![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GF4gZTSXEetEVoUuNIO4BTPaIUyp0kzgFbP9fQ5tl6be_q7shjblUgiPC9rGptKLX3RCd7oqDX7i-iLRT0EswRvddSpfwR7ehr5eeroAkD_L1SbuYn4lFC30AG2C6PsqLrgjRaa-\")
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a Hank Hill-level love affair with lawn mowing. But those with the habits of the “King Of The Hill” will probably enjoy a longer, healthier life than their sedentary pals. While circling the yard in a riding mower burns fewer calories than pushing a reel mower, either method […]
\n","content":"\nNot everyone is lucky enough to have a Hank Hill-level love affair with lawn mowing. But those with the habits of the “King Of The Hill” will probably enjoy a longer, healthier life than their sedentary pals. While circling the yard in a riding mower burns fewer calories than pushing a reel mower, either method burns calories and gets the job done. Let’s talk about the number of calories mowing the lawn can burn, so you can start using yard work as an excuse to skip the gym.
\n\n\n\nThanks to the level of physical activity it requires, any yard work will provide you with an easy to moderate workout. But calculating the calories burned can be a little tricky. The first factor affecting how many calories you burn on lawn care is your body weight. The heavier you are, the more calories you’ll burn.
\n\n\n\nFor example, according to a Harvard University study, a 135-pound person will burn around 165 calories in 30 minutes of mowing with a manual push (reel) mower. A 185-pound person will burn 244 calories in the same amount of time.
\n\n\n\nYes, even sitting on a riding lawn mower will stoke a little extra calorie burn, but you’ll only get about one-third the workout of a manual mower. An old-fashioned reel mower is eco-friendly and will give you a vigorous workout. But the amount of time it adds to the job makes it unreasonable for folks with large yards. The happy medium is a gas-powered push mower or a self-propelled mower, both of which require a moderate effort to operate.
\n\n\n\nAgain, according to the Harvard study, a powered push mower will burn 135 calories off a 135-pound person in 30 minutes. The 185-pounder will burn off 200 calories.
\n\n\n\nEven with a push mower, there are people who mow as if their lives depend on it. There are also those who mow like they have all day. The more briskly you move, the more likely you are to get a great workout. Mowing fancy stripes might be just the right challenge if you want to level-up your efforts. Sometimes you don’t have a choice about how much effort you put in. If your yard’s on a slope, you’re going to be working harder.
\n\n\n\nYou’re going to need to be a good calorie counter to make sure you’re getting the metabolic equivalent of a session at the gym.
\n\n\n\nCalorieLab and WebMd are good sources of online exercise calculators that include weeding, raking, and other common types of lawn work — including mowing. Remember to type in your weight for an accurate calculation.
\n\n\n\nFor many of us, those precious hours spent outdoors are some of the most beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. The activity of mowing, even with a hand mower, can have a soothing, meditative effect. Completing the task can lower your blood pressure, and the dose of vitamin D you get should be enough to motivate you to get outside and give your turf a trim.
\n\n\n\nAs adults, we should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, and lawn care can definitely contribute to that goal. However, as we age, we need to be mindful of our bodies. Margaret Martin, a physical therapist with 35 years of clinical experience, cautions, “Those of you with low bone density, osteopenia or osteoporosis, need to pay special attention to how you cut your grass.” She also recommends against getting too active with lawn care immediately after hip or knee surgery. She advises establishing a “power position” behind a push mower. The handle should be sitting somewhere above your hips and below your chest. “Mid-waist is an ideal power position,” and says. “Get your elbows in and push the lawn mower from the legs.”
\n\n\n\nMowing also tightens your core muscles and strengthens your back. Now pat yourself on the back for a good workout and nice-looking lawn!
Keeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; […]
\n","content":"\nKeeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; it just means you use plants and landscaping that needs little water. So if you’re ready to give up those water-hungry plants and lower your monthly water bill, join the crowd.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1a-vG2kR6WgTmvVLrtHGejLDqaXJP7j2caONyxpIKfaY03T4HnZ3oBoykjLVJghuVhJDwX-4j3Q65fY9n-qnuvSwzp47hMKKBDboA6msh62_4igT70m74vd0WECRDRi5yHHlR39X\")
The term “xeriscape” comes from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry. Denver Water, the city’s utility service, coined and copyrighted the word in the 1980s when Colorado was experiencing a worse-than-usual drought. The water department looked at the soil in most yards, (clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly), and the types of sprinkler systems people were using. The city began by offering rebates to people who used drip irrigation and turfgrass that requires little water. You’ll notice by the front of the office, the utility practices what it preaches.
\n\n\n\n“Traditional Kentucky bluegrass is lush and hardy, but it requires a substantial amount of water in our semi-arid climate,” according to Denver Water. “One way to use less water is to reduce the amount of bluegrass turf in your landscape. Native or low-water-use plants, patios, decks, or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water. Also, try planting turf such as buffalo grass, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue, and fine fescues to reduce water use in your landscape.”
\n\n\n\nThe North Marin Water District, which provides water to Novato and other communities just north of San Francisco, offers a “Cash for Grass” program that pays rebates to customers who remove lawns and plant approved low-water plants instead. In 2019, almost 15,000 square feet of turfgrass were converted.
\n\n\n\nThe district also saw xeriscaping as a way to stop people from fertilizing their lawns and gardens. Native plants and grasses are adapted to the soil, so they need few amendments. What little they need can be provided by grass clippings and other organic matter … things that won’t harm the ocean or waterways.
\n\n\n\nAs long as you’re making your lawn water-wise, go a step further and make your garden more efficient. Plant drought-resistant plants such as agave, juniper, yarrow, and lavender. Many herbs and spices are also drought-tolerant, such as thyme, sage, and oregano. The native and drought-tolerant plants will also attract local wildlife and pollinators to your garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZEhlju3G6ZCAaw6jn0gF2iZIqU1ztxS2JYJ6ajV9qWS-KrBC-xAfbEPjHrfGxAVLpjz0WqDPWLQqTkfa_foDgJQcwANxKrtTtNGVAQxl5yDwbCgOuaV0Z-am26dM57JqO8OkkT2L\")
If you’re ready to take the plunge and xeriscape, don’t rush out and dig up all your flowers and turf. Start by mapping out your yard, noting where the shade trees are and which areas get the most sun. It’s also a good idea to see how much rainfall your yard gets in a typical year. You want plants that will thrive with the water nature provides.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not crazy about drought-tolerant grasses, consider a rock garden or mulched border around your patio and yard. Mulching around trees and plants helps keep moisture from absorbing. Plant ground covers around sloped areas to prevent any water from running off. While a completely hardscaped backyard may sound appealing, check with your city or county. Some municipalities, including Austin, Texas, require a percentage of your land to be landscaped, to prevent rainwater from pouring into the street.
\n\n\n\nThe Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 50% of irrigation water usage is wasted. By opting for a xeriscaped yard, you can save hundreds of gallons of water from being squandered over just one scorching summer. So go ahead and plant a cactus and other succulents. Your lawn will look sharp for years to come.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Downtowngal, CC-by SA-3.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.549636803874092,"src":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/107df/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/293e9/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/f2cbb/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/356ef/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/67b76/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/8df11/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/98a65/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/93f70/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"a37b0e0f-0e6a-5633-a387-df6c669ab256","slug":"lawn-mower-oil-how-pick-right-type","path":"/lawn-care/lawn-mower-oil-how-pick-right-type/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"2157bb2b-3c30-51d8-a48c-83df1b898b6c","name":"DIY","count":2,"path":"/category/diy/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"When you take the lawn mower out of the garage after its winter break, does it seem like it’s not running as smoothly as last year? If you can’t remember when you last changed the oil, it’s probably overdue. But what type of oil does your lawn mower take? That depends on the lawn mower […]
\n","content":"\nWhen you take the lawn mower out of the garage after its winter break, does it seem like it’s not running as smoothly as last year? If you can’t remember when you last changed the oil, it’s probably overdue. But what type of oil does your lawn mower take? That depends on the lawn mower engine, the size of the mower, and the mower type. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
\n\n\n\nNew mowers may need an oil change after the first 10 hours of use. Check your operator’s manual to make sure. Generally, lawn mowers need an oil change every 25 to 50 hours of lawn care. Always check the oil level with the dipstick in the middle of summer, to see where the oil level is and whether your lawn mower could use a top-off.
\n\n\n\nThere are two types of oil for lawn mowers: motor oil and small engine oil. Briggs & Stratton, the largest producer of engines for outdoor equipment, found 48 percent of people surveyed believe automotive oil and small engine oil are the same. They are not. There are some major differences between the two, and you shouldn’t use them interchangeably. “Air-cooled engines run hotter than automotive engines,” says Kevin Wenger Sr., owner of Wenger Equipment in Athens, Wisc. He adds, “The oil temperature in a small engine can reach 280-300 degrees Fahrenheit … nearly 100 degrees hotter than the oil in a typical car.” Small engine oil is designed for high-temperature environments and protects the engine from overheating.
\n\n\n\nMotor oil is designed for larger motors typical of automobiles, riding mowers, and deluxe push mowers. You can buy this type of oil at gas stations, hardware stores, and auto parts stores. While some mower owners believe regular engine oil is acceptable for lawn mowers, they could be damaging the engine.
\n\n\n\nMotor oil meant for automobiles and tractors has a high viscosity. The thick fluid may clog up your push mower, causing irreversible damage. A good mower is an investment, and the last thing you want to do is ruin it doing some routine maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMotor oil meant for automobiles and tractors has a high viscosity. The thick fluid may clog up your push mower, causing irreversible damage. A good mower is an investment, and the last thing you want to do is ruin it doing some routine maintenance.
\n\n\n\nTwo-stroke engines– common in outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, weed trimmers, snowblowers, and push mowers– need small engine oil. The reason is simple: a two-cycle engine doesn’t have separate compartments for oil and gasoline. The result is a louder, smokier machine that doesn’t stall under various types of engine load. It also means that owners have to mix the fuel and oil before adding it to the tank.
\n\n\n\nThe gas and oil are mixed at a ratio of 32:1 or 50:1, depending on the machine. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you have the right ratio. Small engine oil, also known as two-stroke oil, is lightweight to ensure even-mixing and smooth engine operation. You’ll find it at any auto parts store or in the garden section of a hardware store.
\n\n\n\nAll engine oil is rated by viscosity. You’ll find that number on the label. Find the number and follow these steps for finding the right oil type.
\n\n\n\nChoosing the right oil for your lawn mower will help you to avoid engine problems and can contribute to many years of hassle-free mowing. When you treat your mower well, it will respond by treating your lawn well. A smooth-running mower lets you get the job done and spend more time enjoying your lawn than taking care of it.
\n","title":"Lawn Mower Oil: How to Pick the Right Type","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1789c/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/107df/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/293e9/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/f2cbb/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1789c/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/356ef/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1dd6e/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/67b76/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/8df11/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/98a65/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/1dd6e/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab0ea9fc8a2f69ef78606b3d7170863/93f70/rsz_17506-a-man-working-on-his-lawnmower-or.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Mower Oil: How to Pick the Right Type | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f852b145-e1c5-52cd-903c-77a769f5e2ae","slug":"how-to-repair-a-vole-damaged-lawn","path":"/pests-and-diseases/how-to-repair-a-vole-damaged-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"84a346a7-9ce4-5d70-a95f-abcea3779ced","name":"Pests and Diseases","count":10,"path":"/category/pests-and-diseases/"}],"date":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"Got voles? Your first clue is likely vole tunnels and lawn damage in the form of snake-like ribbons of dead grass. Here’s how to repair a vole-damaged lawn. Identifying the Problem Voles are small rodents, also known as meadow mice or meadow voles. They’re about 4-8 inches long, and their fur is grey or brown. […]
\n","content":"\nGot voles? Your first clue is likely vole tunnels and lawn damage in the form of snake-like ribbons of dead grass. Here’s how to repair a vole-damaged lawn.
\n\n\n\nVoles are small rodents, also known as meadow mice or meadow voles. They’re about 4-8 inches long, and their fur is grey or brown. They resemble field mice, except they have short tails, short ears, small eyes, and their fur is longer. You can find them throughout the northern United States. They’re most common in meadows and woodland areas, but you’ll also see them in grassy areas and gardens. These critters gnaw on grass, vegetables, tubers, and garden plants — basically, everything you plant in your yard. They’ll also leave gnaw marks on the bark of shrubs and trees, especially in the colder months.
\n\n\n\nVoles like to live under dense brush and mulch, along with wood and rock piles. These shy creatures are active year-round and don’t hibernate. They’re especially active in the winter and early spring, scurrying from their burrow entrances in search of food. According to the University of Massachusetts Extension Turf Program, “Winters with lasting snow cover provide relative protection from predators, and voles enjoy the freedom to construct elaborate and frequently used ‘runway’ systems within the turf canopy.” They move around your lawn, under the snow, eating the grass as they go. Come springtime, you’ll discover the damage when the snow melts.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/GZNmGYcQ1p6mi_jgI0OhRZsxNo_g9EoF0KJtacqcNEjndm2bIBMaDtXCS9QfV5f8Nv_fGPkOEUQ09giIY41Iwcmy3c_ebSa5dsjad0A8aKS_gEZ4sJuMFg-a7jPUr42FNOL-ANW3\")
It’s easy to spot and identify vole damage. They leave rope-looking “vole runways” in your lawn. The creatures create them by eating the grass or plants along their chosen path. They repeatedly use these paths and leave their excrement behind, causing even more damage. These vole runways can lead to their burrow openings. One burrow may have several adults, and a large infestation can mean the vole population has reached up to 500 critters per acre. Voles are prolific breeders with short gestation periods.
\n\n\n\nVoles can also damage trees and shrubs. When food sources are scarce, they’ll eat the bark around the bottoms of trees and shrubs. They’ll also gnaw the roots and low-lying branches if they can get to them. While they prefer young trees, they’ll attack older trees if that’s all they can find. Like lawn damage, this can be tough to spot over the winter because voles do their dirty work under the snow. If voles are girdling your trees or shrubs (eating all the bark around the bottom of the trunk), the trees or shrubs may not survive. In some cases, hiring a professional to prune and/or fertilize may help.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve made the unhappy discovery of vole damage, turn your attention to fixing it. There is good news here: In most cases, the damage doesn’t require a complicated fix. Unlike gophers, voles only eat the blades and stems of your grass, and not the roots or crown. So, the grass should grow back as the weather gets warmer.
\n\n\n\nFollow these tips to repair your lawn after vole damage:
\n\n\n\nNow that you’ve repaired your lawn, how do you keep voles from wrecking it again? This answer is a bit more complicated because once voles inhabit your lawn, it’s tough to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nRemove their hiding places. Keep woodpiles and mulch piles off your lawn and away from trees. Lawn care is also important: Mow, weed, and cut back brush and ground covers to give voles fewer places to hide. You can stop voles from gnawing on new plants by keeping mulch 6 inches from the stem and surrounding them with a wire cage. Shield the base of trees with tree guards or hardware cloth.
\n\n\n\nVole control is easier than getting rid of other small mammals that dig underground tunnels. You can try setting mouse traps on their surface runways with peanut butter as bait. Consider humane traps (not snap traps) that catch but not kill the rodents. Relocate them if that’s allowed in your area. Predator urine (i.e., fox or coyote) is a great repellent. You can buy it at your local garden store near the pest control section. Keep in mind, you need to reapply it every time it rains. Other natural deterrents include castor oil and capsaicin. Capsaicin is the compound that makes peppers “hot.” You can make a spray with water, chopped hot peppers or hot pepper flakes, and biodegradable soap.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a large infestation, you may need the help of a pest management professional.
\n\n\n\nWe’re not making a mountain out of a vole hill! Voles can do some serious damage to your lawn. But you can fix it with a bit of effort and time.
\n","title":"How to Repair a Vole-Damaged Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3951612903225807,"src":"/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/17291/rsz_vole.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/107df/rsz_vole.jpg 320w,\n/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/293e9/rsz_vole.jpg 500w,\n/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/f2cbb/rsz_vole.jpg 800w,\n/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/17291/rsz_vole.jpg 865w","srcWebp":"/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/f7fc9/rsz_vole.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/67b76/rsz_vole.webp 320w,\n/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/8df11/rsz_vole.webp 500w,\n/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/98a65/rsz_vole.webp 800w,\n/static/d5468d819d1e6401333b3dbd0da71e65/f7fc9/rsz_vole.webp 865w","sizes":"(max-width: 865px) 100vw, 865px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Repair a Vole-Damaged Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f608fbe5-2120-5d01-a50c-a9820f45fa6e","slug":"difference-between-dead-and-dormant-grass","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/difference-between-dead-and-dormant-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"84a346a7-9ce4-5d70-a95f-abcea3779ced","name":"Pests and Diseases","count":10,"path":"/category/pests-and-diseases/"}],"date":"October 9th, 2019","excerpt":"Grass can go kaput any time of year. The hot, dry conditions of summer can leave grass brown and unappealing. Winter snow mold and thatch buildup can leave your grass with dead spots. But is it really dead? Or just dormant? Before taking any action, it’s worth your time to determine if you have a […]
\n","content":"\nGrass can go kaput any time of year. The hot, dry conditions of summer can leave grass brown and unappealing. Winter snow mold and thatch buildup can leave your grass with dead spots. But is it really dead? Or just dormant?
\n\n\n\nBefore taking any action, it’s worth your time to determine if you have a dead lawn or just one that’s taking a nap. You don’t want to rip up a living lawn. Nor do you want to waste time mowing, watering, fertilizing, and trying to revive grass that isn’t coming back.
\n\n\n\nDead grass and dormant grass look much the same. It can be tough to tell the difference, but here’s what the experts say about discerning dead from dormant.
\n\n\n\nDeath is final. But dormancy, while it can look similar, is your lawn’s natural reaction to stress. Even warm-season grasses may turn brown due to the stress of summer’s hot, dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nIf less than half your lawn is dead or you can see surviving green shoots among the brown, crunchy blades of grass, it’s worth a try to save it. It will be less costly than re-sodding the entire lawn. Aerate the lawn. Power aerators work best. Rent one if you don’t own one. Raking the yard will help remove much of the dead grass. Be sure to take up thatch and other debris. Add new grass seed where needed and fertilize and water.
\n\n\n\nIf the entire lawn is dead, there’s no way to save it. It’s time to start over by re-seeding or re-sodding the entire area.
\n\n\n\nDormancy is a lawn’s reaction to heat and a lack of water. The plant gives all its resources to the roots, rather than the leaves. While brown grass may not look very appealing, dormancy is normal and usually lasts around four weeks. As the season’s change and weather conditions become more ideal for grass, your healthy lawn should return. Still, there are some things you can do to push it along a bit.
\n\n\n\nStay away from weed killers and herbicides during dormancy. It can damage already stressed lawns, and it may turn out insects weren’t the problem after all. Kelley Klopp of the Utah State Extension office says, “It is often difficult to diagnose insect problems when the grass is dormant. Be certain you are dealing with an insect problem before using insecticides, and always read and follow label directions.”
\n\n\n\n![\"Watering](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Andw9lRYwcV2ira3fBZXtJbm0tik_FO1QDPhsTv36DbNUSEpQ8J3EOf6TygqImw1exrMUgvfHpHPH5_7qseCijSk4J0Cv2psjB1jEMRWalCOjdiTAx1Q8oKuPuueIeeaUoGrqmHW\")
You can change the design of your yard to help your lawn make it through a drought. Reduce the setting on your mower blades and keep the grass a bit longer. Reduce slopes, if possible, so water doesn’t run downhill and off the grass. Put a greater distance between trees and shrubs and prune regularly, keeping shade to a minimum. And add good topsoil, if necessary.
\n\n\n\nAlso, consider the climate where you live and choose an appropriate turfgrass. Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, thrive in temperatures between 68 and 77 degrees. Building a lawn from these varieties in a hot, dry climate can send them into dormancy early. It can also cause the grass to die. They fare much better in northern parts of the country.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses work well in temperatures of 80 to 95 degrees, as they’re more drought-tolerant. They include Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, and Zoysia grass, one of the better turfgrasses for hot climates. These lawns are usually started from sod, as they are more challenging to grow from grass seed than cool-season types.
\n\n\n\nBefore you ask “Why is my lawn dying?” make sure it’s not just taking a nap. With a little TLC (tender lawn care,) you’ll have a green lawn again before you know it.
If you have ever watched your dog excessively sneeze, scratch, and lick its paws, you’ve wondered what’s going on. You may find the two of you have something in common. As you blow your runny nose and rub your watery eyes, cursing the outdoors, your four-legged buddy may be suffering right alongside you. Dogs can […]
\n","content":"\nIf you have ever watched your dog excessively sneeze, scratch, and lick its paws, you’ve wondered what’s going on. You may find the two of you have something in common.
\n\n\n\nAs you blow your runny nose and rub your watery eyes, cursing the outdoors, your four-legged buddy may be suffering right alongside you. Dogs can get seasonal allergies, too.
\n\n\n\nThe culprit may be right under your dog’s paws. Grass allergies are the second-most common canine allergy (right after flea sensitivity).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XCXPM8-SERDg3bdXvTmKDN6GJK6NTgMpLHw0MIBdfEBm39PnQ1ueU2TjBPW4O5jB_sIbiOcRPDX6B31W-WxAAwg0AIIm_K_5pLUTlbP8l4tHycCaixiDNywa4OqjWlaDwkApw5c9\")
Dogs suffering from endless itchiness may scratch until they harm themselves. Anytime a dog with no sign of flea bites or known food allergies displays signs of excessive itching skin, dog allergies may be the culprit.
\n\n\n\nUnlike human allergy symptoms, dogs’ allergic reactions are primarily topical — on the skin. Common symptoms of grass allergies include irritated skin, either in isolated patches or spread all over a dog’s body. Watch for redness, hot spots, and bare patches from constant scratching, licking, and biting.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most challenging aspects of grass allergies in dogs is that they can show up out of the blue, even if you don’t have a yard. Some dogs are more susceptible to grass allergies than others. Bulldogs, German shepherds, Irish terriers, pugs, retrievers, and setters are all at higher risk than other breeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/SFeDQchITWvBSGfyKHfuJzs2B9pdxUJisbP-J5XzdBObT1B6oo6F619t9_9Ph7vpT25FFqEk5DrWQhUKWdTOkS8KnaTEdti0ivjzymhI-9K8LWio2SWl4ZLJ5DJlhTQNNPLK8DdY\")
A dog’s allergies to grass can manifest as mild allergic responses such as skin irritation to full-blown condition vets call canine atopic dermatitis (more commonly, allergic dermatitis or canine atopy). Atopy shows up in hair loss and skin infections from incessant scratching. The bottom line? When your dog’s symptoms reach this level, it’s time for a trip to the doggy dermatologist.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no need to panic about the grass you see your dog eating. Grass allergies have nothing to do with the grass underfoot, but rather the seasonal pollen released by the seedheads of unmown grass left to grow to maturity. Of course, there are other pollen-borne environmental allergies that can affect dogs. If you see the symptoms, have your dog tested.
\n\n\n\nPollen is almost invisible as it travels in the air, sometimes over great distances. This is why your dog can suffer, even if you don’t have a yard at home. Grass pollen affects dogs that inhale it into their lungs. It can also create contact allergies when it touches your dog’s skin. This is why it is important to bathe him or her often and wipe down your dog’s legs and paws each time they come in from outside.
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Visit a veterinarian if you suspect your dog suffers from a grass allergy. But be warned that getting a conclusive diagnosis of a specific allergen can be difficult. Most vets will recommend an eight- to 12-week elimination diet to rule out food allergies. By the time you’re done, the allergy season may be winding down. Allergy testing includes intradermal skin testing or blood testing. Some vets prefer to offer treatment first to see if it helps clear up the symptoms.
\n\n\n\nYou can help by paying close attention to and keeping track of your dog’s allergy symptoms. It’s important to note when the symptoms started, and when they subsided. Let your vet know if your furry family member displayed any secondary symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or snoring.
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Clinical treatment for a dog with grass allergies usually starts with antihistamines and large doses of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have an anti-inflammatory effect, and antihistamines ease itching. In severe cases, your vet may recommend a steroid shot, such as Apoquel. While steroids can cause side effects such as increased ear infections, Apoquel is considered safe and effective.
\n\n\n\nAccording to Dr. Nicole Eckholm, a veterinary dermatologist at Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin in San Rafael, Calif., “Seasonal allergies cannot be cured, but they can be successfully managed in most cases.” She recommends allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, as the first line of defense. Up to 80% of dogs respond favorably to allergy shots.
\n\n\n\nUnlike other allergies, it’s almost impossible to avoid exposure to grass pollen. If your dog has a grass allergy, take the time to treat it and use preventive measures to limit contact. A side benefit: You’ll have a reason to enjoy rainy days. Heavy rain clears the air so your pooch and romp outside without reservation.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Tony Alter, CC 2.0
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