Proper lawn care involves a variety of steps to keep your grass looking green and healthy. It involves applying fertilizer, timing the application of weed control, and using insecticides. You also have to consider the cost of lawn care. Fortunately, there are many DIY lawn care kits available. Listed below are some tips to keep your grass looking its best. Read on to discover the secrets of lawn care. There’s a lawn care service near you that’s right for you.
Timely application of fertilizer
Timing is everything when it comes to lawn care. Fertilizers are a critical part of maintaining a healthy lawn. Proper fertilization also helps prevent pest infestation. Pests thrive in unhealthy environments, so you must provide a healthy environment for them to survive. But beware of over-fertilizing your lawn, as this can lead to weak growth, which will attract pests. Here are some tips on how to time your fertilizer applications.
The timing of fertilization depends on your region. Warmer climates may apply fertilizers in February while areas with icy winters apply them in April. Generally speaking, the right time to apply fertilizer is when the grass is actively growing and needs its first mowing. Applying fertilizer too early can cause your lawn to burn and damage its roots. It may also result in scorched grass with brown tips.
Insecticides
Although most people use insecticides for lawn care, there are some things you should know before using them. First, the presence of a certain insect on your lawn does not necessarily mean it is unhealthy. Insecticide treatments are usually not necessary until the insect population reaches a certain threshold. For instance, you do not need to use insecticides if you notice that you have five armyworms or fifteen lawn moth larvae per square yard.
Many pesticides for lawn care contain chemicals that will harm beneficial insects. Insecticides can cause a number of problems for your lawn, so make sure you read the labels carefully. Not only are these chemicals expensive, but they are also a continuing expense. And they’re not a good choice if you’re concerned about the environment, or want to save money. Fortunately, there are many effective, safe, and eco-friendly insecticides for your lawn care needs.
Timing of application of weed control
Weeds can vary in their life cycles, from annual to biennial, so timing is key to effective weed control. Annual weeds are commonly identified as winter or summer annuals. If left unchecked, these weeds produce seeds and sprout the following year. Depending on the climate, cool or warm-season annuals can grow all year long. In these cases, timing is important because the herbicides must be applied before the growth of the weeds and the emergence of the grasses.
Herbicides come in two main types: pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergent herbicides are applied when weeds are first emerging in the lawn. In order to have any effect, they must contact the growing leaves. These types of herbicides should be applied at various intervals during late spring to early summer. Moreover, they cannot control weeds after they have started to grow.
Cost of lawn care
The cost of lawn care varies depending on many factors. The number of visits and services required can determine the overall cost. Some homeowners opt for fertilization-only services, which will cost less than a full-service lawn care program. However, adding other services can drive up the cost. For example, homeowners who live in warmer climates may require winterization. The costs may also increase if the homeowner decides to add other services such as weed control.
The most expensive aspect of lawn care is labor. Whether it’s a one-time or a recurring fee, labor costs are included in every service. A one-hour pre-emergent weed killer application will cost a small fee, while multiple visits will cost more than one. Additionally, you’ll need to determine how many workers you need for the job. The average lawn in the United States is around 10,000 square feet.