Your lawn is one of the first things that people notice about your home. A disheveled lawn can send entirely the wrong message… and yet, given how labor-intensive lawns can be, people let them go thinking they’ll catch up when they have time. That rarely happens, and the result is a lawn that will look worse and worse as time goes by. Here’s why you should care about proper lawn care in Berks County, PA.
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In short, it’s easier to keep up with maintenance than to repair a lawn that has been damaged by weeds, insects, improper practices, weather, disease, or neglect.
You want to spend time outdoors enjoying a lush, barefoot-friendly lawn. And, you don’t want to sacrifice all of your free time to make the lawn that way. Most homeowners are good about keeping up with mowing and watering; but keeping a lawn healthy takes much more.
If you’re wondering what could happen to a lawn that doesn’t get more than the bare minimum care, you could be in for a surprise.
Many problems can stem from not knowing the soil type and composition. This can lead to over- or under-feeding and issues such as fertilizer burn. Soil testing should be done annually so that you can adjust the fertilization schedule for your lawn’s needs.
Over- and under-watering and fertilizing can cause significant damage to the lawn. Likewise, the wrong weed management products (or the wrong application) can make weed control an ongoing nightmare and even cause damage to the surrounding landscape.
Season-specific tasks like aeration and dethatching will also keep your lawn looking healthy; and if neglected, they will show, with compacted grass that struggles to get the water and nutrients it needs.
Poor mowing practices can also affect your lawn. Mowing too low exposes the soil and roots to the blazing sun, which will quickly dry out the grass and cause it to brown. Mowing too high can encourage too much water retention that leads to mildew and rot. Since no two lawns and locations are alike, it’s best to consult with a professional before settling on the proper mowing height for your unique situation.
Finally, deicing salts and other chemicals can damage the lawn next to the driveway or walkways; knowing which compounds are safe to use can save a lot of hassle come springtime.
These are just a few of the ongoing challenges with caring for a lawn. Unfortunately, if these tasks are neglected, the lawn will begin to suffer. First, you might see early browning. If the situation isn’t remedied you’ll soon see dead patches of grass and an infestation of weeds. If the lawn gets to that stage, it’s going to take a tremendous amount of effort and money to restore it.
While maintenance is cheaper and easier in the long run, it still takes a lot of time, effort, and knowledge to get it right, especially if your lawn has already suffered damage.
No two lawns are alike because of different sun exposure, drainage, and soil. Even in the same neighborhood, lawns can have completely different challenges.
Begin with a good soil analysis. This is the basis for every other step you take throughout the year. Then, choose the right products that will nurture your lawn not just in the growing season, but before winter dormancy.
Our lawn care professionals offer a comprehensive lawn care service that gives you total peace of mind and lets you enjoy its beauty all year.
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