10 Most Common Yard Problems
The following are the 10 most common yard care problems as seen by the experts at Yardcare.com.
1. What can I do about lawn damage caused by my dog?
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to brown spots caused by dog
urine. But you can help to avoid this damage in the future with heavy watering,
and a little baking soda. Heavy watering will help to dilute the concentration
of nitrogen in your yard, and adding baking soda to a watering can full of water
will help to neutralize the area.
2. How do I deal with mushrooms?
There are no chemical treatments available for the control of mushrooms or toadstools,
although there are some temporary options available. You can try to dig up the
decaying organic matter from which the mushrooms are growing. Another option is
to destroy the mushrooms with a rake or lawn mower and wait out the problem (that
is, until the buried organic matter fully decays and disappears).
3. How do I get rid of moss?
Your best defense against moss is a healthy lawn. Make sure you are properly
watering and fertilizing. Once moss is actively growing, however, you can try
chemicals that will kill it.
4. What is the most effective way to kill ground ivy?
Control is most effective in the early spring, before the plants have gotten
too big. Rake and mow early in the season. You can dislodge creeping Charlie's
rooting stems from the ground with a rake. After raking make sure to mow your
lawn at a low setting, and then rake up and dispose of the stems (severed stems
can re-root). Another way to rid your lawn of creeping Charlie is through the
use of weed killers.
5. What should I do if my lawn is overrun with crabgrass?
A dense lawn is better able to resist an invasion of crabgrass. So be sure to
properly water and fertilize your lawn. Another way to discourage the growth of
crabgrass is by mowing your lawn at a higher setting. You can also try herbicides
to control the crabgrass in your yard.
6. How often should I fertilize?
Most lawns need to be fertilized two or three times a year. Fertilizing should
begin with your first mowing. Stop fertilizing when the grass is done growing
for the year.
7. Why do I need to lime my lawn, and how often does it need to be done?
Lime is added to a lawn to adjust the soil's pH level. The pH level can affect
the grass' ability to absorb nutrients necessary to grow properly. Your soil's
pH level should range between 5.5 and 7.5. Lime should be added if your pH level
is below the desired range. Typically, lime is added once or twice a growing season.
8. How do I rid my lawn of grubs?
The easiest way is to use a product designed to kill lawn insects. This should
be applied between July and September, when grubs are the most susceptible to
insect controls.
9. What are the benefits of a mulching mower?
Mulching mowers return grass clippings to your lawn. The benefits are many. The
clippings serve as fertilizer and help retain and conserve needed moisture, giving
you a healthier lawn. You'll save time, because you won't have to stop to empty
the mower bag and don't need to fertilize as often. In addition, you'll save money
on both clipping disposal and fertilizer costs. If you mow on a regular basis,
a mulching mower would be very beneficial to your lawn.
10. When and how often should I water my lawn?
Most lawns require about one inch of water a week. The best time to water is
early in the day. Watering at night puts your lawn at risk for developing mildew
and fungus disease.
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