Lawn Care Kentucky is about more than just the surface of your yard. It starts below the soil, with a lawn soil test to determine your pH and nutrient levels.

Clover and dandelions are good for your lawn; they’re nitrogen fixers and their long taproots aerate the soil. They also serve as a natural alternative to weed killers.

Grass seed is used to repair and fill in bare spots in your lawn, as well as for overseeding existing grass. Grass seed is available in different varieties, so you can select the one that is best for your growing conditions. Consider factors like soil type, if the lawn is full sun or shaded and what kind of traffic and use your lawn gets.

During the summer, many grass species develop small flowers on top of their blades called florets. These florets are fertilized by pollinators, which is how grass produces seeds. The seeds are then dispersed through the grass blade, eventually ending up in your yard and garden where they grow into new grass plants.

To encourage the growth of healthy, lush, thick lawns, it is important to regularly spread grass seed. Use a lawn spreader for large areas or apply by hand in smaller sections to ensure even coverage. Lightly rake to help the seed become incorporated into the top 1/4 inch of soil and water a few times a day for a few weeks until the grass begins germinating.

Then, reduce the frequency of watering as the roots grow deeper into the soil. Remember to also avoid walking on the freshly planted grass, as this damages the delicate seedlings.

To get the best results, make sure to lay the grass seed at the right time of year. Early fall is an ideal time for reseeding and overseeding lawns in cool-season climates. By the end of the summer, weed growth has usually stopped, temperatures have begun to cool, and the soil is still warm and moist – all optimal conditions for seed germination and growth.

Fertilizer

Over time, soil naturally loses vital nutrients that are needed to grow a lush lawn. Lawn fertilizer replenishes these lost nutrients and allows the grass to thrive. There are many different types of fertilizers, both organic and synthetic. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right type and applying it correctly is essential to your lawn’s health.

In general, most fertilizers contain three primary nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Nitrogen helps promote green growth and thickens the grass, making it less susceptible to weeds. Phosphorus supports root development, and potassium enhances overall plant health.

Fertilizers are available in granular and liquid forms, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, slow-release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients to the grass over a long period, while quick-release fertilizers deliver their nutrient boost more quickly.

To achieve optimal results, it is important to apply the fertilizer at the correct time of year. It is also important to use the correct application technique and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product. This will help avoid over-fertilizing or nutrient deficiencies, as well as reduce the chance of runoff into waterways.

Another important factor is the practice of recycling lawn clippings. By returning your grass clippings to the lawn after mowing, you can reduce your need for fertilizer by 25 percent. This is known as grasscycling and it’s an easy way to keep your lawn healthy and nutrient rich. A lush lawn is better able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as drought or disease. It is also healthier and provides a greater source of oxygen. In addition, it is more attractive to wildlife and looks great!

Aeration

Aeration is the process of loosening compacted soil and thatch to help your lawn breathe, absorb nutrients and thrive. Famously used to achieve the picturesque greenery of golf courses, aeration can be one of the most beneficial lawn care tasks for residential properties of all sizes and types. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, stems, roots and other organic material that builds up on top of compacted soil. If not removed, this can block water and nutrient flow, suffocating your lawn and making it difficult for it to grow.

Aerating breaks up that layer and improves natural soil aeration by mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from your lawn with specially designed equipment. There are two main aerating tools — spike aerators and plug aerators. A spike aerator pokes holes into the ground, while a plug aerator removes “cores” that sit on the surface of the lawn and often resemble goose droppings. Plug aeration is generally more effective than poke aeration, but both methods can lead to some additional soil compaction in the areas around the holes.

Liquid aeration is a new method of aerating that doesn’t create unsightly cores to be picked up by your mower or left atop your lawn to decompose. The blanket-spraying technique is also much faster than core aeration, meaning that you can get the benefits of this critical yard task without dealing with heavy machinery or cumbersome cleanup.

After your lawn has been aerated, it is important to generously water it and apply a high quality lawn food to jump-start the flow of nutrients to the roots of your grass. It is also recommended that you cover the aerated soil with a thin layer of screened topsoil mixed with compost.

Mowing

Often lawn care includes routine cutting of grass to keep it at an even height. This provides a number of benefits for the turf and the garden. It improves the overall appearance of the landscaping and enhances curb appeal for your home or business. It also cuts down on vermin as they cannot live in the taller plant growth. Additionally, it is a way to improve soil health by removing excessive thatch and making sure the soil is adequately aerated.

Other services that a lawn care company will perform are seeding and overseeding, fertilization (often with a balanced nutrient program) dethatching, aeration, fungicide, mulching and tree and shrub health care. Many companies will provide lime applications, which adjust the pH of the soil to make it more conducive to growing healthy grass. Lime helps the soil retain nutrients and prevents the accumulation of excessive thatch.

Aerating the lawn, which consists of punching holes in the ground, improves soil health and increases water absorption. Mulching, which involves applying a layer of organic matter to the landscape, reduces weeds and moderates soil temperature. It also helps conserve moisture, which is essential for the health of plants.

Some people enjoy cutting their own lawn, while others would rather have a professional landscaper take this time-consuming task off their hands. A reputable lawn care company will have the right tools to do the job quickly and efficiently. They can often offer a recurring service, which saves you the trouble of remembering to book appointments and keeps your landscaping well-maintained on an ongoing basis. You can choose a monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly schedule for your regular lawn maintenance. This means that you can relax knowing your property is in good hands, and you won’t have to worry about mowing when you are on vacation or busy at work.

Weed Control

Weed control is a critical component of lawn care. Unwanted plants are not only unsightly, but they compete with your desired grass for water and sunlight. This can lead to reduced growth and even death of your lawn. In addition, weeds can harbor pests that can also spread to your desired plants and damage them.

Weed seeds can lurk in your yard for years, waiting for the right conditions to sprout. They are dispersed by wind, birds, animals, soil amendments, poor quality grass seed, and even lawn and garden equipment. Once sprouted, they can grow quickly and compete with your turfgrass for nutrients, water, sunlight, and space.

There are two types of weed control: systemic and contact herbicides. Systemic herbicides enter the weed through its leaves or roots and travel throughout the plant. This kills it from the inside, ensuring it never comes back, and is effective against perennial weeds. A contact herbicide stops the weed from photosynthesizing, killing it that season and preventing its ability to reproduce that same season.

A combination of cultural practices and weed killers can help you achieve that gorgeous healthy lawn. But it takes a lot of time and commitment. Most professionals recommend a minimum of 9 treatments each year to get the best results.

It is important to understand the fine print on a weed treatment’s label and to closely follow its instructions. Many weed killers are also toxic to people and pets, so it is imperative to use them responsibly. It is best to hire a professional that understands the product, knows how it works, and is trained in safe application methods.