Core Aeration

As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Compaction greatly reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Campaction has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical barrier to root growth. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration. Core aeration can benefit your lawn by:

• Increasing water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil.
• Enhancing infiltration of rainfall or irrigation.
• Improving rooting and plant resiliance.

Fertilization

All lawns need fertilizer in early spring when the grass begins to green. Your fertilization schedule for the rest of the season depends on the type of grass in your lawn, the type of fertilizer you use, and your climate.

The 3 major nutrients your lawn needs to thrive are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium(K).

• Nitrogen (N), promotes top growth and aids in green up.
• Phosphorus (P): This nutrient promotes early plant development, hastens plant maturity and stimulates bloom and root development.
• Potassium(K): Acting like a vitamin, potassium helps strengthen the grass plant. It also works to make your lawn more disease resistant and hardy.

Weed Control

The best defense against weeds is a dense, vigorously growing turf. By adapting the right grass to the site and following correct cultural management, including proper fertilization, mowing, and irrigation, weeds will not be able to compete with the turf. Before deciding to use any herbicide, diagnose first why the turf is thin and weeds are invading. Correct the basic problem of unhealthy turf before using any herbicide.

The first step toward a successful weed management program is the accurate identification of the desirable and undesirable plants involved. Weeds can be controlled by either applying a pre-emergent or a post-emergent or possibly both.