![\"table](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/table-salt-spilled-out-on-a-table.jpg\")
Surely there is another way to kill stubborn weeds than using dangerous chemicals or expensive organic herbicides, right? Right. This article discusses how to use salt to kill weeds. It turns out you can get rid of weeds in a way that does not pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. And […]
\n","content":"\nSurely there is another way to kill stubborn weeds than using dangerous chemicals or expensive organic herbicides, right? Right. This article discusses how to use salt to kill weeds. It turns out you can get rid of weeds in a way that does not pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. And it’s right in your kitchen cabinet!
\n\n\n\nKeep reading to learn how to kill weeds with salt instead of toxic chemicals like Roundup.
\n\n\nWho knew sodium chloride, aka regular ole table salt, could be so useful in the yard? Even if all you have is the salt you use to season your food, you can use it to eliminate weeds.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in a location where it gets icy regularly, you may also keep rock salt, the salt placed on the ground to eat away ice in winter, in the house. It can also be used to kill weeds.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Sebalos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWhat you need:
\n\n\n\nSolutions more concentrated with salt can disrupt the soil composition and hurt other plants you want to keep. So, a 1-to-2 salt-to-water mixture is best in a flower bed or on your lawn. You can start with a 1:3 salt-to-water ratio and increase the salt content daily until it starts killing the weeds.
\n\n\n\nIn areas where soil health preservation is not important, like cracks in the driveway, a 2:1 or 3:1 salt-to-water ratio can be used to kill the weeds more quickly and with fewer applications.
\n\n\n\nAdd a little white vinegar and liquid dish soap to make the salt solution more effective.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"rock](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/rock-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BWFolsom / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWhat you need:
\n\n\n\nThere are a couple of ways to apply rock salt as a post-emergent weed killer.
\n\n\n\nEasy No-Mix Rock Salt Weed Killer: Sprinkle a little rock salt on the ground at the base of the weed. This is a fast method for controlling weeds sprouting in driveways and walkways and between pavers. The pesky plants will die within about a week and a half. Rock salt will also kill grass and other plants and stop anything from growing where it has been sprinkled, giving it a pre-emergent herbicidal quality. Rain will eventually dissipate the effects.
\n\n\n\nRock Salt Spray Recipe: Add 1 cup of rock salt to 1 gallon of hot water. Mix until the salt is dissolved. Put the combination into a spray bottle. This solution is a good way to kill weeds in grass and flower beds because you can spray it directly on weeds and keep it from coming into contact with the plants you want to keep.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/using-spray-to-kill-a-weed-in-mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: killerb10 / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve mixed your salt spray, spray it directly onto the weeds you want to kill. Be careful not to get too much salt water on your grass or ornamental plants. After five days, respray the weeds. Wait another five days and reapply. If there is torrential rain, it could dilute the salt, and you may have to reapply it sooner than five days.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t want to saturate your soil with salt water. It can harm the soil and nearby plants. So, after spraying weeds with salt water, thoroughly water the roots of any nearby vegetation to dilute any salt solution that made contact with grass or ornamentals.
\n\n\n\nOverall, a salt spray is best for small-scale weed problems.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe type of salt used is important. It must be rock salt or sodium chloride to kill weeds. Table salt that is iodized or non-iodized will work. Avoid using sea salt and magnesium sulfate, which is also known as Epsom salt.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSalt is so effective at killing weeds that it can kill other plants and disrupt the soil composition so that nothing grows for a few years. As previously stated, this prevention of regrowth gives salt a pre-emergent herbicidal quality.
\n\n\n\nSalt contains acetic acid, which pulls out moisture. The way salt kills weeds is by dehydrating them and disrupting the plant cells’ internal water balance. Weeds absorb this natural weed killer more when water is added to the salt. Salt burns the foliage and prevents the plant from getting sufficient water.
\n\n\n\nWhite vinegar also has acetic acid, so adding a little of it to your salt solution will increase the moisture extraction effects.
\n\n\n\nAdding a little liquid dish soap to your solution can also make the salt more effective because dish soap is a surfactant, meaning it reduces the water’s surface tension, enabling the plant to absorb more of the solution.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"salt](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/salt-being-poured-from-someones-fingers.jpg\")
Photo Credit: taffpix / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSalt is not toxic like chemical herbicides. However, applying salt as a weed killer does come with advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at some:
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\n✓ Does not cause health risks that herbicidal chemicals containing ingredients like 2,4-D and glyphosate are linked to, such as endocrine disruption and cancer
✓ Cheaper weed killer than commercial herbicides
✓ Children and pets do not have to stay off the grass to avoid toxic exposure
✓ Effectively kills smaller weeds
✓ Can be used near edible plants without exposing them to dangerous chemicals
Cons:
\n\n\n\n✗ Large quantities can change the pH level of the soil and make it sterile
✗ Can kill nearby plants and grass
✗ May not work on salt-tolerant plants
✗ Not as effective on large plants
✗ Should be used for weed killing on a small scale
Salt is not the only homemade weed killer that can effectively replace toxic chemical herbicides.
\n\n\n\nBoiling water has some of the same benefits and disadvantages as a salt solution. Surrounding plants can be damaged if boiling water splashes on them. On the other hand, boiling water will not disturb the chemical composition of the soil and damage it or prevent future growth.
\n\n\n\nVinegar solutions usually include adding salt, but the amount of salt is less. The most effective vinegar mixtures are made with vinegar that is 20% acetic acid, also known as herbicidal vinegar. These weed killers, like salt, can change the soil composition.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, the decision of which homemade weed-killing method to use is up to you. To salt or not to salt? That is the question. All of these non-toxic herbicides are safer for pets and humans than their commercial herbicide counterparts.
\n\n\n\nIt typically takes about 10 days for a salt and water solution to kill existing weeds.
Practicing good lawn care management regularly will help prevent weeds in the first place. It is difficult for unwanted plants to sprout in a well-kept lawn or garden. Here are some tips for preventing weeds in your landscape:
● Use mulch in gardens and on the lawn. Mulch stops weed growth. Apply organic mulch to decrease weed germination. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is a natural way to fertilize the grass and suppress weeds. However, leaving clippings when you have lawn weeds will spread the seeds.
● Check for weeds regularly so you can eliminate them when they are young and few.
● Plant grass seed adapted to your area, which will thrive in your climate and more easily outcompete local weeds.
● Mow, water, and fertilize the grass as recommended for your grass type. See recommendations for cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses in our guides.
● Treat the lawn for diseases and insects to keep the grass healthy and weed-resistant.
● Pull up weeds with a tool or by hand and remove the taproot to prevent regrowth.
● Plant ground cover. These ornamentals spread quickly, providing a dense carpet that smothers and suppresses weeds.
Pulling weeds by hand or with a tool is an eco-friendly method that doesn’t affect the soil or other plants. It is easier to manage weeds this way when there are only a few of them and they are young. Wet the soil to remove weeds more easily. Ensure you have removed the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Having a way to manage weeds that is cheaper and more convenient than commercial herbicides is nice. Having a way to manage weeds that is safer for your family, fur babies, and the environment is priceless. Salt is both!
\n\n\n\n
But if you need a break from DIY landscape maintenance, there is a way you can have your cake and eat it, too. Enjoy a beautiful, thriving yard and some leisure time by connecting with qualified lawn care professionals in your area to do all the work while you chill.
Main Photo Credit: ac_bnphotos / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1789c/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/107df/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/293e9/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/f2cbb/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1789c/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/c26c2/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1dd6e/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/67b76/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 320w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/8df11/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/98a65/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 800w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/1dd6e/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 960w,\n/static/da0b1bdd6613a5156fd8504883834f67/3cc96/Salt-poured-ona-table-and-the-word-salt-written-in-the-salt-pile-1-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Did you know you have an ingredient in your kitchen that can kill weeds? Learn how to use salt to kill weeds instead of dangerous herbicides."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c3d2d0ef-0b52-5679-8531-cdce38189828","slug":"the-8-major-metro-areas-that-are-most-fired-up-about-burning-coal-to-keep-warm","path":"/blog/the-8-major-metro-areas-that-are-most-fired-up-about-burning-coal-to-keep-warm/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"May 13th, 2019","excerpt":"John Egan On chilly days, most Americans heat their homes by turning up the thermostat for a furnace powered by natural gas or electricity. Even today, though, some folks fire up coal-burning stoves to supply warmth. Among the country’s 50 biggest metro areas, nowhere is dependent on coal or coke (a coal byproduct) for heating […]
\n","content":"\nJohn Egan
\n\n\n\nOn chilly days, most Americans heat their homes by turning up the thermostat for a furnace powered by natural gas or electricity. Even today, though, some folks fire up coal-burning stoves to supply warmth.
\n\n\n\nAmong the country’s 50 biggest metro areas, nowhere is dependent on coal or coke (a coal byproduct) for heating fuel more than Pittsburgh, PA.
\n\n\n\nA WikiLawn review of U.S. Census Bureau data shows 173 of every 100,000 occupied housing units in the Pittsburgh area rely on coal or coke for heating fuel. By comparison, 108 of every 100,000 occupied households across the country depend on coal or coke to generate heat.
\n\n\n\nLike Pittsburgh, six of the seven other metro areas on our list are in the Northeast, where coal historically has been more popular as a heating source than in other parts of the country.
\n\n\n\nCertainly, the total number of occupied U.S. households where you’d find a coal-burning stove is tiny — just one-tenth of 1 percent, or a little over 128,500 households. Of those households, an estimated 1,939 are in the Pittsburgh metro area, according to our analysis of data from the Census Bureau’s 2013-2017 American Community Survey. The annual survey takes the pulse of America in terms of demographic and housing characteristics.
\n\n\n\nAnyone who lives in or grew up in Pennsylvania undoubtedly knows why coal remains a source of heat for more than 1,900 households in the Pittsburgh area.
\n\n\n\nIn 2017, Pennsylvania ranked third among the country’s top coal-producing states, behind Wyoming and West Virginia, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That year, Pennsylvania mined 49.1 tons of coal, or 6 percent of the country’s total coal output.
\n\n\n\nOver the years, coal production in the U.S. has fallen off as utility companies have switched to natural gas, a cheaper source of energy, or to wind and solar power, which, unlike coal, are renewable sources of energy. Nationwide coal production slipped nearly 3 percent in 2018 from the previous year, according to EIA.
\n\n\n\nThe Keystone Stone, particularly the Pittsburgh area, enjoys a centuries-old relationship with coal. Mining of bituminous (or “soft”) coal in Pennsylvania dates back to the late 1700s. In Pennsylvania, bituminous coal first was mined in Mount Washington — aka “Coal Hill” — just across the Monongahela River from Pittsburgh, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
\n\n\n\nOver the years, industrial plants around the state, including steel factories in the Pittsburgh area, have consumed much of the coal mined in Pennsylvania.
\n\n\n\nBeginning with Pittsburgh, here’s our list of the 8 Major Metro Areas That Are Most Fired Up About Coal-Burning Stoves. (Or, put another way, the 8 Major Metro Areas Where Frosty the Snowman Should Be Afraid of Losing His Two Eyes Made Out of Coal.)
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/pittsburgh-skyline-for-coal-article.jpg\")
Number of occupied housing units: 1,118,610
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 1,939
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 173
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hartford-ct-skyline.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
Number of occupied housing units: 512,877
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 629
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 123
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i0.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/philly-skyline-for-coal-article.jpg?fit=1024%2C672&ssl=1\")
Number of occupied housing units: 2,469,188
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 2,637
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 107
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cleveland-oh-skyline.jpg\")
Number of occupied housing units: 959,615
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 1,013
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 106
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/providence-ri-skyline-for-coal-article.jpg\")
Number of occupied housing units: 700,220
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 582
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 83
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/boston-ma-skyline-for-coal-article.jpg\")
Number of occupied housing units: 1,930,177
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 1,204
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 62
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i2.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/nyc-skyline-for-coal-article.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
Number of occupied housing units: 7,916,318
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 4,450
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 56
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://i1.wp.com/www.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Buffalo-NY-skyline-for-coal-article.jpg?fit=1024%2C736&ssl=1\")
Number of occupied housing units: 525,820
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units using coal or coke for heating fuel: 284
\n\n\n\nNumber of occupied housing units per 100,000 using coal or coke for heating fuel: 54
\n\n\n\nAuthor Bio: John Egan is a freelance writer who covers everything from personal finance to lawn care. His masterful work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Forbes, and The Guardian.
\n","title":"The 8 Major Metro Areas That Are Most Fired Up About Burning Coal to Keep Warm","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/1789c/burning-coals.jpg","srcSet":"/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/107df/burning-coals.jpg 320w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/293e9/burning-coals.jpg 500w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/f2cbb/burning-coals.jpg 800w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/1789c/burning-coals.jpg 960w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/a2a79/burning-coals.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/1dd6e/burning-coals.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/67b76/burning-coals.webp 320w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/8df11/burning-coals.webp 500w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/98a65/burning-coals.webp 800w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/1dd6e/burning-coals.webp 960w,\n/static/337ada0c401dc867613108b62c123fed/7aa54/burning-coals.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 8 Major Metro Areas That Are Most Fired Up About Burning Coal to Keep Warm | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"2564dfb0-d1b0-5c30-b6df-3390e9ffed53","slug":"transition-zone-grasses","path":"/blog/transition-zone-grasses/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Mel Childs","id":"5e563fe7-34e1-5dc2-bc00-a1e777e5dfd5","path":"/author/melisha-childslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8fb37d81bb775d323e0028ec06cb650f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2023","excerpt":"If you live in the middle region of the U.S., you likely live in what lawn care experts call the transition zone. In the transition zone, both warm-season and cool-season grass types can grow, but they might suffer during their dormant season. This guide will teach you how to plant and grow transition zone grasses […]
\n","content":"\nIf you live in the middle region of the U.S., you likely live in what lawn care experts call the transition zone. In the transition zone, both warm-season and cool-season grass types can grow, but they might suffer during their dormant season. This guide will teach you how to plant and grow transition zone grasses for a healthy lawn year-round.
\n\n\n\nIn this guide:
\n\n\n\nTransition zone grasses are those that grow well in the areas of the U.S. sandwiched between northern, cool-season grass states and southern, warm-season grass states. Transition zone grasses are a combination of both warm- and cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nTransition zone grasses include Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass. Some of these are warm-season grasses, which grow best in hot temperatures and typically thrive in the southern U.S. Others are cool-season grasses, which grow best in cooler temperatures and typically thrive in the northern U.S.
\n\n\n\nSince neither type of grass is well-adapted to the transition zone, they can develop issues at different times of the year. For instance, in an area that is too warm, cool-season grasses might struggle in the heat and drought of summer. On the other hand, warm-season grasses will struggle through harsh winters and especially cold fall seasons.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe transition zone includes approximately the middle third of the U.S. The northern third of the country falls into the cool-season grass growing zone, and the southern third falls into the warm-season grass growing zone. See the map below to find out if you’re in the transition zone.
\n\n\n![\"Cool](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cool-Season-Warm-Season-Transition-Zone.jpg\")
Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nHere are some states included in the transition zone:
\n\n\n\nNote that for some of these states, only the far northern or far southern region falls in the transition zone. It’s important to find your exact location on the map above to help you get an accurate picture of what grass types you can grow on your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best lawns in the transition zone are usually made up of a combination of cool-season and warm-season grass types, which thrive at different times of the year. Warm-season grass will keep your lawn green and dense during summer, and cool-season grass will help your lawn stay green later into the fall when temperatures start to drop.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses can be found growing in northern regions of the U.S. where there are cold winters and temperatures usually average 60 to 75 degrees. These grasses endure very cold temperatures, and they stay green longer into the fall and green up sooner in spring than warm-season grasses. They grow most actively in spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nBecause cool-season grasses prefer cooler temperatures, they can struggle to stay green in summer and may go dormant.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis dark green, canoe-shaped cool-season grass is ideal for lawns in the transition zone, particularly those with lots of sun exposure. Kentucky bluegrass is a dense turfgrass often used on golf courses and other recreational areas. In regions where temperatures regularly get above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, this grass will go dormant in summer until temperatures cool.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis cool-season grass is ideal for homeowners who expect high levels of traffic in their yards. This grass is often combined with Kentucky bluegrass as a mixture. Unfortunately, perennial ryegrass is very high-maintenance and will require lots of mowing. When temperatures reach the high 70s in summer, this grass will go dormant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nAs with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, tall fescue is a high maintenance grass option, primarily because it grows so fast. On a positive note, this sun-loving grass handles foot traffic well. It also isn’t very susceptible to disease. When temperatures reach the mid to high 80s, this grass will go dormant until temperatures cool. It is one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses typically grow in the southern U.S. where there are hot summers, and they thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand hot temperatures and endure drought conditions much better than cool-season grasses, but they will enter winter dormancy earlier in the year.
\n\n\n\nFind the best warm-season grasses to grow in the transition zone below.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Bermudagrass\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis sun-loving grass is able to withstand a lot of foot traffic. Unfortunately, it is very vulnerable to diseases and requires a lot of maintenance. As a warm-season grass, Bermudagrass can experience plenty of extremely hot temperatures and still grow and thrive. It can even tolerate drought well. However, this grass will fall into dormancy when temperatures remain consistently at about 50 degrees.
\n\n\n\n![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Russbach at the English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a dense, deeply rich green turfgrass that has a high tolerance for foot traffic. It is also a low-maintenance grass that can keep weeds at bay. One weak spot for this grass is that it is susceptible to various types of lawn diseases. On a positive note, because Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass, it can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. It tends to go dormant in temperatures below 55 degrees.
\n\n\n\nCaring for transition zone grasses isn’t much different than caring for cool-season grasses in cooler regions or warm-season grasses in warm regions. The same strategies for irrigation, weed control, pest and disease treatment, fertilization, and mowing should be employed depending on what type of grass is in your yard. Here are some basic lawn care tips to keep in mind when caring for both cool and warm-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nCaring for grass in the transition zone can be tricky because you may have a cool-season or warm-season grass in your yard, and the best time to perform lawn maintenance tasks varies for each.
\n\n\n\nSo, before starting with a maintenance routine, it’s important to know what type of grass is in your yard. Once you know you have warm-season or cool-season grass, you can proceed with seasonal maintenance.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn spring, both cool-season and warm-season grasses will start to green up after winter dormancy. Once your grass greens up and starts growing again, it’s time to start mowing and fertilizing regularly.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses typically start to green up in early spring, while warm-season grasses wait until late spring when the soil warms up a bit. Because it is the beginning of the growing season, late spring is the best time to plant new warm-season grass seeds. It is also the best time to aerate and dethatch warm-season lawns.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring summer, irrigation will be critical for your transition zone grass, particularly cool-season grasses, which struggle in heat and drought conditions. Water your lawn with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, skipping weeks with rainfall. For cool-season grasses, you may need to increase the frequency of your watering sessions.
\n\n\n\nHowever, if your cool-season grass goes dormant in summer, excess water will not help it but will encourage weeds, pests, and lawn diseases. Dormant cool-season grasses may turn brown, but that doesn’t mean they’re dead. Avoid fertilizing them, as fertilizers do nothing for dormant grass.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, summer is warm-season grass’s time to shine! This is when these grasses grow most actively, so you will need to mow your lawn at least once per week and maybe more during summer.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce autumn sets in, warm-season grasses will begin to slow their growth, while cool-season grass growth will start to pick up the pace. Fall is the best time to aerate, dethatch, and seed cool-season grasses. You can also fertilize them once in early fall and again in late fall with a specialized fall lawn fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nYou should not aerate, dethatch, or plant warm-season grasses in fall, as they are preparing to enter dormancy and need to rest. You can fertilize them in early fall, but be sure to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer designed to help grass through the winter. As the temperatures cool, you can also lower the amount you water your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring winter in the transition zone, most grass types will go dormant, whether they are warm-season or cool-season types. Don’t mow or fertilize the lawn during winter dormancy, and do your best to avoid walking or driving on the lawn during this time. The best thing you can do for your grass during this time is leave it alone.
\n\n\n\nInstead of working on your grass, take this time to winterize your lawn equipment, including lawn mowers, weed eaters, and sprinkler systems.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPay attention to how much sun your yard gets, and choose a grass type that thrives in the right level of sun exposure. For example, if your yard is full of huge shade trees, a sun-loving grass like Bermuda probably won’t grow very well for you.
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to think about is the maintenance level you’re comfortable with. How much work are you willing to put into your lawn? If the answer is “not much,” you should choose a low-maintenance grass that will still look great even if you don’t do much to help it.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA quick way to determine which hardiness zone you reside in so that you can discover the best plans and grasses to grow is by typing your zip code into the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes. Grasses in this region may experience dormancy more than in northern or southern regions because the summers are typically hot, which leads to cool-season grass dormancy, and the fall seasons are typically chilly, which leads to warm-season grass dormancy.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot everyone was born with a green thumb. And even if you have a knack for planting and growing grass successfully, this doesn’t mean you have the time to do it properly – especially if you live in the transition zone, where lawn care is fraught with challenges. For help maintaining your transition zone lawn so it always looks its best, contact a local lawn care pro to schedule regular maintenance on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: lilkar / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"Guide to Transition Zone Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1789c/Four-season-tree.jpg","srcSet":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/107df/Four-season-tree.jpg 320w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/293e9/Four-season-tree.jpg 500w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/f2cbb/Four-season-tree.jpg 800w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1789c/Four-season-tree.jpg 960w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/c26c2/Four-season-tree.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1dd6e/Four-season-tree.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/67b76/Four-season-tree.webp 320w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/8df11/Four-season-tree.webp 500w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/98a65/Four-season-tree.webp 800w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/1dd6e/Four-season-tree.webp 960w,\n/static/df88167f74fe7233a2ec4019224ddf38/3cc96/Four-season-tree.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Transition Zone Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass for the transition zone is usually a combination of warm-season and cool-season grass. Learn more in this guide to transition zone grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"53e3700b-c3ef-578e-9ab5-2cbee2ccab48","slug":"cool-season-grasses","path":"/blog/cool-season-grasses/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Mel Childs","id":"5e563fe7-34e1-5dc2-bc00-a1e777e5dfd5","path":"/author/melisha-childslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8fb37d81bb775d323e0028ec06cb650f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Not all grass is the same. There are variations in grass types across the country, which can affect the best way to care for your lawn. If you live in the northern part of the U.S., you likely have a cool-season grass type growing in your yard. What does that mean? This cool-season grass growing […]
\n","content":"\nNot all grass is the same. There are variations in grass types across the country, which can affect the best way to care for your lawn. If you live in the northern part of the U.S., you likely have a cool-season grass type growing in your yard. What does that mean? This cool-season grass growing guide will teach you about these grass types and the best ways to maintain them.
\n\n\n\nIn this guide:
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are grasses that grow mostly in the spring and fall in the northern regions of the U.S. These grasses include tall fescue, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. They grow and thrive during cooler temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees, and they withstand extremely cold temperatures well.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses are perennials. Therefore, they will come back year after year if they are cared for properly. Although they thrive in cool regions, some of these grasses are also drought-tolerant and can thrive in hotter regions. However, when it is hot, they tend to become dormant until the weather cools. Sometimes, they develop lawn diseases in extreme heat and drought.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost cool-season grasses are native to northern regions of the U.S. See the map below to find out if you live in the cool-season grass growing zone, the warm-season grass growing zone, or the transition zone, where both cool-season and warm-season grasses can thrive.
\n\n\n![\"cool-season](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\")
Illustration by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nHere are some states where you can expect cool-season grasses to grow:
\n\n\n\nIf you reside in one of these states, you most likely have cool-season grass growing in your yard. For more help identifying the grass your lawn is made of, you can contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs you already know, cool-season grasses thrive in areas where the temperatures are much cooler throughout the year. Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, grow best in hot summer temperatures, so they tend to grow in the South.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses grow most actively in temperatures from 75 to 95 degrees. They become dormant below 55 degrees. Popular warm-season grasses include centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe most popular cool-season grass types for lawns in the northern U.S. include:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nIf your grass is a medium to dark green color and grows out of the ground as a wide blade that ends at a point, like a ribbed sword, it is likely you have tall fescue grass growing in your yard. It is a very coarse grass that grows in bunches.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type can handle drought and foot traffic well, but it is a high-maintenance grass. While it may not need fertilizer and water as much as other cool-season grasses, it will require frequent mowing because it grows pretty fast.
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nWhen you have fine fescue growing on your lawn, you know it because it is a slender, green-bladed grass type that tends to wilt as it grows. It is not grass that sticks upward like tall fescue. Because it is much thinner, it has a low tolerance for foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nOn a brighter note, this grass can tolerate drought well, and you may see fine fescue in the transition zone. Another excellent quality is that this particular grass doesn’t require mowing as often as other cool-season grasses. There are four common types of fine fescue, including creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nWhen observing your grass, if you notice that it has a moderate to dark green hue and is a thin blade with a canoe shape, you probably have Kentucky bluegrass. This grass is sturdy and can grow well in the transition zone. But it will go dormant when temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nThis type of grass can tolerate high foot traffic, making it great for recreational use. However, it is also high maintenance since it needs frequent mowing and lots of irrigation.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you have perennial ryegrass growing in your yard, it tends to be pale green in color and is slender in shape and pointed as it grows. One of its best qualities is that it can stand plenty of foot traffic. It is often combined with Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nThis grass type will require lots of cutting and irrigation. It will also need plenty of sun.
\n\n\n\nSo, you’ve determined that you have one of the common cool-season grasses on your lawn. That’s a great first step in improving your lawn’s health! Knowing your grass type means you can tailor your lawn care practices to your grass’s specific needs.
\n\n\n\nHere are some ways to keep your cool-season grass healthy and ensure a green lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/24445181093_9f2de37aff_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aqua Mechanical / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to watering cool-season grasses, it is ideal to water less often for longer periods so that the water can penetrate the root system. Deep irrigation once a week, ensuring that the grass gets about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, is ideal.
\n\n\n\nOnly water the grass when temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the chances of water freezing on the grass blades. Also, water the grass in the morning, preferably before 8 a.m., as watering in the middle of the day leads to excess evaporation, and evening watering may encourage the growth of lawn diseases.
\n\n\n\nKeeping up with a proper lawn irrigation schedule – especially if you want to water the lawn early in the morning before you typically wake up – can be much easier if you install an in-ground lawn sprinkler system with an automatic timer.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/solar-panels-working-8-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nNature provides a majority of what cool-season grasses need to thrive. However, fertilizers can help make your lawn healthier and protect it. Not all fertilizers are the same, however. You must choose the right one for your cool-season grass.
\n\n\n\nIt is ideal to fertilize your lawn at least once a year, preferably in the fall. Overfertilizing your grass can damage it or even kill it, especially if you fertilize in the middle of summer when your cool-season grass is dormant.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen growing cool-season grasses, lawn aeration is also important. This is the process of taking a spike or plug aeration tool and sticking it into the soil to loosen up compacted soil. Aeration allows fresh air, nutrients, and water to penetrate deeper into your grass for better health and growth.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll only need aeration once a year, if that, and it should be done in the fall for cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nOver time, as you water, mow, and fertilize your grass, a small layer of dead and living organic matter called thatch will develop close to the soil. This can make it difficult for water and nutrients to penetrate through the soil to your grass’s roots and can also attract lawn pests.
\n\n\n\nIf this thatch buildup becomes more than one inch thick, it is time to dethatch your lawn using a dethatching rake or mechanical dethatching tool. Cool-season grasses should be dethatched in fall during their most active growth period.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Mowing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nMowing will vary according to the type of cool-season grass you have in your yard or want to plant. Fine fescue doesn’t require mowing as often as other cool-season grass types. When mowing your grass, make sure that you avoid cutting more than one-third of its height at once.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grass will grow the fastest and need the most frequent mowing in spring and fall. In summer, it’s best to allow your cool-season grass to grow as long as you’re willing to. Longer grass means deeper roots, which means increased drought tolerance. Tall grass also shades the soil and helps it retain water, which is crucial for cool-season grasses in the summer heat.
\n\n\n\nFor best results, ensure that your mower’s blades are sharp to keep the grass from becoming vulnerable to disease and pests. Additionally, make sure the lawn mower blades are clean after previous clippings so that you won’t inadvertently spread disease around the yard from infected blades.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiseases and pests are two destructive elements that can attack cool-season grasses. Keep in mind there isn’t a one-size fits all process for eliminating disease or pests from your grass. You must identify the specific pest or disease destroying your grass to ensure you use the right fungicide or insecticide. Otherwise, the treatment won’t be effective at all.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Hands](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/crabgrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sergii Petruk / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAnother problem you may encounter is weeds. Unfortunately, they can compete with your cool-season grass for resources. Some of the most common lawn weeds affecting cool-season grasses include but are not limited to the following:
\n\n\n\nTo eliminate these weeds, you’ll have to make sure you treat them properly. Treatments include pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese types of herbicides will block weeds from growing in your yard. They prevent weeds from growing by interrupting the growth process at the start. Ideally, it’s good to use such herbicides when temperatures are between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors. Pre-emergent herbicides will do nothing to stop weeds that are already growing in your yard.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese types of herbicides are used to treat weeds that are currently growing in your yard. They may be liquid or granular. It is critical that you use such herbicides when it is less than 85 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors. Following manufacturer guidelines for application is best.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDamage to your grass can be corrected when you overseed your lawn. This is the process of spreading grass in bare spots to encourage a healthier lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you have recently had a disease on your lawn or you have damaged your grass with fertilizer, adding grass seed helps fill in the thinning grass. For cool-season grasses, overseed in fall at least 45 days before the first frost.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFind specific lawn care tips for every season in this cool-season lawn maintenance calendar.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses prefer the cooler regions of the Northern U.S. However, it is possible for cool-season grasses to grow in warmer climates in the transition zone.
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that can grow in warmer regions. If it gets too hot for this grass to grow, dormancy will set in.
For cool-season grasses, the dormant period typically begins in winter when temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for the year. In northern regions, this can be in the fall.
Cool-season grasses may also go dormant in summer if the temperatures stay above about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If this happens, the grass will turn brown to conserve energy, but it will spring back to life come cooler weather.
The best time to plant cool-season grasses is in the early fall when temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
If maintaining grass isn’t your favorite thing to do, consider hiring a local lawn care pro who will help maintain a healthy lawn and keep it vibrant throughout the growing season. Local pros will know how to deal with all kinds of cool-season grasses, including the specific type in your yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: mccawleyphoto / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"Guide to Cool-Season Grasses","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1789c/cool-season-grass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/107df/cool-season-grass.jpg 320w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/293e9/cool-season-grass.jpg 500w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/f2cbb/cool-season-grass.jpg 800w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1789c/cool-season-grass.jpg 960w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/c26c2/cool-season-grass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1dd6e/cool-season-grass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/67b76/cool-season-grass.webp 320w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/8df11/cool-season-grass.webp 500w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/98a65/cool-season-grass.webp 800w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/1dd6e/cool-season-grass.webp 960w,\n/static/6bb53906aecae0b2f560fb01db951992/3cc96/cool-season-grass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Guide to Cool-Season Grasses | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If you live in the northern U.S., this guide to cool-season grasses can help you identify your grass type and take care of it properly."}}},{"node":{"id":"17457154-501f-5fec-a746-d6ffe7372caa","slug":"how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 4th, 2022","excerpt":"Rabbits can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden pretty quickly. There are a lot of ways to keep rabbits out of your yard, including natural deterrents, store-bought remedies, and preventative measures. In this article, we’ll talk about solving the big problems caused by these small animals. Table of Contents: Natural Methods […]
\n","content":"\nRabbits can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden pretty quickly. There are a lot of ways to keep rabbits out of your yard, including natural deterrents, store-bought remedies, and preventative measures.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll talk about solving the big problems caused by these small animals.
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents:
\n\n\n\nYou likely have a lot of products in your home right now that should help keep bunnies away and minimize your rabbit problems.
\n\n\n\nDue in part to their strong sense of smell, rabbits will keep away from all three of these substances. Sprinkle any of these on their favorite plants, and they’ll steer clear.
\n\n\n\nThis tried and true method takes just a little prep work and offers non-toxic protection. Take a bar of Irish Spring and shave it using a cheese grater or something similar. Place the shavings into small mesh pouches and place them throughout your flower or vegetable garden.
\n\n\n\nRabbits don’t like the pungent smell or taste of these crops. By planting these around tastier veggies, such as carrots and lettuce, you can create a barrier to dissuade bunnies. Asparagus, rhubarb, leeks, and tomatoes are also viable options.
\n\n\n\nPlant flowers that rabbits naturally dislike. Geraniums, wax begonias, vincas, and salvia also make the list of unappealing plants while adding color and vibrancy to flowerbeds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to note that a hungry rabbit will eat what it can find, and not all rabbits have the same tastes. While these options are likely to work, They certainly aren’t a guarantee.
\n\n\n\n![\"Deter](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_rabbit-1543716_960_720.jpg\")
If you’re headed to the home supply store, you’ll find lots of options to repel rabbits and protect your lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nThe most effective way to protect your garden and vegetation is by building a fence, and it’s something you can probably DIY in an afternoon. Keep in mind: Rabbits can jump about 2 feet high and squirm through tight spaces. You need to consider this when installing your fence.
\n\n\n\nChicken wire or mesh with openings of less than an inch work best. You can also use hardware cloth if you prefer. The fencing needs to be at least 2 feet high and either secured closely to the ground or inset by about 2 inches. This will prevent burrowing critters from sneaking in underneath.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1img_1665.jpg\")
Various sprays, powders, and additives are available to keep all garden pests at bay. It’s crucial to read the packaging carefully and follow the directions for how much to apply, where, and when.
Dried blood meal is another option, but you’ll need to reapply it after each rain. Similar to many of the natural ways noted above, rabbits may become accustomed to these remedies. You may want to rotate the products you use.
A final option is live trapping. This isn’t for everyone, and it may not be viable depending on where you live. However, this humane option may be your best bet.
\n\n\n\nPlace traps near popular food sources. You can also add a carrot, apple, or lettuce inside the trap as bait. Check the traps daily. Release trapped rabbits in safe areas several miles away to prevent them from finding their way back.
\n\n\n\nNote: Traps don’t discriminate, and you may find yourself with a variety of other animals as well.
\n\n\n\nThe easiest way to deal with any problem is to prevent it in the first place. You can keep rabbits out of your yard by eliminating areas for them to shelter. This, combined with the other remedies noted above, will be your most effective plan.
\n\n\n\nRabbits aren’t picky about where they burrow and nest, as long as it provides warmth, cover, and quick access to food sources.
\n\n\n\nDeer, chipmunks, moles, groundhogs, opossums, and about a dozen other animals could be responsible for the damage to your yard. Before getting started with rabbit-focused solutions, inspect the damage to ensure rabbits are the cause.
\n\n\n\nRabbit damage to trees and shrubs will be within 2.5 feet off the ground, as that’s about as far as the critters can reach when standing on their hind legs. Most telling are the smooth, straight cuts. Other animals leave jagged edges on plants, but rabbits will leave sharp edges on flowers, branches, and vegetables.
\n\n\n\nIf the damage you’re inspecting is to ornamental grasses and plants, it’s probably not a rabbit problem.
\n\n\n\nLike other wild animals, rabbits increase the presence of endangered birds and insects. However, in the process, rabbits damage many of the plants you’ve spent a lot of time nurturing.
\n\n\n\nRabbits aren’t picky eaters, and so they will destroy almost any plant they can reach. Grasses are a primary food source for rabbits, but they also enjoy flowers, weeds, sprouts, vegetables, fruits, and even bark.
\n\n\n\nWithout intervention, rabbits will nest, nibble, reproduce, and wreak utter havoc.
\n\n\n\n1. Are rabbits dangerous or just annoying?
\n\n\n\nRabbits are just annoying. They don’t pose any harm to humans, and most domestic pets are seen as predators.
\n\n\n\n2. What is the most effective way to get rid of rabbits?
\n\n\n\nYour best bet is a combination of exclusion practices and repellents or fencing. If you’re raising a vegetable garden, sound fencing is key. If you’re growing flowers or trying to protect your landscaping, repellents should do the trick..
\n\n\n\n3. What is the fastest way to solve my rabbit problem?
\n\n\n\nRemove their nests and burrows. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. In the afternoon, when you’re likely to be doing yard work, rabbits will be lying low in their dens.
\n\n\n\n4. Are cottontails the same as domesticated rabbits?
\n\n\n\nNo. Cottontails are wild animals that cannot be bought or sold as pets. Domesticated bunnies come in various breeds, most of which look nothing like the cottontails in your yard.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve had enough cottontails in your garden, it might be time to call in a lawn care or pest control professional to help. Give the rabbits the boot and get back to enjoying your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Brenda Stuart | Wikilawn
\n","title":"How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2917115177610334,"src":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1789c/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/107df/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 320w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/293e9/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 500w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/f2cbb/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 800w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1789c/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 960w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/c26c2/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1dd6e/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/67b76/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 320w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/8df11/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 500w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/98a65/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 800w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/1dd6e/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 960w,\n/static/6fac430a5341d044479aa3312813be34/3cc96/rsz_rabbit-in-garden-.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Those delightful, darling rabbits are downright destructive to your lawn. Find out how to keep rabbits out of your yard for good."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc9d69b9-4c83-5b51-a60d-e92c73f52fc7","slug":"when-to-overseed-a-lawn","path":"/blog/when-to-overseed-a-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Alison is a Midwesterner through and through, and loves to spend her time baking and reading. Always at home in the dirt, as a kid, Alison raised a vegetable garden with her dad, and flower gardens with her mom.","name":"Alison Hoover","id":"2d4efd75-80f4-58b0-b715-bcefffb32f2f","path":"/author/alison-hoover/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54d52d00b8587655742aec8164f06427?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"July 29th, 2022","excerpt":"Overseeding is most effective when your lawn is growing most actively. Deciding when to overseed your lawn depends on whether your existing grass is a warm or cool-season type. Experts recommend overseeding most lawns in the late summer or early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost. The rules change for when to […]
\n","content":"\nOverseeding is most effective when your lawn is growing most actively. Deciding when to overseed your lawn depends on whether your existing grass is a warm or cool-season type.
\n\n\n\nExperts recommend overseeding most lawns in the late summer or early fall, at least six weeks before the first frost. The rules change for when to overseed a lawn in southern areas where grass grows more actively in the spring.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nPopular in the northern states, cool-season grasses grow most actively in spring and fall. These grasses should be overseeded in late summer or early fall. This way the seeds will have time to germinate before your lawn comes out of dormancy in the spring. Most weeds have stopped growing by fall, so your new grass seed will have less competition.
\n\n\n\nIdeal conditions for growing cool-season grasses are when the soil is between 50 and 65 degrees. You can use a soil thermometer to check this out.
\n\n\n\nThere are many varieties of cool-season grasses, but the most common ones include:
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to consider when overseeding is when you expect the first frost. It’s important to overseed at least 45 days before the ground freezes so the new seeds have time to take root. Any closer to the first frost than that, and the grass seeds may die.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are most active in late spring and early summer and best for lawns in the southern United States. It’s best to overseed with warm-season grass seeds in the late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees. These types of grasses prefer prolonged temperatures around 75 degrees and lie dormant during winter.
\n\n\n\nThe most popular kinds of warm-season grasses are drought-tolerant. They include:
\n\n\n\nYou may want to overseed your warm-season grass with a cool-season variety such as ryegrass. This will help your lawn stay green longer into the winter season. If this is your goal, you need to overseed in the fall, ideally when the soil temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees.
\n\n\n\nAnnual ryegrass will provide winter color in the far South, while perennial ryegrass is better suited to lawns in the middle of the country. Perennial varieties will lie dormant through the summer and return next fall. The extreme temperatures in the South are not hospitable to perennial ryegrass, so you’ll want to overseed with annual ryegrass each autumn.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll want to consider blending grass types in states near the Mason-Dixon line. Summers tend to be too warm for cool-season grasses, but winters are too cold for warm ones.
\n\n\n\nHome supply stores typically sell grass seed mixes, especially for the transition zone. You’ll find overseeding with this mixture is a great way to keep your lawn green and healthy year-round.
\n\n\n\nTransition zone grasses should be overseeded in the first few weeks of spring when the existing lawn first turns green.You want to overseed when your lawn is at its most active, but you also want to be sure you have enough time to complete the process.
\n\n\n\nMost lawns will require overseeding every couple of years, but you may want to make it an annual chore if your lawn suffers from:
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find valuable information on the seed packaging specific to each type of grass. The labels will indicate how much seed to apply per square foot, as well as other tips for attaining a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\n1. How much grass seed should I use when overseeding?
\n\n\n\nApply 6 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet on bare soil. Using too little will leave bare spots and patches. Too much seed will force the grass to compete for water, light, and other nutrients. Read the directions on the seed package.
\n\n\n\n2. Should I mow the lawn before overseeding?
\n\n\n\nYes. Before overseeding, cut your grass shorter than usual and bag the clippings. It’s important to loosen the top layer of solid and remove any dead grass or thatch so the grass seed can easily take root and germinate.
\n\n\n\n3. Should I use a weed treatment while overseeding?
\n\n\n\nThis is a big no-no. Pre-emergents herbicides work by preventing germinating seeds from establishing roots. These products don’t know the difference between weed seeds and grass seeds. You also want to hold off on post-emergent weed treatments since they can kill young grass seed.
\n\n\n\n4. How long after overseeding will I see grass start to grow?
\n\n\n\nIt takes two to three weeks for germination to begin. With proper watering, you should see the grass sprout within four weeks. It will take about eight weeks to see a fully established lawn.
\n\n\n\n5. How soon and how often should I water the lawn after overseeding?
\n\n\n\nWater the overseeded area lightly right away, for about half an hour, to force the seed into the soil. A light spray is best so as not to wash away the grass seed. You’ll want to water two or three times a day for the first week, and then once a day for the next three weeks.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding is easy enough to do as a DIY project. But you might not want to spend your time checking soil temperatures, dethatching, and aerating. We can help you find a lawn care professional near you who will overseed your lawn and help it grow.
Main Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"When to Overseed a Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/1789c/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/107df/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/293e9/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/f2cbb/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/1789c/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/c26c2/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/1dd6e/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/67b76/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/8df11/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/98a65/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/1dd6e/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/14a00db8eada2d05af2a1c088742cc8e/3cc96/rsz_landscape-grass-structure-lawn-sign-green-907017-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Overseed a Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Description: Different grass types grow at different rates. We’ll look at when you should overseed your lawn with each grass type."}}},{"node":{"id":"bd23c7a6-56c1-5baf-b0d7-e3b495e7ae45","slug":"pre-emergent-herbicides","path":"/blog/pre-emergent-herbicides/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"There’s nothing worse to a lawn fanatic than pouring time and effort into caring for your grass, only to find weeds popping out, ruining your lawn. After the money and effort you’ve put into maintaining your yard, no one would blame you for screaming at the top of your lungs at the sight of lawn […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s nothing worse to a lawn fanatic than pouring time and effort into caring for your grass, only to find weeds popping out, ruining your lawn. After the money and effort you’ve put into maintaining your yard, no one would blame you for screaming at the top of your lungs at the sight of lawn weeds. Don’t worry. We get it, and we got you. This article explains how and when to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds from ever sprouting in your lawn again.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nThe timing of pre-emergent herbicide application is everything. Pre-emergents will not help you with pesky dandelions or foxtails that seem to be stalking you if they are already sprouting in your lawn. You must apply pre-emergent herbicides before the times of year when weed seeds begin to germinate.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpring pre-emergent herbicide applications prevent summer annual weeds, like goosegrass and crabgrass. Apply when the soil temperature is about 55 degrees or higher for 48 hours or longer.
\n\n\n\nThe month or time of the month you apply weed control will be determined by what part of the country you live in since climates and weather differ according to location. That’s why it’s better to sync your herbicide applications with the soil temperature rather than a specific date. You can find a soil thermometer online or at your local gardening supply store for less than $10.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApplying pre-emergent herbicide in the early fall prevents winter annual weeds, like common chickweed and annual bluegrass. Apply when the soil temperature falls to around 70 degrees for three days or more.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Lawn-Treatment-with-Herbicides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bouillante / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUse the product as instructed on the package, including following the proper measurement amounts per area covered. It is also important that you protect yourself from these toxic chemicals.
\n\n\n\nProtective gear to wear when applying herbicides:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’re protected, you can apply pre-emergent herbicides in one of two ways, depending on whether the product you purchased is granular or liquid.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Professional](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Professional-Gardener-with-Lawn-and-Garden-Seed-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: welcomia / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranules are applied by hand or via a shaker bag or spreader. A spreader is best when covering a large area. A cup can be filled with granules and then shaken out from the cup onto the lawn, but this method can take a while.
\n\n\n\nWater the lawn after spreading granules so the herbicide can penetrate the soil, allowing the active ingredients to attack the weed seeds.
\n\n\n\nTools needed:
\n\n\n\nSteps:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Preparing-Pest-Control-Spraying-Equipment.jpg\")
Photo Credit: welcomia / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiquid pre-emergents come in ready-to-use or concentrated forms. If the liquid is in concentrated form, it requires mixing with water, and a sprayer is used for application. Ready-to-use pre-emergents don’t need mixing and typically come in a spray bottle or sprayer.
\n\n\n\nTools needed:
\n\n\n\nSteps:
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve been doing your homework and researching weed control solutions, you have come across both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from germinating. They do not kill weed seeds that have already germinated or actively growing weeds.
\n\n\n\nOn the other hand, post-emergent herbicides control weeds that have sprouted and are growing.
\n\n\n\nA few herbicides contain chemicals that perform as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide. Products with Dithiopyr are examples.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Watering-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe active ingredients in pre-emergents are triggered when watered, which allows the chemicals to penetrate the soil. The chemicals form a barricade on the top of the soil which stops seeds from germinating. Depending on the chemicals in the product, they may stop the roots from growing, prevent seed cell division, or inhibit growth enzymes.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s important to make sure you get the right type of pre-emergent herbicide for your specific weed problem. Otherwise, you might end up hurting your lawn, too, and not just the weeds. The two categories of pre-emergent herbicides are selective and nonselective.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSelective herbicides control specific weeds without adversely affecting other plants. Most pre-emergent herbicides used for home lawns fall into this category.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonselective herbicides kill all plants. Because of this, nonselective herbicides are used to spot-treat specific plants rather than being applied to the whole lawn or garden. Don’t apply nonselective herbicides around the same time you seed new grass, or they will prevent the grass from growing.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPre-emergents should only be used on turfgrass that has been established for at least one year. Grass can be damaged if pre-emergents are applied too soon after reseeding or overseeding the lawn.
\n\n\n\nSome cool-season grasses that can be injured by pre-emergent applications after the grass has been seeded are tall fescue and ryegrass. Warm-season grasses adversely affected are Bermudagrass and centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nExamples of grasses that can be damaged by pre-emergent herbicides after sodding or sprigging are the warm-season grasses St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot all weed killers kill all weeds. So, knowing the type of weed that is growing is important. Make sure you are identifying the weed correctly. Some weed killers destroy broadleaf weeds like spurge, clover, and ragweed. Others are chemically formulated to control grassy weeds, like foxtail and barnyardgrass.
\n\n\n\nAlso, knowing your grass type is important. As previously explained, certain weed killers are recommended for use on certain types of grass seed, while some come with a warning to never be used on specific grass types.
\n\n\n\nSome products are weed killers and fertilizers in one. But homeowners should only fertilize plants and lawns when they are growing actively. Therefore, using a weed and feed product may not be a good idea. Homeowners should never use a two-in-one herbicide on warm-season turfgrasses like Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of active ingredients in pre-emergent herbicides and what grass types or kinds of plants on which they can be used safely:
\n\n\n\nAtrazine:
\n\n\n\nBenefin:
\n\n\n\nDithiopyr:
\n\n\n\nIndaziflam:
\n\n\n\nProdiamine:
\n\n\n\nWait at least eight to 10 weeks after using weed killers to reseed your lawn, or the seeds can be killed by the weed control chemicals.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCorn gluten meal can be used on henbit in early spring to inhibit seed germination. If the seeds have already germinated, applying the meal can cause the weed to grow. Apply corn gluten meal when it is going to be dry for at least two days; roots in moist soil can absorb nutrients that activate weed growth. Monthly reapplications may be necessary.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrass that is not properly maintained can result in weed growth. Lawns need to be mowed at the correct heights, fertilized regularly, and watered at the proper frequency to grow thick enough to crowd out weeds. Thin or bare turfgrass can promote weed growth.
\n\n\n\nIn gardens, new weed seeds can be introduced by mowers used on grass that had weeds. However, most weeds in gardens are from seeds that developed in previous years in the garden. Weeds can also emerge when plants are spaced too far apart.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere are some things you can do to manage weeds:
\n\n\n\nHere are some proactive weed management tips:
\n\n\n\nWhile dinitroanilines control some broadleaf weeds, they do not control perennials, like nutsedges, for example.
\n\n\n\nHerbicides can contain chemicals that both attract and harm pets. Animals can be adversely affected by eating plants treated with herbicides and by inhaling the toxins from treated plants. Some tips to keep pets safe are:
\n\n\n\nBeing one step ahead of weeds is the only way to prevent them. If you know when weed seeds are germinating, you can apply pre-emergent herbicide to keep them from ever sprouting in your lawn. And if you prevent weeds, you’ll never have to pull them.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes down to it, weed management can be a pain. You have to keep up with a regular schedule, and if you miss just one herbicide application, you could end up with a lawn full of weeds in no time. If you prefer to let someone else manage your lawn care, we can connect you with lawn care professionals in your area who can keep your lawn pristine and weed-free.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Henfaes / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How and When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/1789c/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/107df/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.jpg 320w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/293e9/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.jpg 500w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/f2cbb/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.jpg 800w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/1789c/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.jpg 960w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/c26c2/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/1dd6e/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/67b76/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.webp 320w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/8df11/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.webp 500w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/98a65/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.webp 800w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/1dd6e/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.webp 960w,\n/static/a9cff12360d0219e3e098f024fd52344/3cc96/Gardener-horticulturalist-spraying-weed-killer-on-lawn-garden-maintenance.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How and When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Find out how and when to apply pre-emergent herbicides, including examples of which chemicals prevent which weeds and answers to FAQs."}}},{"node":{"id":"d85de7c5-0eb0-57b5-97c4-327bb343fd1c","slug":"how-to-keep-water-from-pooling-in-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-keep-water-from-pooling-in-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 17th, 2022","excerpt":"Does your yard look more like a lake than a lawn? You could have some serious drainage issues. We’ll tell you what’s causing the problem and how to keep water from pooling in your yard. Contents: Why is Water Pooling in Your Yard? (And How to Fix It) How to Redirect Pooling Water FAQ About […]
\n","content":"\nDoes your yard look more like a lake than a lawn? You could have some serious drainage issues. We’ll tell you what’s causing the problem and how to keep water from pooling in your yard.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nTo stop water from pooling in your yard, you have to find the cause. Here are the most common causes of standing water and what you can do to correct them.
\n\n\n\nToo much water inhibits the growth of grassroots and suffocates your lawn. Even worse? Standing water can cause an imbalance in the soil and may lead to grass fungus.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Change the way you water your lawn.
\n\n\n\nClogged gutters cause water to back up and overflow, sending large amounts of water onto your lawn all at once.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Clean out downspouts and gutters in the fall and spring to allow water to flow.
\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer of organic material that builds up around the base of your grass. Warm weather causes thick thatch to dry out and repel the water, so the ground can no longer absorb it.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Get rid of heavy thatch using a thatching rake, a power rake, or even a garden rake. Go a step further by aerating your lawn. This will break up the compacted soil and allow your lawn to absorb more water.
\n\n\n\nIf your land doesn’t slope properly, water may collect on your lawn faster than it can drain. Improper grading and poor drainage will make the low spots in your yard even worse with each rainfall.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Regrade your lawn so it slopes away from your house.
\n\n\n\nSoil composed of thick clay is less absorbent and causes drainage problems.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Change the makeup of your soil.
\n\n\n\nWater tables can rise when they collect more water than they’re able to drain away often due to heavy rains.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Work around the water table.
\n\n\n\nTry to pinpoint the issue causing water to pool in your yard. If you’re unsure what’s causing the excess water, we can help you find a landscaping pro near you to diagnose your pooling water problem.
\n\n\n\nAnother way to get rid of water pooling in your yard is to give it somewhere to go. You can do this by installing extra drainage. Hire a pro or build these DIY hardscaping features to improve your yard’s drainage and curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nBefore you get started, call 811 and have the city mark out any potential underground utilities.
\n\n\n\nA French drain consists of perforated drain pipes buried underground. Stormwater flows into the pipes and out in a more suitable area. You’ll need to direct it toward a storm drain or an appropriate section of the landscape, like near a tree or a rain garden.
\n\n\n\nYou can build your own French drain or hire a professional. Check with your local municipality to see if they require a permit for this project.
\n\n\n\nA dry well is a lined hole in the earth that works as a catch basin. It temporarily holds collected water that will slowly seep back into the soil. Dry wells should be big enough to hold runoff without spilling over during average rainstorms.
\n\n\n\nDry wells range from low-cost hand-dug pits filled with rocks and permeable landscaping fabric to pricey perforated concrete or polyethylene tanks. Regardless of the design, you can conceal a dry well with turf for cover or an open grate for simple monitoring.
\n\n\n\nA dry creek bed is an appealing hardscaping feature that requires very little upkeep and is an efficient drainage solution. Once the dry creek bed is set up, you can add plants to the edges to improve its appearance and give the stone elements some balance.
\n\n\n\nA rain garden is nothing more than a planting space you install in a low part of your yard. A rain garden will direct gutter runoff into a lovely planting area. This acts as a natural filter and sponge to purify the water as it seeps into the surrounding soil.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing a rain garden, make sure the garden is at least 10 feet from any foundation and sloping away from your home.
\n\n\n\nInstalling a French drain or swale is the easiest way to channel runoff away from your driveway. A swale is a gravel-lined open trench with sloping sides.
\n\n\n\nSand, garden compost, leaf mold, and compost additions will loosen up soil that doesn’t absorb water very well. For hardpan soil, you’ll need a shovel to break it up.
\n\n\n\nYes. Rocks are great components of a yard’s drainage system since they do not compact or deteriorate over time and do not need ongoing maintenance.
\n\n\n\nDon’t ignore standing water in your yard. The longer you wait, the more it will cost to fix. We can help you find a lawn care professional to solve your pooling water problem.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Wikimedia | CC-BY-SA-4.0
\n","title":"How to Keep Water From Pooling in Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1789c/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg","srcSet":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/107df/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 320w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/293e9/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 500w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/f2cbb/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 800w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1789c/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 960w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/c26c2/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1dd6e/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/67b76/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 320w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/8df11/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 500w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/98a65/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 800w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/1dd6e/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 960w,\n/static/45d28eb9d9b7fe8fe4e24147231a0a50/3cc96/rsz_1280px-terrytown_yard_rain_water_july_2017.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Water From Pooling in Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When you see water pooling in your yard, don't panic! Here are a few techniques to keep the excess water flowing from your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"d68823e9-2d73-5ba2-87c2-e498ffc77e24","slug":"lawn-love-review","path":"/blog/lawn-love-review/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"January 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Lawn Love. Most customers absolutely love it. Our Lawn Love review looks at the lawn care company’s services, prices, customer reviews, competitors, and more to help you make a decision. But first, why is Wikilawn reviewing Lawn Love? We’re sizing up one of the big dogs in the lawn care services space to help you […]
\n","content":"\nLawn Love. Most customers absolutely love it. Our Lawn Love review looks at the lawn care company’s services, prices, customer reviews, competitors, and more to help you make a decision.
\n\n\n\nBut first, why is Wikilawn reviewing Lawn Love? We’re sizing up one of the big dogs in the lawn care services space to help you choose your lawn care provider. This review is also a chance for us internally to see how Lawn Love stacks up against Wikilawn.
\n\n\n\nOur conclusion: Lawn Love is overall a great convenient option if you want mowing and basic services. If you need something like a large landscaping job, it’s probably not for you.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nLawn Love is one of the major players in the lawn care service space, along with LawnStarter, Wikilawn, and GreenPal. Lawn Love makes it easy to book lawn care services in minutes via its website or by phone.
\n\n\n\nIn a 2019 interview, Lawn Love founder Jeremy Yamaguchi said he believed San Diego-based Lawn Love could do for yard care what Uber did for ride-sharing – make it fast, accessible and easy.
\n\n\n\n“Traditionally, consumers have had to wait for a lawn care worker to physically come to their property, offer a quote and schedule the service,” he said. “It can take weeks to get the job done after initial contact was made. We’re excited to be bringing modern lawn care to homeowners.”
\n\n\n\nLawn Love puts a high-tech spin on the normally low-tech business of lawn care and makes comparing quotes and booking a service.
\n\n\n\nStep 1: From the home page, enter your name, street address, and phone number and click “See price.”
\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zrG8zUE4TpTjxQt5CIdGQYTwCI0FxHfnqmohOcZSpEMr7hnqSUw9ausPaZi8WequvcuJS1qqzQZ3u1JOFLec_r8N4h0cICvEwVm3MyPke56Di99TY9lnNgBN3zVanSE7bFvmIg9W-RLORbYlGF3fAJSIsagsUR8vQ-l_3vT4VKOGP_HRkqC1InFrWvtZmg\")
Step 2: Enter your personal and billing information in the form. Select your mowing frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).
\n\n\n\nStep 3: Provide details about your property to help Lawn Love match you with the best service provider.
\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/r5HzxeP-I0_Sz7cxMySUwSZhQUTLB4iiIyWo6wae2NGl7st5METfo9NUPPM3DgoT9FHZIWHIbr64yP4SQZZtrNZoAegdJNDTymdje0-sQ9KaULzx_0GH4yxrrURAaEFbCy36RyDAq2mJty00V87oi3rebebqiP74WeRGzWqqb5ayqz3q59VpDSg1AHaasQ\")
Step 4: Plug in your payment information. Note: Lawn Love accepts only credit or debit card payments.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners require more than just quality lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, and leaf removal. Lawn Love provides more than a dozen services to help you maintain your green oasis year-round.
\n\n\n\nHere is a look at the main ones:
\n\n\n\n| Yard Services | Weed Services |
| Lawn Mowing | Weed Control |
| Edging | Organic Weed Control |
| Aeration | Pre-emergent Weed Services |
| Fertilization | Outdoor Services |
| Seeding | Gutter Cleaning and Installation |
| Yard Cleanup | Landscaping |
| Leaf Removal | Landscape Design |
Lawn Love uses local real estate records to calculate the size of your property and then generates a price quote.
\n\n\n\nIt’s difficult to provide an exact price for mowing services because there are so many variables, but a good range for an average, quarter-acre yard is $29 to $65. That includes edging and blowing grass clippings off patios and walkways.
\n\n\n\nSometimes, first-time Lawn Love customers can take advantage of a $19 first-time mowing special.
\n\n\n\nUnlike most of its competitors, Lawn Love offers at least some general guidance on what you can expect to pay for certain services. (Of course, your actual price will vary based on your yard size.):
\n\n\n\n$30 – $50 for bi-weekly mowing and trimming service
\n\n\n\n$35 – $50 for bi-weekly mowing and periodic fertilization
\n\n\n\n$80 – $120 for aeration service
\n\n\n\n$60 – $150 for leaf cleanup
\n\n\n\nWorth noting: Lawn Love’s lawn care pros don’t bag grass clippings. They may if you request it, but it’ll probably cost slightly more.
\n\n\n\nAlso worth noting: Lawn Love adds a Long Grass Fee for grass that is between 6 and 12 inches high. This is pretty standard practice in the industry. The Long Grass Fee can be 50% to 100% on top of the basic mowing price.
\n\n\n\nIt’s nearly impossible here to quote an average price for each outdoor service because the prices vary depending upon the size of your home or property, the type of work you need done, the region in which you live, and other factors.
\n\n\n\nLawn Love has built in safeguards to protect customers from shoddy work and unreliable contractors.
\n\n\n\nUser reviews are helpful for assessing customers’ satisfaction, and Lawn Love gets generally high marks from its customers.
\n\n\n\nHere is a random sampling of Lawn Love user reviews:
\n\n\n\nAffordable and Flexible: “My service provider was very professional and friendly. They took the time to do the job right and were on time, affordable, and flexible. I love the different options: weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. It was the best service I’ve ever had.” – George / Trustpilot
Online Scheduling: “I love Lawn Love’s service. I can conveniently schedule service online, and the pricing is more reasonable than most places. The crews are professional and proficient. I will keep using Lawn Love.” – Christie C. / REVIEWS.io
\n\n\n\nUnclear Booking Process: “I found Lawn Love on Google. Their online booking was a tad unclear, but the actual service was great! They were super fast. I got a text that they were on the way, and the crew did a fantastic job.” – Kristen / Trustpilot
\n\n\n\nDisappointed: “I was hoping with the mowing and maintenance and trimming that the yellow flowers would be trimmed in the front but, that wasn’t done or anything in the front. The backyard grass was uneven so I was hoping it would be an even cut but, now I have uneven low grass with bald spots.” – Priscilla / Trustpilot
\n\n\n\nLawn Love customers like the customer support and convenient online scheduling, but most wish Lawn Love’s sign-up process was a little clearer.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nThere are many affordable on-demand lawn care service providers. Here is a look at Lawn Love and its competitors, LawnStarter, GreenPal, and Wikilawn:
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wC5V5lUJCCGOJvW9T2k0m0gV9QXw3JDVBm11da-rX5S4jp7okL1fnkAH-kmPFCzQhvRwoXpi1yDoc2Mf7YblSETlx7ll6wZKnsQkOWbR2FovXbgU05Zn-jlt4kw3c4d7PV7JKP3VhHS00MEi51xvm_1bzGHhiWIXcGqL6Zpvqw1sADc1XQs4qKa-Cdcwpw\")
| Locations | Available in most U.S. metro areas |
| Services offered | 12+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | 4.7 on Trustpilot |
| How it works | You get an instant quote, then a Lawn Love pro near you is assigned to handle your job |
| Ways to book service | Website or phone |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $24. |
| Year founded | 2014 |
| Based in | San Diego |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | Yes |
![](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Haym_9TP6o11NlzbZrzz5Sy3B3mZHbG9bzLvFqZzX42B-tnp5sqvlLR2GDXswMKkRykSzk-4YyfbZtTTjL8jRqxmb8D0-wtb2LZsUcTcW-FedyE4Tpv1dPSKYa3z5SuR_AdqolxL7YqibfWoXxwT8WdbkhCFoKUimdtDKcmrsMMC_dHpaNaf2uDLh4ib0g\")
| Locations | Available in most U.S. metro areas |
| Services offered | 20+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | 4.6 out of 5 |
| How it works | You get an instant quote, then a LawnStarter pro near you is assigned to handle your job |
| Ways to book service | Website, phone, or mobile app |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $19. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Austin, Texas |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | No |
![](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/plyOf0FATj24UAdoRevSr-YCW_5GznpB5Mii5xCNGMe1Ax0iiHWnTn4m0hX39XTwWtFR6RyH9neMjLqbDk1YDFJfNs4jFeEgQGPk7lOnxQi3E_-7stKG4_To8TweTUiDL0eLU3HaQCIeW1XJJTtMJKyNSSpFWe3enGydZ1Cnu8HhVHu42a5bQiJ6DYvFMA\")
| Locations | Available in most metro areas across the U.S. |
| Services offered | Lawn care, lawn maintenance, yard cleanups, snow removal |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | 4.25 |
| How it works | Your lawn mowing is put out for bid |
| Ways to book service | Website, app or phone |
| Basic price | You’ll get multiple lawn mowing quotes from $25 to $45 |
| Year founded | 2012 |
| Based in | Nashville |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | No |
![\"Wikilawn](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rsz_171e64b7d-5080-473b-9793-87d2629a1cca_4_5005_c.jpg\")
| Locations | Available in most U.S. metro areas |
| Services offered | Lawn mowing, landscaping, and gardening |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | Unable to find customer review star ratings online |
| How it works | Your lawn mowing is put out for bid |
| Ways to book service | Website |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Dallas |
Sure, we’ve just given you the high points and the lowdown on Lawn Love, but you’re on the Wikilawn website. We’re the little lawn care site that could. We’re Avis. We try harder (and we succeed).
\n\n\n\n
Book your lawn care through Wikilawn and you’ll be connected to one of the best lawn care pros near you. Let me repeat that. You’ll get one of the best lawn care pros near you – not the best Lawn Love pro near you.
Here’s what you get with Wikilawn:
\n\n\n\nMore Pros: Wikilawn casts a bigger net to match you with the right lawn care pro for your job. LawnStarter, Lawn Love, and service providers like HomeAdvisor/Angi and Networx can bid on your job.
\n\n\n\nMaybe a Lower Price: Your lawn care may cost less too. More pros (more bidders) often leads to lower prices as they compete for your business. Of course, the price quotes you get back will depend upon the kind of work you want done, the size of your yard, and other factors.
\n\n\n\nEasy to Use: Lawn Love makes lawn care easy (just like Wikilawn).
\n\n\n\nSo with Lawn Love, will you love it or leave it? That’s up to you.
\n\n\n\nOf course, you could just use Wikilawn to find your next lawn care pro. You’re already here. Why go somewhere else?
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Lawn Love Review: Services, Prices, Pros and Cons","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1789c/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/107df/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/293e9/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/f2cbb/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1789c/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/c26c2/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1dd6e/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/67b76/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 320w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/8df11/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 500w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/98a65/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 800w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1dd6e/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 960w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/3cc96/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Love Review: Services, Prices, Pros and Cons | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Will you love Lawn Love? That depends. Our Lawn Love review looks at its services, prices, customer reviews, and more."}}},{"node":{"id":"8b1ccec7-8674-5ebe-a821-930ad25bdf16","slug":"hydroseeding","path":"/blog/hydroseeding/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"A writer by trade, Janine Caayao graduated from the University of the Philippines. She draws, plays video games, and snuggles with her cats during her free time.","name":"Janine Caayao","id":"eab2e0a9-2863-5dad-b98f-fe06c596c508","path":"/author/janine-caayao/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4577dd58c063fcc8a254c30d035fc354?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Starting a new lawn from scratch may seem daunting. Seeding takes effort and takes a while to show results; laying sod, on the other hand, is instant but expensive. Well, let us introduce you to a third option: hydroseeding, also called hydraulic mulch seeding. In this article: Hydroseeding Explained Hydroseeding is pretty straightforward: It’s just […]
\n","content":"\nStarting a new lawn from scratch may seem daunting. Seeding takes effort and takes a while to show results; laying sod, on the other hand, is instant but expensive. Well, let us introduce you to a third option: hydroseeding, also called hydraulic mulch seeding.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nHydroseeding is pretty straightforward: It’s just the process of seeding an area using a slurry. This slurry is composed primarily of water, seeds, mulch, and fertilizer, but some hydroseed mixtures also include lawn-friendly dye and a tackifier. Here’s what each slurry component brings to the table.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWater is the main component and what makes the hydroseed mixture fluid enough to be a sprayable slurry (it’s also where the “hydro” comes from). When mixed with mulch, the slurry becomes denser, heavier, and sticky, helping the slurry stick to the soil. The abundant water also makes the seeds germinate and grow faster compared to those that were hand-seeded.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the advantages of hydroseeding is that you can pick and choose what types of grass seeds you want to include in your hydroseed slurry. With sod, you can only typically use one type of turf.
\n\n\n\nWhile many hydroseeding slurries use grass seeds, you can also use the seeds of different types of plants. Some hydroseed projects use wildflower seeds, for example.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mulch-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: christina rutz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen mixed with water, mulch helps seeds stick to the soil. It also has other functions, mainly protecting seeds from the elements like wind, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. Mulch also nourishes the growing grass seedlings as it starts decomposing.
\n\n\n\nHydroseed slurries can use a variety of mulches with different levels of effectiveness. Here are some of them:
\n\n\n\nThe last crucial component of a hydroseed slurry is the fertilizer. It contains nutrients that will feed your new grass as it grows to become a healthy lawn. The fertilizer typically doesn’t last throughout the growing period, so it’s a good idea to fertilize your new lawn again later on.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the best results, the hydroseed slurry should be sprayed evenly across bare soil. A lawn-friendly dye helps show where the slurry has already been sprayed to ensure even coverage. This component is optional, though.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs the area you’re hydroseeding prone to soil erosion and runoff? Your hydroseed mixture might need a tackifier, which is a binding agent that helps the slurry stick to the soil. Typically, flat lawns don’t need a tackifier, as there’s little erosion risk.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hydroseeded-lawn-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSo what makes hydroseeding a great seeding method? Here are some benefits of hydroseeding and hydroseeded lawns:
\n\n\n\nHowever, hydroseeding is not perfect. Here are some disadvantages of hydroseeding:
\n\n\n\nThe most enticing aspect of sod is how it gives you a beautiful lawn very fast; after a short waiting period, you’ll be able to walk on your new lawn. Laying sod has a few disadvantages, though. It can look artificial, and it’s typically less hardy than a hydroseeded or traditionally-seeded lawn. It’s also more expensive to boot.
\n\n\n\nIf you can get past the wait time, hydroseeding seems like the better option, and not just because of the lower price tag. Although it takes a while to grow, seeded lawns (including hydroseeded lawns) are hardier and more disease-resistant than sod because they have stronger root systems. Hydroseed also offers more customization and looks more natural than sod.
\n\n\n\nHowever, hydroseeded lawns are more delicate while they’re growing. They need a lot of water and can’t be walked on for about 5 weeks. Since you’re growing grass from seed, you also can’t hydroseed outside of your turf’s growing season, while you can install sod at any time of year.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTraditional seeding is the cheapest seeding method and is as customizable as hydroseeding; however, it has a whole slew of disadvantages that may deter you from hand-seeding your lawn. Hand-seeding takes longer, and traditionally seeded lawns take longer to germinate. It may even grow patchy, requiring more work for your lawn to look uniform.
\n\n\n\nHydroseeding is more expensive and uses more water, but it’s more convenient. Hydroseeded lawns also sprout faster and tend to grow more uniformly than traditionally seeded lawns.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Hydroseeding-of-Lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThe best time to hydroseed is the same as if you were hand-seeding; always hydroseed during the turf’s growing season. Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass should be hydroseeded in late spring or early summer, while cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues should be hydroseeded in late summer or early fall.
\n\n\n\nLet’s compare hydroseeding in the spring, fall, and summer:
\n\n\n\nNow that you know the best time to hydroseed, it’s time to learn how the hydroseed process works. If you ever want to hydroseed your lawn DIY, here is a short step-by-step guide:
\n\n\n\nFor a more in-depth look at hydroseeding your own lawn, you can read our complete guide to DIY hydroseeding.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining your new hydroseed lawn is important in ensuring success. Here’s how to maintain your hydroseeded lawn:
\n\n\n\nThe cost of professional hydroseeding depends on many factors, such as the condition of your lawn and how big it is. However, homeowners can typically expect hydroseeding to cost an average of 8 to 20 cents per square foot. A 3,000 sq. ft. lawn would cost anywhere from $240 to $600 to be hydroseeded.
\n\n\n\nProfessionals will typically charge a discounted rate if you’re hydroseeding by the acre. Rates can also vary drastically depending on where you live in the US.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen watering your hydroseeded lawn, make sure not to run your sprinklers for more than 15 minutes. Otherwise, you might overwater your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWalking on your new hydroseeded lawn before it’s established can form bare spots.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWait for at least 3 to 4 months before using weed control products on your hydroseed lawn. Make sure to get rid of weeds before starting your hydroseed project. In case you find any weeds, you can try hand-pulling them.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s generally not recommended to do so, but you can. It’s just not a good idea because the hydroseed slurry can kill your existing grass. Try overseeding instead if you want to fill out bare patches in your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHydroseeding is a good option to consider if you want to grow a new lawn relatively quickly without breaking the bank. It’s more cost-effective than laying sod, more efficient than traditional seeding, and isn’t too difficult to DIY. But why risk hydroseeding your lawn yourself when you can hire a professional lawn care service instead?
Wikilawn can help you find a lawn care pro near you to help you with hydroseeding and your other lawn care needs, including regular maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sue Thompson / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"What is Hydroseeding?","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5544041450777202,"src":"/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/1789c/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/107df/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg 320w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/293e9/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg 500w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/f2cbb/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg 800w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/1789c/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg 960w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/c26c2/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/1dd6e/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/67b76/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.webp 320w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/8df11/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.webp 500w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/98a65/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.webp 800w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/1dd6e/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.webp 960w,\n/static/c13b0ccc5af8da1d6ec515c1f2800702/3cc96/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What is Hydroseeding? | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"What’s a more cost-effective way to grow a new lawn without the hassle of hand-seeding? That would be hydroseeding. Find out more in this article."}}},{"node":{"id":"0aa326f9-3c0e-5cb2-bddd-be154a086cd3","slug":"lawn-aeration-guide","path":"/lawn-care/lawn-aeration-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Lawn aeration is essential if the soil in your yard has become compacted over time. This simple yet powerful procedure can revitalize grass and improve its general health. We’ll cover all the information you need to aerate your lawn correctly, including when and how to aerate your lawn and why your grass might need it. […]
\n","content":"\nLawn aeration is essential if the soil in your yard has become compacted over time. This simple yet powerful procedure can revitalize grass and improve its general health. We’ll cover all the information you need to aerate your lawn correctly, including when and how to aerate your lawn and why your grass might need it.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6baa5fee-5658-4828-9be8-cf92497e9b5f.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nYour lawn is continuously communicating with you, so pay attention to the cues it gives you. You can identify when it’s time to aerate by paying attention to the state of your lawn. Here are some key indicators that your lawn could benefit from aeration:
\n\n\n\nThe best time for lawn aeration is determined by the type of grass in your yard. In general, aerating your lawn during your grass’s growing season is optimal because the grass is active and can recover rapidly from the aeration process. Since cool-season and warm-season grasses have different growing seasons, the best time to aerate them is different.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLate spring or early summer is the ideal time to aerate warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. It is the beginning of the grass’s growth season, so your lawn has enough time to recover from the stress of aeration before the hottest part of summer. Spring aeration also helps to alleviate soil compaction caused by winter conditions, allowing the grass to access vital nutrients and moisture more efficiently.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe best time for lawn aeration in cool-season lawns with grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue is early fall or early spring. Aerating in the fall not only aids in reducing soil compaction but also promotes root development to help grass prepare for winter dormancy.
\n\n\n\nNote: Before aerating, evaluate the present weather conditions and soil moisture content. Don’t aerate your lawn after heavy rainfall; wait for it to dry.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn may appear to be a difficult task, but it can be a simple and rewarding process with the appropriate approach. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to aerate your lawn as efficiently as possible.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSharpen your mower’s blade and mow your grass shorter than usual. It allows for easier soil access during aeration. Watering your lawn 1 inch deep a day or two before aeration is also important to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore aerating your grass, mark any sprinkler heads or other obstacles to avoid damaging them. Call 811 a few days before you plan to aerate so someone can come out and mark your utility lines.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are two primary methods for aerating a lawn: spike aeration and core aeration.
\n\n\n\nSpike aeration is the process of poking holes in the soil with spikes, either by hand or with a tool.
\n\n\n\nCore aeration removes small cores or plugs of soil from the lawn. Core aeration is often favored because it creates more space in the soil, producing better results and more benefits.
\n\n\n\n![\"illustration](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Aeration-illustration.png\")
Graphic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/aerate-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeffoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThere are various varieties of aerators available, each with its unique set of benefits. Consider the following options when choosing the right aeration equipment for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nNote: To pick the best sort of aerator for your needs, consider the size of your lawn, budget, and individual needs. Renting aerators is a cost-effective choice for infrequent use, but owning one may be more practical for frequent or large-scale aeration needs.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"illustration](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/aeration-patterns.png\")
Graphic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nBegin by walking or towing the aerator around your lawn’s perimeter, working your way inward. To ensure comprehensive coverage, slightly overlap each pass, or follow a crisscross pattern to cover your space entirely. Continue aerating the lawn until it is completely covered.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeave the soil plugs from core aerators on the lawn to break down naturally, or collect and compost them for later use.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the aeration is finished, try top-dressing the lawn with a thin coating of compost or sand. It improves soil structure and adds valuable organic matter. Lightly water the lawn to settle the soil and aid in the recovery process. You can also fertilize or overseed your lawn to give it a fresh boost.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about post-aeration lawn care in our guide on What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn once every 2 to 3 years should suffice for most lawns, mainly comprising sandy soil or soil that doesn’t easily compact. If your lawn has clay soil or is subjected to excessive foot traffic or compaction, you should aerate it once every year.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeeding your lawn after aeration can be highly beneficial. The newly formed holes provide an ideal environment for grass seeds to germinate. Spread the seeds evenly with a spreader, water frequently to keep the soil moist, and admire the lovely new growth!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, it can! Aeration minimizes soil compaction and improves water drainage, which can help prevent fungal diseases and other pest infestations. To find out more about what aeration can do, see our article on the Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn is essential for its health and vitality. But the thought of when and how to aerate it and the hours spent toiling with the aerator feels daunting. If you’d rather not invest that time and effort, consider seeking the help of a professional lawn care service provider. By hiring a skilled lawn care pro, you can be sure the aeration is effective and your lawn receives the attention it needs for healthier and more beautiful growth.
\n\n\n\nFeatured Image by Juan Rodriguez
\n","title":"When and How to Aerate Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2,"src":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/f2cbb/Untitled-design-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/107df/Untitled-design-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/293e9/Untitled-design-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/f2cbb/Untitled-design-1.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/98a65/Untitled-design-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/67b76/Untitled-design-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/8df11/Untitled-design-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b9db5211bd5ec9918127d06adb4d6fcc/98a65/Untitled-design-1.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When and How to Aerate Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"If compacted soil is making your lawn thin, follow this guide to learn why, when, and how to aerate your lawn and fix compaction."}}},{"node":{"id":"40e62fa1-78b2-5e3f-badb-a12f7e359f03","slug":"ten-pet-safe-weed-killers","path":"/blog/ten-pet-safe-weed-killers/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 4th, 2022","excerpt":"Removing weeds by hand is time consuming, and many weed killers are dangerous to pets who come into contact with them. Here are 10 pet-safe weed killers that will squash those pesky weeds while keeping your furry friends healthy and happy. Contents: 5 Commercial Pet-Safe Weed Killers 5 DIY Pet-Safe Weed Killers Dangers Of Herbicides […]
\n","content":"\nRemoving weeds by hand is time consuming, and many weed killers are dangerous to pets who come into contact with them. Here are 10 pet-safe weed killers that will squash those pesky weeds while keeping your furry friends healthy and happy.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nMost of the products we’ve picked are certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), a nonprofit group that reviews and certifies organic products.
\n\n\n\nHere are our top five picks for pet-friendly herbicides you can buy online or in most home improvement stores.
\n\n\n\nGet Sunday’s Weed Warrior is certified organic by the USDA and made with OMRI-listed ammonium soap and fatty acids. It’s a non-selective weed and grass killer, meaning it will kill all weeds.
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOMRI certified as an organic weed killer, Green Gobbler is designed to kill both weeds and the grass growing between sidewalk cracks and pavers. It works on all types of weeds, including dandelions and crabgrass.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nDoctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer is a biodegradable weed control that’s made from ocean salt water, vinegar, and soap. The University of Florida found Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed and Grass Killer to be effective in eliminating more than 250 common weeds.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nMade with salt water and concentrated commercial grade white vinegar, Natural Elements is glyphosate-free. It’s effective against common weeds like clover, dandelions, chickweed, crabgrass, thistle, and broadleaf weeds.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPreen Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent weed control, meaning it stops weeds before they sprout, so you have to think ahead and apply it before you see the first weed. It’s safe to use around pets, established flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables. It is made from corn gluten meal and does not contain glyphosate.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA good rule of thumb is to keep your pets off the lawn for 24 hours after applying both pre-emergents and weed killers. Many of these products dissipate with water, so to be certain it’s safe, water your lawn the next day before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it.
\n\n\n\nPet parents can make several homemade pet-safe weed killers and avoid exposing their dogs and cats to harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nMake a weak solution with three parts water and one part salt. Dissolve rock or table salt in water and pour it into a sprayer. A shot of dish soap will increase its effectiveness.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPour boiling water over the weeds. Cover the area with cardboard or a tarp for four to six weeks to prevent seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nLayer a cup of sugar around the base of the weeds, making sure to cover the area surrounding the roots. You may need to reapply another cup in a few days if the weeds are persistent.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nMix 1-cup of borax powder and 2 gallons of warm water in a sealable container. Stir until dissolved and let it rest for at least an hour before pouring it into a spray bottle. Apply it directly to the weeds.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nBoil 2 cups of water and add 10 drops of clove essential oil. Mix well, let cool, and pour into a spray bottle to treat weeds. Sunlight decreases the efficacy of clove oil, so it’s best to spray weeds after sundown.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nUsing the wrong products while trying to kill weeds could cause serious harm to your four-legged friends. A common active ingredient in chemical weed killers, like Roundup, is glyphosate which is a toxin often overlooked by pet owners.
\n\n\n\nA Purdue University study concludes that common lawn and garden chemicals may increase the risk for cancer in dogs. Those chemicals include dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4 -chloro-2.
\n\n\n\n1. How long does it take for my pet to show signs of poisoning?
\n\n\n\nTwo to 36 hours, depending on how much your pet ingested.
\n\n\n\n2. How long does it take for weed killer to dry?
\n\n\n\nSome products dry within 3 hours, however, it’s best to wait for at least 24 hours before allowing pets or people into the treated area. Humidity can affect drying time.
\n\n\n\n3. What do I do if my pet comes in contact with poisonous weed killers?
\n\n\n\nVeterinarians recommend you separate your pet from the poison, make a note of the weed killer they ingested, and contact your vet.
\n\n\n\n4. My vet is closed. What should I do?
\n\n\n\nCall ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for expert advice or contact your local 24-hour emergency vet.
\n\n\n\n
Got a yard full of weeds but little time to get rid of them? We can help you find an eco-garden pro or lawn care professional who can handle the problem while you and your furry friend relax.
Main photo credit: Rawpixel
\n","title":"10 Pet-Safe Weed Killers","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/107df/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/293e9/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/f2cbb/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/c26c2/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/67b76/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/8df11/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/98a65/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/3cc96/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Pet-Safe Weed Killers | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Keeping your lawn beautiful and weed-free while protecting your pet’s health can be a challenge. We’ll look at 10 pet-safe weed killers."}}},{"node":{"id":"61e533a4-a9c7-5e70-9c54-e2b8a06ba05f","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-clover-lawn","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-clover-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Raven Wisdom is a screenwriter from West Texas and a proud mom of two in an autism family. Self-described as \"half-feral but mostly harmless\", Raven loves houseplants, a good laugh, and furry friends.","name":"Raven Wisdom","id":"4fb83156-96f1-58f1-8074-4a6c5c50eaaa","path":"/author/raven-wisdom/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2813f63a6af9d07a7a5bb212b5645db?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 10th, 2022","excerpt":"Is unwanted clover in your yard making you feel unlucky? No problem. We’ll show you how to get rid of clover in your lawn. While clover has its benefits, it isn’t for everyone. In this article, we’ll cover: 8 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Clover What is Clover and What Type is in My […]
\n","content":"\nIs unwanted clover in your yard making you feel unlucky? No problem. We’ll show you how to get rid of clover in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhile clover has its benefits, it isn’t for everyone. In this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nClover is a common weed, but it doesn’t have to be a blight in your yard. Whether you have an entire lawn full of clover or a few small patches to contend with, it’s easy to get rid of the clover in your yard without killing your grass.
\n\n\n\nFor small patches of clover, it’s simply a matter of pulling it out. Don’t leave any of it on the lawn because the clover seeds will find their way back into your grass.
\n\n\n\nLoosen the soil with a spade to get the roots. It’s best to follow up with a preventative measure and apply corn gluten meal. Read on to find out why corn gluten meal is an excellent clover deterrent.
\n\n\n\nCorn gluten meal (not the corn meal in your kitchen) is a natural pre-emergent herbicide. It won’t work on existing clover but will prevent any new clover from sprouting. You can buy this natural weed killer at most garden centers or online.
\n\n\n\nDon’t use corn gluten meal if you recently planted grass seed.
\n\n\n\nA Vinegar and dish soap solution is a non-toxic DIY treatment for any weed. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of herbicidal vinegar, one cup of water, and one drop of dish soap.
\n\n\n\nYou will need to spray the area regularly for a few weeks to eradicate the clover.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Vinegar products with 20% or more acetic acid kill weeds but will also damage turfgrass. Spray the solution only where you need it and overseed the treated areas if needed.
\n\n\n\nClover thrives in grass that is less than 3-inches tall. The easy fix to eliminate clover and give your lawn a fighting chance is to mow at the highest level for your specific grass type.
\n\n\n\nMeasure from the ground to the bottom of your mower’s mowing deck, then up to your mower blades. This total equals the mowing height.
\n\n\n\nEvery plant needs sunlight and water to grow. If you have a large clover section or want to start an area from scratch, you can cover it with plastic sheeting. You can also be frugal and use old pool liners or garbage bags.
\n\n\n\nUsing bricks or large rocks, you can keep the edges of the covering secured to the ground. In a few weeks, remove the plastic sheeting and re-seed the area.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: You can also use solarization to speed up the process. Cover the area with clear plastic to heat the soil to kill the weeds and seeds in the top 6 inches of soil.
\n\n\n\nWatch that you don’t cover surrounding plants in your garden or healthy lawn areas in the process
\n\n\n\nOrganic nitrogen-rich lawn fertilizer is an environmentally-friendly option that can benefit your lawn and kill clover. Clover spreads quickly in nitrogen-deficient yards.
\n\n\n\nYou only need to apply the fertilizer to the problem clover areas, but if your lawn shows signs of nitrogen deficiency, a thorough treatment may be more beneficial.
\n\n\n\nSay adios to clover! A.D.I.O.S., or Advanced Development In Organic Solutions, is an organic herbicide that controls weeds without damaging surrounding lawn growth.
\n\n\n\nYou can order A.D.I.O.S. online or buy it in most home improvement stores and garden centers.
\n\n\n\nYou may need a more aggressive approach if you struggle with lawn weeds such as clover, dandelions, and other broadleaf weeds. There are organic options that target weeds while leaving your grass intact.
\n\n\n\nBroadleaf herbicides, like Ortho Ground Clear, are weed killers formulated with multiple herbicides to treat a wide range of weeds.
\n\n\n\nClover is a term used to describe a group of more than 300 species of plants belonging to the legume or pea family. You likely have clover if you spot little, round or oval, white or pink blooms with bees flying around them on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThere are 3-main types of clover common in the United States.
\n\n\n\nWhite clover is the most common type of clover found in the U.S. and has pinkish-white flowers. This cool-season perennial is closely related to the agricultural alfalfa and sweet clover. Microclover is the smallest variety.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/f5eK2wXCkMf7Qcetqvb4aKSy2NO5Q7jsXXcdOR6ENfC40RVJz48Hlzkl8oKMbyVCwtfZQD1E1JCNzL3Hd7uA3ShMul_aFeYXi_JUfj2H63S6KD6DO33pHjstEtgXOtM9PXdpq8if1hn0O4m5DQb_5Eg\")
Red clover has flowers with oval leaflets ranging from light rose to deep fuchsia. This perennial ground cover is also known as cow clover, meadow clover, and wild clover.
\n\n\n\nStrawberry clover is similar to white clover, but its white and pink flowers are slightly smaller. Also a perennial, this clover attracts birds and grows well in coastal areas or near river estuaries.
\n\n\n\nClover can appear in your lawn for a few reasons, usually due to problems with your soil.
\n\n\n\nThere are several pros and cons of clover lawn. These plants attract pollinators and require less watering and mowing to maintain your grass.
\n\n\n\nClover is also a natural fertilizer. It absorbs nitrogen from the air and releases it into the soil, giving you a healthier lawn. Clover offers weed control by crowding out other weeds and serves as an organic mulch.
\n\n\n\n1. What will kill clover but not kill grass?
\n\n\n\nUse an organic herbicide such as (A.D.I.O.S): Advanced Development In Organic Solutions to kill the clover without damaging the surrounding grass. Also, clover grows best in grass less than three inches tall, so cutting your turf higher will help your grass out-compete the clover.
\n\n\n\n2. Will clover go away on its own?
\n\n\n\nNo. Clover is a perennial, meaning you’ll have to treat it every year until you eliminate it from your yard.
\n\n\n\n3. Is clover toxic to pets?
\n\n\n\nEach type of clover has a unique set of compounds that could pose a risk if eaten in large amounts. Mold and fungus that often attacks clover is the biggest issue as it interferes with your dog’s blood clotting process.
If you’d rather spend more time enjoying your lawn and less time maintaining it, delegate the dirty work to a local lawn care professional.
Main photo credit: Brenda Stuart / Wikilawn
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