Aerating

Aerating is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawnd to reduce soil compactions and improve soil aeration. The soil beneath turf grass becomes compact due to walking, lawn maintenance equiment, pets and ordinary settling of soil.

Why lawns need to aerated:

• Allows for water, air and fertilizer to penetrate through to the root zone, allowing roots to grow deeper and in turn creating a healthier and thicker lawn

• Greatly reduces the chances of thatch buildup

• Reduces soil compaction

• Creates optimal enviroment if over seeding for direct seed to soil contact

 

With repeat aerations, your lawn will show enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance, saving you money and water. Lawn experts agree that all lawns can benefit from twice a year aeration.

 

 

Bed Weeding

Weeding flower beds allows desired plants maximum sunlight and water exposure. Along with weeding, the DLS crew also dead head/remove old flowers as/if needed.

• Bi-Monthly weeding schedule includes twice a month wedding of all flower beds and driveways (this is the best way to keep beds as weed free as possible).

• Monthly weeding schedule include once a month weeding of all flower beds including driveways (weeds will be more noticible due to space between visits).

 

 

Deep Root Fertilization

Deep Root Fertilization is the most effective and preffered method for fertilizing trees and schrubs.This process involves a liquid, time-released fertilizer injected in a grid pattern into the root zone of the tree or shrub, helping aerate the soil and provide oxygen to the root system. Well-nourished trees and shrubs have a better resistance to disease, insect attack and drought.

 

 

Dethatching 

Thatch becomes an issue when it is too thick; normal thatch (1/4 to 1/2 thick) is beneficial to the lawn, buffering the soil and adding resilience to the lawn, therefore reducing soil compaction due to heavy use.  

When thatch layers become too thick they diminish lawn health in the following ways:

• Preventing water, fertilizer and insect and disease controls from reaching the soil

• Blocking sunlight from reaching low blades of grass

• Holding moisture against grass blades which can lead to disease

• Blocking soil so that roots grow into nutrient lacking thatch, leading to a shallow rooted lawn

• Creates an uneven lawn, leading to uneven mowing and scalping 

 

Tips for minimizing/avoiding thatch build up:

• Minimize activites that compact soil

• Don't allow grass from becoming too tall before mowings

• Follow recommended fertilizer rate applications

• Avoid shallow and frequent irrigation

• Don't allow soil pH to fall below 6.0

 

Disease Control

Lawn diseases like leaf spots, red thread snow mold or dead spring spot, are all caused by fungi. Signs of disease include discolored or spotted grass blades. 

The most common causes of lawn diseases are:

• Drought

• Improper mowing (specifically mowing too low)

• Soil compaction

• Overwatering/night time watering

• Excess fertilization (or using the wrong kind)

• Wrong grass type for your yard

• Weather conditions (particularly temperature and humidity)

 

Preventative fungicides - most lawn fungus issues can be prevented by using proper lawn maintenance and a good fungicide. Once there is a fungus issue, fungicides must be applied at a higher rate. Using a good fungicide as a preventative tool will save you money, time and maybe your lawn! 

 

Lawn fungus prevention tips:

• Do not overwater

• Night time watering should be avoided. Early morning waterings are best as they lend to better drying times

• Dethatch to allow soil to breath

• Aerate

• Routine mowings at the correct height (don't mow too short!)

 

 

Fall Cleanups

Most fall cleanups occur November through December. The DLS crew will blow leaves off lawns, out of flower beds, driveways, etc. In most cases (depending on your town) the leaves and debris will need to be loaded and hauled away. Allowing leaves to sit on the lawn throughout the winter can result in yellowing and dying off of grass anywhere the leaves are piled up. 

It is recommended that perennial flowers be cut back at the time as well. Cutting them back to or close to the ground leaves the landscape looking neat and leaves the flowers ready to reemerge in the spring.

 

*Winter mulching can also be applied at this time. More information under mulching

 

 

 

Lawn Mowing