Bloomington, IN Lawn Care and the Media
How you handle your lawn care can help to prevent soil erosion. With its dense cover an extensive fibrous root system, turfgrass is undoubtedly one of the best defenses against soil erosion. Much publicity goes to human-applied pesticides and fertilizers as major contributors to environmental pollution, but often overlooked is the actual movement of soil. When soil moves, all of its properties – including pollutants, move along with it. Combined with its low growth habit, reduced cover for pests like rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes, and lower heat retention compared to concrete, the grass is the logical choice as a base plant species for open areas like roadsides and lawns to prevent soil erosion. lawn care can help to keep your lawn healthy and reduce the amount of soil erosion that occurs. By following some simple tips, you can make sure that your lawn is doing its part to prevent soil erosion. watering deeply but less frequently, mowing high, and leaving clippings on the lawn are all great ways to reduce soil erosion. lawn care is an important way to help prevent soil erosion and keep your lawn looking its best.
Lawn care can be a tricky business. There are so many variables to consider, from the type of grass you have to the amount of sun and shade it gets. And then there are all the different products on the market, promising everything from a greener lawn to fewer weeds. It’s no wonder that people often turn to experts for help. That’s where the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab comes in. We work with turfgrass professionals to investigate various cases of decline, trying to identify the cause and find a solution. In most cases, the primary cause is not a turfgrass disease, but an abiotic disorder such as lack of fertility, mowing during drought, traffic, compaction, or salt damage. The good news is that many of these issues can be resolved with some simple changes in lawn care practices. So if you’re having trouble with your lawn, don’t despair. The answer may be simpler than you think.
Is Nitrogen(N) a limiting nutrient for grass?
Applying nitrogen fertilizer to lawns is something that is often necessary in order to get a lush, green lawn. However, it is important to know how much nitrogen to apply and when to apply it. Too little nitrogen will result in a lackluster lawn, while too much nitrogen can actually damage the lawn. For established lawns, 1.5-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet is generally sufficient. For younger lawns or lawns that have been newly seeded or sodded, a bit more nitrogen may be necessary. It is also important to take into account the amount of nitrogen that is removed from the soil by mowing. Mowing removes a significant amount of nitrogen, so it is important to replenish the soil with nitrogen on a regular basis. Applying the correct amount of nitrogen will result in a healthy, green lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
In lawn care, topsoil is often removed as part of new home construction. This topsoil is full of life, containing organic matter, nutrient cycling, and a microbial community. These elements are essential for the success of plant growth. Without them, the subsoil is often gray or light colored, clayey, resists water infiltration, has severe nutrient deficiencies and is susceptible to compaction. Despite all these obstacles, turfgrass is still able to overcome them and regenerate topsoil. The plant itself becomes the driver of organic matter accumulation and topsoil regeneration. This is a testament to its resiliency and its ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
Soil testing is a step often neglected by homeowners regarding lawn care. A soil test can guide lawn owners in their quest for the perfect lawn. Homeowners often focus on the above-ground lawn care, such as mowing and watering, but ignore what’s happening below the surface. A soil test may indicate that a subsoil type still persists in the lawn, and light applications (e.g. topdressing) of organic matter or topsoil may aid in rebuilding the soil and turfgrass density. If your lawn continually struggles, consider getting a soil test to determine if a major nutrient deficiency or chemical/physical parameter is an underlying cause.
Need help with your lawn?
If you’re finding that your lawn is starting to look a little patchy, it might be time to consider hiring a lawn care professional. At Wells Lawn, we specialize in helping homeowners get the most out of their lawns. We can provide you with all the lawn care services you need, from mowing and edging to fertilizing and weed control. So if you’re looking for an experienced and reliable lawn care company, Wells Lawn is a perfect choice. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free quote.