. Atlantans spend an average of four times more money on trees and shrubs than on grasses and flowers. Such a large investment in your property dictates that you have a comprehensive tree and shrub care program. Get started today. The plants in your landscape will thank you!
