Tag Archive: Akron Canton Lawn Care

Medina Ohio Asks: Is this Crabgrass?

Crabgrass Defined 

For an annual weed, crabgrass certainly gets much attention. Crabgrass can turn what was a great looking lawn into a nightmare in the matter of just a few weeks. It grows from seed each year when the soil warms to about 55 or higher for at least a week in the spring but grows most rapidly during the heat of summer. The seed will usually germinate faster in bare soil areas or places near sidewalks or other places where the earth will warm up more quickly. A thick and healthy dense lawn is usually not where crabgrass will be most found because it does not compete well with taller plants or shade.

 

Crabgrass has coarser grass blades than typical lawn grasses and are also usually lighter green in color so the crabgrass plants are quite noticeable. Crabgrass usually has a low growing habit that spreads out along the ground. It will cover a somewhat circular area up to a foot wide but it can also grow up to 2 feet tall in some situations. As the stems arch over and grow along the ground, they will often produce roots at the nodes along the stems. It is very difficult to pull out a mature crabgrass plant because of all of those extra roots that the plant produces. After the stems elongate they begin flowering, usually starting about the beginning of August and continuing until a hard frost kills the plant. The flower heads looks like a hand with the fingers pointing upward. Seeds will ripen within a few weeks with each individual plant capable of producing 1,500 seeds.

Grassy Weed or Broadleaf

Control of crabgrass in Medina lawns is of primary concern for most homeowners that spend lots of money each year trying to prevent crabgrass from growing in their lawns. There are several active ingredients that are effective in crabgrass prevention, but one should check the label to be sure that products they are applying is in fact for crabgrass prevention and not for the control of broadleaf weeds. Those products will have no effect in controlling crabgrass. Commercial lawn care companies may also be able to apply the crabgrass prevention products alone, not in combination with a fertilizer but those products are usually not available to home owners.

Prevention

Crabgrass prevention products are usually quite effective if they are applied at the right time. People often refer to the time when lilacs or Forsythia are blooming as an indicator as to the proper time to apply the product to their turf. If you apply it too early or not enough, it may lose its effectiveness before the end of the summer, allowing for a late flush of crabgrass to emerge and grow. But, if you wait too long in the spring to apply it, you might miss the first wave of seedling germination and still have a major crabgrass problem. Once the seedlings are up and growing these products will not kill the seedlings. Crabgrass preventers will also prevent other kinds of weed seeds from germinating, like the grass seed that you might apply that spring or summer to fill in bare areas or to thicken and existing grass. If you plan to do some seeding, do it late in the fall to avoid problems with spring applied crabgrass preventers or simply choose not use them at all in those areas.

There are a very few post emergence crabgrass killing herbicides available. They can be effective but they need to be applied shortly after the crabgrass seedlings have emerged from the lawn. Once the plants begin to produce multiple stems control is greatly reduced which will make you unhappy because post emergent control is very expensive to apply.  Another very important aspect of crabgrass control is to maintain a healthy lawn in Medina that is properly fertilized, watered and mowed.

 

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Is Yellow Nutsedge Inundating Your Copley, Ohio Lawn?

The Invasion Of Yellow Nutsedge

Yellow nutsedge is a major weed that used to be only found in the South, but has made its way North. It is a grass like weed in the sedge family with top growth that reaches 8 to 30 inches tall. Yellow nutsedge has an extensive underground network of basal bulbs, roots, thin fibrous rhizomes, and tubers. The leaves are mostly basal and are bright green to yellow green and bears the inflorescence flower heads. The inflorescence are yellow to brown and consists of spikes borne on 1 to 3 inches of stalks unequal in length.

Dormancy in yellow nutsedge is broken by chilling at 40–50°F for several weeks. Sprouting will begin as soil temperatures rise above 55°F. Tubers can remain dormant and survive up to 4 years.

In Copley, Ohio Yellow nutsedge begins active growth in late spring. A rhizome emerges from the tuber and grows toward the surface of the soil. When the rhizome receives a light stimulus a basal bulb will then form. The shoot that formed will consist of a cluster of basal leaves from this bulb. Then a fibrous root system will develop from basal bulbs and rhizomes.

 

Plant development

Yellow nutsedge remains attached to the mother tuber for up to 10-12 weeks. Within four weeks after initial shoot emerges new rhizomes emerge from the basal bulb and grow up to 20 inches laterally. This will happen over and over again forming new basal bulbs and daughter plants. Yellow nutsedge will continue to spread exponentially in the absence of competition or control measures and will also spread by seed developed in mature plants.

In temperate zone populations of yellow nutsedge, shortening day length in late summer triggers flowering and tuber production. When day length decreases to about 14 hours, rhizome tips begin to form tubers rather than new daughter plants. While top growth slows, prolific tuber production continue to form until frost kills them. Tubers will form as deep as 18 inches.

Where does it grow?

Yellow nutsedge thrives in moist to wet conditions and can tolerate flooding. It can be incredibly prolific in temperate climates with high moisture soils. A single tuber has been observed to give rise to 1,900 shoots and 6,900 tubers within one year in Minnesota and 1,700–3,000 shoots and 19–20 thousand tubers in irrigated fields in Oregon forming a dense patch 6 feet across. Tuber dry weight reached an equivalent of about 4 tons per acre.

Yellow nutsedge tubers are killed by exposure for 1–2 days to temperatures of 113–122°F or below 20°F. Most tubers within 2 inches of the soil surface are winter killed but the weed readily emerges from tubers located 4 inches or deeper where they are protected from temperatures extremes. Yellow nutsedge has successfully spread into southeastern Canada, where snow cover has protected tubers from winterkill.

Yellow nutsedge can tolerate moderate shade with little decrease in growth or tuber production, whereas dense shade reduces total biomass by more than half. Although the weed compensates for shade by growing even taller, and can form some tubers even under 94% shade, competition for light is recognized as an important tactic that can enhance the efficacy.

Yellow nutsedge can form viable seeds by cross-pollination. As many as 1,500 viable seeds per plant and the seedlings  can establish successfully only when the soil surface remains continuously moist.

As you can see Yellow nutsedge is not a weed to ignore in your Copley lawn and should be treated immediately. A delay in the treatment can become catastrophic very quickly.

 

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.

Clinton, Ohio Know why you should get the leaves off the lawn

Why You Should We Get Leaves Off Our Lawns in Clinton Ohio

Cleaning Up Leaves

Leaves are always the symbol of the fall season in Clinton OH. Even though it is fun romping in the leaves, or looking at the fall leaves color on
the trees, picking up the leaves in your yard is not quite as much fun. It is however, an important part of good lawn care and maintenance. So what do you need to know about cleaning up fall leaves and what effect it can have on your lawn?

Why should we remove fall leaves Clinton OH

There are several reasons why removing the leaves from your lawn is so important to the lawns success and why it should be completed. The first is that it is very healthy for your lawn to clean them up. Leaves lying on your grass will block out sunlight, and potentially hurt the life and health of your lawn. The second is that the more you procrastinate on getting rid of the leaves, the longer it will take, and a bigger job it will eventually become. So make it your goal to eradicate the leaves on the lawn multiple times in the fall.

When leaves start falling, blow, rake or bag them off the lawn. Making sure your yard is free of leaves not only improves the appearance, but influences the health of your lawn. Leaves compromise the lawn needs in the fall as it stores up food for its winter nap.
No matter the reason it is clear that keeping leaves off of your lawn, is an important part of proper lawn care.

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(330) 933-2222 
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Proper Mowing Techniques for Akron, Ohio Residents

Scalping the lawn will harm the grass-blades in Akron Ohio

Proper Lawn Mowing

Mowing your lawn properly is an easy ways to fight off weeds and diseases in your lawn. When you mow the grass at its recommended height it helps get the sunlight and vital nutrients needed to be lush and healthy. Mowing it too short and scalping can have some pretty serious repercussions. Scalping can weaken and even kill off your lawn. Additionally, mowing too short will limit the grasses nutrient supply, giving weeds free reign to move in.

How Scalping Will Affect Your Grass in Akron OH

Grass is able to survive thanks to photosynthesis, which is the process of taking the sunlight and using it as the energy it needs. Cutting too much of the grass blade limits the ability of the lawn to store this energy, restricting its nutrient supply and ultimately choking the grass. Not sure if you are scalping your grass? If your lawn is so short that its grass stem is exposed, it is too short.

What Will Make Scalping Worse

One of the worst contributing factors to scalping and damaging the grass is mowing with a dull lawn mower blade. The next time you mow, take a look at your grass after. If it looks torn or frayed, your mower blade will need sharpened. You can buy a blade sharpener at most home improvement or garden centers. Additionally, scalping the grass in the heat of summer will seriously hinder the lawns ability to recover. Since hot and dry weather already stresses lawns, scalping will most only make matters worse.

Mowing Tips for Akron OH

It's better for your grass to be too long than too short. It is also helpful to leave grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging them. Decomposed grass clippings will return precious nutrients to the soil. Overlap your mowing path by one to three inches, as this will keep the lawn at a consistent height and ensure that it all gets mowed.

Repairing the Lawn

If you realize you have been scalping your lawn, let your lawn grow gradually back to its proper height, never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Additionally, you will want to water deeply and infrequently to help the grass recover.

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Information On Lawn Overseeding For Tallmadge, Ohio Residents

Lawn Overseeding & Lawn Care in Tallmadge Ohio

The right time to overseed is after you core aerate in Tallmadge OH. Aeration and overseeding go hand in hand. The seed falls into the holes left behind by the core aerator and then germinates. This process allows for the turf to thicken up and for bare spots to fill in. The new grass seed rejuvenates your turf and fills in thinned or bare areas. It also helps the overall density of the lawn and gives it a better vibrant and healthy appearance. When you preform overseeding on the lawn you will normally seed the entire lawn. If most of the lawn looks good, then why would you seed the entire lawn? It is easy, habit really pays off keys to a healthy, thick, green lawn is healthy grass plants. That may sound to obvious, but an entire industry has grown up focusing on solving turf problems. Focus instead on the grass and you will overnight eliminate eighty percent of those problems. The greatest defense against common lawn problems is a thick healthy lawn.

In order to ensure the greatest results of your aeration and overseeding service in Tallmadge OH. Follow a few simple watering and mowing instructions for success after overseeding. Proper watering is critical to the successful germination and establishment of new turf grass. Once moistened, the seed should be kept moist until it becomes established in your lawn. Unless there is steady rainfall, this will require being watered daily. Grass blades are made up of a great deal of water.

  • Water the seed thoroughly after seeding for no less than one half hour per day. This will establish good soil moisture and wash the seed into the soil. Germination will occur in 6 to 14 days depending on soil type, soil temperature and adherence to water recommendations. The grass seedlings will emerge from the aeration holes. The majority of seedling failures are the result of failure to keep the seed moist.
  • When mowing continue to cut the lawn as the grass is established. Recommended mowing height is 3.5 to 4 inches. Do not let the grass get too long between mowing, try never to remove more than 1/3 of the blade during each mowing. Always use sharp blades to reduce rough cuts and pulling on the new grass, which will stress. Do not bag the grass let the clippings return to the lawn. Water lightly before mowing to keep seed down during mowing.

Ready to find out more?

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(330) 933-2222 
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Tips For Uniontown Residents For Eliminating Patches and Weeds

Preventing Patches & Weeds In Your Grass In Uniontown Ohio

Nothing makes your the lawn look bad quite like big noticeable brown patches or weeds in Uniontown OH. Your lawn should be green, lush, and vibrant. When you do not keep up with your lawn maintenance, it will start to look a little worse for wear unfortunately. If you notice brown patches and weeds in your yard, we can help you get rid of them or we can give you some tips on how to prevent them IN Uniontown OH.

Brown Patch

Brown Patches is a fungal disease that causes large circle like areas of dead grass. The way to prevent this disease from consuming your lawn is to keep it as cool and dry as possible.

Watering

Only water your grass when it needs it. It is also best to water your lawn in the morning between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. If you water your lawn in the evening or night, the water may just sit at the surface rather than get absorbed into the soil. If water sits on your lawn, it will encourage the growth of disease. Water on the surface of your lawn will invite Brown Patch.

Removing Leaves

Leaves can lead to fungus, so always try and keep them off your grass. Removing the leaves is particularly important in the fall when leaves are falling more frequently.

Shade

Keep a special eye on areas in the lawn that don’t get a lot of sunlight. Shaded areas will not absorb water as quickly because the soil never gets really hot. When the soil doesn’t absorb water, fungus can start to grow. You might have to look into ways to drain these areas in the lawn.

Watching Your Step

If you have Brown Patch, do not walk on it. Fungal diseases spread easily and you can affect other areas and spread it in the lawn.

Pet Urination

Pet urination is a common cause of patchiness in lawns. If you have pets, be sure to take them for a walk and try to have them urinate elsewhere.

Weeds and Crabgrass

Dandelions, crabgrass, clover and other weeds can quickly take over your yard. Once they get established they can be hard to get rid of, but remember that a healthy lawn will always naturally fight off weeds.

Weeding

If you only have a few weeds and want to pull them by hand, make sure you get the roots of the weed. Otherwise the weed will come right back. It is best to pull weeds after it rains because wet roots come out of the soil easier.

Proper Mowing

Set your lawn mower to a high setting. Tall grass means thick healthy grass, and this provides shade in the soil so weed seeds can not germinate and grow. You should never mow below 3.5 inches.

Deep Watering

Only water your lawn when you have to, and water the lawn deeply. A deep watering encourages your grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, and this helps your grass stay healthy.

Core Lawn Aeration

Aeration is when you create thousands of small holes across your yard and deposit the cores from these holes on top of the grass. These small holes help oxygen, water, nutrients and fertilizer get to the roots of your grass. When the roots have easy access to these nutrients the grass will thrive. All lawns get compacted fairly quickly and aerating will also eliminate compaction and remove thatch. Aeration does amazing things for a lawn and is a great way to boost the look and health of your lawn.

Need Help? Hire a professional

There are a lot of benefits to having a beautiful, healthy lawn at your property. Healthy lawns improve the look and value of your home. A healthy lawn can prevent diseases and weeds from coming in and destroying the hard work you have invested into your lawn. While it is great to have a beautiful lawn, it does takes a lot of time and effort to keep it maintained. Proper professionals will have access to products the public does not and have the knowledge and equipment to take care of your lawn properly and quickly.

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.