landscaping chicago's north shore properties since 1989                                                            

Proper Turf Management is Crucial to a Beautiful Lawn

Spring is a crucial time to take care of your turf, as the care you give it now will set the stage for having a beautiful lawn all season long.

The first step to getting your lawn ready in the spring is a full clean up. Debris left behind in the fall and winter needs to be removed. Besides removing leaves and other debris, it's necessary to remove thick layers of thatch in your turf.

Thatch is partially decayed grass, roots, and rhizomes which accumulate naturally when good organisms in the soil, such as microbes and earthworms, can't feed on it fast enough. When this happens, it creates an environment for pests and diseases to thrive, and causes an unfavorable growing environment. Dethatching in the spring opens up channels for water, air, and nutrients to pass through to the soil below. To ensure these channels are fully open, it's important to also core aerate your lawn.

Core aerifying machines pull up small soil plugs which create a topdressing for the turf. This brings the good organisms, mentioned earlier, to the surface so they can get to work on keeping the thatch down. Also, the holes left behind help with common turf issues, such as soil compaction and poor drainage. Aerating the turf makes it possible for rain and water to infiltrate further into your lawn, and makes sure that the necessary nutrients penetrate the roots when you fertilize.

Grass is constantly growing, which is why it's important to fertilize your turf as it needs a lot of nutrients. Fertilizer should be applied four times a year, and the first application should take place in the spring. This fertilization gives your turf the boost it needs to develop a deep green color, robust blades, and strong rootsystem. A spring fertilizer should also include a pre-emergent weed control. This will prevent weeds, like crabgrass, from sprouting up in your turf as the season continues.

Continuing to properly fertilize your turf all season long makes it less susceptible to seasonal stressors such as diseases, drought, and insects. Three additional applications should be applied in late spring, mid-summer and the fall.

To keep your turf looking its best, water in the morning -- water deeply and infrequently - 2 times a week, half an inch each time. This will ensure the entire root zone is moistened causing roots to grow deep, instead of shallow.

Starting with a good turf care regiment in the spring will help ensure your lawn retains its beauty all year long. Equally as important is properly mowing your turf each week to keep it looking its best.

If you do have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at :
847-955-0113   Phone
847-955-0117   Fax
info @ morminolandscaping.com

"Mill Pond is a unique and unusually beautiful property with special landscaping needs. We selected Mormino Landscape Services to maintain our landscaping, which they have been doing for the last three years. In addition, Mormino Landscape Services provides snow removal with excellent reliability and fair prices.
We have been very pleased with the high level of care provided and the accessibility to the staff when special circumstances arise. I recommend their services enthusiastically."
Sherman Gerber, Owner
Mill Pond Shoppes
Long Grove