The Key To Having A Healthy Lawn: Fertilization And Weed Control
You know a healthy lawn when you see one – it’s thick, lush, and the color is vibrant; however, growing a healthy lawn of your own doesn’t always seem easy to attain. Here in the Midwest, our lawns run the risk of high weed-to-grass ratios and nutrient deficiencies that can leave lawns looking barren. The good news is that with proper turf fertilization and weed control processes in place, your lawn can thrive year after year. With spring just around the corner, now is the best time to start thinking about and planning for the coming growing season!
Fertilization
One aspect of maintaining a healthy lawn is making sure there are enough nutrients in the soil – this is where fertilization plays an important role. A fertilizer is any product that contains at least one or more of the nutrients necessary for healthy plant and lawn growth, the most common of which include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Deficiencies in any of these key nutrients have an impact on the lawn: for example, lawns lacking nitrogen will have stunted growth, more weeds, and the color will become yellowish-green. The best way to implement fertilization is to take a balanced approach throughout the year based on weather and type of grass.
Spot Treatments for Weed Control
Lawn weeds, such as crabgrass and dandelions, are another persistent challenge when trying to maintain healthy turfgrass. Weeds, by nature, are invasive and spread quickly as they compete with your existing lawn and plants for nutrients, water, sunshine, and shade. Because these invasive weeds are damaging to the overall health of your turfgrass, it is highly recommended to take a proactive approach to weed control. Prevention through the use of pre-emergent methods, proper mowing, the right amount of hydration, and effectively timed post-emergent herbicides all contribute to a high-quality, healthy yard.
The Benefits of a Healthy Lawn
There are many benefits to having a turf fertilization and weed control plan in place when spring rolls around. Having this plan will ensure that your lawn will get the treatment it needs at the right time. Some of the more apparent benefits include a thicker lawn with less weeds, better color with faster green up, and an increased resistance to disease and insects. Beyond these basic perks, it is important to note that healthy grass is beneficial for the environment, your community, and your home! Here are just a few examples:
- Increased Property Value: Investments in the outdoor aesthetics of your home have a direct impact on property value and curb appeal.
- Improved Air Quality: Well-maintained lawns clean and purify the air by removing carbon, trapping dirt and dust, and supplying oxygen.
- Improved Water Absorption: Healthy grass absorbs more water from rainfall and reduces the amount of water runoff.
- Reduced Levels of Noise: Healthy lawns act as a natural barrier and can reduce the noise levels around your home.
- Reduced Temperatures: Lush grass is like a natural air conditioner and offers cooler temperatures than other surfaces such as pavement.
We’re Here to Help!
Here at Topeka Landscape, we understand the importance and time sensitivity around lawn fertilization and weed control; in fact, we built our 5-Step Lawn Care Program around these factors. Each application needs to be done correctly and at the right time to ensure maximum effectiveness.
With spring right around the corner, now is the best time to start planning ahead for your fertilization and weed control needs. Our team is here to help that when the nice weather rolls around, you can spend less time doing lawn care and more time enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. Call or email us today for more information!