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Sod Removal: When is a Good Time to Replace Your Sod?

November 28, 2011 By

grassYour lawn is something that adds attractiveness and value to your home, and it should be taken care of well. If you take the proper care of your lawn and keep up with the maintenance, your sod should not have to be replaced often, if at all. You should be watering your lawn on occasion and even more so when there is a draught, in addition to weeding and maintaining pest control. Although, sometimes even the lawn that has the best care needs to be replaced, and if you see any of these signs, it is time to replace your sod.

Bare Spots

When a lawn has bare spots that are appearing frequently and don’t seem to go away no matter how much you water them or fertilize them, it’s a sign that you need to replace the sod in that area. The bare spots could be due to an insect infestation, or the grass is simply dead and won’t soak up anymore nutrients.  Bare spots can also be due to heavy foot traffic on the lawn, or due to urine from your pets completely killing the grass.

Weed Overpopulation

If your lawn is taken over completely by weeds, then it is definitely time to replace your sod. You can try a  weed killer at first to see if you can resolve your problem that way, but you may have to start with new sod and create a new lawn. Some weeds are very persistent and will not go away until they are killed at the root, and even then you have to be careful to not leave any traces of the roots because they can grow back even if there is the smallest bit of root still left in the ground.

You Want to Change the Type of Grass

This seems like a very obvious reason, but you’ll need to replace your sod if you want a different type of grass. If your lawn came with a St. Augustine grass and you want to switch to a Bermuda grass, you’ll need to dig and till your current lawn before planting the new grass.

What Time of Year?

Depending upon what type of climate you live in, you’ll need to plan to re-sod your lawn at different times of the year. For warm climate grasses found in the southeast United States, you should sod your lawn from April to July. These grasses grow the best when they are planted during these months. For cool season grasses, you should plan to re-sod anywhere from March to Septemer.

 

If you have a large lawn care job that needs a professional’s help, feel free to contact us at (407) 268-6222 for a free estimate.

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2012 How-To Guide: Repairing Your Sprinkler System

November 22, 2011 By

sprinkler sprayingHaving a sprinkler system installed in your lawn is very helpful, especially if you have a large piece of property. Hand-watering can be a very tedious and time-consuming task, and with the help of a sprinkler system, there is no need for hand-watering unless you have problem spots that need to be watered for longer than the rest of the lawn. Along with every great invention, there are possibilities of something going awry and the great invention must be fixed. We provide you with a how-to guide to fix your system on your own.

Where’s My Problem?

There are two places where your sprinkler system can break: the sprinkler head or along the main line. Breaking sprinkler heads is a very common thing and can be fixed easily. You can break a head by accidentally running over the grass in your car or with a lawnmower. If you have a break along the main long, it is certainly a more expensive and involved process. A break can occur during aeration, or from a frozen pipe, or a faulty installation. Once you have determined where your problem is, you can follow this guide accordingly.

Main Line

  • Determine where the line is broken. There’s usually no problem in finding this part; there’s usually a fountain of water spewing from the area.
  • Shut off the main water source!
  • Dig around the area so that there will be room for you to maneuver your arms around the pipe.
  • Carefully cut the broken area of the pipe. Make sure that your cuts are straight and even!
  • Clean and dry off the area because you will be applying an adhesive.
  • You will need to purchase glue specific for piping. You should get the kind that has primer and glue so that you won’t need to buy them separately.
  • You will also need to purchase an expansion repair coupling. Some people choose to buy just regular PVC piping, but the coupling enables you to expand the piping to better fit your sprinkler line, and you’ll only need to cut out a smaller part.
  • Apply the glue to the cut ends of the pipe, in addition to inside of the coupling where it will be joining the pipe.
  • Quickly put all the parts together and hold them together to ensure that they fuse properly. Allow the glue to dry for about 15 minutes.
  • Turn the water back on to make sure that there are no more leaks.
  • If there are no leaks, congratulations! Celebrate by filling in the hole that you dug.

Sprinkler Head

  • Dig a hole around the sprinkler head so you’ll have room to work with it.
  • Unscrew the sprinkler head, but make sure that you don’t take the riser along with it.
  • Clean the area of any dirt.
  • Set the old head aside and screw in the new one on the riser.
  • Turn on your sprinkler system, and your problem should be fixed.
  • Fill in the hole that you created.

Sprinkler Riser

  • Dig a hole around the sprinkler to give yourself some room.
  • Take off the head.
  • Since the riser is broken, you’ll most likely need pliers in order to remove the whole thing.
  • Make sure the sprinkler is clear of any dirt.
  • Install the new riser.
  • Turn on your system, and it should work properly.
  • Fill in the hole.

Repairing your sprinkler does take a bit of time and effort, but if you do it correctly, then it should be fairly simple. The most important thing that you can do is to make sure that everything is clean before you replace any part. Having the slightest bit of dirt could cause damage to your system. If your system is still not working after you’ve followed the instructions, then you’ll need to call in a professional because there could be something else wrong with your system. In fact, you can call a professional if you feel intimidated by any aspect of repairing it on your own.

 

If you need assistance with your sprinkler system, call us at (407) 268-6222.

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Orlando Weed Control: Winning the Battle Over Your Weeds

November 14, 2011 By

weedsWeeds are one of the biggest issues that gardeners and lawn care providers have to deal with on a nearly daily basis. Most of them are unattractive and therefore make your garden unattractive as well. Weeds also provide cover for disease and insects, and they soak up important nutrients and sunlight from your garden that it needs to survive. All in all, weeds are pesky and unusually hard to get rid of, but it is possible to minimize their takeover and keep them at bay.

There are two types of weeds: perennial and annual.

Perennial

Dandelions, blackberry, and milkweed are three examples of perennial weeds. They all sprout flowers and are extremely hard to get rid of because they are grown by both seed and by root. Pulling them out works at first, but if any portion of the root is left in the ground, they will grow back almost immediately. Sometimes, using an herbicide is the only way to get rid of these types of weeds.

Annual

These are a little bit easier to get rid of and keep away than perennial weeds. They are grown from seeds that have already sprouted from your garden, or they have been brought by a bird or another animal. Chickweed, crabgrass, and knotweed are three examples of annual weeds. They are named annual due to the fact that they grow at certain times of the year.

Cool-season weeds will sprout at any time during the time from fall to spring. Warm-weather weeds can start growing in the spring. No matter which type it is, the only way to get rid of them is to catch them before they start growing and uproot them whenever you’re doing yardwork.

 

Getting Rid of Them

Now that you understand that there are different types of weeds, you’re wondering how to get rid of the buggers! There are a few different ways to get rid of weeds, and their usages depend on the age of the weed. If the weed is fairly young and hasn’t sprouted seeds, then they are easier to get rid of than weeds that have matured and grown seeds.

Cultural

Cultural weeding involves breaking up the soil surface to make weeds easier to remove. This works well when the weeds are young and smaller, as well as when the soil is moist. For smaller gardens, this can be done with a small trowel, but for bigger gardens and yards, a tool such as a cultivator. For larger weeds, cultivation involves using a shovel and removing the whole weed from the root. In order to make it less likely for the weed to grow back, the root needs to be removed completely. Perennial weeds need to be disposed of in the trash; if they are cut up by a till or cultivator, they can be spread across your lawn, creating more weeds.

Mulching

This isn’t as much as a plan to get rid of them as it is a preventative plan. Mulch prevents weeds by blocking their access to the sun if they are growing at soil level. If there is no light, then the seeds will not germinate and will instead die eventually. Mulch also benefits the plants that you’re actually trying to grow; it conserves soil moisture and keeps soil at an even temperature.

In addition to organic mulch, you can also purchase weed blocker tarp or a black plastic film. They both work similarly to mulch and are referred to as “synthetic mulches.” The difference between these two is that the weed blocker lets in air and water for plants, while the plastic film does not. They both block all light so that weeds cannot grow, but the plastic can prevent even perennials from growing by killing off all sources of growth material.

Herbicides

If pulling weeds and tilling your soil just isn’t cutting it for you or your garden, then you might need to bring in some reinforcements and purchase an herbicide. There are several different herbicides available, even organic ones. The type of herbicide that you’re going to get will also depend on if you’re trying to get rid of perennial or annual weeds.

 

For professional weed assistance, call us at (407) 268-6222.

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Orlando Fertilization Service: How to Make Your Property Sizzle

November 7, 2011 By

grass fertilizedThe key to having the lawn that will make you the envy of all your neighbors is fertilizer. Fertilizer is rich with nutrients that are not always found in soil, but are essential for your grass to be healthy. The three most important minerals that are in fertilizer are: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These ingredients give your soil the nutrients that it is missing in order for your grass to grow healthily, lush and green. From weeds and everyday wear and tear, a lot of good nutrients are taken out of your lawn, and fertilizer puts it back in.

If you happen to have a lot of time to devote to the task of creating and maintaining a lush lawn, then there are quite a few things that you need to know about fertilizer.

No Two Lawns are Exactly the Same

Lawns are all different and therefore require different percentages of each vitamin in their growing processes. On each fertilizer bag, there are three numbers separated by dashes, such as 12-24-12. Each number corresponds to how much of each element is in each bag. The first number is for nitrogen, the second is for phosphorus, and the third is for potassium. Nitrogen gives grass its’ green color in addition to its thickness. Phosphorus helps your lawn to maintain strong roots, and potassium helps your lawn become resistant to drought and sickness. You need to have a proper understanding of how nutrient-rich your grass already is, because having too many vitamins can backfire. Having a professional assess your lawn will make your fertilizer-buying experience an easier task, and you will have more knowledge about which combination is the best for your lawn.

Know the Right Time of Year

Depending on where you live and what type of grass is growing in your lawn, you’ll need to plan to fertilize at different times of the year. In the south, we have warm season grasses. This means that these grasses grow the best in hot weather and should be fertilized before the temperature reaches between 80 and 95 degrees.

Go Organic?

This is more of a personal preference, but whether you choose to purchase organic or chemical based fertilizers can have an effect on your lawn. They each have their benefits and their downfalls:

Benefits

     Organic:

  • Better for soil overall
  • Releases nutrients over time instead of all at once
  • Flexible formulas
  • Various forms
  • Better for environment
  • Easier to maintain healthy lawn after a few uses
  • Better for the environment

     Chemical

  • Available almost everywhere
  • Variety of formula combinations
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy application process

Downfalls

     Organic

  • Slow release
  • Limited availability
  • Can attract bugs
  • Pets will be inclined to roll around in it
  • Some forms of organic fertilizer are harder to use
  • Not available everywhere

     Chemical

  • Short life-span
  • Absorbs moisture easily when in storage
  • Chemical run-off
  • Could possibly decrease soil fertility
  • Some nutrients are missing
  • Sometimes there is too much phosphorus

 

It’s important to weigh the benefits and the problems that each type of fertilizer can have before making a purchase. Having a professional do this process for you can teach you which type is better for you and your lawn.

 

Frequency

Overall, you need to fertilize when the health of your lawn is in bad condition. How to determine how your lawn is doing? Use a soil test once or twice a year. They are easy to use and will tell you the pH level of your lawn, which will tell you how healthy or unhealthy your lawn is. If for some reason doing a soil test is unappealing to you, you can tell that your lawn is suffering if it looks pale or won’t grow.  When applying, it is recommended to use a very little amount and just water more frequently and follow the instructions on the bag.

 

 Confused? Intimidated?

If you’re standing in the lawn care section of your home improvement store and can’t decide which fertilizer to buy, or how to read your soil test, it may be time to call in a professional. Landscaping companies offer their clients fertilization services that will assist them about how to fertilize their lawns. These companies have employees that have the knowledge to provide the best service to give your lawn the care that it needs so that it is the lushest and greenest lawn in the neighborhood.

If you would like an estimate of your lawn, or would like a soil test performed, call us at (407) 268-6222.

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Lawn Care Tips for the Winter Season – 5 Tips to Protect Your Lawn from the Chilly Weather

November 3, 2011 By

Grass LawnAs the temperature dips at the end of fall, you’re likely to want to stash your mower and forget about doing anything for your lawn until springtime. However, not taking the proper precautions before the chilly weather sits in will make your springtime lawn care regiment a longer and more involved process. Before your lawn hibernates for the winter, you can do certain preventative tasks that will create a lush lawn when your lawn wakes back up in the springtime. We have given you 5 tips for the winter season that will help you to do just that.

Clear Your Lawn of Debris

During the fall months, trees shed and become bare for the winter time, and they always leave their leaves on your lawn. With a blanket of leaves covering your lawn, it has no room to breathe or let in light, causing your lawn to suffocate. It’s okay to have a few stray sprinklings of mulch or grass clippings because they can return nitrogen back into your soil. Also, be sure to clear your lawn of anything that could cause bare patches, such as toys or lawn equipment.

Aerate

With the excessive use of your lawn during the warm months, the soil underneath can become compacted and cause various problems. Aerating involves punching 3-4 inch holes in your lawn to allow moisture, air and nutrients in the soil. In order to make the aerating process easier, you should water your lawn a day or two before your plan to aerate so that it is moist and therefore easier to work with. It’s best to go to your local hardware store to rent aerating equipment.

Mow

During the end of fall when you mow your lawn for the last few times, adjust your mower settings so that they are lower than what you normally use. New growth is more susceptible to disease, so lowering your mower settings will prevent new growth. Be sure to lower the settings gradually so you don’t damage the turf. Make sure you bag all of the clippings!  Weeds may be hiding in them, and if you leave the clippings to sit on your lawn then they could take over  your grass during the wintertime.

Fertilize

At the end of fall, make sure that you fertilize your lawn. Instead of using all of the nutrients right away, your lawn will store the fertilizer in its soil and roots while it is dormant and then take full advantage of the nutrients when the winter is over. By using a fertilizer that has time-sustained capabilities, your lawn will absorb the minerals gradually even while it is latent.

Seed and Water

This tip is more-so for lawns that have bald patches before winter even hits. When you seed the bare spots, the cool weather will allow for the seeds to germinate without weeds completely taking over. You should do this early enough so that the empty spots will fill in before the first freeze. Also, it’s important to give your lawn a good dose of water. This will stimulate both the seed and the fertilizer.

For any more gardening help or advice from professionals, call us at (407) 268-6222.

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