![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifolium-repens-g5288fbabc_1280.jpg\")
Think clover is just another pesky weed? People are rediscovering clover as a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly addition to their lawns. Check out the pros and cons of a clover lawn to see if it’s a good fit for you. Pros of a Clover Lawn A lawn of only clover, or a grass and clover mix, has […]
\n","content":"\nThink clover is just another pesky weed? People are rediscovering clover as a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly addition to their lawns. Check out the pros and cons of a clover lawn to see if it’s a good fit for you.
\n\n\n\nA lawn of only clover, or a grass and clover mix, has at least nine advantages over one with only turfgrass:
\n\n\n\nAlthough clover is a fantastic option for many homeowners in the U.S., it might not be the ideal choice for you. There are at least five drawbacks to clover lawns:
\n\n\n\nClover is a legume from the pea family that originated in Europe and arrived in North America in the late 1600s. Early settlers commonly used clover in their lawns until the 1950s, when turfgrass became the popular choice.
\n\n\n\nThe term “clover” refers to a group of around 300 plants in the genus Trifolium. You’ll see three varieties of clover commonly used as lawns in the United States:
\n\n\n\nPhoto credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_clover-gd937f9480_1280.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Strawberry](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_trifoliumfragiferum2-1.jpg\")
Photo credit: Christian Fischer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome homeowners consider clover an unsightly weed, but before World War II, clover was a desired component of the seed mixes used on the finest lawns.
\n\n\n\nSo what happened to clover lawns? Chemical corporations promoted broadleaf herbicides as essential in the 1950s. Weed killers like 2,4-D, which also destroys chickweed and dandelions, wiped out the clover.
\n\n\n\nChemical makers identified clover as a weed, and buyers preferred the neat appearance of turfgrass over clover. So seed producers stopped marketing clover in their blends.
\n\n\n\nConsider clover if you’re looking for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to a turfgrass lawn. Review the pros and cons of clover above (or summarized below) to decide if it’s right for you.
\n\n\n\nKeep it: Clover helps your lawn grow healthier and more pest-resistant while using less fertilizer. It breaks up compacted soil and requires less frequent mowing. It is durable against pet urine and attracts pollinators like honeybees and other insects. (This last one is a downside if you’re allergic).
\n\n\n\nGet rid of it: Although clover can withstand periods of drought, prolonged dry spells will prevent it from spreading enough to cover a lawn. It is intrusive by nature, and in some shaded areas, it will grow, but the clover flowers will not bloom.
\n\n\n\nYes. Mow the lawn closely and remove any thatch before introducing clover as a grass alternative. This will ensure the seeds fall to the soil’s surface.
\n\n\n\nFour weeks is the average time it takes for clover seeds to mature after pollination. After you’ve seeded the clover in your yard, water it every day until it sprouts, and then every 2-3 weeks.
\n\n\n\nEarly spring or late summer into early fall are the best times to plant clover. It also works well for frost seeding just before the first heavy snow.
\n\n\n\nYes. Mow the clover low to prevent it from flowering. It’s the flowers that attract the bees and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWhether you opt for a clover lawn or you want to get rid of the clover in your yard, we can help you find a lawn care professional to reseed and weed your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0
\n","title":"Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1789c/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/107df/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 320w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/293e9/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 500w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/f2cbb/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 800w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1789c/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 960w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/c26c2/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1dd6e/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/67b76/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 320w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/8df11/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 500w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/98a65/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 800w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/1dd6e/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 960w,\n/static/f9fada756d3f7f0452c1162ff6d3c587/3cc96/rsz_a_large_patch_of_clover_in_a_lawn_along_virginia.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pros and Cons of Clover Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"People are rediscovering clover as a beneficial addition to their lawns. Check out the pros and cons of clover lawns to see if it's a good fit for you."}},"relatedPosts":[{"node":{"id":"c36cf902-2049-5bdf-8c75-e7da6e71504b","slug":"how-to-install-artificial-grass","path":"/blog/how-to-install-artificial-grass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 2nd, 2022","excerpt":"Too much shade is one reason some homeowners turn to artificial turf to achieve a distinctive green lawn. You can save a lot of money if you know how to install artificial grass yourself. In this article, we’ll make it easy to DIY your new lawn by giving you the steps to install artificial grass, […]
\n","content":"\nToo much shade is one reason some homeowners turn to artificial turf to achieve a distinctive green lawn. You can save a lot of money if you know how to install artificial grass yourself.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll make it easy to DIY your new lawn by giving you the steps to install artificial grass, from base preparation, to installing to the finishing touches. We’ll also cover the numerous benefits.
\n\n\n\n5 Steps to install artificial grass:
\n\n\n\n1. How to prepare the area for artificial grass
2. Measure and lay out the artificial turf
3. Artificial grass installation
4. Secure edges and finish
5. Infill
6. Benefits of artificial grass
7. FAQ
Once you’ve decided to make artificial grass part of your landscape, decide exactly where it’s going. This type of synthetic turf requires a level and smooth surface. If your traditional lawn slopes, you can still install artificial grass, but the slope must be smooth. Find the right spot and begin the 5-step process of prepping the ground.
\n\n\n\n![\"Dig](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_8428609771_a5147870f4_c.jpg\")
You can’t throw a blanket of artificial turf over your lawn and call it a day. You must remove the natural lawn by digging about 4 inches into the soil. Renting a sod cutter will make this less of a hassle than using a shovel. If the ground is wet, wait for it to dry before you start.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t create an appropriate, level base before you lay artificial grass, holes may form, causing the grass to become uneven and pull away from the edges.
\n\n\n\n![\"Install](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_the-wonder-edge-2247.jpg\")
There’s one school of thought that synthetic grass doesn’t need a border, but if you want a natural lawn look that lasts, it’s best to install one. The vast majority of professional artificial grass installers will tell you it’s a necessity and has numerous benefits.
\n\n\n\n![\"lawn](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/rsz_1grass-lawn-backyard-garden-channel-yard-979370-pxherecom.jpg\")
Properly installed artificial grass drains quite well, even better than real grass. The base actually acts as a drainage system. When that’s not enough, excess water may lead to lumpy grass, moss and algae, bacteria buildup, and expensive repairs or replacement.
\n\n\n\nTurf for sports fields, play areas, and heavy foot traffic comes with tiny drainage holes in the backing. This lets water pass through the grass, into the absorbent materials (aggregate) underneath. However, living in a wet climate may create the need for a bit more help, as does having soil that doesn’t drain well, like clay.
\n\n\n\nInstalling a drain or drainage grates at the lowest edge of the artificial grass is one way to give runoff somewhere to go. You can also dig a channel or French drain or install piped land drain.
\n\n\n\nThe last thing you want are weeds poking through. Put down a weed barrier. Sometimes called landscape fabric, it’s material with a mesh-like texture that’s thick enough to stop weeds from growing but porous enough to allow for runoff.
\n\n\n\nRoll the barrier out over the entire area and let the edges overlap. Keep it in place by putting in landscaping staples every 4 feet or so.
\n\n\n\nThis can be sand, gravel, or crushed stone and is a must under your synthetic grass. Choosing the wrong aggregate may cause wrinkling or buckling in your artificial lawn and prevent proper runoff.
\n\n\n\nThe best ground cover is called crushed miscellaneous base, or CMB, made of recycled concrete or asphalt with a sand-gravel mix of different sized pieces. Decomposed granite also makes an excellent base for installing artificial grass and handles runoff slightly better than CMB.
\n\n\n\nSpread the aggregate over the weed barrier, covering the entire surface, 3-4 inches deep. Dampen the area with water and start compacting the rock. Then use a vibratory plate compactor (you can rent one from a home improvement store) until the surface is smooth.
\n\n\n\nNow you’re ready to install the artificial grass. Let’s talk a bit about the type of grass you’ve chosen.
\n\n\n\nAn artificial lawn should look like natural turf; realistic with a soft texture that feels good. Dense blades of synthetic grass create a lush, natural lawn look that holds up under heavy foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nYour new synthetic turf is down and it’s time to make sure it stays put. Use 5 inch lawn spikes or non-galvanized turf nails. These are not coated with zinc, as a little rust actually helps the nail expand, and hold down the carpet. Hammer the nail firmly but not too hard to avoid creating dips in the turf.
\n\n\n\nFor the most natural look:
\n\n\n\nPlace the nails every 6-8 inches around the perimeter of the artificial lawn. Then, hammer a nail in the inside area of fake grass every 2 feet or so.
\n\n\n\nThe final step in laying artificial grass is adding infill. This is any type of material that goes between the blades of fake grass. Some sports teams, including several in the NFL, play on synthetic turf where ground up rubber is typically used as infill, but silica sand is considered the gold standard for homeowners.
\n\n\n\nSo how much infill do you need for your artificial lawn? The recommendation is 2 lbs. per square foot. That’s usually enough for a residential yard with average use.
\n\n\n\nFor best results follow these steps:
\n\n\n\nBe sure to use enough infill but not too much. You don’t want to see it sitting on top of your artificial lawn. Use a broom to remove any excess or spray with a garden hose. The goal is to make the infill as invisible as possible, even up close. Wait at least one night before using your new green lawn.
\n\n\n\nYour artificial lawn is practically maintenance-free. You don’t have to worry about mowing, fertilizer, weed killers, lawn diseases, common insects, or lawn munching rodents. It’s why is one of the best grass alternatives to consider. You can get rid of the sprinklers and say goodbye to high water bills.
\n\n\n\nYour new turf area is also pet-friendly. Many animal shelters use SYNLawn for their dog run areas because the turf is easy to hose off after the animals do their business.
\n\n\n\nLike the idea of a labor-free lawn, but don’t want to face the labor-intensive task of artificial grass installation? We can help you find a landscaping professional near you.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll soon have more time for you and your family to enjoy the new landscape design with some yard games (skip those that use sharp objects!). Then, say goodbye to the lawnmower and hello to the look of a traditional lawn without the upkeep.
\n\n\n\n1. What kind of maintenance does artificial grass require?
\n\n\n\nYou’ll need to use a blower regularly. A leaf blower does the trick to keep leaves, sticks and branches, and other debris off your artificial turf. And hose it down 2-3 times a month to get rid of smaller dust and dirt.
\n\n\n\nUse a stiff bristle broom and brush your synthetic lawn once a month. This keeps the blades standing upright and improves the appearance.
\n\n\n\n2. How much does an artificial lawn cost?
\n\n\n\nThe cost varies depending on the brand you choose to install and whether you DIY or hire professional installers. The average price is $12.33 a square foot with a 500-square-foot lawn costing between $3,000 and $7,300.
\n\n\n\n3. How long will my artificial lawn last?
\n\n\n\nThe lifespan of an artificial lawn is anywhere between 10 to 20 years, depending on how well you take care of it and the brand you choose. Some borders, especially timber, will have to be replaced every 10 years or sooner.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy to install an artificial lawn? We can find a landscaping pro near you to install it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Wendy Aros-Routman | Unsplash
\n","title":"How to Install Artificial Grass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/1789c/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/107df/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/293e9/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/f2cbb/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/1789c/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/c26c2/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/1dd6e/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/67b76/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.webp 320w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/8df11/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.webp 500w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/98a65/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.webp 800w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/1dd6e/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.webp 960w,\n/static/0d5e99bf5b65f8f2fc32257cea970207/3cc96/rsz_wendy-aros-routman-omq9a7ayw98-unsplash-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Install Artificial Grass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn how to install artificial grass in about the time it takes you to mow, weed, and fertilize your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"d68823e9-2d73-5ba2-87c2-e498ffc77e24","slug":"lawn-love-review","path":"/blog/lawn-love-review/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn't gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.","name":"Kimberly Magerl","id":"bdf803c6-4d01-5c0e-88b1-1ea590340a8a","path":"/author/kimberly-magerl/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/45ebe89479badde7ee7cb5108a96462c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"January 20th, 2023","excerpt":"Lawn Love. Most customers absolutely love it. Our Lawn Love review looks at the lawn care company’s services, prices, customer reviews, competitors, and more to help you make a decision. But first, why is Wikilawn reviewing Lawn Love? We’re sizing up one of the big dogs in the lawn care services space to help you […]
\n","content":"\nLawn Love. Most customers absolutely love it. Our Lawn Love review looks at the lawn care company’s services, prices, customer reviews, competitors, and more to help you make a decision.
\n\n\n\nBut first, why is Wikilawn reviewing Lawn Love? We’re sizing up one of the big dogs in the lawn care services space to help you choose your lawn care provider. This review is also a chance for us internally to see how Lawn Love stacks up against Wikilawn.
\n\n\n\nOur conclusion: Lawn Love is overall a great convenient option if you want mowing and basic services. If you need something like a large landscaping job, it’s probably not for you.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nLawn Love is one of the major players in the lawn care service space, along with LawnStarter, Wikilawn, and GreenPal. Lawn Love makes it easy to book lawn care services in minutes via its website or by phone.
\n\n\n\nIn a 2019 interview, Lawn Love founder Jeremy Yamaguchi said he believed San Diego-based Lawn Love could do for yard care what Uber did for ride-sharing – make it fast, accessible and easy.
\n\n\n\n“Traditionally, consumers have had to wait for a lawn care worker to physically come to their property, offer a quote and schedule the service,” he said. “It can take weeks to get the job done after initial contact was made. We’re excited to be bringing modern lawn care to homeowners.”
\n\n\n\nLawn Love puts a high-tech spin on the normally low-tech business of lawn care and makes comparing quotes and booking a service.
\n\n\n\nStep 1: From the home page, enter your name, street address, and phone number and click “See price.”
\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zrG8zUE4TpTjxQt5CIdGQYTwCI0FxHfnqmohOcZSpEMr7hnqSUw9ausPaZi8WequvcuJS1qqzQZ3u1JOFLec_r8N4h0cICvEwVm3MyPke56Di99TY9lnNgBN3zVanSE7bFvmIg9W-RLORbYlGF3fAJSIsagsUR8vQ-l_3vT4VKOGP_HRkqC1InFrWvtZmg\")
Step 2: Enter your personal and billing information in the form. Select your mowing frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).
\n\n\n\nStep 3: Provide details about your property to help Lawn Love match you with the best service provider.
\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/r5HzxeP-I0_Sz7cxMySUwSZhQUTLB4iiIyWo6wae2NGl7st5METfo9NUPPM3DgoT9FHZIWHIbr64yP4SQZZtrNZoAegdJNDTymdje0-sQ9KaULzx_0GH4yxrrURAaEFbCy36RyDAq2mJty00V87oi3rebebqiP74WeRGzWqqb5ayqz3q59VpDSg1AHaasQ\")
Step 4: Plug in your payment information. Note: Lawn Love accepts only credit or debit card payments.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners require more than just quality lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, and leaf removal. Lawn Love provides more than a dozen services to help you maintain your green oasis year-round.
\n\n\n\nHere is a look at the main ones:
\n\n\n\n| Yard Services | Weed Services |
| Lawn Mowing | Weed Control |
| Edging | Organic Weed Control |
| Aeration | Pre-emergent Weed Services |
| Fertilization | Outdoor Services |
| Seeding | Gutter Cleaning and Installation |
| Yard Cleanup | Landscaping |
| Leaf Removal | Landscape Design |
Lawn Love uses local real estate records to calculate the size of your property and then generates a price quote.
\n\n\n\nIt’s difficult to provide an exact price for mowing services because there are so many variables, but a good range for an average, quarter-acre yard is $29 to $65. That includes edging and blowing grass clippings off patios and walkways.
\n\n\n\nSometimes, first-time Lawn Love customers can take advantage of a $19 first-time mowing special.
\n\n\n\nUnlike most of its competitors, Lawn Love offers at least some general guidance on what you can expect to pay for certain services. (Of course, your actual price will vary based on your yard size.):
\n\n\n\n$30 – $50 for bi-weekly mowing and trimming service
\n\n\n\n$35 – $50 for bi-weekly mowing and periodic fertilization
\n\n\n\n$80 – $120 for aeration service
\n\n\n\n$60 – $150 for leaf cleanup
\n\n\n\nWorth noting: Lawn Love’s lawn care pros don’t bag grass clippings. They may if you request it, but it’ll probably cost slightly more.
\n\n\n\nAlso worth noting: Lawn Love adds a Long Grass Fee for grass that is between 6 and 12 inches high. This is pretty standard practice in the industry. The Long Grass Fee can be 50% to 100% on top of the basic mowing price.
\n\n\n\nIt’s nearly impossible here to quote an average price for each outdoor service because the prices vary depending upon the size of your home or property, the type of work you need done, the region in which you live, and other factors.
\n\n\n\nLawn Love has built in safeguards to protect customers from shoddy work and unreliable contractors.
\n\n\n\nUser reviews are helpful for assessing customers’ satisfaction, and Lawn Love gets generally high marks from its customers.
\n\n\n\nHere is a random sampling of Lawn Love user reviews:
\n\n\n\nAffordable and Flexible: “My service provider was very professional and friendly. They took the time to do the job right and were on time, affordable, and flexible. I love the different options: weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. It was the best service I’ve ever had.” – George / Trustpilot
Online Scheduling: “I love Lawn Love’s service. I can conveniently schedule service online, and the pricing is more reasonable than most places. The crews are professional and proficient. I will keep using Lawn Love.” – Christie C. / REVIEWS.io
\n\n\n\nUnclear Booking Process: “I found Lawn Love on Google. Their online booking was a tad unclear, but the actual service was great! They were super fast. I got a text that they were on the way, and the crew did a fantastic job.” – Kristen / Trustpilot
\n\n\n\nDisappointed: “I was hoping with the mowing and maintenance and trimming that the yellow flowers would be trimmed in the front but, that wasn’t done or anything in the front. The backyard grass was uneven so I was hoping it would be an even cut but, now I have uneven low grass with bald spots.” – Priscilla / Trustpilot
\n\n\n\nLawn Love customers like the customer support and convenient online scheduling, but most wish Lawn Love’s sign-up process was a little clearer.
\n\n\n\nPros
\n\n\n\nCons
\n\n\n\nThere are many affordable on-demand lawn care service providers. Here is a look at Lawn Love and its competitors, LawnStarter, GreenPal, and Wikilawn:
\n\n\n\n![](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wC5V5lUJCCGOJvW9T2k0m0gV9QXw3JDVBm11da-rX5S4jp7okL1fnkAH-kmPFCzQhvRwoXpi1yDoc2Mf7YblSETlx7ll6wZKnsQkOWbR2FovXbgU05Zn-jlt4kw3c4d7PV7JKP3VhHS00MEi51xvm_1bzGHhiWIXcGqL6Zpvqw1sADc1XQs4qKa-Cdcwpw\")
| Locations | Available in most U.S. metro areas |
| Services offered | 12+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | 4.7 on Trustpilot |
| How it works | You get an instant quote, then a Lawn Love pro near you is assigned to handle your job |
| Ways to book service | Website or phone |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $24. |
| Year founded | 2014 |
| Based in | San Diego |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | Yes |
![](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Haym_9TP6o11NlzbZrzz5Sy3B3mZHbG9bzLvFqZzX42B-tnp5sqvlLR2GDXswMKkRykSzk-4YyfbZtTTjL8jRqxmb8D0-wtb2LZsUcTcW-FedyE4Tpv1dPSKYa3z5SuR_AdqolxL7YqibfWoXxwT8WdbkhCFoKUimdtDKcmrsMMC_dHpaNaf2uDLh4ib0g\")
| Locations | Available in most U.S. metro areas |
| Services offered | 20+ |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | 4.6 out of 5 |
| How it works | You get an instant quote, then a LawnStarter pro near you is assigned to handle your job |
| Ways to book service | Website, phone, or mobile app |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. By visiting the website, you may be offered your first mow for $19. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Austin, Texas |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | No |
![](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/plyOf0FATj24UAdoRevSr-YCW_5GznpB5Mii5xCNGMe1Ax0iiHWnTn4m0hX39XTwWtFR6RyH9neMjLqbDk1YDFJfNs4jFeEgQGPk7lOnxQi3E_-7stKG4_To8TweTUiDL0eLU3HaQCIeW1XJJTtMJKyNSSpFWe3enGydZ1Cnu8HhVHu42a5bQiJ6DYvFMA\")
| Locations | Available in most metro areas across the U.S. |
| Services offered | Lawn care, lawn maintenance, yard cleanups, snow removal |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | 4.25 |
| How it works | Your lawn mowing is put out for bid |
| Ways to book service | Website, app or phone |
| Basic price | You’ll get multiple lawn mowing quotes from $25 to $45 |
| Year founded | 2012 |
| Based in | Nashville |
| Better Business Bureau accredited? | No |
![\"Wikilawn](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rsz_171e64b7d-5080-473b-9793-87d2629a1cca_4_5005_c.jpg\")
| Locations | Available in most U.S. metro areas |
| Services offered | Lawn mowing, landscaping, and gardening |
| Customer reviews (average as of publish date) | Unable to find customer review star ratings online |
| How it works | Your lawn mowing is put out for bid |
| Ways to book service | Website |
| Basic price | Depends on services requested and/or mowing frequency. |
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Based in | Dallas |
Sure, we’ve just given you the high points and the lowdown on Lawn Love, but you’re on the Wikilawn website. We’re the little lawn care site that could. We’re Avis. We try harder (and we succeed).
\n\n\n\n
Book your lawn care through Wikilawn and you’ll be connected to one of the best lawn care pros near you. Let me repeat that. You’ll get one of the best lawn care pros near you – not the best Lawn Love pro near you.
Here’s what you get with Wikilawn:
\n\n\n\nMore Pros: Wikilawn casts a bigger net to match you with the right lawn care pro for your job. LawnStarter, Lawn Love, and service providers like HomeAdvisor/Angi and Networx can bid on your job.
\n\n\n\nMaybe a Lower Price: Your lawn care may cost less too. More pros (more bidders) often leads to lower prices as they compete for your business. Of course, the price quotes you get back will depend upon the kind of work you want done, the size of your yard, and other factors.
\n\n\n\nEasy to Use: Lawn Love makes lawn care easy (just like Wikilawn).
\n\n\n\nSo with Lawn Love, will you love it or leave it? That’s up to you.
\n\n\n\nOf course, you could just use Wikilawn to find your next lawn care pro. You’re already here. Why go somewhere else?
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Lawn Love Review: Services, Prices, Pros and Cons","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1789c/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/107df/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/293e9/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/f2cbb/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1789c/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/c26c2/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1dd6e/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/67b76/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 320w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/8df11/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 500w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/98a65/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 800w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/1dd6e/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 960w,\n/static/f1f57e1d19141e865529d4d7edcb23d2/3cc96/Lawn-Love-Review-for-Wikilawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Lawn Love Review: Services, Prices, Pros and Cons | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Will you love Lawn Love? That depends. Our Lawn Love review looks at its services, prices, customer reviews, and more."}}},{"node":{"id":"2baae674-4a45-56fc-869b-a30c15030ed9","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants","path":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-carpenter-ants/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"}],"date":"November 22nd, 2022","excerpt":"Anytime you face a pest infestation, it’s a stressful situation. But when you have pests that can damage your property, that’s a whole new level of stress. Carpenter ants chew through wood in homes and yards across the country. Thankfully, we’ve got some advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants indoors and outdoors. […]
\n","content":"\nAnytime you face a pest infestation, it’s a stressful situation. But when you have pests that can damage your property, that’s a whole new level of stress. Carpenter ants chew through wood in homes and yards across the country. Thankfully, we’ve got some advice on how to get rid of carpenter ants indoors and outdoors.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nCarpenter ants (Camponotus) make their homes in trees and logs, easily chewing through wet wood to create their tunnels and nests. These ants come in different sizes and colors, but in North America, they mostly appear black or reddish brown.
\n\n\n\nCarpenter ants are typically between one-quarter inch and five-eighths of an inch in length, with elbowed antennae. Some carpenter ants may develop wings while the nest is swarming.
\n\n\n\nLike most ants, carpenter ants give each other directions to food and shelter by leaving behind a pheromone trail. It’s how they sneak into your kitchen or bathroom in vast numbers.
\n\n\n\nThankfully, we have some helpful tips for controlling carpenter ants in the home. Infestation sizes may vary, but following these steps in the suggested order mimics professional treatments and can save you the cost of hiring an exterminator.
\n\n\n\nThe first step to ending your carpenter ant problem is to locate the nest. Follow the ant trail or evidence of damage until you reach the nest.
\n\n\n\nSometimes these nests are difficult to find. Try thumping the wood where you suspect damage. If it sounds hollow, you’re in the right place. Thumping around the nest can excite the ants, and panicked ants may appear.
\n\n\n\nOnce you find the nest (or locate high ant activity) apply bait traps or bait gel nearby. Spread your bait around sinks, appliances, baseboards, and bathroom fixtures. The nest is usually near a source of water. Consider using a duster for a quick and even application of fine granular baits.
\n\n\n\nBaits eliminate ants by lacing their food with insecticide. When the ant takes the bait back to share it with the colony, that insecticide spreads amongst the other ants until it dethrones the queen.
\n\n\n\nNext, apply an aerosol foam to cracks, holes, and crevices. Insecticidal foams expand, making them the ideal choice for wall voids, cracks, and crevices.
\n\n\n\nAerosol foams like FiPro spread pesticides from ant to ant, infecting the entire colony. When ants come in contact with these foams, their nervous systems are affected, resulting in death.
\n\n\n\nYou can use insecticidal dust to pump pesticides into hard-to-reach places like behind sinks and inside hollow doors.
\n\n\n\nAnother option is to use diatomaceous earth (D.E.) to solve your carpenter ant problem. Just sprinkle this pesticide along the pheromone trail or near suspected entry points to your home.
\n\n\n\nDiatomaceous earth eradicates pests dehydrating their bodies. This dehydration occurs either by consumption or the proximity to D.E.
\n\n\n\nYou can use boric acid in the same manner. Boric acid takes longer to kill insects than D.E., but both are effective means of carpenter ant control. Diatomaceous earth can be used outdoors as well.
\n\n\n\nAre carpenter ants infesting the wood frame around your compost pile or chewing away at your wood deck? Similar to indoor infestations, you’ll need to find the nest and treat it with pesticides.
\n\n\n\nPerimeter treatments are advisable whether your infestation is indoors or outside. Use a non-repellent insecticide to spray wall voids, crevices, windows, eaves, and potential entry points. This will help ensure the outside infestation doesn’t migrate indoors.
\n\n\n\nSpray the insecticides in a sweeping motion 1 to 3 feet up the wall and 1 to 3 feet into the yard to create a strong barrier around your home.
\n\n\n\nAlways read and follow the instructions listed on the product label, as guidelines may vary from product to product.
\n\n\n\nRepellents are a helpful tool to rid your lawn of carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are sensitive to strong odors, and the odors will disrupt the pheromone trails they use to direct other ants.
\n\n\n\nScents like peppermint (oil), lemon, vinegar, and chili powder can keep carpenter ants away.
\n\n\n\nAdd your chosen repellant to a spray bottle and dilute it with water. Aim for a 1:1 ratio. Spray your natural repellent solution around any potential entrances to your home or in areas where you see carpenter ant activity.
\n\n\n\nJust like you would indoors, scout your yard for signs of carpenter ant activity and set up bait traps.
\n\n\n\nAnother way to rid your lawn of carpenter ants is with homemade bait. Start by mixing one-thirds sugar with two-thirds boric acid. Next, place your mixture in a small dish or bottle cap near ant trails or the nest.
\n\n\n\nBoric acid is widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and supercenters.
\n\n\n\nAphids and carpenter ants have a symbiotic relationship. The aphids create a food source for the ants (honeydew), and in return, the carpenter ants protect the aphids from predators. If your lawn is teeming with aphids, there’s likely a carpenter ant infestation nearby.
\n\n\n\nLuckily, aphids can be eradicated with pesticides, soapy water, neem oil, or petroleum-based horticultural oils. Once the aphid population is reduced, the ant colony will likely search for a new source of food elsewhere.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to prevent pests is to remove their food source and tidy your home and yard.
\n\n\n\nA carpenter ant infestation can happen anywhere. These ants need damp wood to make a home and a consistent food source.
\n\n\n\nCommon causes of a carpenter ant infestation include:
\n\n\n\nA carpenter ant sighting in your home doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation. It could just be a worker ant scouting out a new location for a nest. However, if you see winged carpenter ants, that means a colony is swarming and might be trying to move into your area.
\n\n\n\nSigns of an infestation in your home include:
\n\n\n\nBoth termites and carpenter ants can damage wood, leaving evidence of frass (wood shavings). Despite looking so similar and causing similar damage, they require significantly different treatment, which is why proper identification is so important. Here are some helpful tips to tell them apart:
\n\n\n\n| Carpenter Ants | Termites |
| Carpenter ants are discrete in their nest building, often unbeknownst to homeowners. | Depending on the species, termites typically cause damage out in the open. Termites also construct mud tubes that are often visible outside of the nest. |
| Carpenter ant bodies are pinched at the neck and waist. | Termite bodies have a similar thickness throughout. |
| Carpenter ants have six long legs. | Termites have six short legs. |
| Carpenter ants have elbowed antennae. | Termites have straight antennae. |
| Carpenter ants have two pairs of wings with the front wings much larger than the back wings. The wings also have fewer veins than termite wings. | Termites have two pairs of wings of equal size with many veins. |
Carpenter ants likely entered your home through cracks and crevices. They can travel across tree limbs and wires and even chew through wood to enter your home.
\n\n\n\nMonitor points of entry such as any place wires enter your home. Check your baseboards and window sills, and keep shrubs and tree limbs away from your home.
\n\n\n\nThe good news is it can take years for carpenter ants to cause notable damage, unlike termites, whose damage becomes evident in a few months.
\n\n\n\nPest infestations can be overwhelming, so there’s no shame in hiring a professional exterminator. If your carpenter ant infestation is in a difficult-to-reach location, or pest control isn’t your forte, hire a pro for the job.
Pests like carpenter ants don’t like a manicured lawn. They prefer tall grass to hide from predators. Connect with a local lawn care professional who can keep your lawn tidy and ward off outdoor pests.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Gallice / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1789c/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/107df/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 320w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/293e9/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 500w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/f2cbb/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 800w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1789c/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 960w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/c26c2/rsz_carpenter-ants.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1dd6e/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/67b76/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 320w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/8df11/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 500w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/98a65/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 800w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/1dd6e/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 960w,\n/static/7d6e5e63a3e98471f86ce25fb59adb29/3cc96/rsz_carpenter-ants.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Get Rid of Carpenter Ants | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Carpenter ants chew through wood, causing headaches for homeowners. Learn how to get rid of carpenter ants indoors and outdoors."}}},{"node":{"id":"eeec794e-9685-5fde-9f57-579e9dbc414c","slug":"best-landscaped-outdoor-wedding-venues","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-landscaped-outdoor-wedding-venues/","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 5th, 2020","excerpt":"The term “wedding bell blues” has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the $74 billion industry suffers, there’s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity. Outdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother […]
\n","content":"\nThe term “wedding bell blues” has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the $74 billion industry suffers, there’s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother Nature carries a splendor no indoor venue can match. Choosing a beautiful garden or vista can save you an average of $1,500 on wedding flowers. And now there’s a new reason to consider them, since they can keep guests safer with social distancing and avoiding recirculated air.
\n\n\n\nSo if you’re considering an outdoor wedding venue, we’ve made it easier by compiling a list of the best, with a special focus on landscaping and natural beauty. Below are the winners of Wikilawn’s “Wiki Wonder Award” for best landscaped wedding venues.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
To win the Wiki-award badge of honor, the venue must have several selling points:
\n\n\n\nWeeding the list down to the best was challenging. We now know what brides go through when choosing the site for her picture-perfect wedding. We hope this list will make things a little less stressful.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jP2oGeISjwPECaOEp-mriyU4qBjTCiKSXinEeFk9COyrrLtmbjXXQ3hc4b_TDI2ZpIOYDZjjtuU4Ndq4-eMa9Lp1Xfj2oLExsQBw8M7WQR7H7e_-wXYq0GG6TFYJ30B_8eZFvkga\")
Calling itself the “emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture,” the Botanical Garden opened in 1976. It’s become one of the city’s most popular wedding sites, but choosing your setting isn’t an easy task, as there are so many gorgeous backdrops. Want a serene forest setting? Got it. Lush tropical plants and the sound of waterfalls? Yep. Or go for the most popular ceremony site on the grounds: the Rose Garden, with brightly hued flowers and a brilliant green lawn.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/lNhDIvYHR3xdOsR4M-9siNjJaPJJDeLI8EXij7yHhgPutKcVnu-kXH5y__sFnjRewV4iZ3pCfCc2AAMIOcQSlIGASy0m9B1SRRAT7S-OmjqvB3CRA2EX7z2kS2-1r6CYxpbKfEHr\")
This historic mansion on Atlanta’s Peachtree Street was the talk of the town when it was built 116 years ago. Amos Rhodes was inspired by homes he saw when traveling through the German Rhineland and built this house for his family. These days, Rhodes Hall is a museum and the setting for numerous weddings. You can hold your ceremony inside, but the outdoor backdrop features a magnificent green lawn, flowers, and trees against large stone arches.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Going Green
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HOT2Blqi3IL_AwDWpiOeupzurxaLjNC-0ksOGNTvAn9aMn2gR_-crMrMEa8Cm1rCi2Z3HXzaQ2V7PdqZ851glJ41jPSw1A5N_t7uxjEA2mMJ9PGeoeOsq1DRCkGXFAh86mDC7lz4\")
The Contemporary Austin has a lofty goal: to be an essential part of city life. With a unique combination of both urban and outdoor sites, the museum has something for everyone. The Contemporary occupies a downtown space that housed a drugstore 150 years ago. Several renovations later, it became The Contemporary in 1998. Many couples looking for a downtown wedding choose this site for the renowned Moody Rooftop, featuring a breathtaking view of downtown, including the Capitol.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Create at Home
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vcN71kHI2Vndv0IAIxROm6Wc1OXvJRfeD3w8xL72B_av1zvCHRJinPgo9HhDwckTKmOatDXHsJqzSDmISt5vuVFjg5M8eBDGUGoL3DiQrWgFXJ-fiiyjTnslVPLDYDGPQIipWGAB\")
Atlanta, known as “the Gate City” since 1857, after the railroad system was completed, is home to this landmark. Back then, Atlanta was the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the west by train. Now, this 100-foot tall monument is the backdrop for weddings held in its courtyard. Ceremonies take place on the oval lawn, nestled inside Roman columns and surrounded by green trees and shrubs. There’s even a pond with a fountain.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Collections Highlights
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rkf-iZQrNXFghJYiIpXjrGzcbTquKwQi1yNZt4khHcoQxrCHV3_6NXIUU1Cy8KjkuMi6aDuO9kTZ8XzRKLkyPbk1NprMuGcSV5YJpnWZrO8t-xrGZ_Db3E0jC644JmHDn2lXKj5C\")
This historic site in the heart of Austin, Texas, has a fascinating and varied background. Built in 1856, the Neill-Cochran House Museum features the city’s only intact slave quarters. The Greek Revival home was also used as a school for the blind and, during the Civil War, a federal hospital. This antebellum venue features an outdoor space for weddings with stone pavers, trees, flowers, and privacy shrubs surrounded by history.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Dancing With the Demon Rum
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zj5a7g4zSoxeN_KGKmXFu1VcG46m5EV03WJ96JV6jA6gvcnR0Sjb1y577LLycEtm7qKWAXW5lIl7SfNvBUNodg_cdVYUDiCbuekOckwUKNy1xpkUiz5l6ow_J57n0mq1H-PQ5mqG\")
Co-owner Tirzah Caffee grew up around weddings, thanks to her parents, who restored historic homes and turned them into wedding venues. The Alexander Homestead was built in 1903 in Charlotte, N.C., and was renovated to its present state in 2010. The outdoor space is full of vibrant flowerbeds, emerald-green hedges and trees, pathways, and water features with small bridges.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Stress Free: The Way Your Wedding Should Be
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2nT5DK6JaEtksNSJNZ9eAnPlgyNG8-DwtclT-nL1rqp4XX7rq7rc7_NBDqxCBG3VbIcSIZO83vuGIufIvXZ_-MuoHrgvPA9eWEBqmNrziWnYx-mvWpbFmJJ1J6kWEVk2W8QFfpC9\")
The original Duke Mansion was built in 1915. Four years later, tobacco mogul James Buchanan Duke bought it and tripled its size. The Charlotte, N.C., property passed through many hands before landing with a foundation designed to preserve its history. The Duke Mansion operates as a small, upscale inn and hosts weddings 25 weekends a year, making it a much-sought-after site. Two outdoor spaces are available, each with beautiful grounds and brilliant flowers.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Mary DBT Semans Gardens
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZhvmgtrpoU5VtbO6mnoYsvJn7wyB7dT7pSt4cHUQCOEBJ0OwJb07OiSUCZADib3fpHSy-CNetDO0UZubkGZIqGbkngCUJlCiZhA8R3uh50-a68wH1qcyX1VQ0xwzc8T2SiGTtR6w\")
The 18-acre Pinecroft estate sits right in the middle of a busy neighborhood in Cincinnati. The area was less developed when the estate was built in 1928 by inventor and former owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Powell Crosley, Jr. The mansion now belongs to Cincinnati Preservation and serves as an event center. The grounds feature a 5-acre lake, dozens of gardens, and a lavish pavilion, providing a variety of backdrops for weddings.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Rich English Elegance for Your Cincinnati Celebration
\n\n\n\nCincinnati Parks
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QQbIS4ZTqDf6uA9-9yFi79V6bsnoxVzJ4jcui6-diajiuKUKd5pmqmhv65kIFY7k7gqRGk1LLylkNf_2hvClZ5w6gT2pb9pjg2YUZ9KybUwhBFCQDWtT3Im5s-XDeUC7vvIQ8DSd\")
Cincinnati’s first park started with a donation of land in 1817, laying the groundwork for today’s large city park system. Four of the parks offer wedding backdrops, including a mid-nineteenth century domed pavilion on a vast lawn. You’ll also find picturesque gazebos and arbor settings featuring both annual and perennial gardens.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Cincinnati Parks Rank 5th in the Nation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AQxJoVqlSIIB3H3OkChxem5SPtdkhVxIhrG8CGvLiP-RcPpyHBJkTddUQh_o2ijoxZv-W_S48gb7-DzXtuonyHBRoNRnVt-Te0OSmuYbyey-PwssNZICA3rf2-pHCjFXVuXgPMtD\")
Tucked away in a 15-acre park setting, Nationwide Hotels & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio, is the perfect spot for outdoor weddings. Couples can choose from a patio overlooking a tranquil pond, a luxurious lawn with mature trees and vibrant floral displays, or a white pergola with clinging wisteria vines. The Nationwide Hotel hosts more than 75 weddings each year.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Send Them Off in Style
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This banquet hall wedding venue near Columbus, Ohio, offers one-stop shopping for couples. The rustic setting features reclaimed wood, whiskey barrel tables, and a wrought iron arbor. The outdoor patio sits near a secluded stream and the garden is bursting with flowers. Guests can hold the ceremony and reception on-site, where meals are also prepared and a DJ is available, making wedding planning simple.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Ceremonies
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/JoWz-FVOol39gujChFoUZcksKGyVQM-aD7VEeqGq8cwd36HYSm7x9rhJJMO4qL0TQ198fmdw7bhH_WWKB7O0awOY10E5as4hzN5Mor-nbFPuOO7tR0i8ZnH_b6RX_fjHhhpduJnG\")
This country-like location is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. Rambling Rose Ranch is home to horses, donkeys, goats, and chickens. The flagstone patio in the center of a large gravel floor is surrounded by gardens, potted flowers, and oak trees. Nearly all the decor was created by the ranch owners on a shoestring budget. It’s now one of Austin’s most popular wedding destinations.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Nature=Stress Relief
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7V71g1_YzcUTND7fDn7AUgc3ui3CiWJMWhHWFFWbUSBVPTq1DwRQHI00pf2jYUDZB7tcLDtiFcwmH9fVCJszX3dkMRnlfhtYebu5Cww4EiI8qZI2vE1lBFbM0dSxHQ66gmKpF9e_\")
The backdrop for this wedding venue is a beautifully designed and landscaped 18-hole golf course. The Reception House is managed by Schmidt’s, the city’s iconic food service legacy that goes back more than 100 years in Columbus. Seal your love on the greens or opt for a patio ceremony with a view of the idyllic setting.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Wedding Receptions
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Imagine dinner and dancing under the stars next to works by Picasso. That can be your wedding reality at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. The Nasher is home to more than 300 contemporary sculptures by famous artists and has hosted countless weddings. The intimate sculpture garden includes more than a hundred weeping willows, live oaks, and magnolias. The center is a past winner of an Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Sweet Pass Sculpture Park Revels in Looseness
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Built in 1902 for James Benton Grant, the third governor of Colorado, Denver’s Grant Humphreys Mansion was sold to oil baron A.E. Humphreys 15 years later. The Colorado Historical Society now manages the property, using the front lawn and back patio (with pergola) for weddings. Photographers rave about this site because it’s located next to a park and features flower beds, birch trees, and rolling lawns. The lighting at sunset also helps create picture-perfect wedding memories.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Research & Learn
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Villa Parker bills itself as the place “Where the Tuscan Charm Meets the Rockies.” This wedding venue is just south of Denver and features a grand entrance and brilliant gardens. You’ll also get great pictures under the archways and courtyard with panoramic mountain views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Villa Weddings
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ck32MichoAh6rMaWaBraxzQLrzrQ6TbEPPcHTWacTmeaU9O_FeVzkgxmNog9SMGfs_GYu1W1QhaRjuRMEcMzVyQJ1E_Si5n--uW_3gREIwe-B9aWxnaVNGD8rjh0bWpcZafN0B-9\")
Wedding guests will go ape over ceremonies held at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. This is an unmatched spot for your special day, offering several backdrops. Put black bears and jaguars on the guest list at Texas Wild!, overlook a savanna and gaze at giraffes among the trees. Maybe you prefer the green surroundings of the Museum of Living Art gardens while surrounded (safely) by crocodiles, turtles, and exotic fish.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Fort Worth Zoo Is Seeing Pink!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1uuVjKAIPRdZJiJD-ZL5jt_Fi7B4yertdiCAW5RBq0GUCVHZpmB51RRfgUJZpBQ7l0JPWmXk80YZPRrBfKBj-RCZH1LeM_tmG32iLmFQFN4wVDgKtpRLcxFC2jd1aEgq27ESLZi7\")
This art gallery and wedding venue in Fort Worth occupies a space that’s 110 years old. Enjoy two sculpture gardens and an outdoor patio. Cafe lights strung between the many tall trees create a just-right ambiance.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Elopements and Intimate Ceremonies
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KE7jal_Av-rt0Rk7xpjvPRhHx-rZ8OOvW8ryyuR-zjO8ykj_7ox-Y0gPIE97INkL1T--9DdzsR1mn1xAvodyUGDnm1Ylt7FT1ikf3ePkfOWFFNLmUfwrSz7XBnAtSjOOE8363ILC\")
The Houstonian sits on 27 wood acres with several beautifully landscaped backdrops for couples to choose from. Pine and oak trees hold lush foliage and flora. Say “I do” under the twinkling lights wrapping a majestic live oak. Or spread out over the Event Lawn where, at certain times of the year, you’ll be treated to Houston’s show-stopping azaleas.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Celebrate Everything Azalea at the Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wb0lP0KVi0BLhKR7m7ihFdi6kF_tCRbWviwFxKj-SusXGDjcYBVJ9wNz1UW-XPY5YKYqDd4OuRAJ9_ToxuJezTziiAvZUSL6eHQfLRoKWDwxkqUF0-KdaVKWPtpOWZU9YbsBkb3z\")
Looking for a rustic setting for your wedding? Moffitt Oaks in Houston may have what you want. Say your vows under an arbor next to a lake with a backdrop of mature trees, a green lawn, succulents, and flowers. Or choose a more rural look with a corral fence, an expansive lawn and an arbor dripping with plants and vines.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Outdoor Wedding Venues in Houston That Will Get the Party Started
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DMVLSIcSIR1mv9n3S3FXPLwNj1E98YXIAQ2aZr3qhGpqEmgZ3wmQia-D1r8dCCBXSVfBn0qXPWYL_JsM1OruPFdoBstdJwFpyXtx3ntyXGB2wzb_ina7nqwWCcKxeNOc5M-PJoX3\")
Longview Mansion was Kansas City lumber baron R.A. Long’s country estate. Built in 1913, it was once known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm.” Restored to its original splendor two years ago, Longview Mansion boasts numerous perfectly manicured outdoor spaces for weddings. Cultivated gardens, wooded sites, a lake and sprawling fields create a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Choosing a Wedding Venue
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An open-air chapel is a unique setting for a wedding, and you’ll find just that at The Pavilion Event Space in Kansas City. Surrounded by an expansive lawn, the chapel features trees, a garden, hardscaping, bridges and paths. State-of-the-art amphitheater surround sound and custom lighting make it an outdoor wedding to remember.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Moody + Romantic Wedding
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This venue in Phoenix was never intended to be the popular wedding spot it’s become. The owner created the Hidden Gardens as a personal project but soon decided to share its distinctive style. Boojum Tree is a 5-acre forest of trees, fountains — even a waterfall! Couples can tie the knot on the Mexican Plaza, the Tropical Rainforest, or English Garden.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Photo Shoots
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The Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., initially operated as a couples retreat. These days, couples remain in the picture but the focus is on uniting them in marriage. Wedding sites include a stone-walled courtyard surrounded by palm trees, cacti and succulents, a lawn with mountain vistas, and the Camelback Vista with a garden and mountain views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Weddings Outdoor Venues
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The MIM in Phoenix calls itself “The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum.” With more than 7,000 instruments from 200 countries, you’ll find items played by Johnny Cash, Elvis and Tito Puente. Wedding guests in the museum’s courtyard are treated to desert foliage, fountains, the Phoenix sculpture, and gorgeous desert sunsets.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Celebrating 10 Years of MIM
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The Meadows near Raleigh, sits on a heritage farm (owned and operated by members of the same family for more than 100 years). The rolling meadows and mature forests set the scene for couples who want nature to play a role in their ceremony. The Valley offers wide-open spaces, the Lawn gives a more intimate feel in a smaller space and the Meadows puts guests right in the middle of grassy fields.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Gone Camping: The Big Fake Wedding
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This historic home in Raleigh, N.C., was built in 1876 by Agustus S. Merrimon, a chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. For years in the 1900s, it was used as a college dormitory. Now, the Merrimon-Wynne House is one of the city’s premier wedding venues. Couples and their guests can experience the ceremony on The Lawn, under 100-year-old pecan trees, or in front of The Carriage House, with a sloping yard and a pergola.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 8 Non-Diamond Engagement Rings That Still Have Plenty of Sparkle
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This Minneapolis, Minn, mansion was built in 1892 for George Washington Van Dusen, a grain mogul. After years of commercial use, the historic property was set to be demolished, but an investor swooped in and restored it to its original splendor. Weddings at this castle-like estate are sure to impress. Ceremonies on the brick pavers in the courtyard are surrounded by gardens, trees, and flowering shrubs; an oasis in the city.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 2020 Minnesota Bride Awards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BnkZGa8UBKNRVnEjAZWNzSiAXCy67iwOlaP36ioOXpqNagiay6CQBceZpHsbqPW_tVUHCZI-ZUz0OlWrpVsOVYY8BjWKtMkt5nX4GGA4KGrWlv_lDLawc5QaDTiAOQ8lROtxi4D0\")
The Japanese Garden is part of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn. This 2-acre gem was built in 1972 on a swampy area behind the college. A professional garden architect from Tokyo helped design the space. Couples who wed at The Japanese Garden find a serene setting with shrubs sheared into specific shapes such as clouds or hills.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Japanese Garden Beckons in All Seasons
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Brides and their Prince Charmings can say their vows like royalty at this venue in Minneapolis. Set in “Cindyrella’s Wedding Garden,” the backdrop for your special day features old country charm and unique landscaping. There’s a vineyard with Edelweiss and Swenson red grapevines, a 100-year-old willow tree, a flower garden, and a lake. Best of all, you arrive at the site in a white carriage.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Ceremony
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This historic property in Stillwater, Minn., has an unusual past. It was founded in 1858 as a poor farm, a place for the chronically indigent. The farm was discontinued 100 years later and eventually abandoned. Today, fully renovated, The Outing Lodge at Pine Point, serves as a pastoral setting for weddings. With 300 acres of wooded paths and rolling land amid hundreds of pines, the setting offers something for everyone.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Theme Rooms
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The Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, a Central Florida town northwest of Orlando, is home to one of the earliest golf courses in the state. Built in 1917 to attract investors to the owner’s citrus business, the property declined during the Depression. Many years and renovations later, an inn was built based on Spanish Colonial architecture. Couples today can choose from three outdoor spaces; Legends Courtyard, Marina del Rey, and Plaza de la Fontana, all with spectacular landscaping and water views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Goodness From the Garden
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In 1895, Richmond, Va., businessman Lewis Ginter bought property that was once Powhatan Indian hunting grounds. He then built the Lakeside Wheel Club, a place for local bicyclists. After several expansions, the property morphed into the Botanical Garden. Couples choose from three wedding sites: The Rose Garden envelops guests in vivid roses and delicate scents; Flagler Garden features a secluded pagoda, surrounded by a circular screen of trees; and Grace Arents Garden offers a wide lawn, a paved path leading up to an arbor and plenty of bright flowers and plants.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Worms! How to Make a Wormery
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Raise a glass to ceremonies at Virginia’s first urban cidery! Founded seven years ago in a historic building in Richmond, Blue Bee creates artisanal ciders from heirloom Virginia apples. This full-fledged cider production and tasting facility makes for a wedding backdrop like no other. The cidery offers French country style buildings and garden with vivid blooms and, of course, cider. Bottoms up!
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Persnickety Pawpaws
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4m8SCIeJPbYjiMh7g7h3QYehAIqrZ48_4kzZxXYYOnKS2CDHMCRErIuQUvwDnIyfblEoVFCLLHwxyZBMUlix1OLsBN3zWTmSXRIveFLRy6M-KzcH5-hdyMjyTqrMGrwmJeb_rZRa\")
This ornate mansion on 100 acres of manicured lawns, flower gardens and trees started out in 1893 as the home of a wealthy lawyer and his wife. Having no children, the couple left the property to the people of Richmond, Va. Maymont is now a city park and museum and hosts many weddings each year. Impeccably landscaped spaces include the Italian Garden with hundreds of brilliant blooms, the Japanese Garden with a terraced waterfall, and The Robins Nature Center with fish, turtles, and river otters.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Teacher Appreciation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yOZ14a2mtfhjQC3xBxIx-mYBCCPVyh7tQL1hmu5Wq3D8x0UqzyOvCtRkBLprQSzaVNJA1SgOU61fF7AOFf7mJOlCRPXR4bf3_nhgxJidksdNlV3ZUSK3Qnz4xNxlIZO8RHwddQTk\")
The 1850 Settlement in San Antonio, Texas, offers a taste of the old Southwest. The property was homesteaded 170 years ago. Couples choosing this venue will find some of the original buildings still standing. Wedding guests will enjoy a spacious lawn, an outdoor firepit and enormous live oak trees, all set against the original homestead and The Settlement Stage Coach Station.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Rainy Day Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Qfyl2q_qxWVcZz7GggXH5thu7Ooqd0QPu5pZ70j7Pwi0iYv3fxTKKEc9Y86wY3jm4Wtzxp1J5aOrJSTw8KW1hIVCOTWzBIwFZ9h21hJaoJGcSXw8-FCdF31uOuX7izw0eKXELhYx\")
This 1894 home is modeled after the chateaus and castles in Belgium and France, as its original owner was Ambassador to Belgium in the early 1890s. The historic house in San Antonio, Texas, now functions as an inn and event venue. Couples who wed outdoors on the lawn have the arches of the mansion, well-kept shrubs, and plenty of mature trees as a backdrop.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Afternoon Tea Party
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I8kqEwrhb5qKz_f7KqAUvVbP_6tvJYlBrVm2FPzBJBQSOaEVsz8N1ZpK5brD-exS8-KROh8ysaH67OKLbPbb_y3dI87mx7ZGNwYfpmfyzV_lqE0ID8fEKV7OfNJ0J4KGgpm8_mrZ\")
Couples looking for European ambiance and charm in the Austin, Texas, area will find it at The Gardens of Cranesbury View. An Italian Sculptured Garden sits on 32 acres and features intricately designed hedges, rose bushes, and peaceful water features. An ornate gazebo with classic columns completes the picture-perfect look.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Useful Wedding Favors for Family and Friends
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PpKdUUSxa60QPPQyS5V1Ovog-zlPnOrk_kEMu8hXONPLrAzYcQpkmWaI6xnl7cf8q5NNwbw_o4ApA1K28mGH8d0cmV4j95_FaudqaBIhu3TnvUPzMiSROmoReMmjDyibNMP_dy89\")
Imagine having peacocks on your guest list. That’s the reality for couples who hold their ceremonies at Hummingbird Gardens in Tampa. This family-owned business has been around since 2005, filling the grounds with well-known and exotic plants, trees, and flowers. Wedding guests will see the peacock and his family roaming the gardens, as well as horses and chickens.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Garden Nursery
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A_HYDn5xQs1AdNEq-gRGttLB69laW1SrPU6_fB4CxTVEKoSVr_Exr_9qw23lYM1VdXPVgBlq_QCIvh2H6Q7wvdgL_BwY_2TSWLeYz3zVyV0gLYFe3Z-Xfmrc8wkqmZolYgM-E6p\")
Four acres of natural landscaping just seven minutes from the ocean make this the ultimate wedding venue for couples wanting greenery with a beach nearby. Country Villa in rural Virginia Beach, features white blooming bushes and trees behind a unique altar. You’ll also find a pavilion surrounded by mature pines, a spiral staircase attached to a vine-covered tree, and a bridge over a rock river surrounded by flowers.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Groom’s Room
\n\n\n\nDumbarton House
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/B0iZqhAo4heFaxBMnq3JrsVl5Unkha9ofQaTAFJFCz1xB2OIu2Ea8bqSBSHsBgujrZU2BZNg4F9R9xLBLsjqCQ8tpJ-UEHLr5xeuWrtJOQXQtZZQfb2IfpMQvcFmtOpLPBJDulkQ\")
Built in 1799, Dumbarton House offers a look at life in the earliest days of our nation’s capital city. The home is famous for being the place Dolley Madison first fled to when learning the British were coming during the War of 1812. These days, the museum is often used as a wedding venue. A courtyard paved with slate is among 1.2 acres of gardens and terraces, including an herb garden growing more than 40 varieties of plants.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Dolley Madison
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LCuW0U-zFxwSXRg6Mcr6j2ks18A-jcJ09DRVRyOILUXdsjiJ_ETy36f_RkoAaypUHc-ewVa7lIa44KyxO1eMx2AJqMXjnRCCy3rfaTSrL708c3viMaQ2dbb6kArOxHH7mB07iDn2\")
This landmark hotel in Washington, D.C., has hosted presidents and world leaders since 1930 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. In 1933, the Omni Shoreham Hotel put on the first inaugural ball for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thirty years later, The Beatles booked the entire seventh floor. Today, the property boasts three garden wedding venues complete with trimmed hedges, cherry trees, tulip beds, and a pavilion on a vast lawn, all surrounded by a colorful forest.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 48 Hours In Washington, D.C.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cvTy4qJc8PxFkGYiHsz1YDZ30x_hLm3T-A4g4TdCRWig7qXU-Uzsq962PzNShPILWqJSIXH0T2g6c_bljecCm4oVuzsc-Mmr_NRws3c2jqEWVdzerXzUbnJiXU6lLNQ6asPtCZk-\")
This private country estate in Jacksonville, Fla., was discovered by its owner five years ago as she was searching for a one-of-a-kind site for her own wedding. She took the rough space and put in the hard work to make it what it is today. The Keeler Property features Florida’s only covered bridge that’s open for both public and private events, a barn for rustic charm, all set on a lake and surrounded by trees.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: How Wedding Music Can Make — or Break — Your Reception
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_4a5ZFiUV_WNnWwMxp9loxH1HiWAbGaEihQbaX_3wjf7FCUZMr3vtEvNQ2crviM92DHQd2xKJBFqwtVwKJViXTZKbUmSS7MzFVgG99yp_4bNMMrdIZz0IsYLBhveIGGNJvb6FlWx\")
More than a million people visit the Chicago Botanic Garden each year, some of them brides and grooms. The Garden is a living plant museum and conservation center situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. Wedding parties can choose from many spaces, including a canopied terrace next to the water, an English walled garden, the Rose Terrace with its water features and roses, and the Buehler Enabling Garden, with hanging baskets and vertical flower beds.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Elements of Design
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i-jivfckafGtfkXtvCPktuueF0ti5RSX51Wedya85cf2r6M9l7Csx17Pgwe84WHf8W6l6TlHaugCh8m64NW2t0ZI7aEFhjPnHhwFqQHNIPhPL9THfxQnyV9K0da7usp5KCMUZ100\")
In an epic example of reuse and recycling, South Coast Botanic Garden in the Greater Los Angeles area is one of the first botanical gardens to be created over a sanitary landfill. The garden is proof that land reclamation can help solve refuse disposal problems while creating a brilliant and beautiful space. Couples and their wedding guests enjoy 87 acres of rolling meadows, vivid flowers, a rustic amphitheater, a gazebo and a shaded koi pond patio, experiencing first hand this unique example of environmental improvement.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Banyan Grove
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5Udrz2Y-lFktEL8QF2RNrnYyK6wxScUZYEbbFLcC3FQMDc9VRvCTmKLeG__BVxIyL_zSoE5QRaKO-mUfc0AuFhyz48ly3J8e6VwTnKBYJ-Lhb_0hTqJkbxfRtcoEPYOTTE9JWRJU\")
The vision of Lisa Brannon, an Ohio native and avid conservationist, sprang to life nine years ago near Dayton, Ohio. While creating a refuge for endangered species, including monarch butterflies, she also came up with a perfect outdoor wedding venue. The backdrop is a Tuscan-style pavilion surrounded by an expansive lawn, trees, stone paths, a pond, and vivid flowers everywhere. Cedar Springs Pavilion bills itself as the place where elegance meets nature.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Gardens
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fYp_vMbfuGc5Aq-X97PGNf_ioh7jN6OhNvijpGBefDBrfaPLk_xdYpN754SahlA2MraVqr5wvQe3Yc-Del7YMk9q7hwtLYX9qVeAZYO5M0Frl4eX3fUHrpNqhrmfq5Enps7qYXwc\")
If you’re looking for a spectacular backdrop for your wedding, you can’t beat the Rocky Mountains. And if you’re looking for five-star luxury, The Little Nell has it. Located in Aspen, Colo., and named for an 1800s lady of the evening, it sits on land that’s been used as a summer hunting grounds for the Ute Indians, a place for miners to rest and a railroad depot. Today’s weddings at The Little Nell are nothing short of amazing, no manmade landscaping needed. Mother Nature already did that with jaw-dropping views of the mountains.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Wine Experiences at the Little Nell
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Y3rQ7_wiZcGTF53Ve6yMHPKq_4gBv7kKg3TAiUYy8rm_R2iS1ayG2Nigc-y1buCVmho7G9tWRd5OcSmUsqvfa1RfewV293d0lraWVuBgQnmwl_5t3jKPJJH2jOA8Ycfi9vdIcsDK\")
They really know how to throw a party here, as this 24,000-square-foot event center was designed specifically for weddings and banquets. Stonebrook Manor in Thornton, Colorado, features outdoor ceremonies in brightly colored gardens. The greenery is set among bubbling brooks and waterfalls with bridges, gazebos, arbors, and benches.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 5 Ways to Make an Entrance at Your Wedding Reception
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hVfO5sQf92bescAtovB8ULjaVCrw2YKUyBkkL0_c2m0ySyIgm_yrXagmVJe4cboUruIEVKEzQ7eYD9wUhTBa_dVBqQGR6IRTZw-ru_ckPghBK6s5z5ezgGMOCYUR_diVwmubMY2L\")
This living landscape is part of the University of Utah system and is a state arboretum in Salt Lake City. For 35 years Red Butte Garden has been connecting people to plants, with 100 acres of formal gardens, natural areas, waterfalls, and mountain views. Couples can say “I do” in the Rose House, the Rose Garden, or the Fragrance Garden where each spring, you’ll find a half million blooming bulbs.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Garden Misses You
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dU2QHjJ2wRPTq0-hiYNXEA01AC2cJZ7UoJJeGWbkmSHncmRkOPFsctackOXjDs5p6kvr33mqdtJ0-pWIDGLMJkLq8Vd1yw9nxmZrEBNOh3vxt_tYavVf7Sk3RmtwKeuzsswCJkJU\")
Experience the Wild West with your wedding guests at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Featuring 50 historic homes and structures, train rides, panning for gold and mining, the Park takes you back in time. Couples have ten wedding venues to pick from, including two outdoor pavilions. The third option, The Garden Place, is a rustic mountain lodge with French doors that open to a patio with a waterfall, a massive outdoor fireplace, and, of course, a majestic mountain view.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Pioneer Children’s Memorial
\n\n\n\nGetting married outdoors comes with the risk of a hiccup or two. You’ll have to worry about the weather and maybe a few uninvited mosquitoes. But the Wiki-award winning venues have you covered, literally. All have awnings or contingency plans for rain, and each has a bug zapper and plenty of bug spray on hand.
\n\n\n\nThe pros for choosing an outdoor wedding venue far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to price. With the average couple spending more than $22,000 to get hitched, saving on flowers and other decor is a huge plus. Keep in mind, like real estate, the cost of any venue depends on location, location, location.
\n","title":"Best-Landscaped Outdoor Wedding Venues","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7768595041322315,"src":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1789c/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg","srcSet":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/107df/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 320w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/293e9/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 500w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/f2cbb/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 800w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1789c/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 960w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1ff5b/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.jpg 1290w","srcWebp":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1dd6e/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/67b76/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 320w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/8df11/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 500w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/98a65/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 800w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/1dd6e/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 960w,\n/static/992c26f9b1fc17e82e167ebd0e1b2902/bdec4/best-landscaped-wedding-venue.webp 1290w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best-Landscaped Outdoor Wedding Venues | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"74ae7088-9bee-52c6-907f-746af204f313","slug":"benefits-aerating-lawn","path":"/blog/benefits-aerating-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Taha Javed is a freelance writer and business student in Lahore, Pakistan. She loves swimming, reading, and playing with her dog.","name":"Taha Javed","id":"0531d17c-e9c8-5153-a6fb-6e2994f71716","path":"/author/taha-javed/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/877749883781783414fae4d0b98beb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"Aeration is an essential but frequently overlooked part of lawn care. It means creating holes in the soil to loosen it up and make it easier for water and nutrients to reach your grass’s roots. We’ll go over the benefits of aerating your lawn to help you understand why this little-known lawn care practice is […]
\n","content":"\nAeration is an essential but frequently overlooked part of lawn care. It means creating holes in the soil to loosen it up and make it easier for water and nutrients to reach your grass’s roots. We’ll go over the benefits of aerating your lawn to help you understand why this little-known lawn care practice is so important and worth doing regularly.
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/367d6df1-ce98-4788-9796-f09e94b226cd.jpg\")
Photo Credit: driftlessstudio / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nLawn aeration provides various advantages that improve your lawn’s general health and appearance. Here are the biggest benefits of aerating your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlants, like humans, require oxygen to thrive. When your soil becomes compacted, the lawn’s roots struggle to get enough oxygen, resulting in weak and shallow root systems. Aerating your lawn allows oxygen to enter the root zone, encouraging the roots to grow deeper and stronger. Improved oxygen circulation promotes healthier grass growth, enhances drought tolerance, and lowers the risk of lawn disease.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration stimulates not just oxygen circulation but also nutritional absorption by your grass’s roots. Compacted soil prevents nutrients – like the ones in lawn fertilizer – from reaching the root zone, resulting in undernourished grass. Aerating allows nutrients to infiltrate the soil, ensuring your grass obtains the nutrients it requires to thrive. Enhanced nutrient absorption leads to greener, denser, and more resilient turf.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to oxygen and nutrients, water is essential for sustaining healthy grass. Compacted soil frequently results in water runoff and uneven moisture distribution. Aeration allows water to penetrate deeper into the soil, reaching thirsty roots.
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, the holes generated by aeration serve as reservoirs, allowing the soil to retain moisture for extended periods. This water-conscious method ensures appropriate hydration while reducing water waste.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoil compaction is a typical problem, especially in high-traffic lawns. Compacted soil is dense and lacks air, water, and space for root development. Aerating breaks up the compacted soil, relaxing it and allowing the roots to expand. It will enable healthier grass growth, better drainage, and a better environment for beneficial soil insects like earthworms.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that builds up between grass blades and the soil surface. While a modest covering of thatch can be good for your lawn, too much of it will cause difficulties, such as blocking water and fertilizer from reaching the soil.
\n\n\n\nCompacted soil promotes excessive thatch buildup by preventing decomposition. Aeration aids in the resolution of this problem by breaking up the thatch layer, promoting its decomposition, and preventing excessive build-up, which results in improved nutrient absorption in the soil
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA properly aerated lawn creates an environment where grass roots may grow deeper, resulting in a greener, lusher lawn. Stronger root systems provide the grass blades with better support, making them more resistant to wear and tear. Aerating your grass encourages general development, resulting in denser turf that tolerates stressors like heat, drought, and foot traffic.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAeration is a proactive approach to lawn care rather than a reactive technique. You may avoid many problems like disease susceptibility, weed invasion, and uneven, lifeless grass by aerating your grass regularly. Aeration is a preventative strategy that keeps your lawn healthy and reduces the need for costly repairs or treatments later.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTo better understand the benefits of aeration, you should have a grasp on how the process works and why it’s necessary. Lawn aeration is the process of making small holes in the soil to improve air circulation, water penetration, and nutrient absorption.
\n\n\n\nSoil becomes compacted over time as a result of:
\n\n\n\nThis compaction hinders the passage of air, water, and nutrients deep into the soil, harming your grass’s health and growth. Aeration is the remedy that breathes new life into your lawn. Aeration can be done using:
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners may prefer liquid aeration products, which work on a smaller scale to break up compacted soil. Depending on the size and condition of your lawn, you can rent equipment or hire expert lawn care service providers.
\n\n\n\nTo learn more about how aeration works (and how you can do it yourself), see our article on When and How to Aerate Your Lawn.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you decide to aerate on your own instead of hiring a pro, you’ll want to check out What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn to get the best results from your hard work.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow frequently should I aerate my lawn?
\n\n\n\nThe frequency of lawn aeration is determined by factors such as soil type, lawn usage, and soil compaction. Generally, you should aerate your lawn once a year if it has clay soil. But if you have soil that does not appear to compact easily, then it is advised to aerate once every three years.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat are some of the lawn care tips for aeration?
\n\n\n\nConsider the following tips to get the most out of your aeration efforts:
\n\n\n\nHow to take care of your lawn after aeration?
\n\n\n\nMaintain a regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing schedule to encourage healthy grass growth. Avoid excessive foot traffic immediately following aeration to allow the grass to recover. You’ll reap the benefits of aeration for months if you properly care for your grass afterward.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen should you aerate your lawn?
\n\n\n\nFall is the most active growing season for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, so it is the optimal time of year to aerate them. On the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, are best aerated in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLawn aeration is a game changer when it comes to having lush, gorgeous grass. You may transform your lawn into an oasis of green by recognizing the benefits aeration brings. Regular aeration, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, will keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and the envy of the neighborhood.
\n\n\n\nGet a free quote from local lawn aeration pros to embrace the power of aeration and unlock the full potential of your lawn today!
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: macniak / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1789c/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/107df/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 320w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/293e9/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 500w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/f2cbb/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 800w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1789c/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 960w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/c26c2/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1dd6e/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/67b76/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 320w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/8df11/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 500w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/98a65/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 800w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/1dd6e/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 960w,\n/static/c3865c1d2b9a429b03f7b480924e05c9/3cc96/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read our guide to get familiar with aeration and the benefits of aerating your lawn to make it breathable, healthy, and beautiful."}}},{"node":{"id":"7d2e7680-104e-527f-87e0-074b1de19b72","slug":"how-to-use-weed-and-feed","path":"/blog/how-to-use-weed-and-feed/","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/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 7th, 2023","excerpt":"You cannot create an attractive and healthy lawn just by eliminating weeds. It is also essential to feed your grass the necessary nutrients. Weed and feed products allow you to check both these lawn care tasks off your list in one go. This article will explore how to use weed and feed for your lawn. […]
\n","content":"\nYou cannot create an attractive and healthy lawn just by eliminating weeds. It is also essential to feed your grass the necessary nutrients. Weed and feed products allow you to check both these lawn care tasks off your list in one go. This article will explore how to use weed and feed for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nThese products are designed not only to control weeds but also to foster healthy, thriving, green grass. In addition to how to use weed and feed, this article also discusses what weed and feed is, how it works, and how it can be a friend or foe.
\n\n\nIt is best to apply weed and feed when the temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Most areas of the country experience these temperatures in late spring and early fall.
\n\n\n\nIt is easier to manage perennial weeds and several types of annual weeds during this time of year. Spring and fall are also the best times to fertilize your lawn, depending on your grass type – late spring for warm-season grasses, fall for cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n![\"cool-season](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cool-season-and-warm-season-grass-map.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez
\n\n\n\nProducts with nitrogen should not be used until the soil temperature at a depth of 4 inches is consistently 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the product has potassium instead of nitrogen, it can be applied during the end of winter or early spring.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that grass should be fertilized at specific times and intervals to remain healthy. Weed killers must also be applied at specific times of year to be effective. The proper timing for fertilizer and weed control doesn’t always overlap, which is one reason why weed and feed can be bad for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nDo not apply weed and feed more than twice annually, and do not use the products in extreme temperatures, hot spells, droughts, or on windy days.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing weed and feed takes pre-planning to make sure the product works. Here are some things you can do before applying weed and feed to ensure the best possible results:
\n\n\n\n— Select a day to apply weed and feed when it is not forecasted to rain for about a week. Water will wash away the product before it can take effect.
— For new lawns recently seeded, do not apply weed and feed until the grass has grown enough that you’ve had to mow it twice.
— About two days before you apply weed and feed, mow your grass to a normal height. This will help the weed and feed absorb evenly into your lawn.
— Watering your grass helps granules adhere to the weeds. But do not water it too much, as it will have an adverse effect. The grass should be slightly damp when you apply the product.
![\"hand-held](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rsz_114848000106_62e914cb15_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Norbury / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nMake sure you use the proper tools to apply weed and feed and wear protective clothing and accessories. You do not want to be exposed to these toxic chemicals any more than necessary.
\n\n\n\nTools needed:
\n\n\n\n— Sprayer for liquid weed and feed
— Drop-type spreader or rotary spreader for granules
Steps to apply weed and feed:
\n\n\n\n— For liquid weed and feed, mix and spray as per the product label’s directions.
— For granules, follow the product label’s instructions for adjusting the spreader settings.
— Open the spreader as per the product’s directions.
— Add the weed and feed in the amount indicated by the package instructions.
— If you are applying near plants you do not wish to kill, place plastic over them or use a drop spreader to protect the vegetation.
— Start at the edge of your lawn and go back and forth in parallel lines, spraying or spreading the weed and feed product consistently as you go. Move similarly to how you would if you were mowing, but overlap yourself slightly. This ensures every area is covered.
— Do not water or mow your lawn after applying weed and feed. Follow the product’s instructions for when to do so for granules and liquid products. If your product has no instructions, see our article on when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed.
![\"caution](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/224f4055-1667-42b4-b7d2-082a567c5f63-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ArtBoyMB / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nWeed and feed products contain a combination of dangerous chemicals, like MCPP, 2,4-D, and dicamba. Some of these have been linked to chronic toxicity and cancer. Keep children and pets out of the treated area for as long as possible.
\n\n\n\nWait until after a heavy downpour before allowing them back in the yard. If you used a granular product, make sure you can no longer see the granules.
\n\n\n\nIf you would rather use a product that doesn’t put your loved ones at risk, see our list of pet-safe weed killers, which are safe to use around children, too.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Crabgrass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Large-crabgrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHere are some reasons your weed and feed application may not have worked:
\n\n\n\n— These products only work on broadleaf weeds and not grassy weeds like crabgrass. To treat crabgrass, you’ll need a product with a specific crabgrass preventer. Read the label to identify which weeds the product targets.
— You may have watered the grass too soon, or it may have rained too soon after the weed and feed application.
— Weeds must be mature and actively growing for weed and feed to be effective. So, you may have applied it at the wrong time in the weed’s life cycle.
— You did not follow all the prepping steps.
“Weed & feed” is what pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides are called when they include a lawn fertilizer to nourish the grass. These products can improve your grass when applied at the right time. Improved, healthy grass reduces the chances of weeds sprouting.
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent Weed and Feed: Most weed and feed products are post-emergents. They should be applied before weeds sprout to prevent the weed seeds from germinating. Some, like Scott’s Turf Builder, offer options with crabgrass preventer.
\n\n\n\nPost-Emergent Weed and Feed: Weed and feed post-emergents consist of dicamba and other chemicals that attack broadleaf weeds like dollarweed, dandelions, and plantain. They kill weeds that are actively growing, and they work most effectively when the weeds are young and vulnerable.
\n\n\n\nWhen a post-emergent weed and feed is applied, the weed’s foliage absorbs the toxins. Dicamba is a chemical that penetrates the plant’s roots, making the post-emergent more toxic to the weed. Homeowners should be aware that other plants also absorb the chemical and can be damaged. Be careful not to apply post-emergent weed and feeds on plants you want to keep around.
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed and Feed: Some products contain chemicals that are pre-emergent and post-emergent, which means they can kill currently growing weeds and prevent weeds from growing in the future. The chemical atrazine is an example.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"bags](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/e7e9bd22-a137-4af7-8800-a8c9ed2b9213.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Srinuan Hirunwat / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nSelecting the right weed and feed is similar to choosing the appropriate weed killer or fertilizer separately. Be familiar with the weeds you need to eliminate and the type of grass you have. Make sure you know the best time to apply fertilizer to your lawn.
\n\n\n\nRead weed and feed labels to ensure the herbicide kills the type of weeds you have, determine if your grass has to be at a certain stage to use the product, and make sure the time of year to apply the herbicide coincides with the time your grass should be fertilized.
\n\n\n\nHere are some examples of weed and feed chemicals and products. Included are examples of weeds and grass types they can be used on:
\n\n\n\nAce Lawn Weed Killer
\n\n\n\n— Attacks broadleaf weeds
— Safe to use on: Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and Zoysiagrass
MCPP, 2,4-D, and Dicamba Mixture
\n\n\n\n— Attacks broadleaf weeds
— Safe to use on: St. Augustinegrass, tall fescue, Bahiagrass
Scotts Turf Builder
\n\n\n\n— Contains 2,4-D and Dicamba
— Controls several weeds, including common weeds like clover, henbit, and chickweed
— Offers products with crabgrass preventer
— Safe to use on: Centipedegrass, Bahiagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue
How long should you wait before reseeding a lawn after applying weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nWeed and feed can stop seed germination, so you must ensure it is completely absorbed before reseeding. Wait four weeks before planting grass seed. Likewise, waiting four weeks before overseeding your lawn is also best.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen is a lawn treated with herbicides safe for children and pets?
\n\n\n\nAllow a hard rain to wash away any residual from the herbicide. You can also water your grass a few days consecutively before letting children and pets on the grass.
\n\n\n\nWhen not in use, keep herbicides out of the reach of children and pets. These chemicals can be just as harmful to pets as they are to humans.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow can I reduce runoff from herbicides?
\n\n\n\nHerbicides that have spilled over onto hard surfaces like sidewalks or roads can be washed into storm drains. Use a rake or broom to push the chemicals back into your grass. This will reduce runoff that can harm the environment.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou have a few choices to treat weeds. Whether you select pre-emergent, post-emergent, or weed and feed products depends on your specific situation. For example, the types of weeds you have, the stage of weed accumulation, and your grass type are all determinants.
\n\n\n\nYou may also base your decision on how the toxicity of chemicals can affect your family and choose DIY weed killer mixtures that are safe for humans and pets. In this case, you would have to fertilize your grass separately, which is not such a bad thing. Grass clippings left on the lawn after mowing are a natural fertilizer. If you have lawn weeds, avoid leaving grass clippings, as this will spread the weeds.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to practice good lawn care habits to maintain a healthy green lawn and keep lawn weeds from returning. Fertilizing, watering, and mowing your grass appropriately will help reduce the chances of weed growth. Treating your grass for diseases is also imperative.
\n\n\n\nAnd if you don’t feel like figuring out weed and feed and other lawn care products yourself, let WikiLawn connect you with qualified lawn care professionals in your area to keep your lawn healthy and appealing for you.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Jon Rehg / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"How to Use Weed and Feed for Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1789c/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/107df/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 320w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/293e9/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 500w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/f2cbb/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 800w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1789c/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 960w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/c26c2/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1dd6e/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/67b76/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 320w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/8df11/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 500w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/98a65/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 800w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/1dd6e/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 960w,\n/static/5a9efe0b22496dd9055fe2734db34fee/3cc96/ca55b829-6e9e-437b-bf55-04c507a3cdf9.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Use Weed and Feed for Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn how and when to use weed and feed products, examples of weeds they control, and the best products for different grass types."}}},{"node":{"id":"60342570-630f-51a1-ace2-3c700993b3e1","slug":"artificial-grass-for-dogs","path":"/blog/artificial-grass-for-dogs/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 3rd, 2022","excerpt":"Want a lawn where Fido can jump and play, but not destroy? Artificial grass could save you time and money. Choose the right type of artificial grass for dogs, and it may even be pet-friendlier than the lawn you work so hard on to maintain. Check out these pros and cons, along with other helpful […]
\n","content":"\nWant a lawn where Fido can jump and play, but not destroy? Artificial grass could save you time and money. Choose the right type of artificial grass for dogs, and it may even be pet-friendlier than the lawn you work so hard on to maintain.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these pros and cons, along with other helpful information about artificial grass for dogs, and you may be ready to turn synthetic turf into pet turf.
\n\n\n\nContents
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Evergreen | 1. Costly |
| 2. No More Bugs | 2. Needs Replacing |
| 3. Less Mess Inside | 3. Heats Up |
| 4. Easy Cleanup Outside | 4. Odor |
| 5. Allergy Free |
You don’t have to spend the summer mowing and weeding your lawn to placate your pup. Let’s look at the benefits for pet owners and their dogs of installing fake grass.
\n\n\n\nTired of brown or yellow spots on your natural lawn? Chances are, your dog (or someone else’s) has been peeing there. Dog urine has a high concentration of nitrogen and salt that kills grass.
\n\n\n\nDead grass isn’t a problem you’ll have to worry about with a synthetic lawn. Artificial turf won’t stain when Lassie does her business, and the yard looks good year-round.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re tired of fleas and ticks hitching a ride inside on your pooch, artificial grass helps put a stop to that. It keeps your pet healthier, helping him to avoid the scratching, red, scaly skin, hair loss, and scabs. You also won’t have to worry about fleas and other pests making your pet seriously ill with tapeworm or anemia.
\n\n\n\nWildlife carries fleas. Deer and rabbits won’t be dropping by to feed on your artificial grass. You also won’t have to worry about getting rid of grubs or other lawn-destroying bugs since there’s nothing for them to feast on. Synthetic turf’s drainage holes also keep water from pooling, so there’s no standing water to attract insects.
\n\n\n\nDogs aren’t just bringing fleas into your home. They track in dirt with muddy paws and matted fur when you have real grass. Cleanup is no fun, especially if you have wall-to-wall carpet.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass turf doesn’t have bare spots where rain leaves a muddy mess for our furry friends to play. And fake grass won’t come off on your pooch’s fur when they roll around and play.
\n\n\n\nThe smell is a big concern for pet owners considering synthetic lawns. After all, they’re dealing with poop and dog pee daily. Artificial grass products include turf deodorizer that sits between the grass blades and liquid cleaners that eliminate odor.
\n\n\n\nWhether you have a lawn made of sod or artificial grass, you should pick up dog poop as soon as possible. Waiting too long poses health risks. You’ll have to hose it down several times and spray vinegar and water on the affected area. Use a leaf blower to remove any sticks or debris, then simply hose down the artificial lawn with a garden hose.
\n\n\n\nPet turf may be your only choice if you or your dog are allergic to grass. Pets may suffer constant scratching, hair loss, or rashes from rolling or digging in natural grass or just being around it. Synthetic turf is a great way to have a lovely green lawn without sacrificing your dog’s health.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no way around it. Putting in a synthetic lawn costs more than real grass- at least at first. Artificial turf installation runs an average of just over $12 per square foot, or about $5,000 for the average lawn, while even the most expensive sod averages 83 cents per square foot.
\n\n\n\nLaying natural grass may require purchasing or renting a sod cutter, roto-tiller, and other expensive equipment. Installing artificial grass requires all that plus infill, a weed barrier, edging, adhesives, and the actual synthetic grass.
\n\n\n\nThe cost may even out in the long run, as maintenance on real grass is more expensive than that of artificial turf. You’ll have to decide if low maintenance down the road on fake grass outweighs the initial expense.
\n\n\n\nReplacing synthetic turf is much more costly than replacing sod, and times vary on how often it’s necessary. Turf on a sports field gets more use than in your backyard and needs replacing more frequently.
\n\n\n\nAssuming normal lawn use, a well-maintained, quality artificial lawn can last 15 to 20 years. Developers continue to improve the durability and appearance of the grass, but pet waste can shorten the synthetic tuff’s lifespan if not cleaned properly, due to build-up on the grass blades.
\n\n\n\nIt’s cheaper to keep natural grass looking good by overseeding every year. This keeps it greener, creates a thicker carpet, and tacks on years to the lawn at a very small cost. Grass seed averages 8 to 20 cents per square foot.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass can get too hot for our furry friends’ paws when the sun is out. Dogs already run hotter than humans, with an average temperature of 101 degrees. So leaving them outside when the thermometer climbs may lead to dehydration or heat stroke.
\n\n\n\nnatural grass releases water vapor that leads to cooling, but fake grass can’t do that, so it absorbs the heat. While most studies on the temperature of synthetic turf relate to sports fields, it’s estimated that an artificial lawn gets at least 20 degrees hotter than a natural lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou can help keep Fido cool by limiting outdoor playtime on the synthetic turf to mornings and evenings and keep your pup inside during the hottest time of the day. You also want to make sure your yard has a shaded area where your pup can rest without feeling the heat.
\n\n\n\nYou can’t rely on enough steady rain to rinse pet waste from the turf. As we’ve already mentioned, picking up poop as soon as your dog goes keeps it from drying on the fake grass. You should also take immediate action when it comes to pet urine.
\n\n\n\nDog pee makes its way through the blades of fake grass and congeals in the bottom of the carpet if it’s not removed. As it builds up, so does the smell. Hosing down your artificial turf regularly eliminates the urine and smell.
\n\n\n\nThe best artificial grass for dogs is called pet turf. While all synthetic lawn carpets have porous backing for drainage, pet turf has highly durable backing with slightly larger drainage holes. This allows dog pee to pass through the turf without congealing.
\n\n\n\nPet turf works well for large and small dogs and even multiple furry friends. You can also put it in dog runs and kennels. It’s important to note that the sub-base must be properly installed. If not, dogs can dig up the turf or tear it, especially at the seams and edges.
\n\n\n\nUltimately, You have to make the choice that works best for you and your dog, whether that’s a natural lawn or synthetic turf. But it’s good to know that low-maintenance, pet-friendly artificial grass is an option.
\n\n\n\n1. Is Artificial Grass Safe for Dogs?
\n\n\n\nYes, and often it’s safer than sod. Most artificial grass is made of polyethylene, the same plastic used for kids’ toys and common household products.
\n\n\n\nWhat CAN make synthetic grass harmful is lead in the green coloring of the blades or black tire crumbs as infill. Those materials can be toxic, so only use artificial turf and infill that has been tested and is 100% lead and latex free.
\n\n\n\n2. How Do You Clean Pet Turf?
\n\n\n\nA spray with the garden hose is essential after daily bathroom breaks, but you’ll need to do a bit more on a weekly basis.
\n\n\n\nAfter picking up pet waste, add vinegar to the water to keep the urine and poop from congealing at the base of the fake grass. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the affected area, then hose it off.
\n\n\n\n3. Can Synthetic Lawns be Installed Around Landscaping?
\n\n\n\nYes. Fake grass can be cut to fit around trees, mailboxes, swing sets, or anything else you may have in your yard. You will have to take some extra steps while installing it, so be sure to measure twice before making any cuts.
\n\n\n\nDon’t worry about fake grass blocking the tree’s water source. The backing on artificial turf is quite porous, and rainwater easily reaches the roots.
\n\n\n\nDon’t have the time or energy to install an artificial lawn? We can find a landscaping pro near you to install it for you.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Rawpixel
\n","title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/107df/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 320w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/293e9/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 500w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/f2cbb/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 800w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 960w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/c26c2/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/67b76/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 320w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/8df11/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 500w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/98a65/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 800w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 960w,\n/static/d9716da14a829640ed0e742344082592/3cc96/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-3293468-original.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass for Dogs | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Artificial grass may be better for your dog and your landscape than sod. We look at the pros and cons of artificial grass for dogs."}}},{"node":{"id":"85163eb4-3d4e-55b7-a216-988dafb66f52","slug":"how-to-identify-grass-fungus","path":"/blog/how-to-identify-grass-fungus/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Mel Childs","id":"5e563fe7-34e1-5dc2-bc00-a1e777e5dfd5","path":"/author/melisha-childslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8fb37d81bb775d323e0028ec06cb650f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"}],"date":"August 1st, 2022","excerpt":"Is your lawn suffering from dollar spot, snow mold, or brown patch? This guide will help you identify 10 common types of grass fungus quickly, so you can treat and prevent them. Contents: What is Grass Fungus? 10 Types of FungusDollar SpotGray Leaf SpotGray Snow MoldPink Snow MoldLeaf SpotNecrotic Ring SpotPowdery MildewRed ThreadBrown PatchSummer Patch […]
\n","content":"\nIs your lawn suffering from dollar spot, snow mold, or brown patch? This guide will help you identify 10 common types of grass fungus quickly, so you can treat and prevent them.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nA grass fungus is a microorganism that grows and thrives in the soil. It manifests itself as a fruiting body such as mushrooms or in the form of a disease such as summer patch.
Sometimes the fungus can lie dormant in cooler seasons and start to show itself in hot months, or vice versa. Grass fungus can attack the roots or leaves of your lawn, zapping it of nutrients and often changing its appearance.
\n\n\n\nSeveral of these fungi can result in a number of lawn diseases. Here are the ten most common types of grass fungus.
\n\n\n\nThis fungus spreads throughout the yard through infected tools or grass clippings. It may even spread by shoes tracking through the grass. Dollar spot starts in early summer and reaches its peak in late summer. It thrives in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Bentgrass and Zoysia are grasses that are susceptible to this type of fungus.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms:
\n\n\n\nTreatment:
\n\n\n\n![\"Gray](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_2screen_shot_2022-07-29_at_113159_am-1024x504.jpg\")
Gray leaf spot creates an enormous amount of spores that invade grass through cut leaf tips. This fungus targets St. Augustinegrass but can also affect Bermudagrass, ryegrass, centipedegrass, and tall fescue.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms
\n\n\n\nTreatment
\n\n\n\nGray snow mold is a fungus that grows in winter under snow in temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, spreading its threads into plant tissues. This disease tends to attack bluegrasses, bentgrass, ryegrass, and fescues.
Symptoms:
Treatment:
\n\n\n\nSimilar to gray snow mold, this fungus attacks the grass leaves, forming a disease that looks like red or coral webs. Unlike gray snow mold, pink snow mold doesn’t require snow to thrive. Annual bluegrasses and bentgrasses are most susceptible to this type of grass fungus.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms:
\n\n\n\nTreatment:
\n\n\n\n![\"Leaf](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_manchas_foliares_-_hongos_sobre_hoja_de_rumex_sp-_leaf_spot_7494223286.jpg\")
Leaf spot develops in early spring and spreads in spring or late fall, attacking the grass crown and roots. This fungus attacks Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue.
Symptoms:
Treatment:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_img_2816-1024x768.jpg\")
Necrotic ring spot attacks the roots of grass, creating donut-shaped dead spots. It attacks fine fescue, annual bluegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and rough bluegrass.
Symptoms:
Treatment:
\n\n\n\nThis fungus forms in moist, cool climates when the ground has poor air circulation. It forms on the grass blades, particularly Kentucky bluegrass.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms:
\n\n\n\nTreatment:
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_31616759565_dc7c3259f9_c.jpg\")
You can identify red thread by the clusters of red or pink threads throughout your fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, bentgrasses, or bluegrasses. The fungus enters the grass through its blades, spreading to other areas, and is common in rainy seasons of spring and early summer.
Symptoms:
Treatment:
\n\n\n\nBrown patch attacks the roots and spreads to the leaves and stems of grass. This fungus attacks fescues, bentgrass, ryegrass, and bluegrasses.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms:
\n\n\n\nTreatment:
\n\n\n\n![\"Summer](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_14747617254_dd85aea258_c.jpg\")
Summer patch is a fungus that usually attacks Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and annual bluegrasses. The fungus attacks the roots of the grass.
\n\n\n\nSymptoms:
\n\n\n\nTreatment:
\n\n\n\nYou can prevent a grass fungus from invading your lawn with a few lawn maintenance tips.
\n\n\n\n1. Will a lawn fungus go away on its own?
\n\n\n\nNo. The fungus will spread and get worse over time.
\n\n\n\n2. Are certain grass types more susceptible to lawn fungus than others?
\n\n\n\nYes. For example, Bermudagrass, bluegrasses, and Zoysiagrasses are vulnerable to various types of fungus. Planting a much more resistant species like creeping red fescue will help keep fungus at bay.
\n\n\n\n3. Will mowing the infected lawn spread the disease?
\n\n\n\nYes. The blades of your mower could spread the fungus throughout your yard. To minimize the spread of the pathogens to other parts of your yard via your lawn mower, clean and disinfect the mower blades before each mow.
\n\n\n\nNot sure how to treat the grass fungus invading your lawn? We’ll help you find a lawn care professional in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Flickr/ Kris Lourd/CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"How to Identify and Treat 10 Types of Grass Fungus","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/1789c/Red-Thread-disease.jpg","srcSet":"/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/107df/Red-Thread-disease.jpg 320w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/293e9/Red-Thread-disease.jpg 500w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/f2cbb/Red-Thread-disease.jpg 800w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/1789c/Red-Thread-disease.jpg 960w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/a2a79/Red-Thread-disease.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/1dd6e/Red-Thread-disease.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/67b76/Red-Thread-disease.webp 320w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/8df11/Red-Thread-disease.webp 500w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/98a65/Red-Thread-disease.webp 800w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/1dd6e/Red-Thread-disease.webp 960w,\n/static/10e5bfc38ec0472e937ac4654fa07236/7aa54/Red-Thread-disease.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Identify and Treat 10 Types of Grass Fungus | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Is your lawn facing brown patch, snow mold, or fairy ring? We'll show you how to identify the types of grass fungus that has your lawn looking sickly."}}},{"node":{"id":"fc01ca95-4faa-5ce8-8ef3-c9a4548de41e","slug":"when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed","path":"/blog/when-to-water-after-weed-and-feed/","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":"Watering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on […]
\n","content":"\nWatering your lawn at the correct time interval after applying weed and feed ensures the product actually works. The type of weed and feed used determines the time frame in which the grass should be watered after administering the product. This article covers when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed, depending on the specific type.
\n\n\n\nKeep reading to find out how to get it right the first time.
\n\n\nWhen to water your lawn after applying weed and feed products is just as important as knowing how and when to apply weed and feed. Watering your grass too soon or too late can result in ineffective weed control and keep the fertilizer from creating a healthy lawn full of green grass.
\n\n\n\nFind out below when to water the lawn after applying the different types of weed and feed products.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/solar-panels-working-20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: groveb / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPre-emergent weed and feed products require water to help them penetrate the ground to be effective. You can water the grass 12 to 24 hours after application. For the best results, wait at least 24 hours before watering.
\n\n\n\nRain: The rain can help soak the herbicide into the soil. However, do not water the lawn if it rains after you apply weed and feed. Too much water can wash away the treatment.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Fertilizer-spreader-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dean Clarke / Shutterstock / License
\n\n\n\nHomeowners should use post-emergent weed and feed products when it will be dry for a few days. These products are more sensitive to watering than their pre-emergent counterparts.
\n\n\n\nWait two days before watering the lawn to give the herbicide portion of the weed and feed time to absorb into the leaves of the weeds. If watered before 48 hours, the chemicals are washed away and will not work.
\n\n\n\nRain: Be sure to check the weather forecast and pick a time to apply weed and feed when it is going to be dry for a few days.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"fertilizer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/fertilizer-for-the-lawn-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nFor granular fertilizer to work, it must be watered into the ground to release the lawn food that makes grass healthy and gives you a green lawn. If the fertilizer does not receive water, it can burn the grass if it sits on the lawn during the summer.
\n\n\n\nWait 12 to 24 hours before watering your lawn after applying granular pre-emergent weed and feed.
\n\n\n\nGrass treated with granular post-emergents should not be watered for at least 48 hours.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike granular products, liquid weed and feed does not require watering to work. And you do not have to wait as long to water the lawn. As a rule of thumb, waiting at least 24 hours is best. Too much watering can render the chemicals ineffective, so be mindful of this when you turn on the sprinklers.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe chemicals in these two different types of weed and feed do not mix well. Therefore, homeowners are advised not to use both a pre-emergent and post-emergent at the same time. Here are some reasons why:
\n\n\n\n— They should be watered at different times after application.
— They should be applied at different times to work. Pre-emergents should be used in early spring. Post-emergents should be applied in the late spring.
Weed and feed is a combination of chemicals to treat weeds and fertilize the grass. The lawn fertilizer – the “feed” part – contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, important plant nutrients. The weed control portion can be either a pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide.
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent Weed and Feed: Pre-emergent weed and feed products have herbicides to stop weed seeds from germinating. Pre-emergent products do not kill weeds. Depending on the ingredients, pre-emergent weed and feed inhibits cell division, prevents root growth, or stops enzyme growth to keep weeds from growing in the first place.
\n\n\n\nPost-Emergent Weed and Feed: Post-emergent two-in-one products have chemicals that kill weeds that are already growing. Contact-based products kill the plant parts they come into contact with, which is typically the parts above ground. Systemic post-emergents can be sprayed on any part of the weed and are absorbed into the plant, destroying its entire vascular system.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Srinuan Hirunwat / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nPre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent: If you want to prevent weeds from growing, you’ll want a pre-emergent weed and feed. A post-emergent weed and feed is best in yards already held hostage by weeds.
\n\n\n\nLiquid vs. Granular: If you want to spot-treat weeds, liquid weed and feed products allow you to target individual weeds. Granular weed and feeds use a spreader to apply to a larger area. If you have a lot of weeds throughout your yard and want to apply chemicals quickly, a granular product may be best.
\n\n\n\nGrass Type: The type of grass is also a part of the decision of which weed and feed to select. Weed and feed labels list which types of grass they can be used on and at what stage. For example, pre-emergents should never be used on turfgrass recently seeded.
\n\n\n\nSome chemicals can be used on warm-season grasses but not on cool-season grasses and vice versa. Scotts Turf Builder is an example of a weed and feed that can be used on both.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeed and feed products are conveniently available and can be found at many home improvement brick-and-mortar locations and online stores like Amazon. However, weed and feed can be bad for your lawn for the following reasons:
\n\n\n\n— The best time to fertilize your lawn and the best time to treat weeds are often different.
— The chemicals in weed and feed are dangerous for children and pets.
— Weed products are often only needed in specific areas, while fertilizer is required all across the lawn.
— The harsh chemicals in weed and feed can leach into the surrounding environment.
— Weed and feed can sometimes harm plants other than weeds, including grass, shrubs, and trees.
How long should you wait before mowing the grass after using weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nGive the product time to work. Wait at least three days before you mow the grass.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen can you aerate your lawn after applying weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nYou should wait four weeks after applying weed and feed before aerating your lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre liquid and granular weed and feed applied differently?
\n\n\n\nYes. Liquid weed and feed products are applied using a sprayer. Granular weed and feed chemicals are disbursed using a drop-type spreader, rotary spreader, or broadcast spreader.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShould you water your grass before applying weed and feed?
\n\n\n\nWatering the lawn before applying granular products is helpful. It can help the granules stick to the weeds. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen is it safe for children and pets to come back on the lawn?
\n\n\n\nWait until after a heavy rainfall before allowing your loved ones back on the grass. You can also water your lawn for a few days in a row to be sure the residual from the chemicals is washed away.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow soon can a lawn be reseeded after applying pre-emergent herbicide?
\n\n\n\nHomeowners should wait at least 8-10 weeks after applying weed control to reseed a lawn, or the herbicide could kill the grass seeds.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGetting the timing right on when to water your grass after applying weed and feed will determine if the chemicals work. It will also affect whether you end up with an attractive, healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nKeeping up with when to water the grass takes time and effort. You could end up spending more time and money correcting your mistake if you do not get it right.
\n\n\n\n
If you prefer to let someone else handle your lawn care chores and eliminate the risk of you messing up the timing, WikiLawn can connect you with lawn care professionals in your area who can help control weeds and maintain your grass for an appealing, healthy lawn.
Main Photo Credit: nenovbrothers / Canva Pro / License
\n","title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/107df/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/293e9/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/f2cbb/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1789c/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/c26c2/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/67b76/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 320w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/8df11/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 500w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/98a65/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 800w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/1dd6e/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 960w,\n/static/86558436837abaae95cbb804d09a1484/3cc96/f7585bd1-0824-425a-aba5-552b640c3d8a-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When to Water the Lawn After Applying Weed and Feed | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn when to water the lawn after applying weed and feed so that weed seeds do not germinate, weeds are killed, and the lawn fertilizer works, too."}}},{"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":"4ffe5de5-d22a-50e4-9c09-43d605c75e25","slug":"6-organizing-tips-to-tidy-up-your-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/6-organizing-tips-to-tidy-up-your-yard/","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/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"June 5th, 2019","excerpt":"What is a backyard if not an extension of one’s soul? Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but what’s the point of having that yard if you don’t maintain it well? Your lawn is a part of your property strangers can often look into without having to be welcomed into your home, so keeping […]
\n","content":"\nWhat is a backyard if not an extension of one’s soul? Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but what’s the point of having that yard if you don’t maintain it well? Your lawn is a part of your property strangers can often look into without having to be welcomed into your home, so keeping it organized is crucial to maintaining the right appearances in your neighborhood. It is one of many ways to improve your all-important curb appeal. Though there is a lot of open space in the typical yard, keeping the rest well organized does take some effort and wise thinking. Try these tips to keep your backyard items well maintained and stored correctly.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/lawnmowers-yelloe.jpg\")
It’s possible to store most lawn care products and other backyard items without much maintenance. The main exception would be lawnmowers or other motorized lawn equipment. Drain any fuel or other fluids put inside these tools before they are stored long-term. In the winter, make sure to empty the fuel tank of the mower before putting it away in the garage or shed. If the items are stored outdoors, try to keep them above ground to prevent snow and water from getting to them.
\n\n\n\nRead more: Here Are the Best Push Lawn Mowers of 2019
\n\n\n\nOutdoor grills can get dirty during a busy summer, so cleaning a grill before putting it in storage is always wise. A grill brush can be a big help with the job. Weber Grills has a helpful guide on their site that helps walk through the steps owners of each kind of grill should take before storing their grills. Whatever grill you have, it can be stored indoors or outdoors during the winter, but a propane tank should always be stored outside. If you choose to store your grill outdoors, a grill cover can help protect its exterior from the elements.
\n\n\n\nMost items that kids love to play with at the pool are pretty low maintenance, but it always helps to break down these pool toys and accessories to their smallest components. That means disassembling the pool basketball hoop, deflating the floating pool toys, and folding all the towels.
\n\n\n\nThere’s always an item or two that can be removed to create extra space in any outdoor space. Many people don’t refresh their lawn decorations or leave some out far too long. Others keep broken or worn down lawn equipment, flower pots or watering instruments around as it can be difficult to throw them out.
\n\n\n\nThe shed or garage close to your outdoor space can often become the place where items to be sold, donated, or thrown out are put. It generally feels easier to move these items temporarily than it is actually to get rid of them. Determine a workflow to assess which of these seeming superfluous items are worth keeping, and figure out what to do with the rest (selling, donating, dumping) that makes the most sense.
\n\n\n\nDecluttering your backyard makes the outdoor living space more inviting and more functional for your friends and family… or neighbors. When you have too much stuff just lying around and taking up space in your yard, the point this summer should be to declutter it. The golden rule is the less you have, the less you need to store. Just like when you’re looking at renting a storage space or preparing for a long distance move, throwing away or donating items means fewer things for you to worry about.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/4757379661_316dfa218f_z.jpg\")
Need more space to store things in and around your yard? There are a few convenient yard storage solutions. Add storage racks or buy shelves to go alongside the walls of the garage, and you’ll make more use out of the space right next to your yard. In the yard, a storage shed or deck box can make an unassuming place to put some items that belong in the yard but aren’t always being used. The deck box or shed can blend into a yard much like an ottomans blend into a living room. A wine rack as a holder for clean – rolled-up towels and a water-proof coat rack is a great solution for hanging wet towels to dry.
\n\n\n\nThe elements are always a concern in the yard, so patio and other outdoor furniture should have covers that can be put on them upon notice of inclement weather. Clearing debris from the lawn can help prevent damage in cases of inclement weather too; don’t let a strong breeze cause one of your items to be dented. Cleaning your metal yard equipment like lawnmowers, grills, and gardening tools will help keep them from rusting and help them maintain their top effectiveness. Having a landscape layout that’s fit for your home is often about yard maintenance. But the reward of a photogenic and welcoming exterior on your property is worth it.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Flickr // Earthworm
\n","title":"Here Are 6 Organizing Tips to Tidy Up Your Yard","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1789c/backyard-clutter.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/107df/backyard-clutter.jpg 320w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/293e9/backyard-clutter.jpg 500w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/f2cbb/backyard-clutter.jpg 800w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1789c/backyard-clutter.jpg 960w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/a2a79/backyard-clutter.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1dd6e/backyard-clutter.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/67b76/backyard-clutter.webp 320w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/8df11/backyard-clutter.webp 500w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/98a65/backyard-clutter.webp 800w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/1dd6e/backyard-clutter.webp 960w,\n/static/2dd8b8f1b972dfeb5e7d60568d96381f/7aa54/backyard-clutter.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Here Are 6 Organizing Tips to Tidy Up Your Yard | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c9424d28-4c80-554c-a8d1-1b81d57f7605","slug":"lime-for-lawns","path":"/blog/lime-for-lawns/","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":"You’re ready to take on the beautiful weather, but your lawn is not. Why is it not green when you just applied fertilizer? A yellow lawn that does not green up or look lush and healthy after it has been fertilized can be a sign that it is time for a lime treatment. This article […]
\n","content":"\nYou’re ready to take on the beautiful weather, but your lawn is not. Why is it not green when you just applied fertilizer? A yellow lawn that does not green up or look lush and healthy after it has been fertilized can be a sign that it is time for a lime treatment. This article explores why, when, and how to lime your lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nLime is a soil amendment that is made from ground limestone. Adding lime to a lawn raises the soil pH level, making it more alkaline and less acidic. The lawn is unable to absorb needed nutrients in acidic soil, which keeps the grass from thriving.
\n\n\n\nLime is made from calcium carbonate and other materials, like magnesium carbonate. There are two types of lime: dolomitic and calcitic.
\n\n\n\nCalcitic lime works well on soils that are not deficient in magnesium.
\n\n\n\nDolomitic lime is the most common type of lime used in lawns. It is made from calcium carbonate mixed with magnesium carbonate. Dolomitic lime is higher in magnesium than calcitic lime. If your soil is magnesium deficient, dolomitic lime is the best choice.
\n\n\n\nLime for lawns comes in liquid, powder, and pellet form. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider for each form:
\n\n\n\nLiquid
\n\n\n\nPowder
\n\n\n\nPellet
\n\n\n\nA lawn growing in overly acidic soil will not get the nutrients it needs when it is fertilized. The grass will experience problems and stop growing. When you add lime to your lawn, you raise the soil’s pH level, making it less acidic. This allows the grass roots to absorb the nutrients your grass needs to grow healthy, like calcium, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
\n\n\n\nThe ideal pH for healthy grass is between 5.8 and 7.1. Your type of turfgrass determines where the soil pH level should fall in this range for optimal lawn growth. Warm-season grasses, like St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass, need a slightly lower pH. Cool-season grasses, like fescues and Kentucky bluegrass, require a moderately higher, more alkaline pH.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/4542559854_43a56a102d_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryo Chijiiwa / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiming your lawn does not need to be a regular practice. You should only lime a lawn if the soil is too acidic. A soil test will reveal your soil’s pH and nutrient deficiencies, which will tell you whether your lawn needs lime or not.
\n\n\n\nBut what are the tell-tale signs that a soil test is needed? These are indicators that a lawn might need lime:
\n\n\n\nThe ideal time for lime treatments is the fall and spring, with a preference for the fall. Conventional lime products can take months to break down and modify soil acidity. The changes in the weather from fall to spring help these products break down. If you apply lime in fall, it will be broken down by spring, and your soil will be ready for a new year of healthy growth.
\n\n\n\nSome more advanced lime agents start working immediately and can be applied any season.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou do not want to add too much lime too often. Soil that is too acidic should be tested annually until it is at the ideal pH level. Give the lime application time to work. If you added lime in the spring, test the soil again in the fall, and vice versa.
\n\n\n\nOnce the soil pH is balanced, test it every 1 to 2 years. Only apply lime again if the pH drops below the ideal range.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like there is an ideal time to lime your lawn, there are also times when you should avoid applying it. To make sure your lime treatment is effective, do not add lime in the following conditions:
\n\n\n\nThere are some things you will need to do to prepare your lawn for lime treatment. You will need to know your lawn’s size. Be sure to wear protective gear, like gloves and a mask.
\n\n\n\nHere are the preparatory and application steps to lime your lawn:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Soil](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soil-Testing.jpg\")
Photo Credit: CSIRO / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore you lime your grass, always start with a soil pH test. Liming when you do not need to can harm your lawn.
\n\n\n\nYour soil type will determine the amount of lime you need to add to increase or decrease the soil pH. Homeowners should contact their local county extension office to inquire about receiving a soil test kit and sending in a soil sample. Although a kit can be purchased from a local garden center, the county extension service will provide a more accurate report.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dethatcher2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agri-Fab, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf there is a significant layer of thatch between the grass and the soil, dethatch the lawn before aerating. Dethatching removes organic debris that could prevent lime from getting to the soil.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Grass](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/f5363534-cb37-4d68-a32a-0b9c32dca178.jpg\")
Photo Credit: macniak / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUse a core aerator to loosen the soil before applying lime. Lawn aeration opens up small holes in compacted soil, allowing soil amendments like lime to break down more easily.
\n\n\n\nThe dethatching and aeration process does not have to immediately precede lime application. In the case of warm-season grasses, which should not be dethatched and aerated in the fall, it is okay to do so in late spring and add lime in the fall. You can also dethatch and aerate in the late spring and lime afterward.
\n\n\n\nCool-season grasses can be dethatched and aerated in the fall right before you add lime.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Lime-Pellets-for-Lawn-Care.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Imagesbybarbara / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe soil test results will typically recommend how many pounds of lime are needed per 1,000 square feet. If the grass needs between 50 and 100 pounds, apply it in two different applications. Administer the first half in the spring and the remaining amount in the fall. Never put more than 50 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet on the grass at one time.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Seed](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/seed-spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jon Rehg / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLime Pellets. Use a drop spreader or rotary spreader and disseminate half of the lime by walking across your lawn in parallel lines, back and forth. After the first round of application, apply the remaining lime by walking in lines perpendicular to your first application. This will increase your chances of thorough coverage.
\n\n\n\nLiquid Lime. Read the product label to determine how much you will need to apply. Walk across your lawn in straight lines as you spray, just like with pellets. Spray side-to-side as you walk for uniform coverage.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Watering-Hose.jpg\")
Photo Credit: AnthonyRosenberg / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHelp the lime soak into the soil by watering the lawn. This will also keep lime from sitting on the grass blades and burning them. For liquid lime, follow the package instructions regarding how soon to water after application.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes. A lawn with too much lime can change the pH of the soil to a level that prevents the grass from thriving. It can create overly alkaline soil, preventing grass blades from getting the nutrients they need. The grass can eventually turn yellow and die if too much lime continues to be added.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHomeowners should wear a mask when handling powder lime. Pellet lime may be attractive to pets and children, so be sure to keep them off the lawn while the pellets are still visible. Lime pellets are harmful if ingested and can irritate the skin and eyes.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRunoff from heavy rainfall can remove calcium from the soil. Calcium loss leads to a drop in pH and, eventually, acidic soil. If your area does not get heavy rain, calcium is not removed from runoff, and the grass can become overly alkaline. Maintaining your lawn appropriately, including watering and fertilizing it, will also eventually lower the pH level.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo. If your lawn needs a lime application, that means it is too acidic and cannot properly absorb the nutrients from fertilizer. You’ll need to add the lime first and give it a few months to absorb into the soil. After a few months, test your soil again. If the soil pH is within the appropriate range, you can then fertilize the lawn.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiming your lawn is an art and science. You need to know when to lime, what type of lime to use, the best time of year for lime treatments, and the best form of lime to apply. This is the science. The art is in the ability to produce a beautiful lawn for years to come.
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You do not have to deal with the intricacies of liming your lawn and other landscaping tasks on your own. From adding lime to controlling weeds to mowing the grass, WikiLawn can connect you with qualified lawn care pros in your area to handle all your lawn care needs.
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![\"Dollar](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_15303286489_3f105d8145_c.jpg\")