Feb 19, 2014 | Uncategorized
Can the cold temperatures damage your lawn?
Winter weather can take a toll on your lawn. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and freezing rain (all of which we have experienced A LOT of recently) can damage lawns. When these weather conditions sit on grass for extended periods of time it can damage, even kill, warmer season grasses. Root damage is also a concern.
When ice forms on cooler season grasses it can make the blade brittle and easy to break. It’s best to limit activity on cooler season grasses when there has been long periods of ice on the ground.
As spring approaches and your lawn starts to green you may notice blotchy areas due to winter kill. This is often in areas that took longer to thaw out due to lack of sunlight or a larger collection in one area of the lawn.
The best way to help restore your lawn after winter damages is to learn from past experiences because history tends to repeat itself. If you had an area that collected more snow because it was in a low lying area then make sure to level out the area so you won’t have the same problem next time it happens. Also, a healthy lawn is much more resilient. Keeping a healthy lawn year around can improve it’s durability during the winter months.
To keep that lawn healthy all year, call Northwest Lawn Care for expert care!
Jul 5, 2013 | Lawn Care
It’s summer time, so you and your family will likely spend a great deal more time outside enjoying the weather. However, your household won’t be the only ones wanting to take advantage of your lawn. Especially during the summertime, certain insects can cause damage or even kill your turfgrass. Signs of insect feeding include grass turning yellow or brown and eventually dying. This begins as small patches of grass but can eventually lead to widespread damage. It’s important to eliminate lawn damage using preventive measures and Northwest Lawn Care offers
just that!
One pest in particular that you may be used to seeing is a white grub. These insects are the larvae stage of several species of masked chafer beetles. This said, if you spot beetles in your yard, you’re likely to have white grubs. They are small, white “C” shaped bugs with six legs. When these insects infest, they can destroy grass roots, which weakens the affected area. If ever you’ve been able to lift your grass easily from the ground, it’s likely to be due to these insects.
Another common insect pest is the armyworm, which is actually the larva stage of a moth and is therefore, a caterpillar. Like all caterpillars, army worms like feed of plants, including all types of grass. They like to chew on leaves as well as the base of leaves, leaving irregular patches of grass. Once again, if you notice a fair amount of brown or gray moths in your yard, you’re likely to already have an armyworm problem.
Armyworm
Other common insect pests include billbugs, black turfgrass ataenius, fiery skipper, lawn moths, sod webworms and the southern chinch bug. Keep in mind that these pests are perfect treat for larger pests such moles, skunks and raccoons. If you feel like your lawn may be at risk, call the Northwest Lawn Care Team and they will meet your needs.
Sources:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7476.html
http://www.diynetwork.com/outdoors/how-to-identify-common-lawn-pests/index.html
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/homegrnd/htms/13inslwn.htm
http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/white-grubs-lawns
Nov 30, 2012 | Uncategorized
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean no yard work. In fact, fall and winter lawn maintenance is vital to a healthy green lawn in the warmer months. Here are some things to consider when caring for your lawn in the winter:
- Keep it clean. It’s important to keep your lawn clean of debris that could smother grass and promote the growth of weeds. Rake leaves, remove debris, and keep pine straw in the beds. This is also important in keeping unwanted bugs and other pests from finding a home in your lawn or even worse, your home.
- Mow, if necessary. – If your grass is long it can smother itself, cause damage from freezing conditions, or develop diseases. Beware not to cut the grass too short, you could scalp it and cause further damage.
- Fertilize. Choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphate and focuses on root development rather than lush lead development.
Your lawn is supposed to be enjoyed. So whether it’s having cook outs in the summer, raking leaves in the fall, or building snowmen in the winter…take care of your lawn. And for those of you who like to spend your time and effort elsewhere, call a professional lawn care service to take on the task for you. If you’re looking for lawn care in Atlanta call Northwest Lawn Care.
Nov 1, 2012 | Lawn Care
We all want a blemish free lawn. One of the biggest complaints that we often hear from potential lawn care customers is that they have yellow spots in their grass. These spots can be little patches here and there or large areas of grass. There can be a few different reasons why your green grass is spotted with yellow patches.
Yellow Spots in Grass
- Drought – If your grass isn’t getting enough water due to drought or under watering, this can cause grass to turn from a healthy green to a dull yellow. If this is the case, water your grass in the early morning one to two times a week.
- Nutrient Deficiency – Lawns are living organisms just like humans and animals. Humans, animals, and lawns need their nutrients to be healthy. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, this could be the reason for the yellow, dead spots.
- Chemical Burn – Fertilizer, pesticide, or other chemicals applied incorrectly can burn your lawn. Be sure to fully read and follow directions when applying chemicals to your lawn. Water and patience is the best remedy for a chemically burnt lawn.
- Animal Damage – Urine damage can be from family pets, rabbits, or other animals that may make their way into your lawn. Again, the best solution for urine damage by animals is to water in the urine before it can set in.
- Lawn Disease – If none of the above seem likely reasons for why your lawn has yellow spots, lawn disease, or fungus, may be the cause. The best way to know for sure is to call your professional lawn care company.
If yellow spots have gotten the best of your lawn, call Northwest Lawn Care. Our representatives will do a FREE lawn analysis to determine the cause of your issues. They will then create a customized plan for your lawn to return it to its green, healthy state.
Sep 21, 2012 | Lawn Care
We’re getting our first taste of fall! Cooler temperatures, football, and the changing of the leaves are all things that we have to look forward to in the coming months. Without the scorching heat it is a great time of year to get out in your yard and prepare your lawn for the cold months ahead. Cooler weather allows your grass to focus on root growth and build up density. The more preparation you do in the fall, the healthier and greener your lawn will be in the spring.
Things to do in the fall for a healthy lawn in the spring:
- Fall is the best time to target weeds. This is the time to apply herbicides to broadleaf weeds.
- If your soil is in need of a reduction in acidity, apply lime. If you’re not sure, have a lawn care company perform a soil test.
- Make sure to rake up any leaves that have fallen onto your lawn.
- Water during warm spells only. Watering isn’t as necessary in the cooler months as it is in warmer months. Be sure to water when temperatures are unusually high.
- Fertilize your lawn if you have cool season grass such as fescue.
- Raise the height on your lawn mower. Do not over cut the lawn.
- Grass clippings can be beneficial this time of year. Leave clippings where they fall unless a large amount has been cut.
- Overseeding should be done to fix bare patches in lawn or to keep lawn looking green throughout the winter.
- Call a lawn care company such as Northwest that can come assess your lawn and let you know what steps should be made in the fall to be sure that you have a healthy, green lawn in the spring and summer.
Visit us at www.callnorthwest.com/lawn-care/ for more information on our Northwest Lawn Care services.
