Hairy Bittercress & Dead Nettle…..two weeds that signal spring is almost here!

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As the weather warms up and the days start to feel more like spring, homeowners start asking questions about their lawns.  If you are someone who pays close attention to what is happing out there, you will often see early spring weeds like Hairy Bittercress and Dead Nettle.  The hard part for most people is having the patience and understanding of how best manage these weeds while maintaining the health of the overall lawn.

In our first-round treatment, which usually starts at the beginning of February, we focus on providing lawns with a low level of fertilizer and pre-emergent weed control.  The fertilizer portion is designed to feed the lawn and “wake it up / green it up”.  The pre-emergent on the other hand is designed to create a weed prevention barrier to reduce (not eliminate) spring weeds from germinating.  Often when these spring weeds show up, folks get concerned and immediately want to treat the weeds with herbicide.  Using herbicide on these late winter / early spring days is not advised.  Based on the cooler temperatures there is a high probability of causing damage to the surrounding grass.  Almost all herbicides are recommended for use during warmer temps which don’t show up consistently until late March.

If you have questions with what you are seeing in your lawn, please don’t hesitate to call.  At Heartland Turf, we are here to help so you can “Enjoy your lawn”!

 

Lawn mowing season is here, so how do I pick a lawn mowing company?

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Choosing the right lawnmowing company is important for maintaining a well-kept and healthy lawn.  Here are some tips to help you pick the best lawnmowing company:

  1. Ask for Recommendations:
    • Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the reliability and quality of a lawnmowing service.
  2. Check Credentials:
    • Ensure that the lawnmowing company is licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or damage to your property during the service.
  3. Experience Matters:
    • Choose a company with experience in the industry. An experienced company is more likely to have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle various types of lawns and challenges.
  4. Visit Their Website:
    • A professional website can be an indicator of a well-established and organized business. Look for information on services offered, customer testimonials, and contact details.
  5. Equipment and Technology:
    • Ask about the equipment and technology they use. A company with well-maintained and up-to-date equipment is more likely to provide efficient and effective service.  Specifically ask about the frequency in which they sharpen mower blades.
  6. Contract and Terms:
    • Review the contract thoroughly before signing. Ensure that you understand the terms of service, pricing, and any guarantees offered by the company.
  7. Customer Service:
    • Assess the level of customer service. A company that is responsive, communicates well, and addresses your concerns is likely to provide a better overall experience.

Finding the right company can be difficult, so do your homework and ask the right questions!

When is the best time to apply the first round of pre-emergent herbicide?

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The best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide depends on the type of weeds you are targeting and the climate of your region. Pre-emergent herbicides work by preventing weed seeds from germinating, so timing is crucial for their effectiveness. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Soil Temperature: Soil temperature is a critical factor for pre-emergent herbicide effectiveness. You can use a soil thermometer to monitor soil temperatures at a depth of 2 to 4 inches. Apply the herbicide when the soil temperature is in the appropriate range for the target weeds.
  • Local Climate Conditions: The timing may vary based on local climate conditions, so it’s essential to monitor weather patterns and soil temperatures in your specific area.
  • Apply Before Significant Rainfall or Irrigation: To activate the herbicide, it’s generally recommended to apply it before significant rainfall or irrigation. This helps the product move into the soil where it can create a barrier against weed germination.

Remember that pre-emergent herbicides are most effective when applied before the target weed seeds germinate. Once weeds have emerged, pre-emergent herbicides are not effective, and post-emergent solutions may be necessary. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose a pre-emergent herbicide that is suitable for your specific lawn grass type and that targets the weeds you are trying to control.  At Heartland Turf we customize our program to our Midwest climate and the weeds seen in our region, so call us today to get on the schedule!

 

Q: What can I do to help my lawn during the winter? A: Sharpen your mower blades and be aware of the signs for additional sharpening

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The frequency with which you should sharpen your lawn mower blades depends on various factors, including the size of your lawn, the type of grass, and the condition of your lawn mower blades. However, a general guideline is to sharpen your mower blades at least two to three times during the mowing season.

In the Midwest, where cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass are common, the growing season typically spans from late spring through early fall. Here are some considerations for sharpening mower blades in the Midwest:

  1. Frequency of mowing: If you mow your lawn frequently, you may need to sharpen the blades more often. For lawns that require weekly mowing, consider sharpening the blades every 8-10 hours of use.
  2. Type of grass: Different grass varieties have different blade-wearing characteristics. Fine-textured grasses may dull blades more slowly than coarse-textured grasses. Pay attention to the condition of the grass after mowing—if it looks torn or ragged, it’s a sign that the blades may need sharpening.
  3. Mower usage: If you regularly mow over rough terrain, encounter sticks or debris, or accidentally hit rocks, the mower blades can dull more quickly. In such cases, check the blades for damage and sharpen as needed.
  4. Blade condition: Inspect your mower blades regularly for signs of dullness, nicks, or damage. Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to a less healthy lawn appearance.
  5. Seasonal maintenance: It’s a good practice to sharpen your mower blades at the beginning of the mowing season and again midway through the season. This ensures that your blades are in good condition to provide a clean cut, promoting the overall health of your lawn.

Remember, a sharp mower blade contributes to a healthier lawn by cutting grass cleanly, reducing stress on the grass plants, and preventing disease. If you’re not comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, you can take them to a professional mower service or hardware store for sharpening. Additionally, always follow safety guidelines and disconnect the spark plug before removing or working on mower blades.

 

Does my lawn actually benefit from a winter fertilizer application?

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Winter fertilizers are specially formulated to provide essential nutrients that support the health of your grass during the dormant winter months. While grass growth slows down in winter, the roots continue to grow, and the plant still needs nutrients for overall health and resilience.

Here are some benefits of using winter fertilizer:

  1. Root development: Winter fertilizers often contain higher levels of potassium, which promotes root development and strengthens the grass plant. This is particularly important during the winter when the grass focuses on root growth rather than top growth.
  2. Disease resistance: A well-fertilized lawn is generally more resistant to diseases. The nutrients in winter fertilizer help the grass maintain its strength, making it less susceptible to winter-related diseases.
  3. Early spring green-up: Applying winter fertilizer in the fall provides the grass with nutrients that it can use when it starts to grow again in the spring. This can result in a quicker green-up and healthier lawn as the growing season begins.
  4. Stress tolerance: The nutrients in winter fertilizer contribute to the overall stress tolerance of the grass. This is important in regions where the lawn may experience fluctuations in temperature or other environmental stresses during the winter.

It’s generally recommended to apply winter fertilizer in the late fall, a few weeks before the first hard frost, to allow the grass to absorb and utilize the nutrients before entering dormancy.  Keep in mind that over-fertilizing can be harmful to your lawn, so if you’re unsure about the specific needs of your lawn, consider having Heartland Turf manage your lawn’s needs.

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