Common Lawn Problems

A healthy lawn consists of several grass plants every square inch creating an unblemished carpet look. The most common lawn problems can be solved by following a few basic procedures. Mow the lawn when it is dry and keep the mower blades sharp. Blunt blades will injure the grass, making it more susceptible to disease. Find out your lawn's grass type and don't let it grow a third over its maximum height. Water your lawn regularly during the summer months. A lawn signals its need for water by holding your footprint after you walk on it. Since weeds, pests and diseases are discouraged by healthy turf, their presence indicates an underlying weakness. Remove weeds as soon as you spot them, evaluate the soil and nutrients, fertilize carefully. Visit your local lawn care center for specific instructions on how to improve your lawn's appearance.

Weed Control

A weed is any plant that grows where it is not wanted. Pull out weeds by hand as they appear. The rob the lawn of water, sun and nutrients. A herbicide may also be used, but apply it carefully to avoid damaging surrounding plants. Attack weeds in the spring and early summer before they have a chance to develop deep complex root systems, or go to seed and reproduce.

Best Time to Plant Grass

Seed a new lawn in spring if possible, well after the risk of frost has passed. Prepare the area and choose an appropriate type of grass. Determine the dimensions of the lawn in square feet and buy enough grass seed bags to cover the entire area. Check to see that the coverage is even.

Best Time to Plant Trees

Plant trees on an overcast day in the fall, or dormant season when there is less risk of transplant shock. Choose a well drained site, making sure that soil condition and shade level are compatible with the tree. Water lightly every two or three days to keep it form drying out. Avoid over watering or immersing the tree in water. The roots will rot if they get too wet.

Lawnmower

You purchased your lawnmower to make your mowing job easier. Simple maintenance will prevent aggravation when you are ready to cut. Since our environment is most damaging to lawn mowers, it is imperative that the oil be changed frequently. The oil should be changed after 24 hours of operation, or as soon as you notice the oil turning black. Check the air filter frequently and clear it at least every other time that you use the machine. It is less expensive to replace a worn out air filter than to rebuild the engine. Grease the lawnmower at least once a month, preferably every time that you clean or change the air filter. If your lawnmower has grease fittings, inject enough grease to expel the dirty grease. Sharpen your blade often and change it when it becomes worn. A sharp blade will significantly enhance the look and health of your lawn.

Insects in the Lawn

Two different types of pests occur in your lawn. There are insects that eat the blades, roots and stems of grass, and there are fungus whose damage may closely pattern that of insect damage. If you notice that your lawn has deteriorated in one area, or another, such as appearing to have brown spots, yellowed sections, or mulchiness, you should first attempt to identify the cause. This is by far the most difficult part of your pest control problem. Your local library, county extension agency, or lawn and garden store can assist you in identifying certain pests or fungus. Those same sources also have recommendations for the eradication of a specific pest. All lawn damage is not necessarily caused by pests, so you may save a lot of money by identifying the problem before you attempt the solution.

Garden Tips

A careful, thought out plan for the vegetable garden should be made before any seed is bought. It is more important for a small plot than for a large one. The location of your plot is important. It's essential to place the garden in an area with an abundance of sunshine. Drainage is another important factor in the growing process of vegetables. Beds are formed by merely digging out paths four to six inches deep, and distributing the removed soil over the surface of the beds. It is desirable to have the paths slope slightly to a low spot so that surplus moisture draining from the beds into the path will in turn be drained out of the path. Also, protect the garden from mechanical injury, damage by dogs, rabbits or gophers, or children. Attempt to plant a garden to avoid injuries from these sources. It also pays to have tools of the best quality. For a small plot, a spading fork, an iron bow rig, a hoe, a trowel and a watering can are the essential implements.

When to Plant Bulbs

Most hardy bulbs must be planted early enough to root before winter. There are many types of bulbs that bloom throughout the year. Some planted in December will grow and thrive, and instances are known of January planted bulbs, seeding. But much earlier planting is recommended. Consult your local nursery for specific instructions regarding the correct planing time in your area.

Care of Roses

Contrary to widely held opinions, roses are not difficult to grown. Roses grow well in shade but they need at least six hours of full sunlight each day to bloom well, with morning sun being preferable. Once a rose is established, it is best not to move it. If you do transplant, wait until very early spring and transplant while the bush is still dormant. Roses are usually pruned sufficiently in the nursery. Wait until they start to grow and then some limited pruning may be required. It is better to prune in the spring. Use pruning shears rather than a knife. Curved edged shears are fine and less apt to injure canes. Fertilize established roses soon after pruning, but wait several months before feeding newly planted bushes.

Landscaping