A lush, healthy lawn is a joy to view. But worrying about keeping your lawn healthy does not have to feel like a full-time job. When you’re handing off lawn care to the pros, ensure your lawn service includes these essential elements in Winnetka, IL.
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Soil Care
Poor soil will lead to a sparse and struggling lawn. While poor soil can be amended, it takes the proper knowledge to determine how to best nourish the soil and balance its pH to optimize turf growth. Soil should be tested at least once a season, and amended as needed.
Aeration
Compacted soil inhibits root growth, and prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots. Aeration is especially necessary on grass that gets heavy use from kids and/or dogs; or grass that has a spongy feel when wet, but dries out quickly (if water is evaporating rather than penetrating the soil).
Dethatching
Thatch is the thick layer of dead grass that has accumulated at the ground level, just below the reach of the lawn mower blade. Thatch suffocates the root system and should be removed regularly to maintain root health.
Leaf Mulching
Fallen leaves must either be raked and bagged, or, preferably, mulched to provide nutrients for the lawn during winter. Fallen leaves must never be left “as is” on the lawn, because once they become wet they can become a barrier that contributes to mold growth and disease.
Weed Control
Weed control is an ongoing challenge that requires specific products to be applied at the right time to prevent weeds from germinating or to kill established weeds before they go to seed.
Pest and Disease Management
Typically, the best way to prevent pests and disease is to keep your lawn healthy. Regular inspection helps identify problems while they are easily managed, and skilled lawn service professionals can determine the necessary treatments to eliminate pests and restore your lawn’s health.
Spot-treating Problem Areas
Sometimes, spot treatment is necessary to restore a patch of lawn that is struggling or dead. Spot treatment can involve extra applications of fertilizer or weed killer, or it may mean tearing out the dead grass, properly treating the soil, over-seeding or installing turf, and regularly caring for the new turf as it becomes established.
Edging
Nothing says “unprofessional” as loudly as messy edges. Cleanly trimmed edges help to maintain a pleasing appearance and prevent grass from growing outward over your walkway, driveway, and patio.
Mowing
A lawn service should always set the proper blade height and establish a mowing frequency that depends on the rate of grass growth, the season, and weather conditions. Professional equipment should be well-maintained, with sharp blade edges to prevent tearing the grass.
Fertilization
Different times of year require different types of fertilizer—to stimulate growth in spring, to maintain a robust lawn in summer, and to prepare the lawn for overwintering. A lawn care service should maintain a regular fertilization schedule using appropriate methods and products for each season, according to your lawn’s unique needs.
Watering
If your lawn care service doesn’t water the lawn, they can advise you on the best practices for establishing a deep and healthy root system.
Lawn care is an intensive endeavor that requires specialized knowledge and a commitment to regular care—which is why many homeowners trust their lawn’s care to professionals. Each lawn has unique requirements, and it is our mission to keep your lawn in top shape season after season.
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