Insects are an inevitable part of your yard, but most are not harmful. Some are even beneficial to your lawn. So if you decide to spray for insect control, you should only treat the harmful insects. Yards are more than just grass, though. They often include trees, shrubs, and gardens, and all of these things need special care. So here are some helpful tips to keep pests away from your lawn and your family safe.
Mowing regularly reduces root growth.
When mowing grass, the height you cut it at can affect root growth. For cool-season turf grasses, mowing higher encourages more profound root growth. In general, most people cut their lawns too low. Generally speaking, higher mowing heights are better for most grasses. In addition, they allow more time between mowings, which means you can mow less frequently.
In the study, researchers found that intense mowing increases the likelihood of weed growth. In particular, regular mowing encourages the growth of grass species with low-growing tips, which are more vulnerable to mowing. However, this increase in plant diversity also increases the presence of pollinators and herbivores. Another study found that intensive mowing also increases the population of weeds and pests.
Fertilizing your lawn in early autumn
Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn. It not only feeds the grass with nutrients but also strengthens the roots. By fertilizing in early autumn, you also reduce the runoff risk. In addition, autumn lawns tend to retain their color better than spring and summer lawns. However, if you have a lawn turf Kissimmee, FL with a bare spot or a patch of grass that has been neglected during the summer, it will look worse than ever in winter.
The timing of fertilization in autumn varies depending on your area and grass type. The best time to fertilize is when the temperatures drop enough for the top growth of grass to slow. However, you should apply three times – one in early September, a second in late October, and a third in December – to provide the most nutrients to the roots and help them store up reserves for spring growth. Apply fertilizer when the soil is moist. If the soil is too dry, wait a few weeks until it becomes soft and pliable.
Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late spring
Applying a pre-emergent to your lawn in late spring is a great way to get your lawn back into shape before the summer heat arrives. In most parts of the country, you can apply these herbicides between March 15th and May 5th. In the country’s northern half, however, you will have to wait until May 25th, or even late June, before applying them. The best time to use a pre-emergent herbicide is when the soil temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil thermometers can help measure soil temperature.
If you decide to apply a pre-emergent herbicide, you should do so by yourself since it is straightforward to make a mistake and not cover the entire area. In addition, using too much herbicide can harm the surrounding vegetation and cause problems when reseeding the area. Also, you should avoid applying a pre-emergent herbicide on your lawn if you have already had it treated with a different chemical in the past. In addition, heavy rain can cause the herbicide to degrade and become inert, allowing late-season weeds to come up without the protection of the pre-emergent.
Using a lawn dethatcher to remove dead grass
Using a lawn dethatcher to pull out dead grass is an excellent way to maintain your lawn’s beauty and promote healthy grass’s long-term growth. Dead grass looks unsightly and prevents new grassroots from sprouting. While a rake can do the job, a lawn dethatcher can clean up dead grass and dirt more thoroughly. Dethatching should be done annually to achieve the best results.
If your lawn has a layer of thatch over half an inch thick, you need to dethatch it. The thatch is organic matter that has not decomposed and is blocking the growth of your grass. However, it can also be caused by various causes, including fungal infections, grubs, or other pests. A grub-control pesticide or an antifungal treatment can solve your dead grass problem.
Using a lawn overseeding to fill in bald spots
Overseeding bare spots is an effective way to create lush, green lawns. While hand spot seeding is effective for filling small areas, a push spreader is the most efficient way to achieve the same effect. Once your lawn has experienced a few bald spots, overseeding can help make it thick and lush again. It is also recommended for bald patches due to its ease of use and affordability.
Before overseeding your lawn, identify the causes of patchiness. For example, whether kids or a neighbor’s dog damaged the lawn, invasive grubs or insects may be to blame. Mowing your lawn at a low setting will help penetrate the overseer to minimize damage. Also, make sure that your lawn is not overly crowded with thatch. Too much thatch can prevent the growth of new grass.
Avoiding chemicals in lawn care
If you have a lawn, you probably know that many chemicals are used to improve its appearance. Although most of these chemicals have no significant effect on humans, some have serious ecological and health impacts. Therefore, it is vital to learn as much as possible about these chemicals before applying them to your lawn.
One of the most common dangers of lawn chemicals is their long-term environmental impact. Unlike other chemicals, they are not required by law to be released to the medical profession, so doctors often misdiagnose the symptoms of poisonings as allergies or psychosomatic. Additionally, children can accidentally ingest these chemicals, leading to severe illnesses. While acute poisonings from lawn chemicals are rare, poison control centers reported 34,000 cases in children five and younger in 2019.
