![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KgXlUNXomsGoH8jecCjsKFDXTSjhr7bvhygh0VPxINA7lVqQTXfJzHOspDMGuj_8SEJBA_XyRxEYiDwuqTtuD2rI73eqBfMG2F-YR-xZQK3AZW2dET-GR5NT6OsX0V2hm2YOUxLF\")
Your lawn looks beautiful! Well, almost. Some of the grass is thick and green, but unfortunately, some of it shows signs of Spot’s spots. Your dog’s urine has left a number of brown patches, dog-gone-on-it. It’s a problem all dog owners face, but a little know-how and work will fix those dog pee spots in […]
\n","content":"\nYour lawn looks beautiful! Well, almost. Some of the grass is thick and green, but unfortunately, some of it shows signs of Spot’s spots. Your dog’s urine has left a number of brown patches, dog-gone-on-it.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a problem all dog owners face, but a little know-how and work will fix those dog pee spots in the grass.
\n\n\n\nDog urine is rich in nitrogen content, which kills grass when concentrated amounts collect in your turf over time. A small amount of lawn fertilizer makes your yard healthy and gives you a nice carpet of green grass, but too much will create urine burn and kill grass.
\n\n\n\nThe problem of dog spots is worse in female dogs, puppies, and older dogs, all of which tend to squat and concentrate pee in one spot. Healthy males and some females will move around more, marking trees and shrubs in their territory.
\n\n\n\nWhile there’s nothing beneficial about dog pee and marking inside your home, there’s a reason your dog marks its territory in your yard. Those yellow spots and the scent let other dogs know who owns this yard. It can also discourage rodents and other predators from entering your yard. (Some dogs — terriers in particular — are excellent mousers!)
\n\n\n\nThe waste stream from Fido and Fluffy also keeps pesky squirrels out of your garden. The Old Farmers’ Almanac suggests dog urine as a free version of pricey squirrel-deterrent sprays. “These are meant to be sprayed around gardens to keep squirrels away.” Why buy packaged products when you’ve got the real thing? “A dog or cat is a great squirrel chaser if that’s an option.” Just the sound of a squirrel is enough to get some dogs running. The Almanac goes on to suggest, “Scatter dog or human hair around your garden.”
\n\n\n\nEven though your dog creates dead spots in your lawn, he still deserves praise for peeing outside. A few brown spots on your otherwise green grass are easier to repair than a soiled carpet or sofa. Don’t punish your dog for doing what comes naturally and don’t be fooled by products you can add to the dog’s water, and that claim to neutralize the problem. Your dog’s diet isn’t killing your grass. By adding pH-changing supplements to his diet, you may be subjecting him to bladder stones and other health problems. And if you’re trying to stop him from peeing on the grass, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/E4E1By17NfH6BeNsj3Nuv0wJFEIUzZW2JI41dL2mZrCrQAzF_xI0Qr4RHpcQ97Ci5_vx4n959sKKICGYWpVjPAWzziLySwlOAyw1zkHEQZxUvtUDRQ-445uvDo_tjBhhTmzYQksl\")
Give your pooch a special marking post such as a boulder or fake water hydrant to entice him to only pee in one place. A word of caution: Don’t use a strongly scented repellent to keep him away from other areas. This will only encourage him to try to mark those areas more often to overcome the scent.
\n\n\n\nDead turf is easy to replace. Remove it along with some of the soil underneath. Add fresh soil and seed or install a patch of sod. Make sure you’re the one watering it this time, not your dog.
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Dog Pee Spots in your Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4988290398126465,"src":"/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/1789c/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/107df/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/293e9/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/f2cbb/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/1789c/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/356ef/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/1dd6e/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/67b76/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/8df11/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/98a65/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/1dd6e/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/10933dfd746b14c2ab1f83d058b32dca/93f70/dog-peeing-on-tree-trunk-pixaby1694209_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Dog Pee Spots in your Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"955df50b-3a49-5c55-b019-eb27187a6285","slug":"keep-outdoor-faucets-freezing","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/keep-outdoor-faucets-freezing/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"October 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit is the magic temperature that puts your faucets at risk. If you and your pipes and faucets are not ready when the cold weather hits, you could end up paying the plumber a lot of money to fix the water damage. Here’s how to keep your outdoor faucets from freezing in the […]
\n","content":"\nThirty-two degrees Fahrenheit is the magic temperature that puts your faucets at risk. If you and your pipes and faucets are not ready when the cold weather hits, you could end up paying the plumber a lot of money to fix the water damage. Here’s how to keep your outdoor faucets from freezing in the winter.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/O1TWH61XpDdiFBQGLmJDSGl_w5Ks3bz9YRiCiJF8YPnf14mneyiSWMI3PlrEYMBR0fLh-OAAypzKxPacHs0EU-w34mHZfjc3wMqDD7D97FgQD-yFVhIUuRKlTQHlW83saCzSMsQq\")
First, let’s go back to middle school science class to understand what happens to your faucet when water freezes. Not only do freezing temperatures make the metal in your faucet more brittle, but it also changes the water too. Scientists at the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam are the expert on what happens to water in different conditions. They explain that as water begins to cool, like most liquids, it shrinks. But when the temperature drops below freezing, that changes. “When liquid water is cooled, it contracts like one would expect until a temperature of approximately 4 degrees Celsius is reached. After that, it expands slightly until it reaches the freezing point, and then when it freezes, it expands by approximately 9%,” says the IAPWS. It’s like your water pressure on steroids. That 9% expansion is bad news for your outside faucet, and that’s why winterizing is necessary.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Ud3jrOn9iFhnvA1pTOKAeQWyQL3bJlEovDdA1R9wR7-felw7mu_7vxwlT3tXQCDQkzudZMWPrg0sz3UlX-wZ83l_gUINWpONkSQHNxccY_9rxQapuN1IXlOUfh9luqRPwoWpQU69\")
There are two to-do lists here.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in a cold part of the country, such as New England or the Upper Midwest, you’ll want to follow both lists.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in a warmer part of the country, like Texas or Florida, you’ll need to follow only the second list because your exterior faucet will only be at risk for days, or at most, weeks, during the cold months.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re in Miami or Honolulu, you can go back to the pool and stop reading.
\n\n\n\nPeople in warmer areas probably need access to your faucet and water supply sooner than folks who live in the deep freeze. But be careful, many cities and counties have watering restrictions in place year-round).
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3467jMMZnZLxCBy-KWgF5YBnuPJHYNLo3ssQKYN_5rheq2NrV7Z1fQ_2YzVG9VfnusaJRzkLGLP-4voVwdV9f_3vb5wdVF5FkaKjDP06l2nfCMXbzBKOMyde3nKpswRj39UsDwJp\")
If you do it correctly, you save yourself the headache of a cracked faucet or a burst pipe.
\n\n\n\nOnce you have your outdoor faucet covered, think about your pipes as well. Homes in colder climates are pretty well frost-proofed for all but the most extreme cold. Builders often place pipes inside of homes. But if you live in a warmer climate where builders aren’t as concerned about deep freezes, or you can see pipes outside the walls of your home, you’ll want to winterize those pipes and spouts as well. The same cold temperatures that can crack your faucets can damage your pipes. You can pick up pipe sleeves and other accessories a home improvement store at the same time you get the faucet covers.
\n\n\n\nYou should see the individual shutoff valves for each line leading to a faucet. If you don’t have individual shutoff valves, consider installing a hose bib, or sillcock. A frost-free sillcock runs inside the house where it’s warmer and prevents the water from freezing and causing damage.
\n\n\n\nWhatever you do, DON’T use a hairdryer for a quick thaw! If ice is filling the pipes, the freeze damage is already done. A quick thaw will cause the pipes to burst and that’s when you’ll have water damage throughout your house.
\n\n\n\nIt doesn’t matter what part of the country you’re in when it comes to outside faucets. Most homes have at least one faucet on an exterior wall, and the physical properties of water, metal, and frigid temperatures are universal — and a good reason to cover up this winter!
\n","title":"How to Keep Outdoor Faucets From Freezing","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1789c/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg","srcSet":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/107df/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 320w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/293e9/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 500w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/f2cbb/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 800w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1789c/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 960w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/4fb49/frozen-pipe-pixabay.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1dd6e/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/67b76/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 320w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/8df11/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 500w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/98a65/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 800w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/1dd6e/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 960w,\n/static/992b059f35c6c62dc33b3845f408e12d/62477/frozen-pipe-pixabay.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Keep Outdoor Faucets From Freezing | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"00f4152c-89c8-58e5-a4c5-8086d747d6cb","slug":"value-well-kept-landscape","path":"/blog/landscaping/value-well-kept-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"October 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"A beautiful landscape is like the cover of a book. Neighbors and future buyers will know the inside is well-kept when the outside is pristine. A lush, green lawn also hits home with future house hunters, adding several thousand dollars to the value of your property. When it comes to Scottsdale real estate, the old […]
\n","content":"\nA beautiful landscape is like the cover of a book. Neighbors and future buyers will know the inside is well-kept when the outside is pristine. A lush, green lawn also hits home with future house hunters, adding several thousand dollars to the value of your property. When it comes to Scottsdale real estate, the old cliche of Location, location, location can be changed to Landscaping, landscaping, landscaping!
\n\n\n\nThere’s nothing like pulling up in front of your home after a hectic day and taking time to admire your yard. Your neighbors may be green with envy, especially if their yards are overgrown with tall grass, weeds, and out-of-control bushes and shrubs. All of which harbor insects, rodents, and other pests. Studies show a vibrant, green lawn also increases oxygen production. If you’re allergic to certain types of foliage, keeping your yard maintained can reduce the spread of allergens around your home. Prospective buyers, impressed with your landsdaping plan, kwil see the value of your home.
\n\n\n\nA nicely maintained yard with a deck, patio or swimming poolalso helps expand the square usable footage of your living space by allowing you to entertain outdoors. And a well-kept landscape gives your children a safe place to play as it adds to your home’s value.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the types of plants, animals, and trees that are in your area, failing to maintain your landscape can lead to property damage, which is not the curb appeal you want. Proper landscaping prevents water build-up outside and inside your home. Excess leaves and roots can clog your gutters and cause your roof to leak. Trees planted too close to your home can sink their roots in your foundation over time and crack your foundation, inviting water damage and mold. Those repairs can be costly, erode your home’s value, and, until they’re done, cut your resale value by makimg a bad first impression.
\n\n\n\nWhen the grass is greener on your side of the fence, your neighbors will be encouraged to keep up with their landscaping. This benefits the entire neighborhood by increasing property values. Few people want to buy a home next to a trashy yard! Many a neighborhood feud has started with code enforcement complaints and city fines for unkept lawns. Homeowner association covenants and restrictions often pile on, adding their own HOA penalty fees for failing to mow lawns, on top of the fines you’ll face for violating city ordinances.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5CTjjI_t-amIvMuqat0qEsidUHXsCtwS48adpLWCz42pbWxvVGrCDBywGsbnXtKnFwAm0DBbHtUZ1Ma825upNTbwO5zWdfrCz4Neu67dMtE4THKVpEgbcmCSHhAT31LetGqJJa8p\")
Green lawns save you plenty of green as they add to your home’s value. It costs more money to restore a yard that is ravaged by weeds, dry patches, and unruly foliage. The more severe your lawn issues are, the more it will cost to repair them, and the longer the process will take. Homebuyers and potential buyers won’t want to wait for you to deal with your front yard landscape issues. When plants and shrubs are groomed properly and weeds are treated early, you can tend to your yard on a regular basis in a fraction of the time.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining your landscape is an underrated home improvement that can do wonders for your home. If you find it overwhelming, you can hire a professional to take care of it for you. You’ll save money on repairs in the long run.
\n","title":"The Value of a Well-Kept Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1789c/money_shot.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/107df/money_shot.jpg 320w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/293e9/money_shot.jpg 500w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/f2cbb/money_shot.jpg 800w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1789c/money_shot.jpg 960w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/a2a79/money_shot.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1dd6e/money_shot.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/67b76/money_shot.webp 320w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/8df11/money_shot.webp 500w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/98a65/money_shot.webp 800w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1dd6e/money_shot.webp 960w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/7aa54/money_shot.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Value of a Well-Kept Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"b251a67a-7392-5369-892d-d8cd0873b6ce","slug":"how-to-treat-5-common-lawn-diseases","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-treat-5-common-lawn-diseases/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"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 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"At one time or another, we all deal with grass pains. The distress signal from our lawn seems to get louder in heat, humidity, and rain. From crabgrass to brown spots, there’s a variety of lawn diseases that could be killing the grass. Some require a professional to diagnose them while others give off tell-tale […]
\n","content":"\nAt one time or another, we all deal with grass pains. The distress signal from our lawn seems to get louder in heat, humidity, and rain. From crabgrass to brown spots, there’s a variety of lawn diseases that could be killing the grass. Some require a professional to diagnose them while others give off tell-tale signs, making them easy to identify. Once you identify them, treating lawn diseases is easy.
\n\n\n\nSome lawn diseases can point to a more serious issue, such as poor drainage or pests on your property. The best defense against any fungal disease is a good offense with proper lawn care.
\n\n\n\nBy maintaining a healthy lawn, you give disease little chance to invade. Here are the most common lawn diseases to watch out for.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll know you have take-all root rot when you see yellow grass with irregular shaped thinning. This disease also shows darker grass blades due to poor air circulation and improper watering. The root rot usually appears in Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Zoysiagrass lawns. Take-All Root Rot can affect your lawn in every season and will spread to the rest of the yard if not treated immediately. Young-ki Jo, a plant pathology specialist with the Texas A&M extension office says take-all root rot shows up when turfgrass is under stress. “Areas that remain wet are prone to the disease. Improve the drainage, and avoid overwatering. It is better to water infrequently but deeply (6 to 8 inches deep) than to give the grass frequent, shallow watering.” He also suggests raking out the areas of dead grass and adding peat moss. The peat moss will alter the pH level of the soil, and the root rot should dissipate.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fcNBs9w0kiEvpbUOnR7r43z6tw-zF-lvfwWuGn0NbB0cdXKk4yoTO5EYjDlH8h_NLEoyQrWI8ytgzYLSNIs2zRHIzjKvRSdBvjfpXuvmEY-_AZwbx-MCI42S9JGHMprPbTVZgzqJ\")
Brown patch begins with dead rings of grass on the lawn. Also known as large patch, this lawn disease is easy to spot when you notice the donut shapes holes, with new grass growing in the center. St. Augustine lawns are the most prone to this blight which can spread up to 50 square feet from its origin. You can prevent the problem with yearly aeration and by not overwatering. While fertilizing is crucial, overdoing it can be deadly for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSmall brown patches in the lawn are your first sign of dollar spot. This fungus is well known in the recreational turf industry and is becoming a more significant problem for homeowners as well. Dollar Spot can target both cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses, but it tends to enjoy fescues, ryegrass, Bermuda, and zoysia grasses. This grass disease can show up anytime between late spring to late fall after a stretch of wet conditions. Dollar Spot loves high humidity making it a common problem in southern states. Applying a fungicide to the circular patches is your best bet. To prevent it from returning, make sure to adjust your mower to a higher cutting level and water your lawn deeply but less often.
\n\n\n\n![\"Image](\"https://live.staticflickr.com/1694/26266331395_484179cba7_b.jpg\")
This fuzzy gray substance looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Powdery mildew is the collective name fort a group of fungi that can attach to the grass and plants. You’ll first notice a few white or grey round spots that are easy to wipe away. However, the mildew will quickly take over which can cause significant stress to the grass plant.
\n\n\n\nPowdery mildew won’t kill a plant or lawn right away, but it will choke the plant over time. You’ll notice powdery mildew on the lawn during the heat of the summer when conditions are dry. Prune affected plants and create more airflow around the leaves. Spray the areas with water to wash away the mildew and use a fungicide if needed.
\n\n\n\nYou can thank humid weather and wet conditions in the summer for this disease, Perdue University Plant pathologist Richard Latin says. “Pythium blight outbreaks are especially damaging to creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass, rough bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The Pythium fungus can infect Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, but the disease is limited and turf is rarely damaged.” It starts with circles of blackened grass blades and expands into wet areas on the lawn. It spreads quickly in shady areas and in compacted soil. Mowing while the grass is wet only makes the problem worse. To prevent Pythium blight, it’s best to apply a fungicide at the beginning of summer.
\n\n\n\nLawn diseases are not the end of the world, but it is important to understand what you’re dealing with, so you can prevent them from spreading. Understanding what the disease is and the associated treatment will help you understand if there are any hidden costs or if you need to hire a professional to help remedy the issue.
\n","title":"How to Treat 5 Common Lawn Diseases","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1789c/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/107df/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/293e9/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/f2cbb/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1789c/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/356ef/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1dd6e/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/67b76/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/8df11/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/98a65/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/1dd6e/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/6d0c474ba761b713cdd6dd3779972ae6/93f70/Pennisetum_clandestinum_yellowing_fungul_disease-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Treat 5 Common Lawn Diseases | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"d83f622e-8d9b-5590-8f22-0eca0edf7db0","slug":"lawn-aeration-diy-vs-hiring-professional","path":"/blog/lawn-aeration-diy-vs-hiring-professional/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?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/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"October 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"The rules of lawn care are pretty simple: Mow and water regularly, spread enough fertilizer to keep it fed, and aerate as needed. The last part, though is tricky. You have to know when and how to aerate and make sure you poke enough holes in your lawn to let it breathe. Should you do […]
\n","content":"\nThe rules of lawn care are pretty simple: Mow and water regularly, spread enough fertilizer to keep it fed, and aerate as needed.
\n\n\n\nThe last part, though is tricky. You have to know when and how to aerate and make sure you poke enough holes in your lawn to let it breathe. Should you do it yourself, or are you better off hiring a professional? Here are the pros and cons of DIY lawn aeration vs. hiring a professional.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/n7T7g8yk7QfRDitctwYmrgWDu6JdJtS1R0C6zsHPi2CqZ9RNjN6BBQnT5-QVR1pCoIRVR0NIdYzubLglXEQpi4QTZiEsENmgcnxo2QBiuAJQkv6glwSjZgUJszbfVs-5V6LfWSAB\")
Your lawn may need to be aerated for any of several reasons. First among them: compaction, when the soil particles are pressed together into a smaller area. Soil compaction leaves less room for air and water to get to the roots.
\n\n\n\nIt is common in areas that have clay soil, or on new lawns where construction activity tamps down the soil, or any lawn that gets a lot of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nA thick layer of thatch can also be a reason to aerate. Thatch is the natural organic matter between the soil and the green blades of grass. A little thatch is necessary and healthy for your lawn. Too much thatch can lead to pest problems and prevent water and air from getting to the grass roots. If your lawn feels spongy underfoot, you may have too much thatch. Bend low and inspect: If the matted brown layer under your green grass blades is more than a half-inch, you may need to aerate.
\n\n\n\nAeration removes pokes holes in your lawn, allowing precious air and water to get down into the roots. It can also loosen the soil, and encourage the grass roots to grow deeper and spread, making your lawn healthier.
\n\n\n\nAerate during the peak of your lawn’s growing season. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass should be aerated in the spring, and early fall, but warm-season grasses such as St. Augustinegrass need aerating in the late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nStart with soil that’s not too dry. Aerating the day after a rain, or after watering is best.
\n\n\n\nDon’t clean up the plugs of soil; leave them to break down and return the nutrients to the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k-jhjtyFGEXEpnZYMsxHJAP0MvwGNvbruiJLtgNXHdTy7dA6iCG63p4G2fBrzGfnYqwtgt2H81pJTYu34PljU1DA_fPDfSXwcG11H5VYGaT0nT6yrJ2_t3soyyvPGXa_T6spIX--\")
If you do it yourself, you have a choice of aeration techniques. Some are engine-powered machines, some simple tools. All of them share one essential task: poking holes in your lawn.
\n\n\n\nExperts consider core aerators to be superior. Core aeration machines can be purchased or rented for the day or the weekend to get the job done. This will pull out plugs of thatch and soil, allowing oxygen to get down to the roots. Core aeration is also a must in clay soil, where the soil compacts easily. Pulling the plugs out of the ground is the best way to achieve a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nA spike aerator punches holes in your lawn with solid metal tines. You can even find spike aerators that strap onto your shoes. This allows you to march around your lawn, sans machine.
\n\n\n\nThis last point is crucial because it could save you from making an expensive mistake.
\n\n\n\nDr. Kevin Frank with the Michigan State University Extension Department on Crop and Soil Sciences warns, “Also be aware of any other underground lines, e.g., invisible dog fence wire. These lines should be buried deep enough to avoid any trouble, but it never hurts to double-check.”
\n\n\n\nWhether you do it yourself, or you have a lawn service aerate, you will be performing a task vital to your lawn’s health. Every living being on the planet needs oxygen and water to survive, and your grass is no different. Aeration provides the roots of your lawn access to both, leaving your lawn greener, thicker and more beautiful.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Wikimedia, CC 3.0
\n","title":"Lawn Aeration: DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional","featured_media":null,"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Aeration: DIY Vs. Hiring a Professional | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"52d754bf-9873-5b80-8542-ab4a5534e07c","slug":"how-to-stripe-a-lawn-in-6-steps","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-stripe-a-lawn-in-6-steps/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"September 25th, 2019","excerpt":"Whether it’s a sports field or your neighbor’s big-league landscaping that’s giving you lawn envy, a technique called lawn striping will give your yard that manicured look. But it’s not quite as easy as just mowing in a straight line or in different directions. Depending on what kind of grass you have, the time of […]
\n","content":"\nWhether it’s a sports field or your neighbor’s big-league landscaping that’s giving you lawn envy, a technique called lawn striping will give your yard that manicured look. But it’s not quite as easy as just mowing in a straight line or in different directions.
\n\n\n\nDepending on what kind of grass you have, the time of year, or even what type of lawn mower you use, there are some rules to striping.
\n\n\n\nHere’s how to stripe a lawn, whether it’s a basic stripe or a fancier design you want.
\n\n\n\nYou create stripes in your lawn by bending the grass blades in opposite directions as you mow. Light reflects differently on grass bent in one direction than in the other.
\n\n\n\nKeep that basic principle in mind. Everything else you do, from choosing grass variety to mowing equipment, will be done to increase the amount of bend and cause it to hold longer.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/0WDvQVzc-eZdva5viU3viFhQsKHDIU9-bI-I8Zr1T8efFBRVfZOXoORAcY2HCtp8fPu2Vf55jbYzdfuktSf5XIZFklvT_tuFsgXCW_PZJ493u_s35DFks7XhnNvDoPBtQLNN7Dwa\")
You don’t have to go out and buy an expensive new lawn mower, but you do need to know what you’re up against. Major League Baseball field crews don’t use typical household mowers. MLB literally wrote the book on lawn striping, and according to the official manual, rotary push lawnmowers only work on residential lawns. At the pro baseball field, it’s most likely a reel mower. “Reel mowers are more specialized and are used on higher maintenance facilities like golf courses and athletic fields. These mowers require additional training to operate. Reel mowers are used to provide better quality cuts and allows very low cutting heights,” the manual says.
\n\n\n\nWhile you don’t need to run out and buy a reel mower, you will need a lawn roller. A striping kit and sharp mower blades will also put you in the ballpark with the big league lawn stripers. These kits come complete with mounting hardware.
\n\n\n\nNot all grass is created equal when it comes to striping, and your technique must vary with the seasons. The grasses that take to striping the best are cool-season varieties such as fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. They have long, flexible blades that easily bend in the direction of the lawn roller. Warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine have more rigid blades that spring back from the lawn roller. If your lawn consists of the stiffer warm-season kind, it’s more likely to bed and lie flat in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are a little lower. In the peak of the summer heat, those grass blades are less likely to lay how you want them. Keep in mind that cool-season grasses thrive best in spring and early fall. You’re also likely to get the best results from those varieties when the temperatures aren’t soaring into their July and August peaks.
\n\n\n\nMowing height is another major factor in lawn striping. Experts say never mow your lawn too closely, or you risk the health of the grass. Grass that has been scalped also tends to be less green. If you want to stripe your lawn, you have another reason to let it grow a little longer. The longer the blades of grass, the more distinct your stripes will be. That’s because there is more grass blade to lay in one direction and reflect light. Generally, you should keep your lawn between 2.5 to 4 inches long if you want that fancy design.
\n\n\n\nThere’s even more you can do with your grass if you have the inclination. Lawn stripe patterns are limited only by your imagination, the size and shape of your lawn and your lawn mower. Consider waves, circles, even an argyle-like pattern. For inspiration (we’ll call it “lawnspiration”), there are photos and videos online for the aspiring sports turf groundskeeper to check out.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"How to Stripe a Lawn in 6 Steps","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4935822637106184,"src":"/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/1789c/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/107df/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/293e9/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/f2cbb/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/1789c/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/356ef/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/1dd6e/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/67b76/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/8df11/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/98a65/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/1dd6e/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/1f029924fa26ea2a31af0b3612fdfd42/93f70/rsz_lawn-stripes-adamkr-flickr-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Stripe a Lawn in 6 Steps | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}}],"blogPages":[{"id":"ck16oqdtd8fk70a30n2rnn4t8","metaTitle":"WikiLawn | Lawn Care Advice for your Area | Outdoor Services","metaDescription":"Lawn Care Advice for your Area | Outdoor Services"}],"prevPageLink":"/blog/page/66/","nextPageLink":"/blog/page/68/","currentPage":67}}}![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/patio-faylyne-cc20-1024x678.jpg\")
![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jisN2zveCc9bCch5U9zv7OrRNV-w2Ej6UitCpAVO9GS444XuyEQ_mce6aWDy7PxMqCp4cFFhcTVUdLlrnF_oMvUu-1rvZ_82X1unh1FZS4kTSSDi7Cd6wx0xxMXaPokGtXqaFh_t\")