Lawn Care Kentucky encompasses a full range of lawn treatments and services. It includes mowing, weed control, chemical spraying, dethatching and soil testing.

The health of a lawn depends on its soil quality. Soil tests reveal important information such as the pH and nutrient levels. Dandelions and clover are nitrogen-fixers, and they encourage deep roots that help prevent drought stress.

After backyard bonfires and barbecues, kids running through sprinklers and pets playing in the yard, a lawn can use some TLC. That’s why aeration is an important part of the process of making and maintaining beautiful and healthy turf. Aeration involves mechanically piercing or removing small “plugs” of soil and thatch to loosen compacted earth and encourage the penetration of air, water and nutrients into the grass roots. Aeration also removes and prevents thatch buildup, which is the thick layer of living and dead organic matter between the soil and the growing grass.

Lawn care differs from maintenance in that it focuses more on soil health and grass disease management, while maintenance tasks include tasks like mowing or grass cutting, weed control, aeration, and seasonal yard cleanups. To ensure that your lawn is getting all the nutrients it needs, aerating your property twice per year in the fall and spring is an excellent option.

When performed properly, aeration benefits include:

The best way to determine if your lawn is in need of aeration is by removing a small piece of grass at the base of a grass stem. If the stem pulls out easily and has a spongy feel to it, this could indicate that your lawn is excessively thatchy and in need of aeration.

Before aerating, always water the soil well to soften it. If the weather is too dry, it’s a good idea to wait until it rains or apply a liquid aerator. Be sure to check for any irrigation pipes, septic or utility lines before attempting to aerate so that you don’t damage them.

If you are unsure of how to perform this task, a professional service can provide you with the knowledge and equipment needed. In addition, a professional will be sure to only aerate when the soil is moist and not sodden–this allows the grass to quickly reseed itself, preventing it from overgrowing. Liquid aeration is an excellent choice for lawns that are not severely compacted, as it allows for water and air to penetrate deeper into the roots without damaging the soil structure.

Fertilization

Fertilization is a key part of lawn care because it replenishes the nutrients in your turf grass that weeds are pulling out. But relying on fertilizer alone can lead to out-of-control weeds that are feeding on the same nutrients you’re trying to nourish your lawn. In addition, over-applying fertilizer can negatively impact the environment, since rainwater washes excess nutrients away to rivers, lakes, and ponds where they create toxic conditions for aquatic organisms.

Fertilizer treatments are available that combine weed control with fertilization. These products can use either a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds from growing or post-emergent weed killer to kill existing weeds. There are also fertilizers that are intended to be used during specific seasons, so your turf will be able to make the most of the nutrients you’re feeding it.

Whether you use organic or synthetic fertilizers, there are several types to choose from. The first broad category, quick-release fertilizers, provides a burst of nutrients that are absorbed by the plant more quickly. Many liquid fertilizers are considered quick-release, as well as some granular fertilizers.

Another broad category, slow-release fertilizers, requires more time for the nutrient to be absorbed by soil microbes before it’s available to the plants. This type of fertilizer includes manure, compost, blood meal, fish emulsion, and processed sewage. These types of organic fertilizers are often more expensive than synthetic fertilizers.

There are also specific kinds of fertilizer that can be applied to your lawn, depending on the kind of grass you have. Cool-season grasses, such as fescues and Kentucky bluegrass, should be fertilized with nitrogen in spring and fall. Warm-season grasses, such as zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, and Bermuda, should be fertilized with potassium in summer and fall.

Your soil test results can help you determine which kind of fertilizer to apply and how much. The pH level of your soil will also play a role, since turfgrass prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. The right soil amendments can change the pH of your soil, allowing you to achieve the optimum range for growing healthy turf.

Weed Control

Lawn care services include weed control and can improve your lawn’s health and appearance. A healthy lawn can withstand drought, diseases, and pest infestations better than a stressed, unhealthy one. Regular mowing, aeration, and fertilization are just part of a comprehensive lawn care program. The best lawns are free of unsightly weeds that choke out grass growth and ruin the curb appeal of a home or business.

Weeds come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually fall into one of three categories: grassy, broadleaf, or clumping weeds (like clover). Each type requires a different treatment plan. Annual weeds grow, produce seeds and die in a single year, while perennial weeds like dandelion, clover, and crabgrass live for two years or more before they reach maturity and produce seed.

There are many ways to deal with weeds, but the most effective way is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Lawn companies commonly use pre-emergent herbicides to kill seed sprouts before weeds are able to grow. Post-emergent herbicides attack weeds that are already in the ground, and contact weed killers destroy weeds when they make direct contact with them. Difficult-to-control weeds, like nutsedge and clover, require specialty products to kill them.

Herbicides can be used to eliminate weeds by destroying the roots and leaves of the plant. They are available in several forms, including liquid and granular formulas. Organic herbicides are made from natural ingredients, and they’re safe for people and pets. Synthetic herbicides contain manufactured chemicals that are created in laboratories. They can cause environmental damage, and they don’t decompose easily.

Some weeds, such as dandelion, can be pulled by hand, but this is not practical for large areas or lawns overgrown with weeds. Some lawn care companies offer organic weed control services, and some do not apply synthetic chemical herbicides at all.

Adding organic matter such as grass clippings or composted leaves to your soil can help it maintain a higher water content and reduce erosion. Organic mulches also moderate soil temperature, retain moisture, and provide nutrients to the turf as they break down.

Mowing

Mowing is one of the most popular services for homeowners and businesses alike. Landscapers have the right tools to efficiently and effectively mow your grass, and then they will weed whack and clean up the trimmings for a perfectly pristine lawn. Keeping your lawn mowed at the recommended frequency can significantly improve its health and appearance. It may also save you on watering costs.

If you choose to hire a lawn care company, make sure you understand their service pricing and how they determine the amount of time it takes to complete each task. The size of your yard, type of grass, and weather conditions will all impact mowing times. For example, if you have tall or thick grass, it will take longer to cut because the mower has to work harder to cut through it.

In addition, the quality of your lawn’s soil can affect how quickly and easily your grass grows. Soil that is rich in nutrients will grow faster and have a healthier texture than soil with poorer composition. This is why it’s important to consider the soil quality when determining your lawn care needs and how frequently you should have it maintained.

Overseeding — This lawn maintenance service adds new grass seed to your existing turf to promote a dense, lush, and healthy lawn that is better able to tolerate stressors and naturally choke out weeds. This is usually done in conjunction with aeration to ensure the best results.

Fungicide — Lawn diseases like dollar spot fungus, leaf spot, brown patch, and summer patch can destroy your turf and create a host environment for harmful insects and parasites. A good lawn care provider will offer preventative fungicide treatments to protect your turf and its roots.

The location of your property will play a role in overall service charges as different areas have varying labor rates, cost of living, and weather conditions. This impacts the availability and demand for lawn mowing services, which can affect your overall costs.