Grub Control

Mountains or Mole Hills? Identifying moles and voles in Akron, Ohio.

Moles and Voles in The Lawn

 

Moles and voles are indeed a pest that cause many problems when they live in our lawns in Akron OH and gardens with their tunnels.

They makes tunnels all through out your landscape very quickly once they are established. You will also see mounds of dirt where they exit. Many times you will only feel lumps and the lump is actually a tunnel. In mulched beds they can be extremely destructive, the tunnels will actually raise up the soil under a plant as the pest passes through, making an unsightly bed. Sometimes young plants in a flower bed will literally disappear below the soil surface. In the lawn other than the obvious ridges and hill mounds that make the lawn unsightly and kill the lawn. Even deeper tunnels can kill the roots of the turf to make quite the design in your lawn.

Other than having similar names, voles and moles have very little in common. They are two entirely different pests, yet very often confused. Moles are better known pest, but it may actually be a vole causing the damage especially in your gardens and flower beds.

Appearance: Is it a mole or a vole?

Moles are generally 5 to 7 inches in length, gray to dark brown in color. They are not rodents and have a long, naked snout, no external ears and can tunnel 1 foot per minute. Their eyes are buried in their fur to protect them. They are often seen because they live and feed underground and like moist or loose soil. Since they do not eat plants, their landscape carnage is really the incidental damage of tunnels  dug in lawns searching for food. However, tunnels may cause damage to plants when they create paths around root systems. Another objection from homeowners when mowing the lawn is dirt that is mounded up in a rounded volcanic shape known as a molehill.

Voles are indeed a rodent looking much like mice with shorter tails. Voles are usually 5 to 7 inches long also and may be black, gray or brown. Voles have eyes and ears that can be easily seen. They can either burrow or use old mole tunnels. Between burrow openings, they will create surface runways about the size of a broomstick that you can see. They stay in nests above ground, coming out to eat day and night.

 

Diet and Habits

The mole’s diet is almost exclusively earthworms and grubs, with very few insects. Voles are plant eaters or herbivores. They feed on grasses, flowers, vegetables, bulbs and seeds. In the winter when food is hard to come by, they may eat bark from trees and shrubs.

Moles are not social mammals, seeking each other out at only mating time. There are generally 4 to 7 per litter and their life span is 2 to 3 years.

Voles are prolific reproducers that can quickly colonize your entire yard. Their life span is only about 16 months, so they have to make up for it by having 3 to 6 young at a time with only a 21 day gestation period. Because they reproduce so very quickly, eat so many different things, and are good at hiding, they can do much damage before you figure out the problem.

The only beneficial thing someone could say about a mole that they consume large numbers of grubs. Although in the quest for those grubs they do severe damage to the lawn which is just counter productive. A vole has zero arguments on any benefits.

The methods of control in Akron Ohio for both moles and voles is quite similar, but there is no one & done solution.

 

Problems with Moles or Voles?

Call Akron Canton Lawn Care Now for your Free Estimate on any of our lawn care services
(330) 933-2222 or click the Contact Us button to send us an email.

OHIO LAWN CARE

When thinking of Ohio lawn care here in our local communities in Northeast Ohio there are many factors to consider.

  1. Our grass species – There are many different kinds of fescues found in our neighborhoods, some of the most popular are fine fescue, tall fescue and creeping fescue. Other species found include zoysia, bentgrass, ryegrass and kentucky bluegrass.
  1. Soil types and conditions – We have many different soils found in our area but many if not almost all of us have at least some clay soil. Clay is a soil that is made of mostly clay particles. There is no doubt that Northeast Ohio communities were built on top of a huge mounds of clay that becomes stone like hard, cracks when dry and nothing much likes to grow in it. Among other negatives, clay soil is very slow draining and takes more time to warm up in spring than other soils. In winter it heaves and it leans towards alkalinity in ph. Clay soils are so very compacted that plants root systems are unable to access essential oxygen required for growth.
  2. FertilizationFertilizer has three major components nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, The three numbers you always see on bags of fertilizer indicate the levels of these components on the bag in that order. Certain times of the year and different species of turfgrass require different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  3. Weed control – Here with Ohio lawn care we have thousands of different kinds of invasive weeds. Many weeds we find in a lawn are hard to kill and require specific types of weed control instead of a broad spectrum application. To name a few of these weeds that require specific products: thistles, wild violets, knotweed, prostrate spurge, plantain buckhorn, ground ivy, foxtails, wild onions and yellow nutsedge.
  4. Climate zone – Here in Northeast Ohio we span across three different climate zones: 5b, 6a and 6b. For this amount of land area in Northeast Ohio it is unique to have that many different climate zones. For example in Central Ohio in The Columbus area they only have one zone 6a. It is due to our varying elevations we have, lake effect and the jet stream. It is very important to know your zone in relevance to lawn care and landscaping. So you will have the knowledge to understand what to plant and how to care for it.
  5. Soil ph – Soil ph is the alkalinity or acid levels found in your soil. Certain plants and grass thrive in different levels of soil ph. Applying the right or wrong products to certain ph levels can make all the difference for your lawn or landscape.
  6. Weather – When it comes to weather in Ohio lawn care products. There are certain products that need to be applied when the turfgrass is wet or dry. Also there are applications that would not be effective when it is to cold. Applying certain products when it is to hot or dry can damage or kill your lawn.
  7. Core AerationCore aeration is a popular practice here with Ohio lawn care. It pulls cores of soil from your lawn. Pulling these cores with a core aerator will allow water, nutrients, air and fertilizer reach your lawns root zone. Other benefits include alleviating soil compaction and thatch in the lawn. For a terrific lawn practicing core aeration is a must in Northeast Ohio and is recommended to be done once a year.
  8. Lawn pest – Lawn pests can destroy a lawn and one of the most popular everyone should know is grubs and there is many different species of grubs found locally. Other lawn pests found here people do not here often about, but remain to still be a large problem in our lawns are: billbug, sod webworms and chinch bugs. The best action against these pests is proactive treatments instead of reactive treatments.
  9. Watering – Proper watering of your lawn and proper drainage is a must for a beautiful lawn. To little or to much water for your turfgrass can cause damage or even death.
  10. Lawn diseases – The are many lawn diseases associated with Ohio lawn care such as: red thread, dollar spot, yellow patch, necrotic ring, pythium blight, melting out, fusarium blight and many other diseases. The best way to fight lawn diseases is with cultural practices and proactive treatments. Many diseases once established can be very difficult to eradicate.
  11. Soil temperatures – Soil temperatures are very important in Ohio lawn care, they tell you when to or not to plant grass seed. Soil temperatures also dictate when to apply fertilizers, weed and insect control products.
  12. Timing of treatments and proper rates – Having the proper timing of treatments is very important here in Northeast Ohio. Since we have a shorter season than most of the United States it makes the windows for applications smaller and harder to hit. Proper rates with applications can be the difference in a great looking lawn or much worse.

So in review all the variables of performing Ohio lawn care can be a difficult task. It's always a great idea to leave proper lawn care to a state certified lawn care specialist if you do not have the time or knowledge. Many times hiring a professional can be very comparable in price as doing it yourself and they have access to products that a non state certified person wouldn't have.

Best Lawn Care Services in Canton, Ohio


For many homeowners it is finally time to admit it in Canton Ohio. Your lawn needs more time than you can give it right now and you are ready for some professional help from a local lawn care company. But how do you find the best lawn care services that you require? You have googled “lawn care.” But there are so many lawn care companies out there, with no idea of who will be the best lawn care service for you. How do you select the best lawn care services for your lawn? Hopefully the following information will help point you to the best lawn company for the job.

What type of lawn care services does my property need?

Lawn Mowing - If your turf is in good shape, may be that all you need is basic lawn mowing service. Most mowing companies offer weekly mowing services where the mow, trim and blow off all hard surfaces. Usually their commercial equipment will leave a better cut than residential equipment. Professional mowing services will stripe the lawn for a great look and they will know what heights to mow at during certain times of the year to make the grass healthy and look great.

Troubleshooting a lawn that requires some sort of lawn treatments - When you notice that your lawn is looking less than great. Maybe the turf is patchy looking or discolored. It is time to call in a great local lawn care company to evaluate the situation. Lawn care experts are trained to identify and diagnose all lawn problems.

Remedy - Based on their evaluation of your turfs needs, a professional lawn care company should be able to offer an remediation plan, which may or may not include one or more of these treatments for the lawn:

  • core aeration of your lawn (if your lawn's soil is compacted or to thick in thatch, removing small “cores” of the lawns soil will allow oxygen, water, and fertilizer to reach the grass roots)
  • treatment of lawn pests and weed control
  • eradication of lawn diseases

How do I choose the best lawn care services in Canton OH?

Look for lawn care companies with good local references

The lawn company you hire should be licensed wherever required by law and if applying treatments to your lawn should be a licensed with the Ohio Department of Agriculture

Anyone working on your property or lawn should be insured with business liability and property insurance coverage. For your protection and theirs.

If you can get three estimates and compare the prices and services they offer.

Make sure that your lawn contractor knowledgeable and familiar with the particular species of grass and conditions associated with your property.

Akron Ohio, Do you want to defeat grubs?

Defeating Grubs & Saving Your Lawn in Akron Ohio

Grubs are public enemy # 1 when it comes to insects that can damage your lawn in Akron Ohio. They can destroy huge portions of healthy lawns in a matter of days or weeks. They are larvae of different kinds of beetles, including Japanese and Masked Chafer Beetles. They feed on grass roots killing the grass in large patches. White grubs will become active when the soil warms up, and they destroy lawns from late spring to early fall. The only way to effectively get rid of grubs and keep them out is yearly treatments.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE THEM?

It is not hard to tell that grubs have invaded your yard. But by the time you see the evidence, it may be way too late. The grass appears to wilt and turns brown in large, irregular patches in the lawn. Brown areas of grass roll up smoothly like a carpet would. Birds and animals may be digging in the lawn. Milky white grubs from 1/8″ to 1″long, with brown heads and three pairs of legs, lie curled in the soil.
To find out if you have a problem, peel back a square foot of turf. If you see six or more of them, it’s time for immediate action. You want to apply your lawn treatment when grubs are newly hatched or before. That’s because they’re easier to control when they are small.

PREPARE YOUR LAWN FOR A TREATMENT IN AKRON OH

By taking some steps to prepare your lawn before treating it, you can make it easier for the treatment to work in the lawn. That’s why it helps to mow your lawn before a treatment.
Also, if you have more than a half an inch of thatch, it could get in the way of the treatment. You’ll want to core aerate your lawn first.

WRAPPING UP

Grubs are a formidable opponent, but with some knowledge of their life cycle and the right treatments, you can gain the upper hand and take back your lawn.

Ready to find out more?

Call Akron Canton Lawn Care Now for your Free Estimate on any of our lawn care services
(330) 933-2222 
or click the Contact Us button to send us an email.

Richfield Ohio residents ask, Can my lawn effect my homes resale value?

Your lawn will effect your homes resale value in Richfield OH

Americans Love their Lawns and how Important it is to a Resale Value

According to the survey commissioned by the National Association of Landscape Professionals and conducted by Harris Poll, eighty-three percent of Americans think having a great lawn is important. Here are a few of the insights about the value of our lawns and backyards in Richfield Ohio.
Your neighborhood landscaping is important. Americans (91%) want to live in an area where they can see and or walk to nice landscaping. So if you want the best chance of increasing the price of your home in your neighborhood, make sure the landscaping looks great.

Nice landscaping helps to sell your house quickly in Richfield Ohio. Eighty-four percent say that the quality of a home’s landscaping would affect their decision about whether or not to buy the property. Great neighborhood landscaping helps, but it isn’t enough; yours needs to look great also.
Your neighbors care what your landscape looks like. Seventy-one percent think it is important that their neighbors have well-maintained yards.

Enjoying your yard

Perhaps “good landscaping makes good neighbors” should be the new angle.
We want to enjoy our yards. Seventy-five percent of people feel that it is important to spend time outside.
Despite a common misperceptions, even Millennials want to spend time in their yards. Seventy-five percent of Millennials (18–34 year olds) think spending time outside in their yards is very important.

People want help with their landscape. A large majority of Americans (67%) agree that professional landscaper or lawn care service would help would allow them to have a better yard.

Ready to find out more?

Call Akron Canton Lawn Care Now for your Free Estimate on any of our lawn care services
(330) 933-2222 
or click the Contact Us button to send us an email.

North Canton, Ohio residents ask, what can a healthy lawn do for me?

In North Canton Ohio You will be surprised what a healthy lawn can do for you

A well maintained lawn can help to provide a healthy, pleasant environment for you, your family and your community in North Canton OH. Here are some interesting facts about lawns that you may not be aware of and will be glad you learned about in North Canton OH:

• A 50' x 50' healthy lawn will produce enough daily oxygen for a family of four.
• Grass is a natural air conditioner by absorbing the suns heat it creates.
• Grass cleans the air, absorbing pollutants and returns pure oxygen in exchange to the air.
• A healthy green lawn naturally deters allergy-causing weed pollen.
• Biting and stinging insects are found less often in lawns that are in good health and are free of weeds.
• Noises are reduced in areas where lawns are present. Because soft surfaces absorb sound, while hard surfaces reflect it.
Thick turf filters surface water before it returns to ground water supply.
• Grass is as a natural barrier for soil erosion caused by wind and water.

Ready to find out more?

Call Akron Canton Lawn Care Now for your Free Estimate on any of our lawn care services
(330) 933-2222 
or click the Contact Us button to send us an email.

Cuyahoga Falls Residents Rid Yourself Of Nuisance Weeds

Do Not Feed the Weeds in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio

One of the less glamorous lawn care chores is dealing with unsightly weeds in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio. Nuisance weeds are more than just a pest in your landscape, they can do some serious damage if left unchecked. Follow these tips to help eradicate weeds in your lawn and landscape, so you can spend less time on in the dirt and more time enjoying a weed-free landscape in Cuyahoga Falls OH:

  • Most of your lawn includes weed seeds that just have not germinated yet. Avoid tilling your soil often to avoid putting these unseen weed seeds into fertile soil to keep more from popping up.
  • Making mulch your friend can be important. Besides the fact that mulch is gorgeous to look at, did you know that it can also help with controlling the weeds? Weeds need the sunlight to germinate and grow, and covering portions of your landscaping with mulch stops weed seeds from getting that light. Bonus with more mulch means less grass to mow and treat!
  • When you keep your plantings closer together in your landscape beds. You reduce the space between the plants in your garden, the weeds will have less space to grow and more competition for nutrients, water and sunlight.
  • Hiring a professional to provide lawn treatments to your grass can eliminate the hard work of combating weeds and crabgrass in your lawn. It will also guarantee a professional job of the treatments is performed with no hard work on your end. Usually at a price comparable or cheaper than buying the products and equipment yourself. Using proper weed control is crucial for the health and beauty of your lawn.

Ready to find out more?

Call Akron Canton Lawn Care Now for your Free Estimate on any of our lawn care services
(330) 933-2222 
or click the Contact Us button to send us an email.