Call Us Today: 801-367-9961

Category Archives: Yard Maintenance

Keeping Neighbor’s Weeds Out of Your Lawn

Posted by on in Lawn Care Tips, Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

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.

Aeration – Essential for Healthy Lawns

Posted by on in Lawn Care Tips, Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

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.

 

 

Mower Maintenance

Posted by on in Affordable Lawn Care, Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

Keeping your lawn mower in top shape will benefit your lawn’s appearance and health. It will also help make the chore of mowing a little easier. Below VIRIDIS Lawn Care of Saratoga Springs, Utah has some ideas of how you can keep your mower in optimal condition. Read on to see what you can do to help your lawn look its best.

Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual that comes with your mower will provide most, if not all, of the information you need to maintain your machine. All mowers have differences and your manual will insure you treat your mower right. Disregard any of the following information if your manual disagrees. But for most machines, the following tips will work well to keep your machine cutting and running smoothly. If you find yourself without a manual for whatever reason, implementing these tips should be effective.

Drain Fuel / Check Oil and Filters

Every fall, make sure to drain the gasoline tank. Old fuel can cause the mower to have difficulties starting the next spring. Always start with new gas each year.

You will probably also want to change the oil and the filters in the spring. Always at least check them. Debris could have gotten in the oil which would cause issues with the motor. Filters could be clogged and ineffective. Checking these things in the spring and throughout the year will help prevent costly repairs later.

Cleaning and Sharpening

Keep your machine clean. This will prevent clogging and caked on grass. Removing old grass will help the blade rotate more smoothly.

Also, sharpen your blades regularly. This tip will effect the appearance of your lawn more than anything else. Mower blades dull over time. This creates an uneven or jagged cut which will look terrible but can also cause harm to your lawn’s health.

 

All of these things can be done yourself or by getting a professional tune-up. Storing and maintaining your mower properly can help it last longer and cut better, resulting in a more beautiful, healthy lawn. Insuring your lawn mower is in peak condition can help insure your lawn is in peak condition.

Summertime Entertaining Preparation

Posted by on in Lawn Care Tips, Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

 

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

Posted by on in Lawn Care Tips, Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

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!

Are Lawn’s Really Worth It?

Posted by on in Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

With warm weather arriving, some of you may be wondering, is it really worth the time and effort to have a lawn? While desert landscaping does have advantages, we at VIRIDIS Lawn Care believe lawns are beneficial. Below we’d like to talk about some reasons lawns are worth having.

Environmental Health

Having a healthy, well maintained lawn can actually benefit the environment. They can prevent erosion and water runoff. They decrease dust by increasing soil stability. While this may seem like a trivial matter of a little less dust in your home, think about the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Without the water to grow crops and without a grass root structure to hold the soil in place, the area turned into a desolate, dusty wasteland. Animals died, people had to relocate, and the area went through extensive rehabilitation to become livable again. Grass is an important part of the ecosystem and growing it around your home helps to insure that the area will remain intact.

Lawns can also act as a buffer to the soil. They can catch some of the pollutants that could easily leach through the ground into water sources. Grass can hold water and moisture to keep the ground from over drying or baking.

Home Barrier

Lawns act as nature’s coolant. Homes without surrounding lawns get considerably hotter during the summer months which can increase cooling costs. Growing grass helps to regulate the air and increases oxygen.

Another important way your lawn can act as a home barrier is by offering a buffer during fire season. With wildfires seeming to get larger and closer every year, growing grass surrounding your home can help create a defensible space to protect your home.

They also act as a sound buffer. The noises of the outdoors are absorbed in the grass rather than bouncing off the rocks of desert landscaping.

Fun

Having a lawn rather than desert landscaping is simply more fun. BBQs, touch football, picnics, playing with the kids – all of these things are more fun (and comfortable!) on grass than rocks. Entertaining during the summer or just relaxing as a family is way more enjoyable when you have a soft comfortable place to do it.

 

So for those of you wondering if the work is really worth it, our answer to you is YES! And don’t forget our motto is “We’ll do the work. You relax and enjoy the results!” So call us today for a consultation so you can get back to enjoying the great outdoors in comfort.

 

 

 

 

Organic vs Chemical Fertilizer

Posted by on in Yard Maintenance. 0 Comments

Fertilizer is important for your lawn’s health. Without the proper nutrients, grass can’t grow well or produce adequate green. But there are different types of fertilizers – organic (decomposing materials) and chemical (synthetic mixtures of the necessary nutrients). Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make an educated decision about which will work best for you and your lifestyle.

Organic:

Pros:

Organic fertilizers provide more than just the “essential” nutrients required for healthy growth. They are filled with various other micro nutrients that help to maintain long-term effects. These often last longer than chemical fertilizers because they take longer to break down, therefore providing a slow release of nutrients over several months. This also means it’s much more difficult to over fertilize.

This type of fertilizer also contributes to the soil’s health as well as the inhabitants of the soil such as worms. Over time, continued use of organic fertilizer will actually improve soil. This is especially noticeable in clay or sand soils.

Cons:

This type of fertilization is considerably slower and less noticeable. Because the nutrients aren’t immediately available, the plants can’t absorb and use them all as quickly. It takes more time for the grass to respond to organic fertilization.

They are also much harder to find for purchase or create yourself. Then, they tend to be a bit more labor intensive to apply than chemical fertilizers. Not to mention, storage is practically impossible in most residential areas. Considerably more organic fertilizer is required to do what a little bit of chemical fertilizer can do.

Organic material only decomposes when the conditions are right, meaning your lawn may not get the nutrients it needs when you want to give them to it. It’s very difficult to properly time application with the plant’s needs because the weather can completely change your plans.

Chemical:

Pros:

Chemical fertilizers work fast and effectively. They can be used to grow plants in less than ideal soil and still produce high yields – in this case, healthy, thick lawns. It doesn’t take years of soil amendments to get results.

They provide instant access to necessary nutrients and therefore, instant results. Within a matter of days, a sad, pathetic looking patch of grass can begin to green and grow when using chemical fertilizers.

Chemicals are also much easier to apply than organic fertilizer and easy to hire professionals to apply. Purchase is as simple as walking in a garden section of a store or calling a professional lawn care service. Storage takes up much less room as well.

They also can be applied in appropriate doses at needed times to help your lawn grow best. The weather conditions have much less effect on the fertilizer’s effectiveness.

Cons:

These types of fertilizers can have negative long term effects. Soil can become damaged or depleted of other nutrients that the grass uses to grow. Some chemical fertilizers contain fillers that can have toxins and overuse can cause these toxins to leach into the soil and occasionally, even water sources. This is especially problematic if you are inexperienced with applying fertilizers and overdo it.

Plants can also get used to the ease of growing with synthetic nutrients so readily available for use. If you stop using the fertilizer, the grass may have a hard time coping.

Conclusion

While many people feel passionately one way or the other, looking at your needs and the abilities of each of these types of fertilizers can help you choose which is best for you. And, despite what others may tell you, you can choose both. Applying chemical fertilizers or organic fertilizers won’t destroy your ability to use the other.

Regardless your choice, applying fertilizer of some variety will definitely improve your lawn’s health and increase it’s beauty.