![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mHCDDo725XPmdG9uaKXPGKLxG2lq6ubhwE8d-AVWPFz_iEt-vpy9ieHlDG7UdAk5cXUsk-lniGiXuER89clu2083pR9uRMAHC_0MKMDWIq1CJmbE8oRJVgBXNvbKErSKOft3OceL\")
There’s no place like home … to injure yourself. In much the same way that most car accidents take place within five miles of home, most of our injuries take place on our own properties. As people head outside to embark on various projects, some will end in aches, sprains, and worse. Here’s a list […]
\n","content":"\nThere’s no place like home … to injure yourself. In much the same way that most car accidents take place within five miles of home, most of our injuries take place on our own properties. As people head outside to embark on various projects, some will end in aches, sprains, and worse. Here’s a list of common back yard injuries and some yard work safety tips.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn mower is the most dangerous tool in the shed. Both push mowers and lawn tractors feature motor-driven blades on a moving carriage. The risk of injuries ranges from carbon monoxide poisoning to burns to critical injury from blades. More than 80,000 people go to the emergency room each year because of lawn mower injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While some injuries are minor, 70 of those injuries are fatal and 5,000 involve children. American Society of Plastic Surgeons president, Dr. Jeffrey Janis says more than 600 children lose a limb to lawn mower accidents every year. “Lawn mowing can unexpectedly become a dangerous activity, especially when children are near. It’s imperative that operators take proper precautions and eliminate all risks to reduce these traumatic injuries.”
\n\n\n\nThe Consumer Product Safety Commission warns you never to leave a motor idling in an enclosed garage, and always walk the area that you’re about to mow. Look for any debris or objects that could damage your blades and become flying projectiles. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, and sturdy shoes with sure-grip soles, never sneakers, or sandals. They also advise small children not be allowed on a riding mower or near the lawn when the rotary mower is in use. Finally, READ the owner’s manual and make sure you’re familiar with all safety features
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yGiWveffb4WgsLkfE-oVmU5-0QExVgsWCBza52BOuxP907dFimaYPi089843RR09BulpYCSKU6xuxvsKorEEL_EUZDSxMLZmdhBSUK1e1zSV3TAjVIvcMu-xyl0tZhELfk31LvQD\")
Falls are the leading cause of at-home injuries, and once you add ladders into the equation, all bets are off. But a few precautions can keep you from becoming another statistic. Start with inspecting your ladder before you climb aboard. Look out for loose rungs or hardware, and don’t climb a ladder unless you are wearing footwear with a good grip. Be mindful of your ladder position: Place it on a firm, level surface out of the range of any swinging doors.
\n\n\n\nWhen you’re on a ladder, follow the “three-points-of-contact rule.” Always have at least two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder. When tackling a project like cleaning the gutters, ask someone to hold the ladder steady for you at the base. Don’t stand on the top rung of a ladder (the one that says “not a step”) and avoid facing outward from the ladder. Following these simple tips can help keep you safe no matter how high you climb.
\n\n\n\nNo one is likely to underestimate the potential for injury with outdoor power equipment. Yet every year, doctors see a huge influx of injuries after storms, when people are dealing with large numbers of downed trees. To avoid injury, operators should always wear gloves, long pants, shoes, and eye protection. Make sure your power tools are in good working order, and extension cords are secured.
\n\n\n\nOne major component of lawn care is aeration — the act of piercing your compacted lawn with a specialized piece of equipment to help your turf “breathe.” While this is arguably the best thing you can do to improve the quality of your yard’s life, your back might disagree. Aeration requires either a spike aerator or a core aerator. Both are heavy tools you must push across your lawn. If you’re not in great shape, lifting and pushing one of these beasts can leave you with a serious back injury. If you’re aerating this year, make sure you lift and move the aerator carefully (with help if you need it) and maintain a good posture at all times.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zURumFZisTmDD1TDX4xY101JdENHrcUHFF2v4qLn0sgqLiJg2_7Va3xdFRwcX98EVRt0snzf4DFdGAo6hxasv4zb8k0MyKL-p0_wAvEFrEkC_htyVbFcZxQlTpBUFPvj4sp0OSr4\")
Rakes are great for removing leaves, but you should be raked over the coals if you leave one outside when you’re finished. The sharp edges are especially dangerous around young children. A shovel, by itself, doesn’t pose many hazards, but before you go digging, it’s crucial that you call the utility company and make sure you’re not digging into a power line. One wrong move and you could be pushing up daisies instead of planting them.
\n\n\n\nAs innocuous as it might seem, pulling those pesky weeds when you’re a bit out of shape can really lay you out if you’re not careful. Practice good form, bend at the knees and use your legs to pull, rather than just your arms. Consider wearing knee pads to ease the stress on your legs. You may want to start out slow and easy — when the weeds are still small — and work your way up to the big guys as you get conditioned over time.
\n\n\n\nOne major component of lawn care is aeration — the act of piercing your compacted lawn with a specialized piece of equipment to help your turf “breathe.” While this is arguably the best thing you can do to improve the quality of your yard’s life, your back might disagree. Aeration requires either a spike aerator or a core aerator. Both are heavy tools you must push across your lawn. If you’re not in great shape, lifting and pushing one of these beasts can leave you with a serious back injury.
\n\n\n\nCreating a thick green lawn can also leave you with a black lung! Heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and insecticides have been known to cause cancer. Your best bet is using natural fertilizers. Grass clipping will provide your lawn with the nutrition it needs without hurting you or your pets. You can avoid using pesticides by planting native plants and flowers that repel pests.
\n\n\n\nSo when someone tells you, “It wouldn’t kill you to do a little yard work,” tell them it very well could! As excited as you may be to get started on your yard project this spring, don’t forget to take safety precautions to avoid any preventable injuries.
\n\n\n\n\n","title":"Yard Work Safety","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5505004549590538,"src":"/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/1789c/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/107df/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.jpg 320w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/293e9/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.jpg 500w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/f2cbb/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.jpg 800w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/1789c/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.jpg 960w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/d8e6a/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.jpg 1704w","srcWebp":"/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/1dd6e/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/67b76/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.webp 320w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/8df11/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.webp 500w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/98a65/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.webp 800w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/1dd6e/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.webp 960w,\n/static/c79d864cd43c28b67875a7af9a84ea5d/82e5d/landscape-gardener-trimming-shrub-on-ladder-e1576097351725.webp 1704w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Yard Work Safety | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"d16e2d6b-56c8-59e2-83f4-27ffd9dd8cd8","slug":"benefits-composting-lawn","path":"/lawn-care/benefits-composting-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Ruma Akter","id":"b4adb332-066f-5309-a11a-ada9d71b73f7","path":"/author/opushaon10/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ebb2426fcf700731e458d89422adc475?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 27th, 2019","excerpt":"Looking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer. You may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too. What Is Compost? Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps […]
\n","content":"\nLooking for a cost-efficient way to a beautiful lawn with healthier grass? Composting may be the answer.
\n\n\n\nYou may associate compost with gardens and flower beds, but there are several benefits to adding the beautiful rot to your grass, too.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7siWPz9hIYZNaFizVvrLv1ilgO2v5ZEN6q_jZTkH9LyzmiTKBQ-wplgwMSshwyJel0FpzwSEjtWWWzWiVQY7qEuHWGV0kuQrn-qt3FS5grSQfBs4xY62AB-ltZieVNlrBe1SUz3h\")
Compost is organic material, made up of decomposing living matter. Food scraps and yard waste (grass clippings, raked leaves, and remnants of garden plants) make up most compost. Compost also happens on its own in nature with fallen leaves, twigs, and branches. By adding fruit and vegetable scraps, you put back into the soil the ingredients it needs to thrive.
\n\n\n\nFood products that don’t compost well include tea bags (the tea residue works well but only if you remove the bag) and highly acidic citrus fruits and tomatoes (they may kill the good bacteria that break down the compost). Peelings from other fruits and vegetables are also excellent for the compost bin (remove the small paper stickers on them).
\n\n\n\nWhat you don’t want in your compost? Weeds. The weed seeds will spread and regrow in your yard.
\n\n\n\nLawns are dormant in winter, but it’s still a good time for maintenance. Composting supports the root system during dormancy. The organic matter helps the soil retain water, making it more available to the grass roots. Nutrients that would otherwise wash away, (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), make their way down to the roots. The healthier your lawn’s roots are, the deeper they grow and spread under your yard. This holds the soil together and helps it resist wind and water.
\n\n\n\nWith healthier roots created by composting comes healthier soil. The primary nutrients are joined by micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. The fertilizer you buy doesn’t always have these components. But compost breaks down slowly, so it acts as a slow-release fertilizer. The more diverse the ingredients in the compost, the more different types of nutrients sink into the soil. The decomposed compost (also called humus), will also neutralize both acidic and alkaline soils, creating pH levels that enable your grass to absorb the nutrients.
\n\n\n\nAerating your lawn helps break up compacted soil. But compost creates clusters of particles, called aggregates, for a stronger soil structure. These bundles have air channels and tiny holes that keep in water, nutrients, and air. There are basically three types of soil, and organic matter affects each one in different ways.
\n\n\n\nThis dense, heavy soil can be tough to work with. But when maintained, it’s one of the best soils for lawns and gardens. Adding organic matter like pine bark and finely ground leaves creates better soil structure. It also gets rid of drainage problems and compacted soil. Start with 3 to 6 inches of compost on your topsoil and work it down into the ground about ten inches over time. As the matter decomposes, it improves the quality of clay soil.
\n\n\n\nSandy soil is dry with large, coarse particles and a lot of air pockets, so it doesn’t need aeration. It’s also not ideal for growing things because all that space lets water drain before it can provide moisture to plant roots. Fertilizer is ineffective because it washes away before doing any good. Horticulture Agent Charlotte Glen of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension says, “Because they naturally lack nutrients and cannot store nutrients provided by fertilizers, plants growing in sandy sites often show nutrient deficiency symptoms like stunting, yellow leaves, and sparse flowering or poor fruit production.”
\n\n\n\nThe good news is that sand is lightweight and porous and easy to work with. This type of soil needs 3 to 4 inches of compost as topsoil. Till it deep into the ground. Then, in the future, let grass clippings fall onto the yard when mowing. The clippings add to the compost.
\n\n\n\nThis is the best type of soil for growing plants and grass. It’s a mix of equal parts clay, sand, and silt (sediment deposited by running water). While loamy soil already provides excellent growing conditions, you can improve any soil with compost. Do this once a year to lower its pH to a level that works well with grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fXTp3fOUPxxEJfrU4ABu64j_Zld8HZGr_VZc6ZpQOmTIkGU2ukwTl22wTLSETZwBt11kHl7TGBemnJ5-skvzmyBYzYT8xgSiYPixheaoIRMEWt_nrohyBSv7zGXMzLbyIKHk1BcF\")
Healthy turf is about 50% air, held in pockets and spaces in the soil. When that soil is compacted, moisture and nutrients don’t filter down to the plant’s roots as well as they should. Compost creates more accommodating surroundings by loosening the soil, creating natural energy.
\n\n\n\nSo how do you know if your soil is compacted?
\n\n\n\nWorking organic matter into the ground is the best way to fight compaction. For extreme cases, you may need to use up to 50% compost. This will also help decompose thatch buildup in the fall. Too much thatch causes the root system under your lawn to choke itself.
\n\n\n\nPerhaps the best perk from composting is how it benefits the environment. By putting your vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, and other kitchen scraps in a compost pile, you’re keeping it out of landfills. You also eliminate the need for fertilizing. Make sure the organic matter stays damp, and it will keep insects away, negating the need for insecticide. And the air pockets created in the soil will hold more water, meaning you won’t need to water as often.
\n\n\n\nComposting is a win-win in many ways, but poor quality soil with too much clay or sand needs a little more work. After spreading more than an inch of compost over the yard, spray the grass blades with liquid nitrogen to speed up decomposition. Healthy lawns take some work but in the long run, are worth it!
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: normanack, CC 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.336116910229645,"src":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/107df/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/293e9/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/f2cbb/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1789c/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/356ef/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/67b76/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 320w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/8df11/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 500w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/98a65/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 800w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/1dd6e/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 960w,\n/static/ec62ef777e3d749b2ee58e20601924c5/93f70/1280px-Compost-dirt-wikimedia.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Composting for Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"99a8a8a1-0eee-5669-b635-4a59bfaa7e90","slug":"how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns","path":"/lawn-care/how-to-prevent-repair-rock-salt-damage-on-lawns/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jill Ramone is a landscaper who specializes in designing sustainable yards for busy homeowners. She prides herself on using eco-friendly products to control weeds and pests.","name":"Jill Ramone","id":"4c71091e-0a16-561f-8bdf-528214955c18","path":"/author/jillramone/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0caf6c31bc9563a294dd509633a793c6?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"The debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage […]
\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"67113647-e2d4-5b0b-a106-89d537375b3c","slug":"grass-allergies-causes-cures","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/grass-allergies-causes-cures/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"cb2b47be-d0ca-5bee-88fc-9bb625c184bd","name":"Outdoor","count":6,"path":"/category/outdoor/"}],"date":"October 29th, 2019","excerpt":"Whether you call it hay fever or allergic rhinitis, grass allergies can make spring and early summer miserable for allergy sufferers. Knowing the causes of your grass allergies may make it easier to deal with them. What causes grass allergies? The simple answer in most cases is grass pollen. Pollen allergies are the most common. […]
\n","content":"\nWhether you call it hay fever or allergic rhinitis, grass allergies can make spring and early summer miserable for allergy sufferers. Knowing the causes of your grass allergies may make it easier to deal with them.
\n\n\n\nWhat causes grass allergies? The simple answer in most cases is grass pollen. Pollen allergies are the most common. Plants, including grasses, release pollen to fertilize other plants. The Weed Science Society of America says, “For the 40-50 million allergy sufferers in America, inhaling airborne allergens can produce a variety of allergic symptoms. Because pollen grains are small and buoyant, they can remain airborne for hundreds of miles.” Breathing in pollen triggers an allergic reaction. and this can cause your immune system to attack.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mnVUl0CqyXWxp5wWfdziA96vh-8qjH5TECtrUDWiWRBvD8-FPqEIusBfQ5Jli3lIKpnjV1mI4MtRHIlS8jzEE6S2Bp_elqOKdL7TRp458YubkAgMQc14tRippU32mZo-DRdfDjdA\")
Grass allergies can also cause rashes. This often happens when the skin comes into direct contact with grass. The rashes are usually raised welts or hives, sometimes red and itchy. This kind of grass allergy can also affect your pets.
\n\n\n\nIn rare cases, a grass allergy can cause a reaction similar to anaphylaxis, which is defined as an acute reaction to an antigen. This can occur when grass proteins enter the bloodstream through scraped skin.
\n\n\n\nGrass pollen season usually happens in northern climates of the United States in late spring or early summer. Grasses can pollinate in the southern United States throughout the year, triggering allergy symptoms in any season.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to grass allergies, you can treat and decrease the symptoms. The best treatment for is prevention. This means avoid coming into contact with grasses that trigger an allergic reaction. This can be challenging since unlike food allergies, it’s nearly impossible to avoid spending time outdoors. Here are some tips for times when avoiding grass is impossible:
\n\n\n\nHave someone else mow your lawn, and keep your lawn as short as possible. Shorter grass usually releases less pollen. Shield your skin and eyes from grass pollen by wearing protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. This is especially important when you know you’ll be in contact with grass. Dry laundry inside rather than outside. Clothes, towels, and sheets can attract pollen.
\n\n\n\nYou can track pollen counts in your area online or through your local forecast. On days when the grass pollen count is high, stay inside if possible. If that’s not possible, consider wearing a face mask. This will help protect you from inhaling pollen and other allergy-causing particles.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ahhKSmBFL3TXV_XDmhPhSrtxHNle-Gw4SDnWuY0LwYCUTOLFSnEHPb3i_hac6RKuyCtM2y4BB_peQCtI1N6gaL7D25yaYN5Do79KFuPd4B-Udr4PqVufXcZKpSza43gAfSL0qa_S\")
To keep from bringing pollen into your home, remove shoes and change your clothes after spending time outdoors. Showering is also a good idea to wash pollen from your skin and hair. Use a towel to wipe off pets before allowing them inside, and keep them off your furniture and bed. Wash sheets and vacuum carpets at least once a week.
Keep doors and windows closed during lawn mowing and yard work sessions, and when pollen counts are high. If you have air conditioning, replace the filters every few months. Consider using filters designed to trap smaller particles such as pollen. These are called “high energy air particulate filters,” or HEPA for short.
\n\n\n\nFor mild allergic reactions and seasonal allergies, you can use over-the-counter medications to treat the symptoms. Options include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. Some of these may have side effects such as drowsiness. For more severe or longer-lasting problems, you may want to ask your doctor for help. Possible treatments include nasal corticosteroid sprays, prescription antihistamines or decongestants, and allergy immunotherapy. If you’re experiencing chest tightness or trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.
\n\n\n\nAllergy shots are the most common and most effective type of allergy immunotherapy. The shots, called subcutaneous immunotherapy, deliver a small amount of an allergen into the skin of your arm. The amount of allergen gradually increases over time. This helps your body build up a tolerance to the allergen. Because of the slight risk of anaphylactic shock, allergists administer the shots in their office. The course of treatment lasts several years, but it has proven effective in reducing or eliminating allergic reactions. Allergy tablets (sublingual immunotherapy) work in a similar way. Instead of shots, tablets that dissolve under the tongue deliver the allergen.
\n\n\n\nKnowing the causes of grass pollen allergies and ways to help prevent them can go a long way in easing your symptoms. It may just help you get through allergy season with a lot less suffering.
\n","title":"Grass Allergies: The Causes and Cures","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/1789c/meadow-123280_1280.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/107df/meadow-123280_1280.jpg 320w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/293e9/meadow-123280_1280.jpg 500w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/f2cbb/meadow-123280_1280.jpg 800w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/1789c/meadow-123280_1280.jpg 960w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/356ef/meadow-123280_1280.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/1dd6e/meadow-123280_1280.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/67b76/meadow-123280_1280.webp 320w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/8df11/meadow-123280_1280.webp 500w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/98a65/meadow-123280_1280.webp 800w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/1dd6e/meadow-123280_1280.webp 960w,\n/static/7e20ee085c12c69df0474ef77e8bacc1/93f70/meadow-123280_1280.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Allergies: The Causes and Cures | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"e2bbed9d-9766-5df7-a6c8-1ba4f2a29739","slug":"when-how-to-winterize-your-sprinkler-system","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/when-how-to-winterize-your-sprinkler-system/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.","name":"Jackie Greene","id":"fb5923e1-833b-5d9b-808e-ded0e62c0bc4","path":"/author/jackiegreene/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2c1121209a3ebfbe0a7e941d102b2971?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"6fc58ffa-eaae-56a2-a670-d6f84e2bb962","name":"Cold Climate","count":4,"path":"/category/cold-climate/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"bf4daca3-f477-56c4-b0f9-b212905a3b28","name":"Tools, Apps & Accessories","count":6,"path":"/category/garden-accessories/"}],"date":"October 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Your grass likes a deep drink every week to 10 days in most climates. But the question of when to stop watering your lawn and winterize your sprinkler system is a little more complicated. Most of the country will see at least one deep freeze during the cold season. Many more will see freezing temperatures […]
\n","content":"\nYour grass likes a deep drink every week to 10 days in most climates. But the question of when to stop watering your lawn and winterize your sprinkler system is a little more complicated.
\n\n\n\nMost of the country will see at least one deep freeze during the cold season. Many more will see freezing temperatures and snow through the winter months. The answer to when to shut off your sprinkler system for the season depends on the length of your growing season and the part of the country where you live. Lawns in Texas will need water until they go dormant in November. In Colorado, sprinkler systems run the risk of freezing by the end of September. Some cities and counties also restrict when and how long you can water.
\n\n\n\nWhen the time does come, you will want to get your irrigation system ready for the harsh winter, so you won’t have any unpleasant, wet surprises.
\n\n\n\nYou can also use the blowout method. you’ll need an air compressor, a quick-connect air hose adaptor, and eye protection. Close the main supply valve and the valves around the backflow device. Uncap the blow-out port, connect the quick-connect hose adaptor and attach the compressor hose.
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to have a pressure regulator and adjust to pressure to 40 psi if you have PVC pipes, and 50 psi if you have polyethylene pipes. Too much air pressure and the air will crack your pipes. You’ll want to blow out your sprinkler system zone by zone.
\n\n\n\nRemember to wear eye protection. This will protect you in case one of the sprinkler heads pops off during the blowout. You want the sprinkler heads to pop up and push out any water remaining in your water line.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not certain or intimidated by the idea of blowing out the sprinkler system yourself, you can hire a professional to do it. It should cost from $50 to $150, depending on how big your irrigation system is and where you are. If you plan to do it yourself, renting an air compressor can run you about $50, give or take a few bucks.
\n\n\n\nAfter the water is expelled, you can turn things off for the season by cutting off the water supply at the main shut-off valve. It’s typically a ball valve with a lever. The shutoff valve will keep water from the main water supply from entering your pipes during the winter months.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/icicles-3529002_1280-pixabay-1024x768.jpg\")
Outdoor faucets can freeze just as fast as sprinkler systems. Winterization is crucial if you don’t want to see burst pipes in early spring. Find the shut-off valve in your garage or basement and turn them off. Turn on all faucets to drain any water. Faucets in the southern half of the U.S. are often more vulnerable since Southern homes aren’t built for hard freezes. Since the pipes are often more exposed, one freeze can do a lot of damage. Consider buying faucet and pipe covers to insulate them during the winter — just in case.
\n\n\n\nIf you walk outside in the morning and see frost, don’t confuse that with the killing freeze that ends the season. According to the National Weather Service, “Typically, frost can occur when the temperature falls below 36 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in rural areas. It is a localized phenomenon and can be quite variable across a small area. While the National Weather Service does not keep track of ‘frost’ in observations per se, we do keep track of when temperatures hit the freezing mark or fall below.”
\n\n\n\nMeteorologists define a hard freeze as occurring at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the start of the pipe-busting kind of freezing cold weather and the kind of cold that can kill plants. It can also take out a sprinkler valve or two.
\n\n\n\nIt usually arrives in the first 10 days of September in the upper altitudes of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In Key West, Fla., you can expect the first freeze on the 10th of Never (there has never even been frost, let alone sleet or ice, in America’s southernmost city). Your local TV meteorologist will tell you in no uncertain terms that a hard freeze is in the forecast, and you need to protect your pipes, pets, plants.
\n\n\n\nProtecting your pipes and winterizing your lawn sprinkler system is crucial in parts of the country that see hard freezes during the winter months, and that includes most of the US. It’s easy to keep track of what areas have already had their first freezes, thanks to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, which tracks first freezes as part of its Vegetation Impact Program. So bundle yourself and your pipes up!
\n","title":"When, How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.521997621878716,"src":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1789c/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/107df/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/293e9/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/f2cbb/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1789c/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/356ef/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1dd6e/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/67b76/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/8df11/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/98a65/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/1dd6e/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/85b58433fb69b5532c51e86f4c480e48/93f70/water-valve-611604-pxhere.com_.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"When, How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"When the time comes, you will want to get your irrigation system ready for the harsh winter. Proper winterizing sprinklers avoids unpleasant, wet surprises."}}},{"node":{"id":"e4a8d17b-718a-50fa-bae1-49c781b04229","slug":"how-to-kill-off-dandelions","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/how-to-kill-off-dandelions/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Frank Naper is a nature enthusiast who loves to travel and explore new cities, taking nature photographs along the way.","name":"Frank Naper","id":"548facf1-0faf-5729-a658-167972066913","path":"/author/frank-naper/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/905ec21d5a8e70f5f8486364c08aa6b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"e80a46cb-c990-5ffe-81c8-aa77d74e07ad","name":"Weeds","count":2,"path":"/category/weeds/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’ve ruled out making wine out of dandelions or adding them to your salad, you’re no doubt looking for ways to get rid of the lawn weeds in your yard. While this isn’t an easy task, it is possible. We’ve rounded up a few options to help you get your yard dandelion-free. The bright […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve ruled out making wine out of dandelions or adding them to your salad, you’re no doubt looking for ways to get rid of the lawn weeds in your yard. While this isn’t an easy task, it is possible. We’ve rounded up a few options to help you get your yard dandelion-free.
\n\n\n\nThe bright yellow, cheerful dandelion is a broadleaf perennial. When it invades your yard, you may feel anything but cheery. They get their name from the French “dent de lion.” It means “tooth of the lion,” and refers to the plant’s serrated green leaves. They’re native to Eurasia. European settlers introduced them to New England in the 1600s as a salad green. They’ve been here ever since, and if without weed control, they’ll take over your lawn and garden.
\n\n\n\nDandelions have a thick taproot that grows vertically into the ground. They also self-pollinate when the yellow flower turns into a grey, fuzzy seed head. One gentle breeze (or helpful child blowing the seeds) later, the seeds land and produce a new crop of dandelions. Here’s a list of suggestions for killing dandelions.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VBcQiSYg1Ey9yROKr0anneNup94lizlTaq28NNBZ3S199ZwyDZyBIinit2YV77vAF8Thr3gfVHEQQTqYp_psMyQO_Z-0OkuiYD10G2NOzaQvcwjZplQ8aTnDNGny95fESmdN9sAH\")
The best way to kill dandelions is the old-fashioned way: pulling or digging them from the ground. When you mow the grass, it leaves the roots behind. The weeds grow back in a week or two, and you’re back to weeding. You’ll have a better chance of getting the entire taproot if you pick them within a few days after it rains. When the ground is wet, it’s easier to remove the whole plant. Make sure you bag them and get rid of them, so the seeds won’t regerminate.
\n\n\n\nPouring water over the dandelions is effective, but it could damage the grass and nearby plants. If you decide to use the boiling water method, pour the hot liquid over the head, stem, and root. Repeat twice a day until the entire plant has shriveled and died. Pull the dandelion, making sure to get all of the root.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iXTJYZQlPXzWKoBwihG1o5VELINP-GkysZs8nzU0HN6yjbvi51nYbQwOQZ8-hIE312VwFk5jdYsT4p2TQlFZZysclSQRWC8xM2ZVT5vyS4uJI0r2neyAGQgFRwFZ-2AXiJgy4-rQ\")
Using vinegar with 25% acetic acid also works, but again you risk killing the grass and other plants. Common household vinegar is about 5% acetic acid — the more-concentrated form is the one that actually kills plants. Spray the entire plant once a day, being careful not to spray the grass. Repeat the process until it’s dead. Pull the stem by hand, again making sure to get all of the roots. Another DIY remedy is to mix 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 quart vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray until you’ve covered all parts of the dandelion. Spray again if it hasn’t withered in about three hours.
\n\n\n\nGet a broadleaf herbicide (weed killer) that will kill dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. Follow the instructions carefully. Most broadleaf herbicides start working within a few days. Non-selective herbicides are another option, and they’re generally more effective. They’ll also kill the surrounding grass and other plants, so use them with caution. Pre-emergent herbicide can prevent dandelion seeds from germinating. For it to be effective, you must apply it in early fall and again in early spring. Once the seeds have germinated, it’s too late.
\n\n\n\nMulch is another way to control dandelions and other perennial weeds. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department suggests, “Mulching with landscape fabrics can be particularly effective for controlling seedlings, reducing the amount of light that is able to reach the soil. Use mulch in flowerbeds to smother existing weeds and prevent new ones from growing.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GbtVXYoBCgyhvuO-DWDZPlCdBhFPnEDczK15gFtaAT9-k2P-1hTp5-uNQqM4arC-EJfZvlCn5HhmmzejaesqV1LnBMGhOvbrBNJddOPxbfMfP--GS5Gy_Kgw3dsQjVjnFLiOfPgn\")
This farm to lawn idea can be relatively effective. Chickens love dandelions, and you’ll have fresh eggs to boot! The chickens won’t eat the dandelion roots, so this method won’t get rid of them permanently. Once the dandelions grow back, let the chickens chow down on them again. You won’t have dandelions, but the chickens may leave a bigger mess in your yard!
\n\n\n\nRegular lawn care and maintenance can help control dandelions from spreading. Mowing will kill dandelions before they can go to seed, preventing new growth. But your lawn mower can do only so much. Since the root is still in the ground, new plants will soon sprout. Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing can also help. The clippings act as a mulch and can keep seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve decided to battle dandelions, it’s going to take patience, time, and persistence to get rid of them. The best strategy is to stay on top of them before they turn from a yellow flower to a white puffball.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Dandelions, Mike Mozart, CC by 2.0
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