Was summer extra hard on your lawn this year? If your lawn is struggling, with dead or dying areas and bare spots making it look unhealthy, not all is lost. Here’s how a lawn service transforms an unsightly lawn in Northbrook, IL and Wilmette, IL areas.
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Nothing Happens Until…
Nothing happens until your lawn service does a thorough inspection of your lawn to determine the cause of the problem. Lawns are surprisingly fragile and easily succumb to drought, weeds, insects, disease, and fungi. But, what’s at the root of the problem? Why are some lawns so delicate while others are lush and thriving?
Soil Chemistry
The answer could lie in the chemistry of the soil. Soil that is depleted of nutrients, or has unbalanced pH levels, will negatively affect your lawn. Soil testing is therefore the very first thing that should be done, and not just in one spot on your lawn; a thorough test will account for various areas of the lawn, both those areas that are thriving and those that are struggling.
If a soil test determines an imbalance or a lack of nutrients, the next step is to amend the soil, to restore proper pH balance and nutrient levels that support healthy grass growth.
Dethatching and Aeration
The next step is to assess whether nutrients that are added in the form of chemical or organic fertilizer are actually reaching the roots.
A thick layer of thatch could be the culprit; this layer of dead grass effectively creates a roof that doesn’t allow water, air, or nutrients from reaching the soil. Removing thatch is a must for restoring a lawn’s vigor.
The next step after removing thatch is ensuring that the soil isn’t compacted. Soil should be relatively loose so that roots can reach deep into the ground, and that what needs to reach the roots can do so freely. Clay soils can bake rock-hard in the summer sun, and they are also more prone to compaction from heavy foot traffic. Aeration loosens the soil and refreshes the lawn.
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Poor Lawn Care Practices
Some of the most common lawn care mistakes can be prevented, thereby sparing your lawn. The first is mowing too high, which encourages too much water retention; and the other is mowing too low, which dehydrates the soil. Talk to your lawn care specialist to find out what height is optimal for your species of turf grass, and your specific location.
The second lawn care mistake is improper application of fertilizer. Fertilizer burn can permanently damage your lawn (good intentions gone awry). Following the manufacturer’s directions will ensure that your lawn is fed properly.
Improper weed and pest control can also harm your grass. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully when using herbicides and pesticides.
Finally, improper watering is a common cause of lawn problems. Watering deeply (1-2” of water per watering) in the morning, several times per week, is optimal. Watering midday means a lot of water will evaporate before reaching the roots. Watering in the evening could lead to too much water on the leaves, which can result in fungus growth.
Once soil health and poor lawn care practices are corrected, your lawn care service may simply overseed troubled areas in spring and give the lawn a chance to recover on its own. Or, the lawn may require further action such as removing the lawn and installing a new one.
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