Category Archives: All Natural

Water and Your Lawn: Best Practices for Watering Your Lawn, Ways to Water Your Lawn and A Couple Of Our Favorite Products

When should I water my lawn? How should do it? How much should I water my lawn? Should I buy a sprinkler system? Or, should I just wait for the rain?

We answer all of your questions!

We all want a perfect lawn. Unfortunately, there are a lot of variables that go into getting that perfect lawn – some of which we can control, and others we can’t. One important element we can control is how we water the lawn.

In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips and tricks on the best way to water your lawn so that it is healthy and green all season long!

Need some extra help with your watering schedule, and want to make sure you’re watering correctly for all of the products you’re applying throughout the season? No problem! Check out the Lawn Serv Subscription plans–all of which include custom plans and support throughout the season!

Why does your lawn need to be watered?

Water is essential for keeping your lawn healthy and vibrant. Without regular hydration, grass will become dried out, patches can appear, and weeds can quickly overtake any unhealthy areas.

Even the hardiest of grasses needs water to survive the harsh summer temperatures and provide you with a lush green yard that you’ll be proud of. To survive the hot weather, your grass needs sufficient water in the root zone–where water absorption takes place. The extensive underground root system will soak up and “save” water when it rains in order to keep the plant alive. So, make sure to keep the soil moist when possible, and keep those grass roots healthy!

Depending on your climate, you should aim to water your lawn at least once per week, if not more frequently.

But, established and properly cared-for lawns can also survive weeks without water (by going dormant then recovering when rain returns). So, how do we figure out the right watering schedule? Read on to find out!

Planning ahead is key to making sure your lawn receives enough water, so consider investing in a sprinkler system or setting reminders on your calendar. Taking good care of your lawn may require extra effort now, but you’ll be thanking yourself later when you have an enviable outdoor living space.

The Different Ways You Can Water Your Lawn

There are a few ways to water your lawn, but it is important to know which methods are best for achieving optimal results.

Sprinklers provide a convenient and cost-effective way to deliver the needed amount of water evenly, however underground irrigation systems provide a more efficient method of delivery as they require less surface area and can reduce runoff loss. (One of our favorites: the Melnor Turbo Oscillating Sprinker)

One really cool addition to sprinklers is a sprinkler timer. These handy (and fairly inexpensive) gadgets will help to schedule watering (and some even help with water flow or sprinkler flow rate) so you can program the ideal time to water.

In ground sprinklers, or an irrigation system can provide coverage for an entire lawn. These systems usually consist of a network of sprinkler heads (installed with new lawns or can also be installed in an established lawn) connected through underground tubing, and a control system. The size and number of sprinkler heads usually depends on your lawn’s square footage. While a sprinkler system is significantly higher priced, it provides highly-efficient, proper watering for your lawn.

Hand-watering with a garden hose or soaker hose (a good quality garden hose–like these anti-kink ones–is critical for great lawn care!) is an effective way to control weeds and maximize soil penetration, while rain collected in barrels is an environmentally friendly choice that conserves water bills.

Ultimately, the best watering method will depend on your particular climate and soil type, so do some research to find what works best for you.

Rain Barrels: Why We Love Them

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water and reduce your water bill.

They provide an environmentally friendly and efficient way to collect rainwater, which can then be used to water your lawn or garden.

Rain barrels can help save up to 1,300 gallons of water per year, depending on the size of the barrel and the amount of rainfall in your area. Not only do they decrease residential water consumption, but they also help with stormwater runoff by reducing erosion and flooding.

A rain barrel is easy to set up and can be connected directly to your downspout or gutter system. With a simple DIY setup, you can capture rainwater that would otherwise go to waste and use it for irrigation or other household needs instead.

Rain barrels are an excellent choice for any homeowner looking to save money (and, they don’t need to be super expensive–lots of good quality ones available) while helping the environment at the same time–and ultimately provide a great watering system!

Best Practices for Lawn Watering

Making sure your lawn has sufficient water (and, ultimately, soil moisture) is a vital part of any landscaping plan and can help you keep your grass healthy and green. However, it’s important not to overwater your lawn, as this could lead to disease and rot.

To ensure you get the best results when you water your lawn, there are a few easy steps to follow.

Firstly, if your soil has good drainage, try to water deeply but less frequently; this will encourage the roots of your grass to grow deeper. Secondly, make sure that you’re spreading the water evenly across your lawn; invest in a hose with an adjustable nozzle so you can adjust the pressure and spray pattern for maximum coverage.

If you have an area of heavy shade, try using mulch or a ground cover flower in that location; this will reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation and runoff.

Finally, don’t forget about aeration – it’s especially important for soil that hasn’t been aerated for some time since this will increase its ability to absorb water more efficiently.

With these practices in mind, you’ll be able to keep your lawn looking beautiful all year round!

How Much Should I Water My Lawn?

Established lawns should be watered until the top 6 to 8 inches of soil is wet. Most lawns need 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rain or watering. This amount can either be applied during a single session or divided into two sessions throughout the week. For the best results, try watering deeply once or twice instead of watering just a little each day.

One trick that sounds crazy but works well is to place a couple of tuna cans or cat food cans on your lawn when you’re watering. Once the tuna cans fill up with water, you’ve applied ~1 inch of water!

There are some exceptions to this rule, though. One particular example would be newly planted grass seed. When you are establishing a new lawn via grass seed, you should make sure the top inch of soil is moist pretty much at all times until your grass is really growing!

New grass/newly seeded lawns typically have a shallow root system, so generally needs more water to get established compared with more mature grass.

Another example would be freshly sodded lawns, which should be watered consistently until the root systems have had a chance to take hold permanently.

Ideally, you’re not trying to grow grass during the peak hot summer months, though, so this goal should be much easier in the Spring and Fall.

When Is the Best Time to Water My Lawn?

If the lawn is starting to wilt, or appears to be a dull green, it needs water!

One quick way to tell if your grass needs water is to pay close attention to what happens when you walk on it. If your footprints stay after you’ve walked off of the lawn, that means that the grass doesn’t have the moisture needed to spring back up. 

So, once you’ve decided your lawn needs water, what time during the day is best?

Watering in the early morning (before 10am) is best for absorption by grass roots, while watering between 4 and 6pm allows blades time to dry before nightfall. But, be careful not to water too late (and never water your grass overnight)–late evening watering increases chances of disease becoming prevalent in your lawn.

Why You Shouldn’t Overwater Your Lawn

It’s easy to want to give your lawn that extra bit of TLC, but in the process of being overprotective, you could be doing more harm than good. It’s kind of like Goldilocks–you need just the right amount of water!

You may not realize it, but overwatering your lawn can result in a number of issues.

Firstly, it is increasingly likely that you will end up with patches and clumping of the grass, causing an uneven or spongy texture.

Additionally, when watered too much you can promote many different kinds of lawn diseases, which generates a number of lawn problems (and lots of wasted water).

Therefore, it is recommended to stick to consistent practices with regards to lawn watering so you can keep your garden looking vibrant and healthy!

Tips for Conserving Water When You Water Your Lawn

Saving water is essential for protecting the environment, and when it comes to watering your lawn, there are several easy steps you can take to conserve this vital resource.

You should always avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day, as much of the water will be lost to evaporation and won’t benefit your lawn. Instead, plan on watering early in the morning or late at night.

Additionally, choose a setting that is gentle enough to help prevent runoff while still providing moisture – anything more than a light misting is likely to wet areas too heavily.

Finally, don’t forget that natural rainfall also counts towards your lawn’s water needs! Incorporating these tips into your watering routine will ensure you use less water while still keeping your lawn healthy and green.

Some of Our Favorite Products to Help with Lawn Care

Taking care of your lawn can be a lot easier when you have the right tools for the job. From specialty sprinklers to nutrient-rich soil, there’s something for every homeowner.

Here we review some of our favorite products that make lawn care a breeze. For an effective way to disperse water evenly throughout your lawn, special hose attachment sprinklers are essential.

Fertilizers and soil nutriments are great for helping your lawn reach its full potential, ensuring it stays healthy all year round.

Finally, for those hard-to-reach places, get yourself a high-powered pressure washer to give your grass the deep clean it deserves. We hope these products help you with any lawn care project!

A healthy lawn is a beautiful lawn. And while it may take some extra effort on your part to ensure that it stays green and gorgeous all season long, it will be worth it in the end!

By following the tips in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to having a lush, full lawn that you can be proud of – and that your neighbors will definitely envy.

Watering your lawn doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming – just follow our simple tips and you’ll see great results and a beautiful green lawn in no time.

Trust us, your lawn will thank you for it!

Unlock the Secrets of a Lush Green Lawn: Learn the Best Practices for Fertilizing Your Yard

Creating a healthy and beautiful lawn starts with understanding how to properly fertilize it. No matter if you’re just starting out in landscaping or if you’ve been keeping up with the excellent care of your yard for years, knowing what type of fertilizer to use and when is essential for lush green grass all year round.

Unlocking the secrets behind achieving a flourishing lawn only takes learning some simple best practices that will make fertilizing as easy as one-two-three – here are our top tips!

Introduction: What is Fertilizing and Why Is It Important?

Fertilizing is the process of adding essential nutrients to soil in order to enhance its fertility and promote healthy plant (grass) growth. This practice is vitally important because it helps replenish lost nutrient levels in the soil due to soil erosion, leaching, and crop removal.

Additionally, fertilizing can be used to address deficiencies that naturally occur in soils such as a lack of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. These three nutrients are vital for plant health and growth; without them, plants cannot grow properly.

Fertilizing also helps plants resist disease and pests as well as improve yields.

As a result, using organic fertilizers as much as possibly is generally preferred over traditional fertilizers since they are more sustainable and produce great results!

Organic fertilizers help improve soil structure, which allows water and air to penetrate deeper into the soil and can result in better root development for plants. Furthermore, organic fertilizer releases slowly over time providing consistent nourishment for crops throughout their growing season.

By using the right fertilizer approach–including the right product, right timing, right application, and right program–your lawn will be beautiful all year long!

Let’s take a quick step back … do I even need fertilizer on my lawn??

Great question! One of the reasons we started Lawn Serv was to ensure that lawn care was super easy and–most of all–super efficient! Meaning, we wanted to make sure that America’s lawns were getting exactly what they needed, and only that! Some lawns need lots of love, including high-quality lawn foods/fertilizers, nutrients and amendments. Some don’t. But, the only way to tell is to do a high-quality, comprehensive soil test (note: all of our Lawn Serv subscription plans include free soil testing!).

Once you have the results of your soil test, it will be very clear what kinds of love your specific lawn needs!

What Type of Fertilizer Should I Use for My Lawn?

Fertilizers are an essential part of gardening and landscaping. They help to ensure that plants and turf receive the nutrients they need to thrive. However, it is important to understand the different types of fertilizers available and when to use them in order to get the best results.

And, when it comes to taking care of your lawn, choosing the right type of fertilizer is an important part of keeping your grass healthy. Depending on the type and condition of your soil, certain types of fertilizer will be more beneficial than others. Knowing which type to use can help ensure that you are providing the best possible nutrition for your grass.

Different Types of Fertilizers and When to Use Them

Organic fertilizers are made from natural sources such as bone meal, fish emulsion, manure and compost.

Organic fertilizers provide essential nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that help plants grow. They also gradually release their nutrients over time, meaning they don’t need to be applied as often as chemical-based fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers slowly release nutrients over time, helping to build up healthy soil that can continue to nurture plants long-term.

Organic fertilizer is often used when establishing a new garden or lawn or as a supplement in established gardens throughout the growing season.

By using organic fertilizers, you can also help improve the soil structure and add vital organic matter to your lawn that helps retain moisture and promote healthy growth.

Synthetic or chemical-based fertilizers are a blend of minerals and other chemicals that provide fast-acting nutrients in a concentrated form. Chemical-based fertilizers may provide quick results but it is important to make sure you only use them according to the instructions on the package.

Synthetic fertilizers are chemical compounds made up of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These minerals help promote plant growth while also providing essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Synthetic fertilizer is quick-acting and helps plants reach peak performance more quickly than organic methods do, making it ideal for large-scale commercial operations or fast-growing crops like vegetables and fruits.

For optimal results in most cases it is best to combine both organic and synthetic fertilizers into your lawn care program.

This allows you to take advantage of both types of fertilizer’s benefits while avoiding some of their drawbacks.

Additionally, this approach can give you a better understanding of how much fertilizer should be applied per area in order to get the desired results without causing any damage or negative consequences for your lawn landscape or environment.

Finally, the time of year matters when deciding on how much fertilizer should be used as well. During periods when there is more active growth – usually during spring and fall – more fertilization is needed due to increased nutrient demand in order for plants to thrive properly. During summer months and periods with less active growth, less fertilization is necessary as there are fewer nutrients being used by plants at these times.

Slow-release fertilizers are a combination of both synthetic and organic ingredients that release nutrients into the soil at a gradual rate over several weeks or months. This method helps reduce nutrient runoff which can contribute to water pollution and allows plants to take in more nutrients without being overwhelmed by too much all at once. Slow-release fertilizers are often used in container gardens or with ornamental plants like trees and shrubs where stability is crucial for long-term health.

Liquid fertilizers provide an immediate boost for young seedlings or plants coming out of dormancy but can be washed away easily if not properly secured with mulch or other ground cover material. They may also be applied directly onto foliage where they will absorb quickly but require accurate application rates since they don’t last very long in the soil before needing reapplication.

Knowing what type of fertilizer is right for your garden or landscape will help you achieve optimal results while protecting your local environment from potential harm caused by chemical runoff or leaching into waterways. Understanding when each type should be used will maximize their effectiveness while minimizing any unintended consequences on nature’s balance.

How Do I Know How Much Fertilizer to Apply?

When it comes to applying fertilizer to your lawn, it is important to know how much fertilizer should be used. Too little and you won’t get the desired results, while too much can damage the environment and even your lawn. The amount of fertilizer that needs to be applied depends on several factors, including the type of grass you have, the size of your lawn, and the time of year. Knowing this information can help you determine just how much fertilizer should be applied (in addition to soil testing, of course!).

The first step in determining how much fertilizer should be applied is to determine what type of grass you have in your lawn. Different types of grass require different amounts of fertilizer, so it’s important to identify your grass type. Once you know this information, you can look up specific recommendations for how much fertilizer should be used for that particular grass type.

The next step is to measure the size of your lawn. This will give you an idea of how much total area needs to be covered with fertilizer when applying it.

You may also need additional measurements if there are any slopes or areas with higher levels of shade or drought tolerance that need special attention when fertilizing.

By taking into account all these factors – types of grass, size of lawn, and time of year – you can decide exactly how much fertilizer needs to be applied in order for your lawn to look its best!

Tips for Applying Fertilizer Effectively to Your Lawn

When it comes to applying fertilizer to your lawn, there are a few key tips and tricks to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to read the label on the fertilizer package carefully before applying it. This will help ensure that you are using the right type of fertilizer for your lawn, as well as using the correct application rate for optimal results.

When possible, try to purchase fertilizer that is slow-release or “coated” with substances that control release rates, as this type of product can help reduce instances of runoff and leaching into nearby waterways.

In addition, it’s best to apply fertilizer only when grass is actively growing rather than during periods of dormancy.

If possible, avoid spreading fertilizer close to trees and shrubs; not only do they have different nutrient needs than turfgrass, but they may also be more sensitive to certain nutrients found in fertilizers.

Once you’ve applied the fertilizer, the general rule is to water deeply after applying fertilizer – this will help the nutrients penetrate deeper into the soil and reach the roots of your grass where it can do its job more effectively. However, some fertilizers need time to absorb into the plants/soils, so make sure you read the specific label/directions carefully to ensure proper application.

Finally, make sure you have a good spreader! There are a ton of spreaders available on the market, including hand-held spreaders, push spreaders, and tow-behind spreaders. The most common type for a typical/medium-sized lawn is going to be a push spreader. These are usually $50-$100 for a decent one. For smaller lawns/sections of a lawn, you may be able to use a smaller, hand-held model. If you have a much larger yard, you may want to opt for a tow-behind spreader.

Common Mistakes People Make When Fertilizing Their Lawns

Lawn fertilization is an important part of lawn care, but it can also be a tricky process. If done incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good. Common mistakes people make when fertilizing their lawns include using too much fertilizer, not timing the application correctly, and not knowing what type of fertilizer to use for their particular type of grass.

When applying fertilizer to a lawn, it is important to use only the amount specified on the package. Too much fertilizer can result in nutrient overload, causing the grass to become too lush and grow too quickly. This leads to increased watering requirements and greater susceptibility to disease and pests. Furthermore, if the wrong kind of fertilizer is used or if none is used at all, the grass may lack adequate nutrients and become weak or thin out over time.

To ensure optimal growth and health, it is also important that fertilizers are applied during a specific window of time each season. Most fertilizers should be applied in springtime or late summer/early fall depending on your climate zone and type of grass you have in your yard. Applying at other times could mean missing out on nutrient absorption or overfeeding which can both lead to poor performance from your grass.

Finally, different types of grasses need different types of fertilizer specifically tailored to them; otherwise they may not get the nutrition they need for optimal growth and health. Before applying any type of fertilizer, research the best kind for your particular type of grass; for example some prefer nitrogen-rich fertilizers while others might require phosphorus-heavy mixtures instead. That way you will know your lawn is getting exactly what it needs when you apply fertilizer each season.

Conclusion: Final Tips for Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Lawn All Year Round

Maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn year round doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With proper care and attention, it’s easy to achieve the perfect outdoor space that you can enjoy all year long. The following tips will help you keep your lawn looking its best so you can take pride in it every time you step outside.

First and foremost, make sure your lawn is getting enough water.

It’s important to water your lawn regularly but not too much. You should also adjust the amount of water depending on the weather conditions – if it’s been very hot and dry, your lawn may need more water than usual.

If possible, install an irrigation system so that you don’t have to manually monitor how much water your lawn is receiving each day.

If possible, watering your lawn in the morning is best because:

  1. Watering your lawn in the morning is the best time for your grass to receive the optimal amount of water, as less is lost due to heat or wind.
  2. Morning hours are cooler and calmer, meaning that the water can absorb into the soil more easily and penetrate deeper.
  3. Watering in the morning gives your grass time to “drink” the water throughout the day, while watering at night promotes disease as the water absorbs slower, creating the ideal environment for fungus and other lawn disease.

The next step is to fertilize your lawn regularly. Fertilizing helps promote growth and ensure that your grass stays green and lush throughout the year. Make sure you use the right kind of fertilizer for your particular type of grass – this will ensure optimal results. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing; too much fertilizer can damage or burn the roots of your grass.

You should also mow your lawn on a regular basis during its peak growing season (which typically runs from late spring through early fall).

Mowing helps keep weeds under control and gives the grass a neat, uniform appearance. Be sure to set the mower blades at a high setting– around 3 inches– so that you don’t scalp the grass when mowing. Also remember to sharpen or replace blades when necessary so they cut efficiently and don’t tear at the turf or leave uneven blades of grass behind when mowing.

Finally, if there are any bare spots in your lawn or areas where weeds seem to persist no matter what measures you take, try overseeding these areas with new seed blends designed for climate-specific turfgrass varieties in order to fill in these bald patches and prevent weeds from taking hold again. With regular care and maintenance like this, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful outdoor space all year round!

Need a little extra help tackling your lawn fertilization program? No problem! Lawn Serv is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn year-round without having to worry about buying and storing fertilizer, mowing supplies, and weed control products.

With Lawn Serv subscription boxes, you can get everything you need delivered right to your door on a monthly basis. The boxes are tailored specifically to each lawn’s specific needs, and make it super easy to get that beautiful lawn! For more information click here to check out the subscription options.

How big is my yard and sizing your lawn

Typically homes are bought and sold with information such as the square footage of your house and a total lot size. However that doesn’t give us great lawn care information. We as homeowners and yard maintainers really need to know the grassy area eliminating the house, driveway, shed, and other non-grassy areas. 

Fertilizer How To

The great part about technology is we can now do that measurement from ANYWHERE! Lawn Serv built a tool leveraging aerial photography built off of the Google Maps database that you can use for free here — http://www.myyardsize.com/ .  Below is a video on how it works.

It is very simple:

  • Put in your address
  • Plot points around the item you want to measure (cutting out your house, driveway, shed, etc). 
  • Read the number in the top left

Alternative Method:

  • Measuring Tape – section off areas, do a length by width calculation, add them all together
Lawn Care Subscription Box

Overseeding – Cool Season Grass in the fall

BACKGROUND: Overseeding is the action of adding grass seed to an existing lawn. This may be considered by people for spots where bare areas show, or even better over the whole yard! Overseeding is a great way to improve the density of grass that has become thin while introducing new innovative grass that is likely more resistant to disease, drought, and bugs.

THE RULE (KIND OF): if 50% or more of you lawn is in good condition, overseeding can be a positive effort worth trying. If more than 50 percent of the area is in poor condition (weeds, dog spots, etc), you will want to consider a new lawn from sod or seed (bigger project).

NOTE: Pick seed that is appropriate for your lawn type and area. You probably want to make sure you are buying perennial not annual grass so that it comes back the next year. It will say right on the label of the bag.

Best Practices:

MOW LOW: We don’t typically advise this…. but because you are trying to grow grass from seed take into consideration that the seed will be competing with that existing (taller) grass and its nutrients (sunlight, water, fertilizer, etc). To give the seed a better chance MOW LOW in gradual steps. Normally, you should cut grass to a height of 3 to 3.5 inches. In this case, reduce that height to 1.5 to 2 inches. Also, bag or rake up the clippings in preparation for overseeding lawns, even if normally you do not. You want to give seeds the best chance of making good contact with the soil, and clippings would just get in the way.

RAKE TO LOOSEN SOIL: You will need good seed-to-soil contact for the new seed to germinate. Prepare areas by raking. Use a light touch, so you break up the soil surface without raking out the existing grass.

RAKE TO HELP SEED SOIL CONTACT: We recommend applying seed with a spreader to get more even coverage. Use the recommended rate for your selected seed when overseeding. Rake the area again lightly with an upside down rake after you overseed to improve the seed-to-soil contact.

APPLY STARTER FERTILIZER: apply a starter fertilizer for improved and faster results. We think going half application rate 2 weeks apart is a real pro move if you have the time.

WATER, WATER: The grass seed must be wet in order to germinate. The soil should be kept evenly moist, which may mean several water applications per day for a few weeks. Try not to over do the watering leading to flooding the area and making the seed move.

After the grass blades sprout, you’ll still need to water a couple of times per day and try to take it easy on the lawn for the first couple mows. Definitely don’t go heavy traffic, it will die. Keep up with your regular fertilizer applications and enjoy!

The best time for overseeding lawns that have cool-season grasses is in September in northern climates. You are looking for that not too hot, not going to frost too soon time frame.

What to Consider When Choosing Organic Fertilizer

At Lawn Serv, we love our organic products.  When used correctly, organic products can be a fantastic, effective–and very safe–way to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive.  But, what are the differences between organic fertilizers and traditional? And, what do these differences mean for how you should be using organic fertilizers to maximize the benefit?  

Let’s take a look!

First, what do we mean when we say “organic fertilizer”?

Organic fertilizers are usually made by processing waste from plants or animals (e.g., compost, or manures).  Organic fertilizer components are often found in non-organic products, but because those contain synthetic ingredients, they cannot be called “organic”.  Keep an eye out for clear labeling that says “organic”, or “approved for organic gardening” when choosing an organic fertilizer.

Are there any benefits to using organic fertilizer?

Yes!  To name just a few:

  1. Organic fertilizers also promote the activity of healthy microbes, by providing rich sources of carbon to the soil ecosystem.
  2. Organic fertilizers contain organic matter, which enhance soil structure, and as a result, greatly improve the soil’s ability to hold onto water and nutrients.
  3. Organic fertilizers are also sustainable and environmentally friendly!  According to the Organic Trade Association, organic fertilizer increases species biodiversity by 30% compared to other fertilizers. That’s a lot of healthy activity in your yard’s ecosystem!
Fertilizer How To

But, there must be disadvantages, right?  Well, sort of.

Although the organic fertilizer market is well-controlled and regulated, the quality of some products on the market may vary.  And, since organic fertilizers often contain more natural and complex nutrients, they may be naturally slower to release; you may not see overnight results–it’s a marathon, not a sprint!  

So, what’s the best way to use organic fertilizers?

Well, the easiest way is a Lawn Serv All-Natural Subscription Box, of course!  Lawn Serv only works with the highest-quality organic fertilizer suppliers to ensure quality products and great results!  Your subscription deliveries are timed throughout the season–and are targeted to your specific lawn through soil testing–to ensure effective use of organic fertilizers.  If you’d rather choose your own organic fertilizers, that’s ok too! Just be be sure you’re choosing well-known products that have been reviewed by trade associations, universities, or other experts, as these will be the safest, most effective products for your yard.

As always, reach out with any questions–we’re here to help!

See you out in the yard!

-Lawn Serv

How to use organic products
Learn more about managing your lawn here ^

Why We Love Our Lawns

You wake up on a beautiful Saturday morning, walk downstairs, grab a cup of coffee, and take your first mid-summer step out the back door to that fresh warm air over your backyard. It smells like heaven as you see those perfect lines still in the grass from yesterday’s mow. It’s the American Dream; it’s as ingrained as baseball and apple pie!

Watering Lawn
Lawn Serv’s DIY Subscription Box Plans Make Lawn Care Simple

There is no question we love our lawns, but why?  Well, we grabbed a few Lawn Serv employees and headed outside to discuss our favorite reasons for why we here at Lawn Serv love our lawns:

  • Let’s play! At the sight of a nice day we all look to run outside ASAP.  Nobody wants to hangout in a messy house, same goes for outside the house.
  • It’s a work of art! We take pride in cultivating and nurturing a beautiful lawn … but also in still being able to kick off our shoes to enjoy it!
  • The juice is worth the squeeze!  Lets be honest, lawn care isn’t always the easiest. It’s hot. It’s dry. You’d much rather be in the AC.  But, when you get it right–whether your friends and family see it or not–you sleep a little better at night!
  • A great workout. Many of our customers share their stories of enjoying the peaceful exercise they get when taking care of their lawns.  Getting outside, enjoying the warm summer air–taking care of our lawns is mentally and physically fulfilling!

Whatever your reason, we can all agree that having a few friends and family over, with a couple of lawn games and a fired-up grill is even more enjoyable with a lush green lawn!

Lawn Dream
Come love your lawn more with us!

NPK – The Science, What They Are and What They Do

Lawn Fertilizer Numbers

Quick Pro-Tip’s:

  • Nitrogen (N): nitrogen is the food that aids a lawn to grow quickly, taller, and develop a darker green color.
  • Phosphorus (P): phosphorus is responsible for root growth and helps aid new lawn development
  • Potassium (K): potassium is a nutrient responsible guards the plant against diseases and aids in drought protection and cold tolerance.


You look outside and notice your grass is brown, patchy, and generally dry looking.  So, you decide to head to the store to get some fertilizer. But, what do all those fertilizer numbers mean?? And, what do you need for your lawn??  Well, the short answer is that it heavily depends on a professional soil test (free with the Lawn Serv program). But, more on that later. For now, let’s take a quick look at those fertilizer numbers, what they are, and what they mean for your lawn.

how to test soil

What The “Fertilizer Numbers” Are:

  • Nitrogen (N), the first number: nitrogen is the food that helps a lawn to grow quickly, taller, and to develop a darker green color.
  • Phosphorus (P), the second number: phosphorus is responsible for root growth and helps aid new lawn development; phosphorus is often “0”, or very low, as there are restrictions around when and where phosphorus can be applied.
  • Potassium (K), the third number: potassium is a nutrient responsible for guarding the plant against diseases and aids in drought protection and cold tolerance.

These are three of the core nutrients used to amend soil to grow a lush green lawn. It’s what you see on the front of a fertilizer bag when you see for example 20-10-10 (or 20N-10P-10K).  That is the percentage (by weight) of the three major nutrients required for healthy grass growth, always in the same order nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K). Why don’t the the percentages equal 100 percent? That is because there are other nutrients and filler product in fertilizer mixtures. This filler helps to apply the nutrients evenly over an area.

N-P-K Organic Fertilizers (plant-based):

If you are looking for an organic option, your best bet is to find a plant-based, manure-based, or blended version of the NPK fertilizer. This allows for a balanced fertilizer that stimulates through beneficial soil microorganisms and improves the structure of the soil providing long term benefits. Some plant-based NPK fertilizer are developed with alfalfa meal, soy meal, seaweed based, and cottonseed meal. These organic plant based fertilizers break down easier and have faster absorption than most.

So, What Do These “Fertilizer Numbers” Mean For Your Lawn?

These numbers are very important as your grass needs different percentages depending on what time of year, climate, and soil composition.  For example, your lawn may need a boost of Phosphorus if you’re applying new seed, or may need a boost of Potassium late in the season to promote deep root growth for the winter.  The best way to determine exactly what your lawn needs is through a professional soil test, which we offer free as part of our Lawn Serv subscription box! And, as always, feel free to reach out with any questions; we’re here to help!

Cheers!

The Lawn Serv Team

Best Lawn Process

The Benefits of Soil Testing, Why & How!

Quick Pro Tip:

  • Soil can be tested at any time of the year, but for optimal results get your soil tested in fall or early spring this gives you ample time to make adjustments before you start planting.
  • Use a soil composition (soil from around your yard combined) as most amendments are going to be deployed broadly around the yard and there are not likely huge swings in nutrient levels to warrant super specific small tailoring of amendments.  
  • Test every couple years to see how the amendments you have made are affecting the soil.
What is NPK

Why:

Testing your soil is incredibly beneficial to the everyday home-owner with a lawn. Testing your soil allows you to understand the fertility of the lawn and its specific nutrient levels and what it needs in order to prosper.  You can then tailor your applications to target the specific needs of your lawn. This should save you time and money while being more effective and better for the environment.

How to test your soil:

Hands down the best way to test your soil is through either an extension school/university or through a private lab.  The prices can range from $15 if you drop it off to $100 if you ship it in. The biggest problem is knowing what to do with the results.  They will provide you with a lot of language such as 3 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. If that doesn’t make a lot of sense to you it might make sense to use Lawn Serv.

Things you will test for:

There are many different types of nutrients or lack thereof in a yard, and they can differ city to city or state to state based on a lot of different factors.  Some of the main lawn related items you should see in a soil test result are:

  • pH level
  • Organic Matter
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium

You will see recommendations regarding nitrogen levels based on these factors and where you are located in the country also.

How to with Lawn Serv:

With Lawn Serv it is as simple as clicking a button.

Start by Clicking Get Started and we will go through the rest with you online!

Cheers!

The Lawn Serv Team

Best Practices for Lawn Care

Should I Aerate My Lawn? Should I De-Thatch? What About Overseeding?

We often have customers reach out to ask whether they should tackle any of these complex-sounding lawn procedures.  Does my lawn need to be aerated?  When should I dethatch my lawn?  How do I overseed…if I need to?

Great questions!

The good news is that these are actually much more straightforward than they seem.  And, we’re here to help along the entire way!

Read on for an overview of the benefits of aeration, dethatching and overseeding, as well as one of our favorite videos highlighting some of the key steps.

And, as always, feel free to get in touch  anytime with questions!

Machine Dethatching vs Rake
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FIRST:  WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LAWN AERATION, DE-THATCHING, AND OVERSEEDING?

  1. Aeration loosens compacted soil. Loose soil allows grass roots to plunge deeper into the soil, providing better access to vital water resources, particularly during times of stress (hot sun!).
  2. Aeration (and de-thatching!) reduces thatch. Thatch is basically grass stems and roots that accumulate faster than they breakdown. Excessive thatch creates an environment that pests and diseases love!
  3. Aeration opens access to the root zone. This allows much better circulation of air, moisture and food to the root zone, where nutrients are absorbed.
  4. Aeration yields greater seed germination. Aeration holes (from “core aeration”) provide a great little spot for seeds to settle and germinate.
  5. Overseeding introduces new grass variety and thickens existing turf. By diversifying your grass plants over time, you’re protecting against disease, drought, and pests. And, overseeding increases grass density, filling in bare spots, and crowding out weeds and pests!
  6. Overseeding builds resistance to disease. By incorporating different blends of grass seed, you reduce your risk to diseases that can wipe out the entire lawn.
  7. Aeration and overseeding will help to reduce weeds. Opportunistic weeds germinate in areas where they can be successful. Crabgrass grows in thin areas, nutsedge pops up in thin/low spots, and broadleaf weeds spread where there is little desirable grass. The best defense is to have a thick lawn.
  8. Aeration and overseeding will give your lawn an immediate, beautiful boost! If your lawn was attacked by fungus, insects, or animals this year a core aeration and overseeding will help. You’ll be able to see seed germination in 7-10 days.

AERATION, DETHATCHING, AND OVERSEEDING EXAMPLE: IN THIS VIDEO, THIS OLD HOUSE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR ROGER COOK BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO AN OLD LAWN.

Lawn Renovation Steps:
1. Put on hearing protection and mow the lawn to a height of 1½ inch. Be sure to collect the grass clippings.
2. Run a de-thatcher across the entire lawn to remove dead plant matter.
3. Use a leaf rake to collect and remove all the thatch pulled from the lawn.
4. Run a gas-powered core aerator across the lawn.
5. Rake up and remove the soil plugs extracted by the aerator.
6. Spread compost over the lawn and rake it down into the holes.
7. Analyze the physical structure of the soil with a soil test kit; amend the soil as necessary.
8. Use a broadcast spreader to over-seed the lawn with new grass seed. Adjust the spreader to dispense seven pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet area.
9. Use backside of leaf rake to lightly work the grass seed into the lawn.
10. Lightly water twice a day to keep the lawn damp, not soaking wet.

Quick video on Dethatching, Aeration, and Seeding

Fertilizing After You Mow The Lawn

Quick Pro tip

  • You should fertilize after you mow your lawn.
  • If granular fertilizer, you should water in the fertilizer so it can get to the roots, or apply right before a rain.
  • If you can, mulch the clippings and leave them on the lawn, those are packed with nutrients for the soil! (just not clumpy)
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Fertilizing after you mow is important because you want the product typically to be able to reach the soil line.  If you fertilize on top of the tall grass the product can be wasted and in some cases even burn the grass leaves.

Some other things to note would be that you should never cut more than 1/3 of the blade of grass off when mowing, and be sure to always water your lawn if it’s been a while without rain!

Cheers!

Lawn Serv Team

Best Way to Mow Stripes