Lawn Tips

"What can I do to kill the dandelions in my yard?"

     Understand that a dense turf stand is the best defense to control weeds like the Dandelion. Start a fertilizer plan and increase your mowing height to 3" and mow more often. Make it a goal to only spot treat or hand pull dandelions. If you have to make a complete broadcast over your lawn there are two options that I would recommend. One, if you can spray your lawn with a garden hose, buy an Ortho "dial-a-rate" hose end sprayer and follow the instructions of a "Weed-B-Gone" product. Two, if you have a large lawn, use a weed and feed granular fertilizer. Make sure you apply it to wet grass, early morning dew or after rain. Remember, dense grass equals less weeds!

"When is the best time to apply a crabgrass preventer?"

     When the Forsythia bush blooms, a bright vibrant yellow flower, is a good indication that the soil temperatures are primed to take a crabgrass preventer. "The forsythia bushes next to the Whitehouse Building are in bloom, April 14, 2003."

"Hey Mark! What can I do in the winter to help my lawn?"

     You can't do much to your lawn while it is slumbering under the snow. However,   your mower can use some preventative maintenance and the blades sharpened. 
     Sharp blades is the key to a good looking lawn. Would you want a barber cutting your hair with dull scissors? Remember to keep the angle close to the original and not to sharpen the edge to a point, like a knife. Replacement blades are a reasonable answer after hitting that rock 20 times last summer!
     If you didn't drain or add fuel stabilizer to your mowers gas tank, it is a good idea to start your engine from time to time. Gasoline can become like gel over the winter and block your fuel lines.

Hey Mark! Do I really need to hire a lawn service or can I do it on my own?

     You will get more for your investment and have quality control over what is applied to your lawn if you do-it-yourself. It is my own opinion that the "Sta-Green" lawn program available at Home Improvement stores like, Lowe's, is the best. It has easy directions to follow and because the fertilizer is plastic-coated, it is safe to apply in a wide range temperatures.

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