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The pros and cons of artificial grass include conserving water and the costs involved with installing a new lawn. You may decide the benefits outweigh the downsides if you’re tired of mowing and caring for a lawn. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of installing artificial grass and why you should […]
\n","content":"\nThe pros and cons of artificial grass include conserving water and the costs involved with installing a new lawn. You may decide the benefits outweigh the downsides if you’re tired of mowing and caring for a lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of installing artificial grass and why you should or shouldn’t consider it for your yard.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nOur lawns set the expectations for the rest of our property, and serve as a status symbol, so keeping them clean and green is essential. Depending on your location, income, and available time, synthetic grass may be the way to go.
\n\n\n\nWe use billions of gallons of water outdoors every day with about 50% used on the lawn! The Synthetic Turf Council estimates that every square foot of grass replaced with artificial turf saves 55 gallons of water per year. With that in mind, replacing an average-sized lawn of about 1800 square feet with fake grass saves 99,000 gallons of water every year. That cuts your water bill by about $500 a year.
\n\n\n\nTake care of your synthetic lawn, and it will be around for about 15 to 20 years. While you don’t need to water it, you’ll have to hose it down every week or so to get rid of dirt and debris. Sweeping or raking the turf regularly also keeps the blades standing upright for the years to come.
\n\n\n\nLawn mowers aren’t cheap, with the average cost at just over $1000. Consider breakdowns, repair of parts, and the price of gas, and you’re looking at even more. Add an edger, weed wacker, and a fertilizer and seed spreader, and the cost multiplies. Artificial turf is a no mow grass, so these costs disappear.
\n\n\n\nInstalling an artificial lawn removes the risks of yard work. It also eliminates the need for dangerous chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Not only will you save money, you won’t have to remember to do it!
\n\n\n\nEven after a heavy rain, you won’t have to worry about mud puddles, muddy paws or fur, and extra baths for Rover. You won’t have stains or smells if you pick up poop daily and hose off dog pee regularly. Several companies also make artificial grass for dogs with antimicrobial and non-toxic properties.
\n\n\n\nWhen you lay out the artificial turf, you’re saying goodbye to mosquitoes, grubs, moles, voles, and other critters that like to munch on lawns. You also don’t have to worry about the mold that triggers allergies.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest expense with artificial grass is during installation. The average price is $12.33 per square foot, so the total cost depends on the size of your yard. But once that initial installation is done, you can look forward to 15 to 20 years of a low-maintenance, low-cost yard.
\n\n\n\nFake grass isn’t for everyone. Some homeowners just don’t like it. Others may simply prefer other alternatives to a grass lawn. A few other reasons may turn some folks away from synthetic turf.
\n\n\n\nFake grass doesn’t have the ability to transpire water through openings on the blades. So, yes, it gets hotter than a natural grass lawn in the summer. Just how much hotter depends on your climate and what kind of artificial turf you have.
\n\n\n\nHigh-quality synthetic lawns have UV inhibitors that resist the absorption of sunlight and help keep them cooler. Certain infills may lower the lawn temps by up to 25%. If you live in a hot climate, you can help solve the problem by hosing it down for a few minutes and making sure there’s plenty of shade in your yard for kids or pets.
\n\n\n\nWe need living plants, including natural grass, to survive. They are responsible for the air we breathe and the food we eat. Artificial grass also lowers your yard’s biodiversity since it doesn’t attract wildlife or pollinators.
\n\n\n\nStudies have shown fake grass to exhibit increased runoff, which can contribute to water pollution. Synthetic turf doesn’t cool the air or absorb carbon dioxide like natural grass.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is made of plastic. While it does eliminate the need for gas-powered mowers that pollute, it eventually becomes part of the pollution problem. Synthetic turf can be recycled, but the equipment is expensive, and the process is difficult. There are no plants designed specifically to recycle fake grass, so it ends up in landfills and contributes to microplastic pollution.
\n\n\n\nThe debate over the seriousness of sports injuries on artificial turf vs. natural grass continues. Some NFL players insist artificial grass is harder on the body. Many homeowners groups in New Jersey and Connecticut have waged a turf war with their cities over concerns about the chemicals and recycled tires used in artificial grass for parks and playgrounds. The EPA is still researching these claims as it looks at the pros and cons of artificial grass.
\n\n\n\nWe touched on this in the pros of artificial grass, but no matter how well you care for it, artificial grass doesn’t last forever. Quality fake grass may hold up for as long as 20 years. More inferior products may start looking ratty after just five.
\n\n\n\nWarranties on the synthetic grass range from 5 years to life, depending on the manufacturer. There are also several caveats on warranties, so if you aren’t meticulous with your maintenance, you’ll void the guarantee. Regardless of who pays or how long it lasts, you will eventually have to replace your artificial lawn.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve got a lot of property, installing artificial turf may be out of your financial reach. Once again, the average cost of installation is more than $12 per square foot. Since the average lawn size is more than 10,000 square feet, laying artificial turf over that space can set you back as much as $123,000.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to break the bank but still want to replace some real grass, consider installing a putting green in your backyard or using a small patch of synthetic grass in your landscape design.
\n\n\n\n1. Does artificial grass get damaged?
\n\n\n\nYes. Sharp objects may cut both the blades and the backing of the fake grass. Hot items falling from the barbecue can melt the turf. And petroleum-based products or harsh cleaning fluids can damage and discolor your artificial lawn.
\n\n\n\n2. Can artificial grass be repaired?
\n\n\n\nYes. You can remove the damaged area, replace the base, and install a fresh patch of artificial turf and add infill.
\n\n\n\n3. Can I install artificial grass myself?
\n\n\n\nYes, in fact, installing artificial grass yourself will significantly reduce the cost. Expect the project to take three days.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Petar Tonchev | Unsplash
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\n","content":"\nFor many lawn owners in the Northern half of the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is synonymous with the ideal lawn, and for good reason. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a lush, dense, and durable lawn that lives up to its historic reputation. Part of the charm of a healthy Kentucky bluegrass lawn is its rich emerald to blue-green color. Add to that its medium to fine texture and a Kentucky bluegrass lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet and outdoor activities.
\n\n\n\nOften referred to in the grass industry by its initials KBG, Kentucky bluegrass quickly rose to become a premier lawn grass throughout much of the country. While the state of Kentucky may be known as the “Bluegrass State,” Kentucky bluegrass did not actually originate there. Like many common turf grasses in the United States, this widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia (1). Its first use in the U.S. was as a pasture grass in locations such as Kentucky, where it still covers the state’s well known gently rolling hills. KBG is what is known as a perennial, cool-season lawn grass. This means it comes back year after year and grows most vigorously during the cool seasons of fall and spring. KBG has the greatest cold hardiness of all the common cool-season lawn grasses (2). It is used most extensively in northern climates where moderately warm summers and cold winters follow with its natural preferences and growth cycle.
Compared to tall fescue, traditional Kentucky bluegrass varieties have relatively shallow roots, which typically lead to lower tolerances for heat and drought (3). Historically, this has restricted the widespread use of KBG south of the climatically challenging ‘transition zone’, where higher heat and humidity favor warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia and St. Augustine grass.
\n\n\n\nUnlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a true self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Once established, it spreads readily by using underground stems (known as rhizomes) to form a dense and thick turf. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Depending on your grass growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. During extreme heat or extended drought, the grass will go dormant. However, it recovers quickly with irrigation and a return to normal conditions.
\n\n\n\nKBG establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass (1). Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas. Look on the seed tag label of many grass seed mixes, including shade and sun & shade mixes, and you’ll find KBG varieties mixed with other cool-season grasses. Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass’s strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns. Durable KBG is also a regular component of seed mixes for athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass seed is better adapted to high foot-traffic and compacted soil. This makes the grass ideal for yards with children and dogs, park areas and sports fields. For the most part, Bluegrasses have the ability to recover from injury and disturbance due to their spreading rhizomes. This also gives them excellent winter hardiness. When properly watered during its growing seasons, bluegrass will grow back and fill-in after freezing, drought and periods of high-traffic.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass matures into a beautiful, sod-forming turf with a fine texture and blue-green blades that form dense, spreading mats. Regular mowing will help bluegrass become thick, lush and uniform lawns.
\n\n\n\nWhile Kentucky bluegrass is lovely for many reasons, it can not achieve its full beauty on its own. This grass actually requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its absolute, but the results of the extra tender loving grass care can be worth it.
\n\n\n\nWith Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season lawn grasses, the best time to plant seed and do major lawn maintenance is during early fall, as KBG growth progress is at its peak. Because of KBG’s rhizomatous growth, the grass develops thatch easily, which can add to drought stress and potential for disease. Depending on your mowing and care practices, your KBG lawn may need dethatching every year or two.
\n\n\n\nWise water management is essential for Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Deep, thorough irrigation helps encourage deep root growth, while shallow, frequent watering discourages proper growth. During normal weather, a typical KBG lawn needs at least 1 inch of water weekly from irrigation or rainfall. During warmer weather and in the transition zone, 2 inches or more per week may be needed (1). While the relatively shallow roots of traditional KBG varieties historically required more water than tall fescue or most warm-season counterparts in similar situations, modern developments have greatly improved water efficiency.
\n\n\n\nLike other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass should be mowed higher than warm-season grasses. Warm-season Bermudagrass, for example, is routinely kept near 1 inch tall, but KBG should be mowed to 2 to 2 1/2 inches high. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, recommended KBG mowing heights increase to 3 to 4 inches (1).
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass lawns typically require more fertilizer than tall fescue and other grasses. In alkaline soils, blades can lose their rich green color due to pH-induced iron deficiency. The optimal soil pH for KBG lawns is near 5.8 to 7.0. (2) Regular soil testing every three to four years can help you maintain a healthy pH balance and rich KBG color with the help of quality lawn fertilizers, soil amendments and mineral supplements (3).
\n\n\n\nWhile this might seem like a lot of maintenance items to keep up on, as we’ve shown the benefits of KBG can definitely outweigh the time and energy required to keep the grass at its peak.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass seeds will tolerate limited shade but grow best in full sun. Some varieties of bluegrass have been bred to be more tolerant of shading, but dense shade is a limiting factor to the vigor of a bluegrass lawn. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). Due to shallow roots, bluegrasses will quickly go dormant if subjected to extended drought or under-watering.
\n\n\n\nStill unsure of how to best care for your Kentucky Bluegrass lawn? Check out your state’s agricultural extension office for helpful tips and soil testing kits that will help you determine your best lawn care plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the northern or central United States and your lawn needs call for a durable and wear-resistant cool-season lawn that can grow thick and lush, Kentucky Bluegrass may be the perfect solution providing you seasons of turfgrass.
\n\n\n\n\n\nSources:
\n\n\n\n1. Duble, R.L., “Kentucky Bluegrass,” Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
\n\n\n\n2. Patton, A. and Boyd J., “Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns,” University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension.
\n\n\n\n3. Cook, T., “Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Pratensis L.,” Oregon State University Department of Horticulture.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Source
\n","title":"Everything to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4987951807228916,"src":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/9461e/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/107df/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/293e9/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/9461e/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 622w","srcWebp":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/fb518/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/67b76/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/8df11/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/fb518/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 622w","sizes":"(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Everything to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This is the comprehensive Kentucky Bluegrass guide. Read more to find out characteristics, maintenance do's and don'ts, and more!"}}},{"node":{"id":"8719302c-8e2e-57fd-9765-e22670f44b96","slug":"best-grass-seed-for-overseeding","path":"/blog/best-grass-seed-for-overseeding/","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":"How do you choose the best grass seed for overseeding? You need to know what grass type you have and then determine whether you want to add to it or use a seed mix or hybrid mix to improve your lawn. In this article, we’ll cover the best grass seed for overseeding your lawn and […]
\n","content":"\nHow do you choose the best grass seed for overseeding? You need to know what grass type you have and then determine whether you want to add to it or use a seed mix or hybrid mix to improve your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the best grass seed for overseeding your lawn and popular seed mixes and hybrid mixes for a lush, green lawn.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nHere are the six best grass seed varieties for overseeding:
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass grows densely and is resistant to disease. Kentucky bluegrass isn’t as drought-tolerant as other varieties, but bluegrass seed is the most popular because it produces a thick, dark green turf that stands up well to heavy traffic. This grass type is also self-spreading, making it easy to cultivate.
\n\n\n\nFescues are known for their rapid growth, providing quick results. Fescue grass is also drought-resistant and tolerates both sun and shade. Based on the texture you desire, you can choose different varieties of this cool-season grass, such as fine fescue or tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass germinates quickly but requires a lot of water. It does best in the transition zone and works well as an overseed for warm-season grasses. This grass has fine blades and stands up to heavy traffic. Ryegrass seeds are the most popular and typically cost less than other varieties.
\n\n\n\nPro Tip: Don’t confuse perennial ryegrass with annual ryegrass. Annual ryegrass has a lifespan of only one year. It is more prone to diseases and lawn pests than perennial ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is a warm-season grass that’s drought-tolerant and devoted to the sun, so it thrives in the southern parts of the country. While this grass variety will produce a low-maintenance green lawn, it has its drawbacks. Cold temperatures and shade means it’s not the best grass seed for overseeding in the North.
\n\n\n\nA warm-season grass, buffalograss is slower to green than other grass types but requires minimal maintenance. This variety is popular across the Great Plains as well as the Midwest.
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is well-suited to the transition zone and southern U.S. It’s a warm-season variety that tolerates colder temperatures and heavy foot traffic. Zoysiagrass prefers the sun and does well with little water, producing a dense turf.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find all sorts of hybrid grasses and seed mixes at your local home supply store and online retailers. Seed mixtures are designed to extend the life of your lawn, providing greenery in both the warmer and cooler months. Hybrids and other modifications support germination as well as the health and growth of new grass.
\n\n\n\nLook for seeds with a coating to retain moisture. This modification helps seeds germinate quickly and effectively once they’ve made soil contact. This will speed up the process, giving you the results you’re looking for faster.
\n\n\n\nBefore you lug out the spreader, rake, hose, and other tools to overseed your lawn, you need to decide what type of seed is best for your yard.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn is doing well, you should overseed with the same grass type. The new seed will repair damage due to heavy traffic or unusual drought.
\n\n\n\nIf your lawn is struggling due to too much or not enough sun exposure, prolonged water issues, or other environmental factors, you’re better off overseeding with a different grass type. Mixing seeds with different qualities will produce a vibrant and healthy yard throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grasses are best suited to hot temperatures and lots of sun, so they grow best in southern states. These grass types are green and lush when temps are around 75 to 90 degrees. In the fall and winter, when temperatures drop, warm-season grasses lie dormant and turn brown.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses thrive in northern states. These varieties do well with temperature fluctuations, lying dormant in cold weather. Cool-season grasses perk up in the spring, growing best when temps are between 60 and 70 degrees.
\n\n\n\n1. What happens if I use the wrong grass seed?
\n\n\n\nYour lawn may look awkward with different textured grass types, or the seed just won’t sprout. You’ll need to overseed again next year to correct the lawn’s appearance.
\n\n\n\nDifferent grass varieties also grow at different rates. Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues are quick to sprout. Creeping red fescue and chewing fescue are much slower, so a mixture will give you an uneven lawn.
\n\n\n\n2. Should I fertilize the lawn right after I overseed?
\n\n\n\nNo. Hopefully, you’ve already fertilized your lawn in the spring. Fertilizing right before or right after overseeding forces the seeds to compete with the existing grass for nutrients. It may also encourage crabgrass growth which will compete with your grass seeds as well.
\n\n\n\n3. How long do I have to wait to walk on the lawn after I overseed?
\n\n\n\nWait at least two weeks, but longer if possible. You should limit the use of your lawn until the new seed has grown to about the same height as your existing grass, about 3-4 inches. This is when you can mow the grass for the first time and resume regular use. In total, it will take about three to four weeks.
\n\n\n\nOverwhelmed by all the grass seed choices? We can help you find a lawn care professional near you who will overseed, dethatch, aerate and mow your lawn, so you have time to relax and enjoy it.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan | LawnStarter
\n","title":"Best Grass Seed for Overseeding","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1789c/rsz_img_3661.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/107df/rsz_img_3661.jpg 320w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/293e9/rsz_img_3661.jpg 500w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/f2cbb/rsz_img_3661.jpg 800w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1789c/rsz_img_3661.jpg 960w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/c26c2/rsz_img_3661.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1dd6e/rsz_img_3661.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/67b76/rsz_img_3661.webp 320w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/8df11/rsz_img_3661.webp 500w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/98a65/rsz_img_3661.webp 800w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/1dd6e/rsz_img_3661.webp 960w,\n/static/7772dd4278ef9036acf74ed1d399a24a/3cc96/rsz_img_3661.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Grass Seed for Overseeding | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every grass seed is created equal. We’ll help you choose the best grass seed for overseeding your lawn to give you a lush green yard,"}}},{"node":{"id":"6aa75b14-1aa1-5449-a8ee-9083c092565c","slug":"cincinnati-ohio-lawn-care-lawn-mowing-guide","path":"/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati-ohio-lawn-care-lawn-mowing-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"cd94a504-1dfc-52f0-ae16-ea162e4c1f6a","name":"Cincinnati","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/cincinnati/"},{"id":"0f8c37b8-25e8-5e78-8d84-fa2b0ffd84d3","name":"Ohio","count":23,"path":"/category/lawn-care/oh/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2022","excerpt":"Your lawn care in Cincinnati should be more than an afterthought. The grass, trees, and flower beds create the frame for your picture-perfect home. That’s why you need this lawn care and mowing guide for Cincinnati. In this article we’ll look at: The 4 most popular grass types in Cincinnati Lawn mowing tips Lawn maintenance […]
\n","content":"\nYour lawn care in Cincinnati should be more than an afterthought. The grass, trees, and flower beds create the frame for your picture-perfect home. That’s why you need this lawn care and mowing guide for Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll look at:
\n\n\n\nHow you care for your lawn depends on which grass type you have. Choosing the right grass type is the first step.
\n\n\n\n![\"Kentucky](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pasted_image_0.jpg\")
Given our proximity to the Bluegrass State, it should come as no surprise that Kentucky bluegrass is the most common turf used for Cincinnati lawns. Don’t let its name fool you. Bluegrass is actually an eye-catching shade of green, but in the spring, the bluish-purple buds tint the landscape blue.
\n\n\n\nAs a cold-season grass, Kentucky bluegrass holds up well to winters here when we can see as much as 14 inches of snow. It’s also more resistant than other grasses to disease. If you’re planting a new lawn, keep in mind bluegrass takes one to three months to establish itself, so it’s best to plant it in the spring or fall. We recommend mowing this grass to a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fine](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pasted_image_0_1.jpg\")
Another cold-season grass, fine fescue is a favorite for those of you who love walking barefoot on the lawn. This narrow-leaved turf works well by itself or when blended with other types such as Kentucky bluegrass. It does best when planted in shady areas where it will need little maintenance. It doesn’t grow very fast, so it only needs mowing every nine days at a height of about 3.5 inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/grass-growth-plant-lawn-meadow-grass.jpg\")
Got kids and pets? Perennial ryegrass makes lawn care in Cincinnati easy.. your yard. As one of the toughest sods, it can stand up to heavy foot traffic and hot and cold weather. Like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, it continues to grow in poorly drained soil. It’s best to keep this grass shorter, 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bentgrass \"](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_pasted_image_0_2.jpg\")
Bentgrass is the most high-quality and expensive grass type you can plant. It’s used in golf courses and bowling greens and stands up well to foot traffic. But it requires a lot of maintenance during the peak growing season. Bentgrass prefers sunny areas but tolerates cooler temperatures. This grass type should be mowed to about an inch and mowed a couple of times per week during peak growing season.
\n\n\n\nMowing your lawn isn’t as simple as turning on the mower and pushing it over the grass. Mowing at the right time of day and the right amount are essential for a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nCutting your grass too short leaves it vulnerable to pests and lawn diseases. Most turfs need a weekly mow until late fall, when the growth slows down or stops. Consider varying the pattern and direction each time you mow. Otherwise, your grass blades will lean in one direction, making your lawn look unbalanced. After mowing, leave the clippings behind. They will decompose and fertilize your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"Keep](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pasted-image-0-3-1024x576.png\")
Dull mower blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it. As a result, your lawn will turn brown. With sharp mower blades, you only need to pass over your lawn once instead of several times to get the job done. Most hardware stores can sharpen them for you, or you can do it yourself in less than an hour. Just make sure you disconnect the spark plugs first.
\n\n\n\nYou can adjust the cutting height by raising or lowering the mower’s wheel. Look on the side of your lawnmower and find a knob or lever that adjusts the height for your grass type.
\n\n\n\nNo matter how much time to dedicate to lawn care in Cincinnati, your yard will start to look tired and worn out after a summer of use. By raking up all debris and thatch and distributing seed, you can replenish some of those bare patches over the fall and winter. A thinning lawn is an invitation for weeds and pests. You can spread seed over the smaller areas by hand or rent a seed spreader for the entire lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe heavy foot traffic over the summer has likely compacted your soil. Poking tiny holes in the lawn, or aerating, gives the grass a chance to take in more moisture and nutrients. It also raises the lawn’s resistance to diseases and pests. Do this in the fall, just before you add fertilizer. Fertilizing the lawn at the end of September will help it make it through the cold winter. Before deciding which fertilizer to use, find out what your lawn needs. You can get a home soil test kit at your local home improvement store. If you prefer, you can ask the extension office at The Ohio State University, to recommend a lab to test it for you.
\n\n\n\nIn spite of all the rain that blesses Cincinnati, your lawn may need a little more moisture before it goes dormant over the winter. Keep your sprinkler ready until the first frost. A few good soakings will give the roots of the grass the strength it needs to make it through the winter. You also want to make sure the new seeds and fertilizer work their way into the soil. If you want to maximize your outdoor water usage and learn more about local watering restrictions, we recommend visiting the City of Cincinnati’s site.
\n\n\n\n1. What happens if I cut my lawn too short?
\n\n\n\nMowing a lawn too short or scalping it, will weaken your lawn. It robs the grass of nutrients and invites weeds to invade.
\n\n\n\n2. How often should I sharpen my lawn mower blades?
\n\n\n\nTwice per season or after 25 hours of use. You may need to sharpen them more often if you run over sticks and rocks since these obstacles dull the blades.
\n\n\n\n3. When should I plant new grass seed?
\n\n\n\nEarly autumn is the best time to plant a new lawn or to overseed your existing lawn since temperatures have cooled down, and the new seed won’t have to compete with weeds. You want to give the new seeds plenty of time to germinate before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy for proper lawn care? We can help you find a lawn care professional to handle all your lawn and landscaping needs.
\n\n\n\nAre you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to grow a new lawn? Hydroseeding is cheaper than laying sod and more convenient than hand-seeding; as a bonus, it grows faster, too! If you’re ready to get your hands a little dirty, you could hydroseed your own lawn instead of hiring a professional. DIY […]
\n","content":"\nAre you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to grow a new lawn? Hydroseeding is cheaper than laying sod and more convenient than hand-seeding; as a bonus, it grows faster, too! If you’re ready to get your hands a little dirty, you could hydroseed your own lawn instead of hiring a professional. DIY hydroseeding isn’t too complicated. Let’s go over the steps.
\n\n\nAlso called hydraulic mulch seeding, hydroseeding is simply the process of seeding with a slurry mixture of seeds, water, mulch, and fertilizer. It has a slew of benefits, such as faster seed germination and a more uniform look.
\n\n\n\nThe slurry is sprayed with hydroseeding equipment or a pump. You can also buy a do-it-yourself hydroseeding kit that comes with the slurry ingredients and its own sprayer.
\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\n\n\n\n\nYou need the following tools and materials for your hydroseeding project:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gardener](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mulchy-copy-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: artursfoto / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nThe very first step is planning out the specifics of your hydroseed slurry: the types of seeds you want to plant and the mulch that you’ll be using.
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to seed grass types that match your area’s climate: cool-season grasses for the North and warm-season grasses down South. With hydroseeding, you can plant multiple types of grass instead of just one. Some people blend Kentucky bluegrass with tall fescue, for example.
\n\n\n\nThere are many types of mulch that homeowners can use in their hydroseed slurries. Each one has its own pros and cons. Here are some of these mulch types:
\n\n\n\nFinding out the condition of your soil before you plant new seeds is a good move; it will tell you if the soil needs any amendments to ensure the most optimal growing conditions for your new grass. A soil test — either from a lab or from a home testing kit — will tell you your soil’s pH level and what nutrients it has.
\n\n\n\nGrass grows best in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. You can add lime if your soil is too acidic; add sulfur if it’s too alkaline. Any number outside of this pH range can cause your grass to grow poorly or even die.
\n\n\n\nUsing the soil test results, you can also determine what fertilizer to add to your hydroseed slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow it’s time to prepare your lawn for hydroseeding. The first step is clearing your lawn, as hydroseeding is most successful when applied to bare soil. Clear your lawn of existing grass (dead or alive), old plants, weeds, rocks, tools, toys, and other debris.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, you should mark any sprinkler heads around your lawn. This is especially important if you’re lugging around a heavy hydroseeding machine.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a sprinkler system but want to install one, you should do it while you’re prepping your lawn and before spraying the slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"grading](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Grading-lawn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JulNichols / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nGrading the soil is simply the process of adjusting its slope to prevent rainwater and runoff from getting to your house and other structures. When grading soil, it also gets leveled.
\n\n\n\nTo prepare your lawn for hydroseeding, grade your soil 2 ½ to 3 inches below the final grade you want it to be. The final grade is how high you want your lawn to be. Afterward, fill in holes and level your lawn with a rake and/or a yard leveler.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next step is adding your soil additives: topsoil, compost, and sulfur or lime (if needed). The first two components stimulate healthy grass growth mainly because they supply your growing grass with nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAdd enough topsoil and compost so that it adds about 3 inches to your lawn’s grade. Then, churn it into the existing soil.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, it’s time to re-grade and level your lawn to the final grade you want it to have. It’s now ready to be hydroseeded!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo you have a hydroseeder? Chances are that the average homeowner doesn’t have one. In that case, you have three options: renting a hydroseeder, making one yourself, or buying a hydroseeding kit in-store or online. Buying a hydroseeding kit is not a bad option if you need to seed a smaller area.
\n\n\n\nYou can rent a hydroseeding machine for covering large areas from equipment rental companies like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and MacAllister Rentals.
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather make your own hydroseeder, this video tutorial will show you how:
\n\n\n\nOnce you have your hydroseeding equipment, it’s time to mix your slurry. If you have a DIY hydroseeding kit, you only need to read the instructions.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow much of each slurry component you need depends heavily on the size of the area you’ll be spraying. Typically, you’ll need 5 to 7 lbs of seed, 40 to 50 lbs of mulch, and 20 lbs of fertilizer for every 1,000 sq. ft. you’ll be hydroseeding. You’ll need enough water to fill your equipment about ¾ of the way. When in doubt, ask your materials supplier for guidance.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHydroseeding machines can vary in how they’re operated; always read the manual for specific instructions. However, you can expect this general process:
\n\n\n\nNow, it’s time to spray your lawn. It’s best to spray when it’s calm and cool outside, but it’s ok if it’s predicted to rain lightly that day. Wear your protective equipment before spraying, as you might be out in the sun for a while.
\n\n\n\nPlan your path ahead of time to prevent you from having to step on the areas you’ve just sprayed. Keep the nozzle at least 3 inches from the ground and spray slowly and evenly throughout your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou might want to overlap your slurry a little bit while you spray. This ensures there aren’t any gaps that will result in bare patches later on. You can make this easier for yourself if you add lawn-friendly dye to your slurry.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"hydroseeded](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/84f6c9af-3c98-423b-98eb-fb3b0783d485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sue Thompson / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCongratulations, you’ve now hydroseeded your lawn! However, this is only the beginning. You’ll need to maintain your new grass for it to grow into a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few hydroseeded lawn maintenance tips:
\n\n\n\nJust like when you’re planting grass seeds the old-fashioned way, the best time to hydroseed is during your chosen grass type’s growing season.
\n\n\n\nFor Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and other warm-season grasses, you should hydroseed in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass, ryegrasses, and other cool-season grasses should be hydroseeded from late summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nWhile you can hydroseed in the summer, it can be a bit more challenging as you must keep your new lawn moist for the first few weeks, and water tends to evaporate in the hot summer sun before it can soak into the soil and reach the grass’s roots.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to grow new grass in a larger area, then you should hydroseed. If you’re filling in bare patches, then it’s better to overseed the regular way. The hydroseed slurry can injure or kill your existing grass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn average, the cost of professional hydroseeding ranges from 8 to 20 cents per square foot. The rate will depend on many factors, including your lawn’s condition and how big it is.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDIY hydroseeding isn’t too complicated and can make for an interesting project to tackle. You could save money on labor, too. However, it can be more beneficial to hire a professional because they have the knowledge and the equipment to hydroseed your lawn already. Besides, a pro will usually be more successful at hydroseeding than the average homeowner.
Wikilawn can connect you with dependable lawn care pros that can hydroseed, fertilize, and mow your lawn for you. Hire a lawn maintenance pro near you today for a lush lawn without all the work.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: BanksPhotos / Canva Pro / License
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\n","content":"\nHow does your garden grow? With a lot of help from your local plant nurseries. One thing many of these garden centers have in common? Longevity. It’s customary to find greenhouses that have been around 50, 60, even 100 years!
\n\n\n\nWe put together a list of the country’s best. The Wiki-Wonder award judges based their criteria on:
\n\n\n\nTo be considered one of Wikilawn’s best, the nursery must also have a website with helpful articles and a sizable presence on social media.
\n\n\n\nAfter years of not being able to find unique plant selections locally, the Cordrey family decided to open their own garden center to fill the void. Today, East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro, Del., has more than 70 greenhouses and brings in plants from around the country, ensuring they always have high-quality plants in stock. The nursery also holds classes on new skills and techniques in gardening and even has a children’s garden area.
\n\n\n\nWhat does a Major League Baseball star do when he retires? If he’s Mark Clear, he opens a plant nursery! Clear, whose 11-year MLB career included two trips to the All-Star game, discovered his love for plants as a kid while working on an avocado ranch. He owned a nursery in California while pitching in the majors, moving to the Midwest after retiring. Located in Ottawa, Kansas, since 1991, Loma Vista Nursery is still family-owned, sitting on 300 acres, with 150 greenhouses and a tree farm. Talk about throwing the winning pitch!
\n\n\n\nLooking for landscapers who know their horticulture? Look no further than Leaf Landscape Supply, with two locations in Austin, Texas. Owners Brad Seever and Trey Wyatt hold degrees in horticulture and agriculture. Wyatt founded Leaf Landscape under a different name 37 years ago. Seever bought into the company in 2014. Today, it’s a wholesale plant nursery and landscape supplier, offering unique greenery from across the country.
\n\n\n\nAdding a water feature to your garden calms the mind and refreshes the spirit. Hill Country Water Gardens & Nursery wants to help you build the water garden of your dreams. Around for two decades, this garden center in Cedar Park, Texas, has everything you need to build a successful backyard pond or running water feature. You’ll also find fish to put in your pond.
\n\n\n\nVivero Growers started out as a wholesaler for landscape companies in the Austin area. Now, this plant nursery, specializing in Texas native and adapted plants, grasses, and trees, is open to the public. Whether you’re looking to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies or a succulent, Vivero Growers has you covered.
\n\n\n\nGinkgo Gardens is a lush oasis in the heart of lively Capitol Hill, serving the urban gardener. Founded 20 years ago in Washington, D.C., this nursery offers trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with hardscape goods and landscape design. Ginkgo Gardens also cares about historic preservation, buying a pre-Civil War house next to the nursery and restoring it. It’s now used as a staging area for landscape supplies.
\n\n\n\nFounded in 1911, the oldest garden center in Denver is still going strong. City Floral Greenhouse sits in the heart of the Mile High City. For the first 50 years, City Floral grew, cut, and delivered flowers to homes and businesses, including the historic Brown Palace hotel. In the ’70s, it started morphing into a garden center and tree nursery, still striving to beautify Denver.
\n\n\n\nGrowing plants without soil? Root Grow Bloom Hydroponics & Organics is here to show you what hydroponics is all about. The technique has been around for thousands of years but didn’t really come into favor in the U.S. until the military used it on a soilless island in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Root Grow Bloom has been a staple in Orlando’s hydroponic and organic gardening scene for 20 years and will show you how to get started from the ground up.
\n\n\n\nIt’s all in the family for this Richmond, Va., plant nursery that started as a renovated gas station. Back in 1974, Gene and Diane McAuliffe opened Tropical Treehouse and started selling tropical plants and flowers. In the years since then, three sons and several business expansions led to what is today, Cross Creek Nursery. The entire family is involved in the business and also volunteers in the community.
\n\n\n\nSunnyside Gardens comes from meager beginnings as an unassuming, small garden plot. Fast forward 80 years, and it’s one of South Minneapolis’ premier plant nurseries. Sunnyside offers landscape design, custom containers and, of course, everything in the nursery. Owner Mike Hurley feels strongly about giving back and holds gardening classes for local children and schools.
\n\n\n\nGideon A. Strange worked for the post office but wanted to earn extra cash in his spare time. It was the early 1930s, the time of the Great Depression, so he planted flowers and plants in his yard and sold them from there. Since then, the nursery has changed ownership and undergone massive expansion in the Richmond, Va., area but retains the Strange name. It’s one of the largest retail garden centers in the country.
\n\n\n\n“Virginian Grown and Owned.” That’s Colesville Nursery, in Ashland. The same family has run it for nearly 50 years. It’s a place where generations of growers born and raised in Virginia cultivate plants, flowers, and trees. Certified horticulturists answer your questions about native trees, hard-to-find perennials, and gardening in Virginia.
\n\n\n\nIn tune with the environment, Mother Earth Gardens specializes in organic gardening and sustainably grown plants. This Minneapolis garden center is open year-round with a different focus for each season. During spring and summer, it’s organic seeds, veggies, and herbs. Autumn brings locally grown gourds and pumpkins, while winter homes in on herbicide-free Christmas trees.
\n\n\n\nWaldoch Farm in Lino Lakes, Minn., started out selling chickens in 1916. It didn’t take long before owner William Waldoch expanded into produce. Over the years, his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have picked up the hoe and joined the family business. William continued helping on the farm until he was 100 years old. These days, operations include the popular pick-your-own-vegetable garden, covering 30 acres.
\n\n\n\nO’Toole’s Garden Centers describes itself in three words: Local. Colorful. Knowledgeable. Serving Denver for nearly 40 years, O’Toole’s brings color into your home and yard. On a mission to cultivate gorgeous gardens, keep their employees happy and their communities thriving, this nursery wants to keep Colorado green.
\n\n\n\nEverything’s still coming up roses at Tagawa Gardens but, these days, that means a plant nursery that’s morphed into a huge garden center. It started in the ’60s as a long-stem roses greenhouse for florists. The Tagawa family has since expanded into a 110,000-square-foot indoor space and more than an acre outdoors filled with everything you’d hope to find at a garden center. The Denver nursery keeps the rose in its logo as a reminder of how it all started.
\n\n\n\nThree generations have put down roots at Country Fair Garden Center in Denver. For more than 70 years, the Gerace family has been showing you how to cope with the Mile High City’s unique growing conditions and tough environment. They believe in giving back, donating seeds and supplies to teachers each year for class projects.
\n\n\n\nWhen two childhood friends were studying horticulture at Texas A&M University in the ’70s, they started a lawn care company to make money. They brought that company home to Dallas after graduating. After many trials and tribulations, Shades of Green transformed into a family-owned and operated garden center, in business now for 43 years.
\n\n\n\nStrader’s is one of Central Ohio’s largest employers during peak garden season, with more than 300 staffers on hand in both their retail and wholesale divisions. Started some 60 years ago by Jack and Ruth Strader, it’s been a family affair, with their four children working alongside them.
\n\n\n\nOakland Nurseries opened its original space in 1940. Now, after opening its fourth location in New Albany, it sports the motto “32 Acres of Gardening Pleasure.” After the latest expansion, three generations of Gustav Reiner’s family now work in the Columbus area, selling horticulture products, along with designs and living landscapes.
\n\n\n\nLandscaping’s the name of the game at Liberty Landscape Supply in Jacksonville, Fla. In their perfect world, people would spend more time outside working on their yards, creating beautiful landscapes. They hope to accomplish this by making landscaping easy. Liberty has everything from mulch to stone to trees and plants. They also offer expert tips and solutions for bringing your landscaping dreams to life.
\n\n\n\nThe Garden Center in San Antonio sells plants, fertilizers, and gardening success. Family owned-and-operated since 1985, this independent retail nursery hand-picks plants from local growers that will do well in the South Texas climate.
\n\n\n\nProviding you with top quality plants and helping you succeed as a gardener is what they do best at Rainbow Gardens. This San Antonio nursery brings in local experts for seminars where they share what works and what doesn’t when it comes to growing. There’s even a Kids Gardening Club where the little ones see, smell, taste, and feel what gardening is all about.
\n\n\n\nIf you follow the winding brick road (well, pathway) at this nursery, you’ll find a diverse collection of garden art, fountains, and containers. Head indoors at Shades of Green and see a vast array of native plants and shrubs that are adapted to the San Antonio climate. Shades of Green in San Antonio (not to be confused with the nursery of the same name near Dallas), stays away from toxic chemicals and practices the organic method of gardening
\n\n\n\nMore than 30 years ago, Earth Works started as a small lawn-maintenance company. Today, it’s a full-service landscape business and garden center in the Jacksonville area. Earth Works plans on being there for its customers for years to come. The goal of their landscape team is to make your backyard the best room in the house.
\n\n\n\n“It’s not a landscape. It’s a lifestyle. Dig in.” That’s the motto of Garden Supply Company in Cary, N.C. Started 20 years ago as a landscape and design company, the original three-person crew has grown to 40 staff members, 6 acres and a building filled with plants, flowers, and supplies for container gardening. They also carry everything you’ll need for beekeeping.
\n\n\n\nPlant Delights has a physical nursery in Raleigh, N.C., but does much of its business online. At any given time, the website has more than 1,500 plants for sale, and specializes in rare and unusual perennials. The owner, Tony Avent, has made 60 expeditions to countries including China, South Africa, and Argentina, looking for exotic flowers for his customers.
\n\n\n\nMost plant nurseries focus on the outdoors; landscaping with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Foliage Concepts is an interiorscape company featuring high-quality interior plantings. Located in three North Carolina cities, the company has provided design and build services to hospitals, hotels, and office buildings since 1985, also working hard to be “green” by recycling soil, grow pots and moss.
\n\n\n\nWith a name like Jack Frost, you’d think this garden center would be in a snowy, cold city, but this nursery is near the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach. When owner, David Dubinsky, arrived in the city 37 years ago, he had $500 in his pocket. He has since parlayed that meager amount into his full-service landscape and garden center. Jack Frost also offers hardscaping, creating patios, seating walls, and fire pits.
\n\n\n\nFour Seasons Nursery in Virginia Beach, has served both commercial and residential customers for nearly 50 years with a full-service plant nursery, as well as landscaping materials sold in bulk. With four certified horticulturists and several master gardeners on hand, you’ll certainly find plants that are just right for your lifestyle and budget.
\n\n\n\nBerridge Nurseries in Phoenix was founded in 1938 and forced to move to its second location in 1971 when some boys set a series of fires in the city. Berridge Nurseries rebuilt, then moved one more time to its current location on Camelback Road. The nursery remains in the family with the third generation now owners and operators.
\n\n\n\nImagine a business that’s been in the family for 130 years! In 1890, A.J. Rahn Greenhouses was one of 19 family-owned plant companies operating in an area of Cincinnati known as Wooden Shoe Hollow. Rahn is still going strong, offering flower bedding, houseplants, vegetables, and fruit plants. The fifth generation of the A.J. Rahn family now runs the nursery, keeping their proud heritage intact.
\n\n\n\nThis family-owned greenhouse has deep roots in the Cincinnati area. It started in Spring Grove, a village that fed the city with fresh produce. Over the years, the city grew up around that village but Funke’s family farm spirit remains. Their mission includes providing plants and knowledge to home gardeners so they can take control of their own food supply.
\n\n\n\nYou won’t find any golden arches here, but you will find a large white barn with timbers that are 140 years old. Back in the 1800s, Burger Farm and Garden Center was a dairy farm. The family switched to crops around 1950 and continued another 30 years before opening the garden center you see today. Customers give them rave reviews for helping create what they say are the most beautiful yards in Cincinnati.
\n\n\n\nThis Charlotte, N.C., company has more than 20,000 square feet under glass. Its greenhouses are filled to the brim with houseplants and tropical plants. Doing business for more than 40 years, Oakdale Greenhouses boasts that it is “Charlotte’s best source for plants.” In addition to its wide variety of greenery, they add expertise on koi fish and water plants.
\n\n\n\nWhen designing your garden, Southern Styles Nursery and Garden Center offers this advice: Start with trees. It calls them the backbone of a garden setting. Southern Styles has an immense selection of trees, from exotic to common shade, Japanese maple, and evergreen. Once you’re done with that, you can explore the rest of this Charlotte, N.C., nursery to pick out the rest of your landscape items.
\n\n\n\nDespite Grass Pad’s logo, they’re not smokin’ it, they’re growin’ it! What started out on a 700-acre sod farm at the end of a long gravel road in Missouri grew into today’s five locations in the Kansas City area and one in Omaha, Neb. They’re still transforming lawns with green sod, but have added full-line nurseries at each warehouse site.
\n\n\n\nThe man behind Rolling Meadows, Jesse Meadows, worked in landscaping for 15 years before making his garden center dream a reality. With a focus on creativity and quality, Jesse offers both residential and commercial landscaping in the Overland Park, Kansas, area. You’ll also find eco-friendly products and classes on how to go green.
\n\n\n\nBoth serious and casual gardeners will find what they need at Summer Winds Garden Centers, which has locations in Phoenix and the Santa Clara Valley in California. The company is one of the largest independent retail nursery businesses in the nation. Putting water and energy-saving initiatives into practice, Summer Winds is committed to the responsible use of our natural resources.
\n\n\n\nLondon Bridge Greenhouses & Nursery
\n\n\n\nLondon Bridge has been a Virginia Beach gardening tradition since 1976. Look for bulk sales of mulch, gravel, and organic mushroom compost. Their greenhouses are home to a huge selection of flowers. And butterfly lovers, rejoice! They even have a certified monarch butterfly waystation.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are more than 13,000 plant nurseries in the U.S., so there’s a possibility we missed your favorite.
\n","title":"The 40 Top Plant Nurseries in the U.S.","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3544444444444443,"src":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1789c/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/107df/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/293e9/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/f2cbb/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1789c/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/7199d/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.jpg 1219w","srcWebp":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1dd6e/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/67b76/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/8df11/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/98a65/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/1dd6e/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/3a986897439d21f2d3c31ad97ef91c1f/6413b/work-nature-growth-plant-lawn-house-884622-pxhere.com_.webp 1219w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 40 Top Plant Nurseries in the U.S. | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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":"7ad4a3c8-8bbd-5521-bdeb-7e479ce66c55","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-mushrooms-in-your-yard","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-mushrooms-in-your-yard/","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":"July 30th, 2022","excerpt":"Unlike delicious mushrooms in your marinara sauce, the fungi growing on your lawn could make your kids and pets sick. They could also trigger an allergic reaction. So how do you get rid of mushrooms in your yard? You can pull them up, use natural methods, or resort to chemicals. This guide explores ways to […]
\n","content":"\nUnlike delicious mushrooms in your marinara sauce, the fungi growing on your lawn could make your kids and pets sick. They could also trigger an allergic reaction. So how do you get rid of mushrooms in your yard?
\n\n\n\nYou can pull them up, use natural methods, or resort to chemicals. This guide explores ways to eliminate mushrooms and keep them from coming back.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nYou can avoid using harmful chemicals on your lawn with these natural methods.
\n\n\n\nYou can hand pick all the mushrooms and toss them in the trash. It’s important to wear gloves to avoid an allergic reaction, and it’s crucial that you dispose of them immediately. Put them in a plastic bag, as even carrying them across the yard to your garbage can spread the mushroom spores onto other parts of the lawn.
\n\n\n\nVinegar works after you’ve removed the mushrooms by hand. We’re not talking about the vinegar in your pantry, but rather a concentrated horticultural vinegar (a good alternative to glyphosate) that you will have to dilute.
\n\n\n\nMix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle and coat the mushrooms. Wear gloves when you spray this solution onto the area, because vinegar can burn your skin.
\n\n\n\nBaking soda won’t burn your hands, but you must dilute it so it won’t burn your grass. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of water and pour lightly over the mushrooms and in the area where the lawn fungi may be living.
\n\n\n\n![\"Chemical](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_screenshot_12.jpg\")
When natural methods don’t do the trick, you may have to use stronger chemical treatments to keep the mushrooms out of your yard.
\n\n\n\nFungicides stamp out mushrooms at the source. They don’t kill mushrooms but rather eliminate the fungus. Most fungicides such as Lustre or Spectrum work by destroying fungal cell membranes to stop them from producing.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll still have to hand pick the mushrooms before you apply the fungicide to the area, but they will keep the mushrooms from coming back. Therefore, it’s a good idea to remove the mushrooms first. You may have to use the fungicide several times to get the desired results.
\n\n\n\nThe same nitrogen fertilizer you use on your lawn is great for preventing mushrooms. It doesn’t kill the fungus, but it speeds up organic decomposition. Therefore, mushrooms won’t have an opportunity to grow on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nSpray a solution of dish soap and water to disrupt the lifecycle of the fungus that’s growing underneath the mushrooms you removed.
\n\n\n\nRemoving the mushrooms from your yard is only half the battle. The fungus that causes the mushrooms is still present in the soil. Here are seven ways to minimize the fungus and keep new mushrooms from growing.
\n\n\n\n![\"Mushroom's](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_frank-eiffert-_zsw5aeb4ee-unsplash.jpg\")
Like plants, mushrooms are the “flowers” or fruiting bodies that result from the hyphae or fungus in your lawn’s soil. If you don’t remove the mushrooms immediately, they will reproduce by spreading spores around your yard via air or pests.
\n\n\n\nSome common reasons you are starting to see more mushrooms growing in your yard?
\n\n\n\nDon’t automatically assume mushrooms in your yard are a threat. There are very few poisonous mushrooms that can grow on your property, but even the non-toxic mushrooms are unsightly and a magnet for dogs who like to dig.
\n\n\n\nThey can be. The destroying angel and the autumn skullcap are two fatal types of mushrooms that could grow on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe destroying angel mushroom is white with a white stalk and white gills that could turn green or grayish as the mushroom matures. The autumn skullcap has a yellow-brown tint on its cap and brownish gills.
\n\n\n\nNo, unless you’ve purchased mushroom plants from the store and are growing them in your vegetable garden. Unless you’re an expert at identifying wild mushrooms, it’s best to toss the mushrooms you find in your yard.
\n\n\n\nYes. Mushrooms are a sure sign your soil is healthy and has the nutrients for other plants, trees, and flowers. Some plants will actually benefit from the fungus in the soil.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or find it gross to remove the mushrooms from your yard? We can find a lawn care pro near you to remove them and keep the fungus at bay. They can also mow, weed, edge, and dethatch to keep the mushrooms from coming back.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Pixabay | Michal Jarmoluk
\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1789c/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/107df/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 320w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/293e9/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 500w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/f2cbb/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 800w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1789c/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 960w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/c26c2/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1dd6e/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/67b76/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 320w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/8df11/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 500w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/98a65/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 800w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/1dd6e/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 960w,\n/static/e0421b908bd33afd56f2b8a9e75e9c6c/3cc96/rsz_mushrooms-g66ac431a3_1920.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Unsightly and sometimes dangerous, we’ll tell you how to get rid of mushrooms in your yard."}}},{"node":{"id":"bfc212b6-0318-5756-901f-7ff21b4f4b7d","slug":"what-is-no-mow-grass","path":"/blog/what-is-no-mow-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Janae Soules is a freelance writer with a newly discovered love of gardening with her kids. She enjoys spending time in nature hiking, biking, or playing sports.","name":"Janae Soules","id":"0def06f9-a4f4-58d5-891d-d423dde342f4","path":"/author/janae-souleslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aab1931e793481d75c080c7271be7652?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2022","excerpt":"You’re frustrated with fighting the lawn mower and sweating bullets in the hot sun. Maybe it’s time to plant a no-mow grass. Several no-mow grasses and low-maintenance grass types only need mowing once or twice a year. Some no-mow grasses are also drought-resistant, so you won’t have to water them either. We’ll start by touting […]
\n","content":"\nYou’re frustrated with fighting the lawn mower and sweating bullets in the hot sun. Maybe it’s time to plant a no-mow grass.
\n\n\n\nSeveral no-mow grasses and low-maintenance grass types only need mowing once or twice a year. Some no-mow grasses are also drought-resistant, so you won’t have to water them either. We’ll start by touting the benefits of a no-mow lawn, then walk you through the best no-mow grass alternatives for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nTable of contents:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe term “no-mow grass” may actually be a misnomer. A low-maintenance lawn can also include low-mow grass varieties.
\n\n\n\nSometimes a grass blend will green up your yard without forcing you to spend your late spring and summer months pushing around a lawn mower. Some have the added bonus of needing little watering.
\n\n\n\nWhich of these grass types you choose will depend on your climate, soil type, and preferences.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_5840427371_ea66cae955_c.jpg\")
For colder climates or in transition zones, fine fescue is the most popular cool-season grass for a no-mow or low-mow lawn. A blend of fine and hard fescue, this grass type needs little maintenance and makes it easy to control weed growth.
\n\n\n\nFescue blends require little fertilizer or herbicides. The best part? With fine fescue, you’ll only have to mow your lawn once or twice a year. Fescues tend to perform better when you apply a lawn seed mix, allowing one to thrive if the other doesn’t.
\n\n\n\nNative to the Great Plains, from Montana to Mexico, Buffalograss is a low-growing, warm-season grass. It has individual leaf blades reaching 10 to 12 inches in length. However, the leaf blades fall over, giving it a short appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Zoysia](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1024px-zoysia_tenuifolia_aspect.jpg\")
Zoysia tenuifolia only grows about 4 inches tall, making it a great no-mow option in hot and humid Southern states. It’s often called “petting grass” because of its fine blades and deep green color that form soft mounds.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are extremely versatile and grow in any climate, and each is unique in its growth pattern and color. Once you have a landscape design in mind, you’ll be better able to decide which ground cover is best for you. Most ground covers do best when planted in the spring.
\n\n\n\nGround covers are low-maintenance, but preparing the ground and planting them requires some work. You must eliminate all weeds before planting. Once the ground cover is established, add one to two inches of mulch to keep the soil moist and deter weeds.
\n\n\n\nSome popular ground covers are creeping Jenny, sedum, Asiatic Jasmine, creeping thyme, and moss.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash.jpg\")
Schools, stadiums, and government agencies use artificial turf for a pristine look without the maintenance of a grass lawn. Artificial turf is the true definition of no-mow grass. It will never need mowing or fertilizing and can be installed anywhere. It will only need water if you’re cleaning it off or attempting to cool it down.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf can be hot to the touch in the summer months. There has been a growing health concern about it due to granulated crumb rubber used as filler. The crumbs can be inhaled and are sometimes toxic.
\n\n\n\nIf you need an excuse to put away the mower, “No Mow May” provides it. It’s a month-long holiday to allow grass to grow, creating an inviting habitat for bees and other early-season pollinators. A conservationist group in the U.K. came up with the idea, and it’s growing faster than our lawns in the U.S.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest problem with this eco-friendly initiative is convincing cities and HOAs to relax their regulations for a month. Plant a no-mow grass, and the regulations and long grass fees are one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
\n\n\n\n1. Do I have to tear out my existing lawn and replace it to have a no-mow lawn?
\n\n\n\nYes. You’ll want to tear out your existing lawn before replacing it. Doing that will ensure you’re able to eliminate weeds for a fresh start.
\n\n\n\n2. When is the best time of year to replace my lawn with a no-mow variety?
\n\n\n\nSpring is the best time of year to plant most grass types, especially no-mow varieties. You won’t have to water as much, and planting in the spring allows roots to develop and grow deep into the soil before the first fall frost arrives.
\n\n\n\n3. Will a no-mow lawn be as attractive as a high-maintenance lawn?
\n\n\n\nA no-mow lawn is a different kind of attractive. It offers variety: You can have your traditional green look with a fescue blend, buffalo grass, Zoysia tenuifolia, or succulents or flowers with a ground cover.
\n\n\n\n4. Will no-mow grass types grow well in the shade?
\n\n\n\nChewings fescue, creeping red fescue, moss, and creeping thyme all grow well in the shade. Artificial turf will stay cooler in a shady area.
\n\n\n\n5. Are no-mow grasses good for sports fields?
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf is a good option for sports fields. However, some athletes prefer traditional grass because injuries are less severe, and synthetic turf temperatures can be much hotter. The commercial mix of no-mow grass tolerates a good amount of foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nOverseeding your lawn with no-mow grass seeds is an easy job for a DIY-er, but laying new sod may take a lot more time and expertise. We can help you to find a lawn care or landscaping pro near you.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Pxhere
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\n","content":"\nLawnStarter has been called the Uber of lawn care, but is it legit? Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? You’ll find all you need to know in our LawnStarter review of its services, prices, customer reviews, and competitors.
\n\n\n\nInterestingly, LawnStarter’s co-founders don’t want to be likened to Uber, but that moniker has stuck in investment circles.
\n\n\n\n“So many people are trying to make an ‘Uber for X’. There’s only one Uber, and that’s Uber,” LawnStarter co-founder Ryan Farley says. “We’re not an on-demand, real-time company. It makes no sense for lawn care to be that way.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zE1ChS6Og1vxg-VYYe-AZ1xQfxm_SCWMlJridVo3t3SbBRr0-DQ7fGQBOnXXrVIF_-fK13INDU1Eb7DBU4cipmMW9FYqoYrAVjzaIvLsQHn9amuSoHAirxtTuCR9DU0tjJH3713Fmn6txczEN89fuxBUW5_jJeGWs5QC8B8Ie5c362bNQFG9pjBEsnOlVg\")
Whether the company is Uber-like or not, it has become the largest, most popular way for homeowners to care for their lawn, and for good reason.
\n\n\n\nIn this Review:
\n\n\n\nWhy is Wikilawn reviewing LawnStarter? Wikilawn was created to compete with LawnStarter and similar sites, and our aim is to one day be better than all of them.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter connects you with lawn care and other outdoor services pros in your area.
\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2KG41896TuXxdLqF8YIT4jhawWKzzJNYCx2kqiPBDVpFnrTveSXyRTdPPIYcfUQ_ObuqYTDFB9orpDAe9SJQ3qXgvZYBnnnQZHMHPGjSW1-KIaQvbK7o5Isq1D7wSPADQBxddUStmD6kYKW4I0TsJHNU2Ws3QN5HhzXtqPh5nfUsk1a0OmI0yfxDChX8NA\")
How it works: You can get instant quotes for outdoor services by phone, the LawnStarter website, or by the startup’s app, which likely is how that whole “Uber of lawn care” comparison got started.
\n\n\n\nPayment is by credit card or debit card, and if your pro did a great job, you can even tip her or him via the app.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter history: LawnStarter started in Austin, Texas, in 2013, as a lawn care service provider. The company has grown and now operates in nearly every major metro across the U.S. and can connect you with pros for all sorts of outdoor services.
\n\n\n\nThe Uber of lawn care is now the Uber of all outdoor services.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f8VoxgybN4tQceQNQoMpGYckFpKkdxUWLtcfoSiYynu_uDWFceOjRfziA86avkp79KZdJflNCDueAyb2ZGBfbX2CjZ0WHfm2gdro3lL8BGxfgS7z5GRYNKPUkf-OD6sYgTTpuW4J1mwiEecbOyWrPciv1IFbvsEM5rNOnoojSHw5Fm2z_48Shewgf4spRg\")
LawnStarter uses local real estate records to calculate the size of your property and then generates a price quote. It often offers a $19 first-time mowing special for new customers. After that, mowing prices generally start at $29 per week. Price varies by the size of your yard.
\n\n\n\nA good range for an average, quarter-acre yard is $29 to $65. That includes edging and blowing grass clippings off patios and walkways. Generally, LawnStarter’s lawn care pros don’t bag clippings. They may if you request it, but expect to pay slightly more.
\n\n\n\nWorth Noting: If your grass is super long, say between 6 and 12 inches, LawnStarter tacks on an additional charge, which can be quite steep.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter offers 20-plus outdoor services. It’s nearly impossible here to quote an average price for each service because the cost varies somewhat 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\nHowever, you can get free quotes for any kind of work within seconds on the LawnStarter website or on the app.
\n\n\n\nJust want your lawn mowed and kept in tip-top shape? Maybe you’ll decide that LawnStarter, with all of its various services, is a non-starter for you. After all, can one site do everything well?
\n\n\n\nTry us at Wikilawn. You simply choose the lawn care service you want, put in your address, and we put your job out to bid to local yard care professionals.
\n\n\n\nThe price quotes you get back will depend on the size of your yard and other factors, but we cast a really wide net through sites like Lawn Love, HomeAdvisor, and Networx to ensure you get the best price possible.
\n\n\n\nSo how do you use LawnStarter?
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/F_Wb07EsZcD87OnSk4go6mMlAV12fhHbrTCo_7hZK9SvfA8oRYI7TWPnv-b22O4pCksryWYZsTMmevIOsekIvXhyk4TM-DuFe0W_GuD8U8_kguJP4_3OY2aEJACul-qQZQjK2sflSXUzmSevEjq3lDMBax2rZozFQEWtZU2AqHsXdzfkYj5kWxKIP7-gRA\")
Visit LawnStarter or log onto the mobile app. Enter your address, name, and phone number into the search bar, and click the “Request Quote” button.
\n\n\n\nNote: LawnStarter’s app offers a more stripped-down menu of services. If you want to book lawn care services, the app works great. If you want other outdoor services, the LawnStarter website is your better option.
\n\n\n\nChoose one or more services from the menu. For lawn care, choose your frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly).
Click “Get Free Quotes” (after you ensure your contact information is correct, of course).
\n\n\n\nWhat’s next?
\n\n\n\nFor lawn care services: LawnStarter will match you with a lawn care provider near you and your first service will be scheduled.
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter offers more services than competitors Lawn Love and GreenPal, but here’s a closer look at how LawnStarter, Lawn Love, GreenPal, and Wikilawn compare.
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ydc33opV1-rL95WHorZodYWXsTeFolKwfQalWcPCkWQx14IDTA0P1ssgldltjXteXKtu2rPtS4tPbsP7TpkkER-JXLek74kQv2Rkh5lOGW0ZeO6XOJ3it1i1XeNxlUK9x96rlQppEj5_DfrrZ5yhrU8-7xzoVvxHMuWr1TPc_ACDoJu8Y_TIDkywyy7Okg\")
| Metro areas covered | 120+ |
| Services offered | 20+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | 4.8 out of 5 |
| How it works | A LawnStarter pro near you mows your lawn at the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) you choose. |
| 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://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NdWBnc_CMKGsu53lEo6S3m8yjOmvI1qXfg1Gn9zQz-c12dlZ20o8SEhPgbhugL5XM8iLLNVTSXWtPRzmZMuSPdvIMGgEyYZNV7eabwPN0Q7RfY_hk3CVtXZpY8TES-Z7F8nmDFUDyK1EgrtxdG-auo9lhx9BF-wlJMtQ4E_qa8jsNiPn4AETl0PJHm1eAg\")
| Metro areas covered | 120+ |
| Services offered | 10+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| How it works | A Lawn Love pro near you mows your lawn at the frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly) you choose. |
| 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/96aKsbY4azkOr7uppJEgLUvkVRI2hEJ-I8tb-X_d_Z8yqght8QC-DHOvipqesRRZXh6p4Tn1rHJ22MPjAUvSAe4nFw82tDfyONMhKrPzuCdn5CLPWP91VN58np0Y4jBaJJMyW9KIzNpZPkxeg8S_nnfS6tuRyo5v7iZ7YHQXZ8dTIh-Al5wMNog3govGew\")
| Metro areas covered | 100+ |
| Services offered | Lawn care, lawn maintenance, yard cleanups, snow removal |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| How it works | Your lawn mowing is put out for bid to lawn care pros near you |
| 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\")
| Metro areas covered | Available in most U.S. metro |
| Services offered | Lawn care, gardening, and landscaping |
| Customer reviews (average as of the publishing date) | No ratings available online |
| How it works | You’ll get a quote in minutes from up to 4 professionals who can tackle your lawn care or other outdoor job. |
| Ways to book service | Website |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and the service providers’ quotes. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Dallas |
No product or service is perfect. Here are what LawnStarter excels and where it needs improvement.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nLawnStarter does get high marks from customers (as of this writing).
\n\n\n\nHere are a few of the customer reviews, both positive and negative:
\n\n\n\nWell Done and Thorough: “Good professional work on my large lawn (I am recovering from surgery and cannot push my own lawn machinery around for a number of weeks). Well done, thorough, completes the job. I feel I’ve contracted with a fine lawn service to fill in for me while I’m still unable to do it. … Much appreciated!” – Steve B.
\n\n\n\nSaved Me a Ton of Grief: “They have not failed to come out and do a good job for over 2 years. … (LawnStarter) has saved me a ton of grief for arranging services myself.” – Karl K.
\n\n\n\nFirst Time Wasn’t the Charm: “Our initial (LawnStarter) appointment was missed by the assigned person. After contacting the app, we were assigned a new company and are very happy with them. So far, any issues I have had have been promptly and without any hassle on my part.” – R. McCann
\n\n\n\nBroken Sprinkler Head: “I had my sprinkler head broken several times during my service. Both times I was given the option to have them replace the item or for me to be reimbursed. Both times I selected to have them replaced and both times was told they could not replace it, only offer me a small credit to replace the item.” – Justin
\n\n\n\nWe at Wikilawn make it easy to hire a lawn care pro to keep your grass green and healthy. It often will cost you less than LawnStarter and the other guys, too, because we cast the biggest net of lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nSo before you go somewhere else, you’re already here.
\n\n\n\nLet Wikilawn find a lawn care pro near you to cut your grass and boost your home’s curb appeal.
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zYKvKOakIX9l8YnT-rPYa_hqJVssZWRFL9E45BMkrNsYuL8AYV5LgnRAEQYxv0fBZoAllKjSH5NkrS_mDVp5HmPmLfNfSv_Mrfez2OO2rEJlrw8CV05cL-gfLZPLsooafCqv9IBhmtq7DX1kfy7fS4WClSMjVbcgelnybnn1TpCWo5-STXbEo4ePqqP5Gw\")
But, circling back to the beginning of this review … Is the Uber of lawn care legit? We think so.
\n\n\n\nYou trust Uber to get you to the airport or to deliver dinner. Uber is ubiquitous. If you want a fancy app to book your lawn care service, sure, go with the so-called Uber of outdoor services – sorry, Mr. Farley.
\n\n\n\nOr you could just book your lawn care through Wikilawn. (Wink-wink, nudge-nudge.)
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"LawnStarter Review: Reviews, Services, Prices, and Alternatives","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7796143250688705,"src":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/bc41c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/107df/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/293e9/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/bc41c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.jpg 646w","srcWebp":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/7328c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/67b76/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp 320w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/8df11/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp 500w,\n/static/c6947c73542ff36eebc59af310eca73e/7328c/LawnStarter-Review-for-Wikilawn-646x363-1.webp 646w","sizes":"(max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"LawnStarter Review: Reviews, Services, Prices, and Alternatives | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Does LawnStarter live up to its reputation as the “Uber of lawn care?” Our LawnStarter review looks at its services, prices, customer reviews, and more."}}},{"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":"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":"3dfa6e5c-df1e-5ed7-8606-0a7e6a31e947","slug":"hardscaping-guide","path":"/blog/landscaping/hardscaping-guide/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?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":"June 6th, 2019","excerpt":"What is Known as ‘Hardscaping’ in Landscape Design? Landscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is […]
\n","content":"\nLandscape Architects and others in the field of landscape design often use the terms “softscape” and “hardscape” to distinguish between plants (soft) and rock or soil work and all the other “hard” elements of landscaping. A simple definition of “hardscape” is anything in the landscape that is not plantings, soils, or earth works.
\n\n\n\nAt first thought, it might seem counterintuitive to think of ‘hard’scaping as a wanted element in an environment designers often take great pains to keep natural and soft. So, why would this seemingly contradictory intrusion into the world of soft and floral be a critical part of any landscape design?
\n\n\n\nHardscaping provides many added benefits beyond what plant and soil materials can accomplish on their own. Here are just a few of those reasons:
\n\n\n\nHardscaping can be thought of as the bones, or framework, of a garden. It could be sleek flagstone patios, pebble mosaics, brick or rustic gravel walkways; perhaps a uniquely shaped boulder placed as a focal point in the garden or near a building to highlight architectural features. Natural stone, retaining walls, benches, seats, and sculptural landscape features, create the immovable structure through which designers (or handy diy homeowners) can easily weave in combinations of trees, plants, and shrubs into the garden tapestry.\t
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vI5P4UK5F84BcIDNhjLqQ6YAtkz4edCDUKLCUqtxAx9HusAf638NFDYCWcejX9XyhgWiEm8_fgDbGREno7GdUyu_5C3xtuk5oRkfclVXuBmyxx4fh-SJBUiBUTGwC0SPSkpNSC2iKFvhFzSQpg\")
Just as any good landscape designer should draw plant choices from the natural surrounding landscape, hardscape selection should also relate to the native environment as well as the style of house. For example, a colonial or Georgian house would benefit from the addition of brick or cut stone to add formality. A farmhouse in the countryside would combine well with fieldstone walls and paths of flagstone or flat river stones set in gravel. A Craftsman-style house in the city might call for a pattern of square and rectangular stones, and walls of cut or ashlar stone, or brick.
\n\n\n\nArcheticulally speaking, a good hardscape plan can help you divide the landscape into a collection of “rooms” or sequence of gardens. This is a timeless method of design as it provides separate spaces for different activities and a sense of surprise and thrill of discovery in moving from ‘room to room’. Stone walls and hedges act as room dividers, and steps and paths act as transitions between these rooms, as well as the necessary means of moving between them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PjLwfGpF64k02uPCOeQV1swJX_fW93HGpyXz5gVRb3MrDevpvdLtAfkdak97rmwql0_onwcMl8cRMUvhIEnEGtcdlXZ1Tl8agxeqN1FCzziGcZSTA_j5_waIvQWSGm8a99tRAJh9pvElObm4jA\")
How a patio or terrace will be used in part should dictate your choice of paving material. Flat stones with mortared joints or sand-set brick are preferable for areas to close into the house, entries, and higher traffic areas. Irregular, dry-laid stones, crushed rock or packed decomposed granite are great for garden paths and casual areas. Dining areas or a seating terrace can be on stone, gravel or crushed rock, or wooden decking, depending in part on the furniture chosen for that use.
\n\n\n\nBesides needing to harmonious with the colors found in the landscape plantings and architectural features, the color of your hardscape elements can play an important role. Light colored stone may help to brighten a shady corner but could also create glare in a sunnier spot. Dark stone materials might absorb too much heat for nearby planting materials.
\n\n\n\nThe level of permeability a material has may matter more in some locations than others. A lava rock boulder, with its open honeycomb-like surface, would collect every fallen leaf and flower blossom if it were placed below a flowering ornamental tree. This might not be a bad thing, depending on what aesthetic you are going for or what level of garden maintenance you are willing to put into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nMuch like the porosity of stone materials, the finish can greatly affect the look, feel, and functionality of an outdoor area. Rough cut or chopped limestone blocks offer a rustic, natural feel while the same stone with a saw cut finished edge can transform a wall face or column top to a modern, sleek reveal. Additionally, when dealing with patio or walkway hardscape choices, consider how slick the stone finish will become during periods of precipitation or with a layer of snow or ice.
\n\n\n\nPaths need to be stable, easy to walk on, and preferably look like they belong. Again, a sense of fitting in with the natural landscape is important. Gravel, crushed rock and decomposed granite paths should ideally be edged, either with metal edging, wood timbers, or smaller brick or stone pieces. Dry-set paths of flagstone should use thicker stones 2” – 6”. Stone steps need to be set in concrete for stability, unless they are fairly massive (5-6” thick).
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The use of large, natural stones or boulders as pure design elements in the garden can help lift an ordinary planting plant to a new level of visual interest. Enormous granite boulders flecked with sparkly quartz, limestone or sandstone outcroppings that mimic those found in nature, large half-buried mossy fieldstones, or even a special grouping of uniquely shaped beach stones you found on your last vacation can help add a truly one of a kind feel to your landscape and make them “pop” with unusual interest.
\n\n\n\nSo, if you’re designing a new garden, or looking to rehabilitate a portion of one already in existence, think of the hardscape components just as carefully as you consider what trees, shrubs, and plants you want to put where. In the end, you’ll have a more integrated, harmonious design, less maintenance, and a more interesting garden!
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While the reasons to add stone and hardscape elements to your landscape design might be numerous and easy to define, setting a price to this addition is not as clear. The cost of stone varies considerably depending on its weight, smoothness or texture, style, and thickness. Another variable is the process of installation, or how much labor will be required to complete the installation and how easily accessible is the final location of the stone or brick. Also, using stone sourced near a quarry will be more economical (not to mention contextually relevant to your natural surroundings). This means if you live in an area naturally rich in stone, like Texas, then getting limestone will be easier on the budget compared to shipping in a Canadian granite.
\n\n\n\nAll of those variables aside, the average cost to install a flagstone patio will range somewhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. Natural boulders are usually sold by the pound or ton depending on how big they are. Be sure to account for heavy equipment needed to deliver and set these elements. River rock or other small stone aggregate is sold by the cubic yard (1).
\n\n\n\nIf this all seems overwhelming, do not be discouraged. In the world of landscape design, pricing and product availability is often changing. The best solution is to work with a local landscape architect that knows the most sound solutions for your specific climate, native plantings, and natural resources.
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Stone connects the garden to the land, since stone is literally of the earth. It is a natural material that complements plants, lasts forever, and is intrinsically beautiful. Flagstone terraces, high walls combining large, vertical granite stones with small fieldstones, low traditional dry-laid walls, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, fountains and waterfalls, rock paths and walkways—all woven together create a wonderful weft for the warp of landscape of plants, and work to further enhance natural elements such as wooden pergolas, woven branch fences and antique ornaments or placed artistic objects.
\n\n\n\n1. http://paverscostguide.com
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Redi-Rock International
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