In the fall people normally think about leaf clean-ups, pruning, and maybe aerating and seeding their lawns depending on the type of grass. In general, we recommend adding a herbicide treatment to your lawn in the fall, as it is the best way to prevent spring weeds from germinating. In this article, we’ll expand on that idea and share more information on why spraying your lawn in the fall is a great approach. Why Spraying Your Lawn in Fall is a Great Idea The main reason why the fall is the best time to spray your lawn with herbicides is that doing so allows you to compromise the root systems of the weeds in your lawn. By targeting the root systems, your fall herbicide application will be incredibly effective for killing unwanted plants. By contrast, spraying your lawn in the summer is more likely to kill the above-ground portions of your weeds. This often produces a satisfying effect in which the leaves and stems of your weeds will shrivel and die before your eyes. However, it is not as effective for preventing future weed growth. Spraying in the fall does not provide the satisfaction of watching your weeds die before your eyes. However, it does make it far more difficult for your weeds to germinate, meaning that you’ll see fewer undesirable plants appearing in the following spring season. Additionally, spraying your lawn in the fall is the more convenient option. The reason for that convenience is that you can apply your herbicide at the same time that you perform your fall seeding. By combining both of those essential lawn care tasks, you can save time during your fall lawn care routine. When to Apply Herbicides to Your Lawn in the Fall You now know that the fall season is the best time to apply herbicide to your lawn. However, it is also crucial to note that not all times during the fall are equally advantageous for herbicide application. Instead, you should wait for a few key factors to be in place before you spray. Mainly, you’ll want to spray your lawn on a sunny day when there is no rain in the forecast for the following day. Choosing to spray when the weather is right will make your herbicide application all the more effective in the long run. When it comes to which month to spray your lawn, September and October are often best. Other Times of Year to Spray a Lawn Although spraying your lawn in the fall is an excellent choice, there are other times during the year that you can apply herbicide. As it turns out, the spring is also a viable time in which you can spray your lawn with herbicide. The reason why spring and fall are the best times of year to perform herbicide applications is that your lawn will be in a stage of active growth, meaning that it will be less likely to receive damage from the herbicide itself. During winter and summer, your lawn will be in a dormant growth period, meaning that spraying is not advisable. However, when in doubt, you can rest assured that spraying your lawn in the fall is a smart option. Call now to add spraying and fertilization to your lawn care routine! As the weather cools down and we enter the mild Autumn months, you may consider adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds. When is the best time to mulch- Fall or Spring? The answer depends, as both times are appropriate for adding mulch to achieve different outcomes. Adding a layer of mulch in the fall can often be a great idea to help protect your plants through the winter, and it is important to know when to do this. When is the Best Time to Mulch- Fall or Spring? Mulching in the spring can be great for keeping weeds down throughout the growing season and adding a sharp and manicured look to your garden beds. While this is always a good idea, it is also very beneficial to mulch in the fall. A fresh layer of mulch after the first frost of the year can protect the roots of your plants from very cold spells during the winter. It can also protect the soil layer from getting washed out during fall and winter storms. Benefits of Mulching in the Fall During the fall months, while plants are going dormant for the winter, it is a great opportunity to add some protection to your garden beds. A layer of mulch applied in the fall will protect any of your perennial plants and shrubs’ roots that are close to the surface. The layer of mulch will insulate the roots from drastic changes in temperature and deep freezes. A fall layer of mulch will also protect the soil in your gardens from heavy fall and winter storms. Since the layer of mulch will break down over the winter months, it will give your gardens a head start the following spring by adding compost to the garden. When is the best time to apply fall mulch? There is actually an ideal time to lay the mulch in fall. After most of the leaves have fallen and the season’s final cleanup has been done in the garden, it is the easiest and best time to mulch. The mulch will need to be right up against the crown of your plants to protect them from the elements, so it is essential to wait until the plants are all cut back for the fall. Usually, after the first frost of the season, most perennials will be ready to cut back. You want to ensure that all of the leaves from your plants and shrubs are gone for the year, and mulching should be the last maintenance item on the list. This makes the typical fall cleanup time a great opportunity to add a protective layer of mulch. The mulch layer in your garden is important not only for preventing weeds and adding a beautiful look, but for protecting the plants and shrubs from the elements as well. Give us a call now to schedule adding mulching to your fall cleanup routine. It will go a long way in allowing your garden to come back stronger and brighter the following year. The use of pine needles, also known as pine straw, as mulch for your garden beds is a great idea for several reasons. They are an inexpensive alternative to mulch, they stay in place, and can acidify the soil in your gardens. If you already use these as mulch or plan to in the future, you may wonder: How often should you put out pine needles? We will answer this question and outline some benefits of using this sustainable mulch below.
How Often Should You Put Out Pine Needles? Pine needles differ from hardwood and bark mulches in that the needle is a much softer part of the tree. This means that the needles will begin to break down much sooner than other types of mulch. This is a benefit to your garden, but if you are looking to keep the mulch looking decorative and fresh, you will want to replace the pine needles at least every 6 months. Adding new pine needles twice a year will freshen up the look of the beds while adding protection where the old needles have begun to break down. It is important to note that while adding pine needles every 6 months will ensure a fresh-looking mulch layer year-round, it can cause the layer to become thick over time. Your lawn care team may decide to take some of the broken-down needles away during application to prevent excess buildup. Benefits of Using Pine Needles The use of pine needles as a mulch is beneficial to your gardens and the planet in several ways. Aside from looking beautiful, the pine needles will create a weed-barrier, help the garden retain moisture, and as the needles break down, they will create a compost layer that adds nutrition into the soil. Sustainable- Many types of mulch require processing such as grinding, and dyeing. Pine needles naturally drop off pine trees and require no processing. This makes them a sustainable type of mulch that is good for the planet as well as your garden. Aesthetically Pleasing- The appearance of a fresh layer of pine needles on your garden bed adds some color and keeps beds looking freshly manicured. Pine needles will also reduce the amount of time spent weeding, as they form a dense layer that keeps weeds down. Good for Soil- As pine needles break down, they add acids into the soil, which can be beneficial to certain types of plants including rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas. The easily broken-down needles will become a natural compost which adds other nutrition into the soil. The layer of pine needles will also help with water retention. Pine needles make for a great mulch that provides your garden with not only aesthetic, but nutritional benefits. Refreshing the layer of pine needles as often as twice a year will help your beds remain weed-free, sufficiently moist, and well-fed. If your lawn is made up of warm-weather grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia, you should be aware that the turf will need aeration sometime during the growing season. Aeration is essential to prevent compaction in the roots, and to allow water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively. You may also choose to spread some seed over thin spots, or to overseed your whole lawn at the time of aeration. It is important to know when the right time for this maintenance. You may wonder: when should you aerate and seed Bermuda and Zoysia grasses?
Benefits of Aeration and Seeding When you aerate your lawn, you remove plugs of soil from the turf, leaving space for the roots and soil to relax and spread out. This prevents compaction of the roots, which is the worst thing for grass. When these plugs are removed, the water, nutrients, and seeds that are added will be able to penetrate the soil easily. This gives the roots direct access to these elements needed for growth. These practices will benefit any lawn, but it is important to consider which time of the season will yield the most benefit. When Should You Aerate and Seed Bermuda and Zoysia Grasses? For warm weather grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia, you want to aerate and seed anytime from late-spring to early summer. Aerating after the danger of frost will protect the exposed roots from danger, and as the seasonal growth of the grass picks up, it will make the most of its enhanced access to nutrients and water. If you choose to spread seed in thin spots or to overseed the whole lawn, directly after aerating is a great time for this. The holes in the soil will give the fresh seed a place to take hold and prevent them from being washed away. Ideally, seeding will be done after the last frost, but before the intense heat of the summer. This will give your seed the best chance of developing healthy roots. What Not to Do Aerating and seeding is best done while the growing season is still mild, but only in the spring. Aerating and/or seeding in the fall will expose the roots of your grasses to the elements. While a lawn that is aerated in the spring has a long growing season to bulk up and repair its root system. If a warm sesaon grass is aerated and seeded in the fall will not have ample time to root before the winter. This could result in dead patches. Seeding too late into the fall will most likely cause the germinated seed to be killed by a light frost. Now that you know the best time to aerate and seed Bermuda and Zoysia grasses, you may want to schedule this essential lawn maintenance. Our team can provide this service, ensuring a beautiful lawn for years to come. It is important for any lawn to have proper drainage, as standing water can destroy areas of a lawn, as well as trees and shrubs in the area. Standing water on patios and recreational surfaces can also lead to degradation of the surfaces. The following will be a pros and cons comparison of three different types of lawn drainage: French Drains vs Catch Basins vs Channel Drains. These can help you narrow down which is right for your specific needs.
Pros and Cons Comparison: French Drains vs Catch Basins vs Channel Drains These three types of drains can be quite effective in certain situations, but it is important to know which one will fit your individual needs and the needs of your lawn or patio. Our team of specialists can help walk you through the process of choosing and installing your preferred type of drainage. French Drains A French drain is a type of drain that involves digging a trench and filling it with a well-draining substrate and a pipe which will collect the water and funnel it off to a better location. Pros
Cons
Catch Basins Catch basins are installed in the lowest part of a lawn to “catch” all the runoff that comes from the roof of the house, patios, and higher areas of the lawn. These may require another type of channel or drainage to direct the water into the basin. Pros
Channel Drains Channel Drains are an effective way to direct water from a hard surface such as a driveway or patio. These work well for preventing water from collecting in or near a garage, on sidewalks, or on pool patios. Pros
Whether you are looking to combat swampy areas of your lawn, keep water off your patios and sidewalks, or channel excess water away from a garden, these choices cover several needs and circumstances. Our team of professionals can walk you through choosing the right type of drainage for your specific needs, as well as installation and maintenance of whatever you choose. Building a retaining wall in your yard is a significant project. As such, you’ll want to ensure that you select the best building materials for the job from the get-go. In this post, we’ll help you make that decision by covering two of the most widespread retaining wall material options – blocks and railroad ties.
Block Retaining Walls Using blocks to build your retaining wall is certainly an excellent idea. Block retaining walls are incredibly long-lasting. In fact, if your block retaining wall is built properly, it won’t need to be replace during your lifetime. The durability of block retaining walls also allows them to be built taller than walls that consist of other materials. In addition to that phenomenal longevity, block retaining walls are also very affordable and come in many different options. As you search for the perfect block material for your wall, you’ll find plenty of colors, textures, and shapes to choose from. Admittedly, some people do not feel that block retaining walls are as ornamentally intriguing as other retaining wall material options. However, this by no means implies that all block walls are ugly. Instead, block retaining walls can be quite tasteful while also remaining structurally sound for the foreseeable future. Railroad Tie Retaining Walls Railroad tie retaining walls are also incredibly popular for small-scale projects. What people often love about these walls is that they have a very natural look that can complement nearly any landscape. However, there are a few downsides to railroad tie retaining walls that you should understand before you build one. Since wood will naturally decompose over time, railroad tie retaining walls are not as long-lasting as other types of retaining walls. In many cases, railroad tie walls will last just one to two decades. Railroad tie walls can also be prone to structural failures if you build them too tall. In general, it’s best to keep these walls below four feet tall to give them the best chance of remaining intact. To combat the natural decomposition of wood, many railroad ties are treated with chemical wood preservatives. Unfortunately, those chemicals can be harmful to you and the plants in your landscape. With that said, for those who want a retaining wall with a natural look for a reasonable cost, using railroad ties may be a reasonable way to go. A Few Other Retaining Wall Material Options Although both blocks and railroad ties are both legitimate options for your retaining wall, there are plenty of other materials you can use. To help you better understand the options at your disposal, we’ve listed a few other retaining wall materials for your consideration:
Block or Railroad Ties – The Choice is Up to You Overall, the choice between block and railroad tie retaining walls is largely a matter of personal preference. The sections in the article above should give you a good idea of which option you prefer. If you are ready to build your retaining wall or need further insights to help you decide, contact the expert team at All Outdoors by calling 864.275.2039. Have you noticed your lawn care specialist is mowing in a different direction each time? If so, there’s a good reason for this and it is not just for a change of routine. Why is alternating mowing patterns so important? (Hint: it shows that your lawn specialist cares about your lawn.) Let’s answer this question in detail.
Why Alternating Mowing Patterns is So Important There are a few reasons why this is the best practice for regular mowing. Not only does alternating the mowing pattern contribute to the good health of the grass, but it also influences appearance. Lawn Health First and foremost, the health of the grass depends on the roots’ ability to gather enough nutrients and water from the soil. When a lawn is mowed in the same direction over and over, things happen that can impede its ability to do this. Flattened Growth Habit The individual blades of grass are knocked over, and over time, they begin to grow like this. This acts as a barrier that can potentially keep water out. This can also shade the grass that is trying to grow from underneath. It is important for the blades of grass to be standing vertically. Alternating mowing patterns will ensure that this can happen. Compaction Another harmful thing that happens when grass is continuously mowed in the same direction is compaction. This is when the soil around the roots becomes so tightly packed that water and nutrients cannot make it into the root. If the lawn is mowed in the same pattern repeatedly, the weight of the lawn mower will always be focused on the same areas of the soil. This can lead to compaction in these areas and can ultimately lead to a patchy lawn. Appearance Let’s face the facts, one of the most important reasons to have a well-maintained lawn is for the neat and clean appearance that it gives to the outside of your home. One of the reasons why alternating mowing patterns is so important is that it can keep the lawn looking its best. Not surprisingly, this goes hand in hand with having a healthy lawn. Lush and Healthy As mentioned before, the flattening of the blades that comes with repeated mowing in the same direction also detracts from the appearance of the lawn. A lawn that is made up of flattened blades will look as you’d expect, flat and lifeless. It is important not to train the grass to grow in this way. Constant mowing in the same direction will eventually lead to blades that grow in this direction, and that will detract from the lush appearance of the lawn. Patchy and Lumpy Mowing in the same pattern all the time will also create ruts in the soil. This is not only a bad thing because of the compaction of the roots, it will eventually make the lawn appear lumpy and rutted. However, if this continues, the compaction will eventually make the grass unhealthy where the soil is constantly driven on. Now, not only will the lawn look lumpy where the ruts are, the grass may also be yellowing or dead in those areas. The health of the grass will directly affect the appearance of the lawn, and after all, the appearance is one of the best things about having a well-maintained lawn. This is why it is so important to alternate mowing patterns. If you notice that your lawn care professional is doing this, that is a great sign, as it shows that they take pride in the health and appearance of your lawn. Watering is a necessary task for anyone who has plantings and landscapes on their property. Some install irrigation to cut down on maintenance time, while others enjoy the meditative activity of watering their gardens by hand. Since there can be problems with overwatering plants and shrubs in the summer, it’s important to know when your plants have had enough.
Problems with Overwatering Plants and Shrubs in the Summer Plants and shrubs that are used in landscapes do need plenty of water to survive, especially in the hot summer months. There is a point, however, where the soil becomes saturated and is not able to drain all the water that it is receiving. Plants and shrubs do not like to be in standing water. This can lead to several problems for the plants, including disease, pests, and deficiencies. Lack of oxygen A plant not only receives water and nutrients through its roots, but it also uses them to breathe as well. A plant absorbs oxygen from the space that is existent between each grain of soil. When the soil around a plant’s roots becomes saturated with water, the roots are not able to access oxygen in the soil. In good soil, this water will be able to drain out relatively quickly. In poorer and heavier soils, the water may drain very slowly. This will weaken the plant’s overall health, leaving it vulnerable to disease. Disease A plant that is weakened by overwatering can be unable to fend off bacteria and fungus that may exist within the soil. This can lead to root-rot and other diseases. When a plant begins to wilt after overwatering this may indicate that the roots have become damaged. In extreme cases, shrubs can become soft where the crown meets the soil. Pests Some pests, such as aphids, target weakened plants and/or may more easily overtake a weakened plant. If a group of pests is colonizing a plant and can be seen all over it, this can be a sign that it was already suffering some other problems. Nutrient Deficiencies When water is constantly running through the soil around a plant’s roots, there are nutrients being washed away with it. This can result in less food being available for the plant. A plant that has become deficient in certain nutrients may turn yellow, brown, wilt, or lose leaves. Knowing When to Stop Watering To avoid problems with overwatering plants and shrubs in the summer, it is important to recognize when there is enough water in the soil. For a quick test, dig about an inch or two into the soil with your finger, if there is moisture in the soil at that level, the garden does not need watering. If the top inch or two of soil is completely dry, it is time to water. Different soil compositions will hold and drain water differently. If you notice that plants are dropping leaves or changing color, it is worth checking the soil around them to make sure that there is proper drainage in the area. Summertime in the Southeast can present a challenge for keeping your lawn healthy and green. The mowing schedule and the height of the cut will need to be tailored to the current conditions in Greenville, SC. So, how much grass length can be taken off safely during summer mowing? The answer will depend, but experienced lawn care professionals will know how to make this call.
How much grass length can be taken off safely during summer mowing? Since Southeastern summer weather conditions can range from hot and dry to hot, humid, and rainy, the specific length to be removed can possibly be different for each mowing. The safe answer to this question is that one should never remove more than one-third of the blade length at one time. A safe summer length for most grasses will be between 3 and 3 ½ inches. The detailed answer for how much grass length can be taken off safely during summer mowing depends on the following: Precipitation Wet and rainy As we all know, summer can sometimes bring with it a large amount of rain and humidity. These conditions are great for growing grass, but the mowing schedule may have to be increased during these times. In rainy conditions, it may be necessary to mow once a week, and if the grass is growing quickly, the amount taken off will be greater than in slower growing conditions. For example, if you are trying to keep the length at 3 inches and you have had a wet and rainy week, a third of the blade may be over an inch. Hot and dry When the weather has been hot and dry, the grass will grow slowly and may even be deprived of water. During times like this, your lawn maintenance professional may choose to mow less than usual. It is important to keep the grass at a height of 3 to 3 ½ inches, especially when the weather is hot and dry. The blade of grass provides shade and keeps the soil from baking and quickly losing all its water. These are the times when it is extremely important to take off 1/3 of the blade or less. Cutting too much off during a hot and dry period can burn up the grass and seriously harm your lawn. The results of this can range from brown, dried out grass, to a patchy lawn with dead areas. Growth Rate As mentioned above, growth rate is directly related to the amount of precipitation and light that the lawn is receiving. There may be times when the lawn is growing out of control, and it seems like once-a-week mowing isn’t “cutting it”. These are the times when taking off a bit more can be safe, but it is still important never to take off more than 1/3 of the blade. Keeping the balance of a controlled lawn while leaving a safe amount of the blade will just require more frequent mowing. So, to answer the question “How much grass length can be taken off safely during summer mowing?”, it is dependent on the conditions, but a general guideline will be to keep the grass at a length of 3 to 3 ½ inches, and never to remove more than 1/3 of the blade at once. This will contribute to a healthy and lush lawn that will look great for years to come. Landscape fabric is a valuable material that you should consider using in your garden. However, if you are unfamiliar with landscape fabric, you’re likely unaware of how and when to use it. This article will teach you when to use landscape fabric in your yard and give some insights as to why landscape fabric is so useful.
What is Landscape Fabric? Before we discuss specific landscape fabric uses, let’s ensure that you understand precisely what landscape fabric is. Landscape fabric is a thin sheet typically made of geotextile materials. Landscape fabric is commonly available in garden supply stores and has multiple uses in the landscape, as you’ll soon learn. Using Landscape Fabric to Suppress Weeds in Garden Beds The primary instance in which it is beneficial to use landscape fabric is when you want to suppress weeds in a garden bed. The benefit of landscape fabric, in this case, is that it prevents sunlight from reaching any weeds that may be germinating in your beds. While landscape fabric blocks sunlight, it simultaneously allows air and water to pass through its permeable material. This permeable nature ensures that the plants you want to grow in your garden bed continue to receive the water and air that they need to survive. All the while, the unwanted weeds in your garden bed will have a much more difficult time developing. Using Landscape Fabric When Constructing a Patio While weed suppression in a garden bed is the main way to use landscape fabric, this material is also useful when constructing patios. As is true of garden beds, a dry-laid patio can also experience weed problems as unwanted plants grow from below the patio up through the gaps between your pavers. Adding a layer of landscape fabric below your patio during the construction phase is an excellent way to suppress those weeds. That added layer will help keep your patio looking neat and clean while the weeds below fail to grow. Using Landscape Fabric When Building a Retaining Wall A properly built small-scale retaining wall should have gravel or crushed stone behind it to ensure that water can flow freely through it. However, without landscape fabric, the soil adjacent to the gravel will eventually fill the gaps between the crushed stone, preventing water from flowing freely, which can lead to structural failure. Placing landscape fabric between the crushed stone and the soil prevents this issue from taking place. By ensuring proper water flow, this use of landscape fabric will help ensure that your retaining wall remains intact for years to come. Does Your Yard Need Landscape Fabric? Now that you know when to use landscape fabric, you may be eager to include some in your next garden project. As is always the case, it can be quite helpful to hire a professional team to install your landscape fabric properly. At All Outdoors, we’re ready to provide landscape fabric and much more. Reach out to us today at 864.275.2039 to learn more. |
Categories
All
AuthorALL Outdoors will post educational articles, videos, and newsletters to help you learn about the lawn care, landscaping, and outdoor living world. Click Below to Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. All Blogs are posted on our page as well.
Click Below to Receive Email Notification when a New Blog is Posted.
To Use the RSS Feed you must have a RSS Feed Reader App. The URL is www.alloutdoors-sc.com/1/feed
|
Service Area:
We proudly service Greenville, Greer, Taylors, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Five Forks, and surrounding Upstate cities in South Carolina for lawn care and landscaping services. Call us today at 864.275.2039 to see why we are the premier lawn and landscape company of the Upstate. |
Navigation
Request a Quote
Residential Services - Commercial Services FAQ - Testimonials - Career Home - About Us - Gallery - Client Login Terms of Service - Warranties |
Contact Information:
|