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Category Archives: Lawn Care Tips

Keeping Neighbor’s Weeds Out of Your Lawn

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Nothing is quite so rewarding as a beautifully groomed, lush, weed free lawn. And nothing is quite as frustrating as having that jeopardized by an unkempt neighboring plot of weeds or a neighbor who doesn’t care much about landscaping. Weeds spread easily through roots, through seeds blown on a breeze, through dark magic. It seems no matter how careful we are about our own lawn, weeds outside our area always try to creep in. Because this is frustrating and heartbreaking all at once, we at VIRIDIS Lawn Care would like to offer a little solace and advice on how to minimize or (fingers crossed) prevent this misfortune.

Uncared for lots, whether owned or not, can cause the biggest struggle. Sparse grass leaves plenty of spaces available for weeds to flourish. And once a weed patch is established, it begins domination. It’s obviously impossible for you control someone else’s land but there are some measures you can take on your own property to minimize the damage.

No Bare Patches

First and foremost, make sure your landscape is thickly covered. Your grass should be dense, your beds should be mulched, walkways should be maintained. Seeds need a way to get to soil to grow. If you’re defenses are up, there is a much greater chance of fighting off the stray seeds arriving in your plot.

Not to mention, this is good practice regardless. Mulch and thick grass will reduce water needs and stress to roots. The landscape will appear more professional and be more enjoyable also.

Border the Land

Building or installing any kind of border around your property will help keep weeds from entering.  Consider trenches, shrubs, fences, rock walls, or ground cover as viable options to try. Weeds struggle to grow through rocks or in shady areas. Privacy fence can help block weed seeds blown on a breeze. Some fencing options can even be buried several inches deep to hinder the growth of weeds through their roots. Trenching allows you to pull the weeds that creep into the trench and mow right up to its edge.

If the neighboring plot is owned, you may want to discuss this with your neighbor as it will affect their property as well. Besides, it could be a great way to (courteously) bring up the problem their weeds are causing.

Diligence

No matter what, never stop fighting. The day you get discouraged, the day you get overconfident, that is the day the weeds will win. Pulling or treating them when they are small will prevent them from getting a foothold on your property. Hiring a professional lawn care service such as VIRIDIS Lawn Care will save you a lot of effort and will yield better results.

Communication

Obviously, if the offending property is unowned, this becomes more difficult but if there is a neighbor or landlord to speak to about the problem, do so. But do so kindly! Yelling will only cause problems. And no one wants their neighbors hand sowing dandelion seeds in their lawn under the cover of darkness.

Approach them with respect and neighborliness. It’s possible they don’t realize the problems their weeds are causing you or perhaps they don’t know how to fix the problem. Offer suggestions and your help.

 

Following these tips will hopefully help you resolve or at least prevent a few of the issues you’re having with your neighboring weeds. And don’t hesitate to give us a call  at 801-367-9961 to come assist in the battle.

Utah Lawn Grass Varieties

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With different weathers and climates, different varieties of grass thrive. In Utah, our seasons range from extreme cold to extreme heat, sometimes faster than we would like! Below, we’ll discuss a few different categories of grass that thrive in different climates. This will help you find a grass type that will keep your lawn looking greener longer during the warmer seasons.

Grass divides into two main categories: cool season and warm season. Most lawns in central Utah are filled with cool season grasses because of our brisk winters.  Some of these include: Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass.

Kentucky bluegrass is very popular because it withstands traffic extremely well. However, it doesn’t thrive in very shady areas. This is the most common variety of grass used in Utah lawns.

Tall fescue and fine fescue are good all-around grasses. They tolerate shade and heat better than other varieties of cool season grasses. Their  deep root system helps them withstand dry, drought conditions during the peak of summer.  Fine fescue struggles to withstand heavy traffic though it will grow well in even poor soils. Tall fescue grows in coarser clumps than other grass types which often looks less appealing.

Perennial ryegrass looks extremely professional in a lawn but requires more upkeep and maintenance. Because it needs more caire, it is often mixed with other grass types such as Kentucky bluegrass. It then adds diversity and a beautiful dark green color without causing excessive work and care.

Some central Utah lawns may even mix in a variety of warm season grass. This will offset the struggling cool season grasses during the heat of summer. Warm season grasses alone wouldn’t thrive during spring and fall weather but if you feel your lawn struggles to maintain its beauty during the hottest months, consider mixing in a little buffalograss, Bermuda grass, or Zoysiagrass. While they won’t grow well during much of the season, they may help to protect your cool season grasses as the temperature rises.

In order to keep your cool season grass lawn from dying (going dormant) during the summer months, water well and mow high. This will keep the roots happy so even if your lawn struggles a little, it will return to full beauty quickly when the temperature begins to fall.

The important part to remember is to choose a variety (or two or three!) that will work well with your soil type, shaded areas, and water allotment. Mixing grass types is a great way to insure you will have a more healthy looking beautiful lawn in more seasons and weathers. As one struggles, another can make up the deficit.

And as always, feel free to call VIRIDIS Lawn Care at (801) 367-9961 for help with your lawn’s care and maintenance.

Aeration – Essential for Healthy Lawns

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Lawns can easily become compacted through foot traffic, heavy snow falls, or extremely healthy grass roots. When this happens, grass has a more difficult time thriving. That’s why we at VIRIDIS of Utah offer aeration services.

Aeration is a fairly straightforward process. A machine called a core aerator removes plugs of thatch, dirt, and grass roots. Cutting these plugs from the lawn creates small holes throughout your grass area. This gives the roots room to spread and the soil a place to loosen. Lawn aeration also improves water, and air circulation to grass’ root system and makes it easier for the roots to absorb fertilizer and nutrients.

The plugs can be raked and removed from the lawn but allowing them to decompose into the lawn provides excellent fertilizer and nutrition. They will cause your lawn to look unattractive if left in place but only for a short time. The benefits of leaving them far outweigh their negative appearance. They are also much more long lasting.

Spring and fall are the most beneficial times for aeration. Summer and winter are both hard seasons on lawns and aerating following these periods helps rejuvenate your grass and prepares it to handle the next barrage. Grasses thrive in spring and fall conditions and this helps handle the shock to the root system that aeration can sometimes cause.

Most lawns will need aerated at least once. Very thick lawns, especially those started from sod, may need aerated multiple times. This is also true of lawns grown in very dense, clay type soil as it compacts more easily. Having a professional such as our VIRIDIS Lawn care technicians in Saratoga Springs, Utah can analyze and recommend a treatment plan will help you take the guesswork out of your lawn aeration needs. Read more about hiring a professional vs doing it yourself here.

Aerating your lawn is a simple step that can increase the health and beauty of your landscape. Call us today at 801-367-9961 for a consultation to see if your lawn can benefit from aeration.

 

 

Summertime Entertaining Preparation

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Warm weather is here along with reasons to celebrate. Graduations, Independence Day, family reunions, block parties, weddings, you name it! Parties are happening in backyards everywhere. Below, we at VIRIDIS Lawn Care of Saratoga Springs, will help you know what you need to do to get your lawn ready for the celebrations so you can feel at ease (at least about your lawn).

Mowing

Perhaps the most obvious preparation for your party is to mow your lawn. But there are a few tips that can help your lawn endure the extra traffic. As always, mow your grass to about 3 inches high. Also, mow about 5 days before the party. This makes sure your lawn isn’t too short, which would result in damage. Also, mowing earlier will help prevent guests from green shoes and hemlines.

Watering

Another very important question you might have is: When should I water? This doesn’t have a completely straightforward answer because the weather and soil type, as well as your grass variety and health can vary greatly. But, as a generalization, water well in the weeks leading up to your party and then stop watering for a few days before the date arrives. Watering too close to your party could result in muddy areas, chair and table legs sinking, and extra soil compaction. Plan to shut water off for a minimum of two days before the event.

Pruning and Grooming

Pruning can be done well in advance or just prior to your event. It can be hired out to save you time and effort or if your are confident in your knowledge of your trees, shrubs, and flowers, you can tackle this job yourself. It is one of the best ways to improve the appearance of your landscape.

Grooming of your walkways and flowerbeds should be done the day of your party. Doing this earlier could be a waste. Wind could easily undo all of your effort. A simply sweeping or spraying will add the finishing touch to your landscape’s groomed appearance.

Fertilizer and Pesticides

These should not be applied too near the party. Doing so could cause harm to children or pets that may come in contact with the chemicals. Also, you won’t see any benefits of applying fertilizer for weeks. Pesticides should be applied a few days in advance to insure the pests are killed but the chemicals have a chance to dissipate.

 

These tips will help your landscape look its best for your entertaining. You will also feel prepared and confident when having guests over. And if you need some help, call us at VIRIDIS Lawn Care of Saratoga Springs, Utah at 801-367-9961 to assist in your lawn care needs!

Lawn Care for Hot, Dry Conditions

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With the spike in temperature comes a spike in your lawn’s needs. They grow easily and happily during the spring months but as summer heat approaches, grass can stall and struggle. Below, we at VIRIDIS Lawn Care of Saratoga Springs, Utah will teach you warning signs to look for and how to combat them to keep your lawn looking and feeling great during the time you want it most.

Symptoms

When your lawn starts fading from the deep green to a dull greyish, intervene! If you disregard this color change, the next step is a parched yellow or brown lawn, and that takes much longer to rehabilitate.

Near the time the color first starts fading, you may also notice the grass staying flattened after sitting or walking over it.  This loss of “springiness” is a good clue your lawn is starting to struggle. So what can you do to prevent and repair this?

Solutions

Obviously the best solution would be to increase water but sometimes water is either not available or under restrictions during drought seasons. In this case, using water wisely will help. Watering at night or in the very early morning is the best use of your limited access. Watering during the heat of the day, will waste water through evaporation. Bad idea all around. It will keep your lawn from getting the moisture it needs and also cost you more money.

Mowing habits also greatly contribute to your lawn’s health during hot, dry periods. Mow at least 3 inches high to help provide the soil and roots with shade and don’t remove clippings. They act as an easy, natural mulch to prevent drying and also to help provide nutrients.

Following these tips can help keep your lawn looking great, even during droughts and hot summer weather. Let us as VIRIDIS Lawn Care of Saratoga Springs, UT help you insure your lawn always looks its best!

Spring Lawn Care

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This time of year brings lots of things to do outdoors…including yard work. In fact, spring is a very important season in your lawn’s development. Doing the right things during this time of year can save you work and your lawn struggles later on. While it may not be on everyone’s list of “Favorite Things to Do,” we at VIRIDIS know the importance of giving your lawn a little early spring love.

Winter can be hard on a lawn. This is a time for the lawn to rest in its dormant phase but sometimes pests or disease decide to take up residence. They then become problematic with the warmth of spring. Allowing these to go untreated can spell disaster for your lawn, especially when it needs to regain its strength. Having a professional treat these problems can save time and money replanting or repairing damage later in the summer months when your would rather be enjoying your lawn.

Weeds usually get a jump start on grass in the spring. Pre-emergent treatment can prevent this problem. For those weeds that are already beginning to establish, the earlier you treat them, the easier they will be to eliminate. Well established weeds can be a big problem later in the year. They spread easily through roots and seeds. So don’t wait to call us at VIRIDIS Lawn Care for an assessment of your weed treatment needs.

Aeration and dethatching can also assist you in helping your lawn spring back to life. After the harsh weather of winter and the heavy snowfalls, giving those roots some wiggle room and ability to breathe can really help your lawn’s health and appearance.

Fertilizer might also be helpful for some lawn’s at this point in the year. Because of soil type, previous nutrition levels, and the winter weather, some grass might need a little pick-me-up to get growing with the warmer weather. Not all lawns will need fertilized. Some may not need fertilized until fall. It’s difficult to know when a lawn needs a little extra help. This is why consulting a professional lawn care service is a great idea.

So don’t wait. Procrastination will only lead to more work later. Call us at VIRIDIS Lawn Care today to set up your consultation!

 

 

Watering – Are You Doing it Right?

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It seems to have (finally) stopped raining and snowing, and that means it’s time to start watering. Lawn’s can’t survive on rainfall alone, at least around here so we have to help them out. But did you realize there is more to properly watering a lawn than simply turning on a hose? While that technically would work, you run the risk of over watering, which can lead to sickly grass, shallow roots, and disease, or under watering, which leads to dry, brittle grass, and even potentially death. So, we’re here to help! Below we at VIRIDIS Lawn Care will explain the best method for watering your lawn to help it reach it’s potential.

Frequency

Lawns don’t need watered as often as many people think. Grass is very hardy and watering less frequently actually improves its root system. Watering less frequently will also help prevent diseases and mold from growing in your lawn, which can be difficult to eradicate. Anytime you have water running or pooling, you’ve gone overboard.

But don’t neglect it either! If the lawn is beginning to look wilted, brittle, or is turning color such as yellow or brown, water it! This is your grass begging for a drink. If areas of your lawn get more sunlight or dry more quickly, water only those areas to avoid over watering the areas that aren’t in need.

Depth

The biggest key to watering well is to water deeply. The deeper the water sinks into the soil, the better the root system of your lawn. But along with this, don’t try to water it deeply every day or you will drown the lawn. Infrequent, deep watering is the key to happy grass.

If you struggle to know how deep the water has seeped, try inserting a stick or screwdriver into the ground. It should poke into the dirt easily where it is wet and stop when it hits harder dry dirt. (Disclaimer: This does not work on all soil types.) Shoot for watering 6 inches deep and allow several days of drying before the next watering.

Timing

The time of day you choose to water your lawn also matters. During hot, dry weather, night waterings are preferable but during the other times of year when watering is necessary, opt for early morning instead. This will help prevent mildew. Avoid afternoon waterings whenever possible as much of the water is wasted due to evaporation.

Also, space your waterings based on appearance of the grass rather than a calendar. Watering weekly may be too much during some seasons and too little during others. Instead look for signs your lawn needs a drink such as:

  • Curling leaves
  • Color changes such as brown or dry yellow
  • Footprints lasting longer

 

Following these guidelines will help you keep your grass  stronger, healthier, and more drought resistant. It will also help you save time, money, and protect the environment.