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26 Oct 2016

How Much Is Too Much Water For Your Lawn

October 26, 2016 0 Comments By David Golan General, Landscaping & Lawn Care Green Lawn, lawn care, Sprinkler Amount, Water Amount, Watered Lawn

How Much Is Too Much. The Secret Watered Lawn.

How much water is too much water when it comes to your lawn? What’s the correct water amount that will keep your lawn healthy and give it that perfect green luster?

Rarely will a person put too little water. Most often they will apply too much water (yes even the gardeners we pay thousands of dollars to each year.)

With that in mind, it’s a must that you have knowledge of the right amount of water that will give you that perfect green lawn.

After reading this article, you will no doubt have the lawn care knowledge to achieve that goal. So, let’s get into it by first exploring some of the negative effects over-watering can have on your grass.

How can over-watering impact your lawn?

If you’re applying too much water to your lawn, there are a few warning signs you might notice. Let’s start with this one…

*Fungus: Over-watering keeps grass wet which promotes fungal growth. If you notice mushrooms or reddish/orange grass (which is a symptom of rust fungus) you’re probably over-watering.

*Weeds: In particular crabgrass and yellow nutsedge, both are a lawn care nightmare. Both are known to thrive in over-watered areas that are too damp for healthy grass to grow.

*Insects and Pests: When you over-water your grass grows what’s known as thatch. Which is basically just partially decomposed plant material that forms a dense mat on the soil surface. This stuff is a breeding ground for insects and pests. What’s even worse, the thatch often provides a habitat for them to hide from pesticide!

Now that we know some of the signs and symptoms of over-watering let’s get to the matter at hand.

How much water is too much water for your lawn?

When it comes to watering your lawn, less is often more.

You don’t need to water your grass for 10-15 minutes every day. So turn off the sprinkler and put away the water hose. For most lawns, all that’s needed is one deep watering, once per week. Depending on how big your lawn is a deep watering session will take between 1-3 hours. During a deep watering session, the goal is to lay down 1 inch of water on your lawn. That’s it. Nothing more and nothing less.

If you use a sprinkler system, you can measure how long it takes for your system to put out an inch of water by placing coffee cans in the yard and measuring periodically until the can has filled with an inch of water. Getting your sprinkler amount right is mandatory if you want a healthy lawn.

Conclusion

I don’t think many would disagree with this statement. One thing you fall in love with when you become a homeowner is your lawn. You want the blades just right, the grass the perfect green, the landscape free of brown spots and insects. Indeed, for many of us, our lawns are somewhat of a trophy. If you want that trophy to shine bright and beautiful, be sure to not over-water!

14 Oct 2016

October 14, 2016 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care, Lawn Mowing Fall Tips, Green Lawn, lawn care, Lawn Care Tips

3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Lawn Green This Fall

With the winter nearby, you might not have a lot of time to think about your lawn. Lawn care isn’t easy after all. You might feel that you do not need to take care of your lawn as the grass grows more slowly during the fall. However, it’s exactly now that plants need more care, as they are preparing for the hard winter ahead by absorbing more energy, moisture, and nutrients than before. If you want a green lawn, these Fall Tips are some of them that you need to follow.

1. Do not stop mowing

However, do no trim more than one third of the grass blades at one go. Your lawn needs to get at least an inch of water every week and continue to remove any dead leaves that you would find.

Mowing the lawn from time to time, especially those patches where you can see or where you suspect any weed growth. Keep cutting to the right height to get the best results when it comes to lawn care.

2. It’s time to aerate the soil

Aerating the lawn will mean that your plants get more fertilizers and oxygen that they will need to power themselves during winters. This will also prevent the soil from being covered with thatch. The plants would be able to get more water, oxygen and nutrients from the soil helping them deal with the upcoming winter.

Fertilize your lawn this Fall. This is because while the grass leaves tend to grow more slowly now, the grass roots do grow more quickly and they need food.

3. Grow a thick lawn

Growing thick patches of grass and other plants in your lawn can actually help counter weed infestations. These thick grass and plants will outnumber the weed seeds or weed plants as the case may be. They will prevent the weed from sucking away the important resources needed by your essential plants.

A periodic but infrequent dosage of weedicides in your lawn is important. Despite the best of the measures taken by lawn owners, sometimes weeds find their way into the lawn. Weedicides can help kill off weed plants and seeds.

These simple lawn care tips will help ensure that you have a green lawn.

27 Jul 2013

July 27, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care, Lawn Mowing

Make Your Next Lawn Mowing Experience a Success!

Nothing compares to the smell or look of freshly cut grass in your yard. For decades, freshly mowed grass has been something homeowners pride themselves on. The regular mowing of your lawn oxygenates the air you breathe and also helps prevent infestation by ticks and chiggers. Still, achieving a green, well-cut lawn can often be easier said than done.

Here are a few tips to help you with your next mowing:

Follow the 1/3 rule—Some grasses are not meant to be cut short. If you are unsure of how short to cut your grass, it is safe to never cut more than a 1/3 of the grass blade length when mowing. If you are repeatedly cutting your lawn too close, your grass will undergo a lot of stress and turn brown, which makes grass even more vulnerable to disease and pests!
Wait for dry grass—Always be sure to mow when the grass blades are dry.
Change the pattern each time you mow—Every time you cut your grass, there is a grain in the blade that leans in the direction you are mowing. Changing the pattern of direction can give more attractive, upright growth to your grass.
Leave clippings on your lawn—The clippings allow nutrients and nitrogen to go back into the soil, feeding your lawn. If the clippings are forming clumps or the grass is longer, you can remove them.
For shaded areas of your lawn, keep the grass higher—By not mowing the grass as short here, the grass will not have to compete as much with tree roots for nutrients and water.
Hot, dry weather—It is best not to mow your lawn as often in this climate. Also, keep cool season grasses at a taller height.
Check your mower blades regularly—It is important that your mower blades are sharp and balanced. This can go a long way in keeping pests at bay. Also, the your grass will be able to heal faster in between mowing!

While mowing the lawn is something that most people can do without any training, always make sure to read your lawn mower instructions manual and follow the safety precautions for operating your lawn mower safely. Keeping this tips in mind will help you get the most out of your lawn mowing efforts, giving you a yard that will be the envy of your neighbords.

22 Jul 2013

July 22, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care

Easy Tips to Care for Your Lawn

Nothing is more refreshing to look at in the morning than lush green grass on your lawn and nothing gives more of a welcoming feeling to your home. Caring for your lawn doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, however.

Here are few easy tips for achieving a beautiful lawn:

Perform a soil test—A well cared for lawn starts with a good foundation first. The quality of the soil in your yard makes a world of difference in the nourishment of your grass. You can either purchase soil test kit from your local lawn and garden center or the Cooperative Extension in most states will perform a soil test for free. This way, you will have more of an understanding about what nutrients to add to your soil.
Types of Grasses—There are different types of grasses that do well in certain climates. In many parts of America, tall fescue or Bermuda grasses are perfect choices. In more subtropical areas, St. Augustine grass is ideal.
Ask a neighbor–It never hurts to get advice from a neighbor whose lawn you’ve been admiring lately. They can let you know about different seeds, fertilizers, and watering schedules that would be appropriate for your lawn.
Fertilizing and seeding your lawn—This is always done during the cooler months of spring and fall. In the South, you would fertilize and seed during February and April during the spring and October and November for the fall. If you live in the north, you would do this during April to the early part of June for spring and September to early October during fall time.
Watering your lawn—The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. There is very little evaporation in the morning air, and this allows for any airborne disease spores on the grass to be washed away. In the summertime, it is best to water deeply and then wait until the grass looks or feels dry again. You can also just water the “hot spots” of your lawn.

As you can see, there are plenty of steps that you can take to help improve the overall health of your lawn. While these are all effective ways of making your yard look more aesthetically pleasing, they can be time consuming and nothing beats the professional touch of an experienced landscaping contractor.

14 Jul 2013

July 14, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care lakeland landscape

Make An Impression With An Impressive Landscape

Your yard is more than just a patch of grass. In many cases, it is the first impression visitors get of you and your family. It is your face to the world, displaying your tastes and personality.

We at Creative Edge Landscape understand the importance of a beautifully landscaped yard and what it can mean for you. Whether it’s a place of escape or a showcase, here are some tips you can follow to make your yard a living statement:

Provide year-round interest. Make sure there’s something of interest going on in your yard in each of the four seasons. It doesn’t always have to be a flowering plant. It could be the color of the foliage or the shape of a bare tree.

Use annuals as a supplement to perennial plantings. Perennials only bloom so long, but annuals can be added as their color grows.

Layer your flowerbeds. Plant them with the tallest in back, then mid-height to shortest.

Use hardscape to give your yard a more finished look. This can be achieved by incorporating walkways, fencing, patios and decks, or walls in the overall design.

Think about installing a water feature – a fountain, pond, or waterfall – as a focal point.

Use drought-resistant plants to decrease the worry of summertime wilt. Even with Florida’s afternoon and evening thunderstorms, summer can be a challenge to many plants.

Fit the plant to the space. Take care in selecting the right plant that won’t overwhelm the area where it is planted.

If you need help with any of these recommendations or for other landscaping help, turn to the professionals at Creative Edge Landscape . We have been serving the Lakeland area since 2002 and have since expanded to include Lakeland Heights, Tampa, Hillsborough and Polk counties, Kathleen, and the surrounding areas.

22 Feb 2013

February 22, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care lawn care maintenance

Advice from Creative Edge Landscaping for Residents in the Kathleen Area

In the Kathleen Area of Lakeland, Florida 33810, plant and lawn irrigation is essential because of the hot climate. For six months of the year, daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees, causing large water losses from plants and soils. Rainfall in the Kathleen Area of Lakeland, Florida 33810 averages around 60 inches a year, half of which falls from June to September.

And, according to a local lawn care maintenance company, Creative Edge Landscaping, another reason for irrigation is that the sandy soils in this area don’t hold much water. The best time to irrigate is when the lawn/plants start showing signs of stress caused. Below are some signs that watering is needed:

Parts of the lawn are bluish-gray
Tire tracks or footprints remain on the lawn long after they were made
Soil from the root zone is dry (take a sample)
Leaf blades have folded in half

The above symptoms are the result of strong winds, high temperatures and relatively low humidity in the Kathleen Area of Lakeland, Florida 33810. Even though water may be in the soil, plants will wilt during such times because they lose water faster than their roots systems are absorbing it.

As mentioned, soils in Florida are sandy and if the roots in the top 12” of soil are dry, ¾ to 1” of water is needed for a thorough wetting. This is equal to 465 – 620 gallons for every 1000 square feet of grass. Remember this – efficient irrigation only wets the root zone – it doesn’t allow water to run off, and it doesn’t saturate the soil.

For more expert advice from Creative Edge Landscaping, given them a call at (863) 614-1041. They are the #1 lawn care maintenance company in the Kathleen Area of Lakeland, Florida 33810.

21 Feb 2013

February 21, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care lawn care

Bahia Grass Thrives in Florida and Lawn Care Requirements Are Lower

Bahia grass is a popular choice in Lakeland, Florida 33801 because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. It also thrives in the Kathleen Area of Lakeland Florida 33810; Lakeland Highlands, Florida 33813; and Tampa, Florida 33609 – in fact, it does well in all parts of Florida.

Even though overall lawn care and maintenance is low, your Bahia lawn will need mowing a little more often than other grass types. The reason for this is because, as it grows, it develops unattractive seed heads. Also, Bahia is tougher and thicker to cut than other grasses, so it needs to be mowed with a heavy-duty blade.

Because it has an extensive deep-root system, Bahia sustains better than other lawns in sandy, infertile soils and doesn’t need high inputs of fertilizer or water. This makes it an excellent choice for homes on large lots, or places where there’s no irrigation system. Bahia likes acidic soils such as those in Lakeland, Florida 33801; the Kathleen Area of Lakeland, Florida 33810; Lakeland Highlands, Florida 33813; and Tampa, Florida 33609. Another good thing about it is that it doesn’t form excessive thatch.

Bahia can be grown from seed or sod. The advantages of sod-planting are fewer opportunities for weed pressure and other stresses, as well as rapid establishment of the grass. Water, from irrigation or rainfall, helps accelerate germination and increases the odds for successful seeding. If available, use chemically treated sacrificed seed to facilitate faster germination.

Bahia has the ability to reseed itself, especially during the hot summer days in Lakeland, Florida 33801; the Kathleen Area of Lakeland, Florida 33810; Lakeland Highlands, Florida 33813; and Tampa, Florida 33609. Another advantage is that it has relatively few insect and disease problems.

18 Feb 2013

February 18, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care lawn service

A Lawn Service Expert Explains How and Why Weeds Invade Your Grass

Weeds can seriously destroy the image of your grass … you don’t need a lawn service expert to tell you that! A weed is considered to be anything that grows in your lawn that isn’t grass.

Weeds fight with grass for water and food and, if left unattended, they take over and your yard will look like this:

So, what causes weeds to invade grass? Let’s hear it from a lawn service professional.

Water: Streams or strong storms can carry weed seeds which end up on your lawn during flash floods. There’s not much that we can do to prevent this from happening.

Wind: Weeds from your neighbors’ yards can take root in yours as a result of wind. This is also one of Mother Nature’s curve balls. In one swift breeze, your neighbors’ weeds could become yours. Seeds can blow right onto your beautiful, weed-free lawn. As with water, this can’t be prevented because we can’t control the wind.

Pets and other animals: Your pets and other animals can bring weed seeds to your yard when they venture into wooded areas or fields. The seeds get caught in their fur and fall on your grass. Birds can also bring seeds to your yard.

PREVENTION

Lawn service companies suggest that grass should be cut at a higher level. This enables the grass to absorb more sun than the weeds. The weeds get weak, and the grass will eventually win the war. Another good way of controlling weed seed germination at its peak in early spring is to apply a pre-emergent weed control fertilizer.

04 Feb 2013

February 4, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care lawn care

Winter Lawn Care Tips for Homes in Florida

During the fall, Florida lawn care companies perform fertilization treatments to keep grass healthy in the winter months. Before cold snaps arrive, well fertilized lawns have healthy root systems and will have stored food reserves to enable them to cope with temperature changes.

The growth patterns for grass change from summer to winter around the end of September and early October. Some grasses turn brown and seem to die during winter, and some grasses die altogether. Unfortunately, this is an ideal time for weeds to take over.

If you had a pre-emergent weed control product applied during the fall, the amount of weeds that grow in winter will be significantly reduced. But if some develop, the best defense is to probably pull them out by hand. If, however, they become a major problem, a lawn care expert can help deal with them.

Continue mowing and watering your lawn during winter but cut back the frequency of both these activities. Most lawns need ¾ inch of water every 7 to 10 days in the chilly months. The general rule of thumb for mowing in winter is every other week. Remember that winter is a time for lawns to recuperate. Maintaining them properly in winter makes them more resistant to summer stresses. Regardless of your location, winter is a great time to improve the heartiness and overall health of your lawn.

If you live in the Lakeland area of Florida, visit lawncarelakelandtampaflorida.com for more info about winter lawn care and weed control.

21 Jan 2013

January 21, 2013 0 Comments By David Golan Landscaping & Lawn Care lawn care maintenance

Lawn Care Maintenance Is Just as Important During Winter as It Is in Summer

Keeping your lawn healthy isn’t just a task for the summer and spring months. Homeowners, especially those who live in warm states like Florida, have to care for their grass throughout the year to keep it flourishing, attractive and green. If you haven’t got the time or energy to winterize your yard, have a lawn care maintenance professional attend to the following:

Remove all dead leaves, dead limbs and debris from the lawn. Keep it clear to allow for the unlikely event of ice and snow – it has been known to snow in sunny Florida. If objects on the grass are covered by snow, the lawn weakens and suffocates.

Mow the lawn to the correct height, allowing it to grow 2 inches (or higher) in winter. St Augustine grass should especially be mowed higher – at around 3½ – 4 inches. Mowing will be needed less frequently in winter to keep the grass at the correct height.

With the wet winters in Florida, your grass may not even need any extra water. Check for signs of folding or wilting in the blades – these are symptoms that watering is required. If the grass becomes very dry, water it once a month and saturate the ground until it seeps from the soil.

Look for pools of standing water a couple of days after heavy rain. This is a sign that the soil isn’t draining properly and mildew or mold may develop.

If you already use the services of a lawn care maintenance professional, he/she would have fertilized your lawn in early October to energize the grass and give it plenty of nutrition for the cold season.

(863) 812-5968

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