 | Justin Cawyer is the CEO of American Lawn & Landscape Inc., and has been in the landscape industry for 22 years. Starting out as a mowing service, their business has expanded to include everything from landscaping to fertilizing and weed control. For a complete list of services, you can see their ad in Names and Numbers, visit yardsbyamerican.com, or call 620-249-5700. |
Lawn, Garden & Landscaping
2011-03-01 10:15:00
The importance of fertilizer & weed control
Question: While the snow has been a hassle, I know the time is just around the corner and Spring is near. What is the best way I can get and keep my lawn up to par this spring?
Answer: With the recent weather, it is hard to believe spring is so near, and yet it is, making this the best time to think about your lawn care. Getting and maintaining a healthy green lawn is the holy grail of homeowners everywhere and weeds are the common curse.
Early spring is the time to think seriously about weed control, when weeds are small and have not gained a stubborn foothold. For example, once the temperature has reached 55 degrees for several consecutive days, the germination of crabgrass has already begun. Anyone who has had a problem with crabgrass knows how difficult it is to combat once it takes hold of a lawn.
There are numerous products on the market to help kill weeds but it is important to know how to use them properly or you risk damaging your entire lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides kill weeds before they have a chance to germinate, but also prevent grass seed from germinating for some time. Other herbicides are also effective if weeds have already sprouted. The length of the grass and watering periods also play a role in eradicating weeds.
Fertilizing your lawn is another largely important spring time consideration. Fertilizer is one of the most important lawn maintenance practices that not only affects the general health of the lawn, but also another factor in weed control. The healthier the lawn is, the better the turf grass stands to compete and tolerate pests like weeds, disease and insects. A high quality, dense turf will overcome weeds and decrease or even eliminate the need for herbicides.
