Five Best Lawn Treatments for Your Fishkill, NY Property this Spring
With Spring rapidly approaching it is time to start thinking about how to care for your lawn. While Spring lawn chores aren't difficult, they do play a vital role in getting your Fishkill, NY property on track for a healthy, productive growing season.
Knowing these five yardwork steps will help you understand how to treat your lawn this Spring.
A Soil pH Test
A pH test is performed to test the “potential of hydrogen” (the amount of hydrogen ions in a substance), or more simply put, to measure the acid/alkaline balance of the soil. The pH measurement is based on a logarithmic scale from 1 to 14. Soil with a pH of 0-6 is acidic, 7 is neutral and 8-14 is alkaline. While different plants have different pH requirements, Weeds and moss thrive in acidic soil, and fertilizers don’t work as well. Grass requires a relatively neutral pH to thrive. If the soil is too acidic, liming is recommended, while soil that is too alkaline, a mild acid may need to be added. Both for soil testing and balancing, it is best to consult a professional.
Fertilization
Fertilizing a lawn is a vital process and should be done regularly. Soil with proper nutrient content is an essential ingredient of a luscious landscape for your Fishkill, NY home. But it is not as simple as going to the store and picking up a bag of fertilizer. Different types of grass require different types and amounts of fertilizer to thrive. The process of fertilizing a lawn is a delicate one, as too much fertilizer can lead to weed problems and lawn disease, and too little may be insufficient to benefit your lawn.
Related: Achieve a Healthy Landscape with Our Premium Fertilization Program in Pleasant Valley NY
Weed Control
Weeds and crabgrass can cause a lot of problems for lawns and timing is everything when it comes to weed control. By using a spreader for even coverage, pre-emergent weed control prevents weeds from germinating. The pre-emergent chemical is activated by water and once it soaks into the ground it will remain effective for several weeks. However, not all herbicides are created equal and should be done carefully to avoid killing both weed seeds and grass seeds.
Related: What is Included in Professional Lawn Care Service in Fishkill NY
Spring Raking
While people rake their lawns in Autumn, most decide to skip doing this during the Spring. However, Spring raking helps remove built-up thatch and grass blades that have died over the winter that which will eventually become thatch. It is also helpful in clearing away snow mold; a condition that causes the grass blades to get stuck together, making it hard for new grass to penetrate the surface. Spring raking should be done to a deeper level, with the right tools, using the right angle. It is important that raking be done at the right time, because if done too early, when the lawn hasn't yet matured, raking may kill new shoots before they have developed.
Aerate
While aerating does not have to be done every year if your yard has become compacted in high-traffic areas, new grass will have a difficult time taking root. An aerator removes small plugs of soil from your lawn, loosening the ground and allowing more air, water, and nutrients into the soil.
Related: Fertilization, Aeration, and Irrigation: A Guide to Lawn Maintenance in Fishkill
Keeping a lawn in perfect condition is time consuming and surprisingly complex, which is why many homeowners entrust contractors with the health of their turf. If you need help with your lawn Lehigh lawns and Landscaping are here for all your lawn maintenance needs.