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Category: Lawn Care

Blue Grass Lawn Care & Landscaping ServiceBlogLawn Care
21 Jul 2020
Fall Seeding Core Aeration and Fertilizing
By BGLawn Lawn Care

The Importance of Fall Seeding, Core Aeration, and Fertilizing

If you want a healthy, thick lawn fall core aeration, seeding and fertilizing is key. Is it worth the cost? Yes, if it is done the proper way!

Core Aeration

Core Aeration is the process where a ground-driven machine, using spikey hollow tubes spaced evenly across a rotating flange, dig into the soil. This allows the unit to move over your lawn, removing plugs. The holes left behind allow air, water, and nutrients to reach deep into the ground, promoting turf root growth, and reducing soil compaction. The holes left behind will soon decompose and provide additional nutrients for your lawn. For the best possible results, we use a ride-on tractor with a thousand-pound press, ensuring deep penetration. A walk-behind aerator does not puncture the ground deep enough.

Aeration Explained

Pro-Tip

Before aerating, make sure you remove any obstacles that may be present. If you have any in-ground irrigation system, be sure to mark all sprinkler heads as the aerator can severely damage the sprinkler heads.

Seeding and Fertilizing

While completing the core aeration, seeding and fertilizing is key. After the core aeration, you will have a good site for seed germination. We recommend seeding during the cool season, allowing for the best possible germination. Mostly around late August, September, and early October. There are a few concerns we make sure not to do. First, we never apply a crabgrass preventer as this product will keep your grass seed from germinating as well. Secondly, we cannot apply a weed control for dandelions, clover, or other weeds until the new seed has germinated and has been mowed three or four times. Light, frequent watering is the best for new seed. If you plan to have your whole lawn seeded, we highly recommend you water all you can for the best results. We only select from our vendors seed varieties that are disease and drought-resistant that are exceptionally durable and get a dark green color. Adaptability is everything and the types of seeds that we choose for your property will be as adaptable as possible for your lawns specific requirements.

stages of grass seed germination

Stages of Grass Seed Germination

Pro-Tip: Mowing and more!

Allow at least a week before cutting your lawn to 2.5 – 3 inches in length. Leave the clippings on the lawn after mowing. You should also do your best to supply one inch of water to your lawn at least once every other week. We usually try to talk customers out of seeding in the spring so that the weeds can be treated and controlled throughout the spring and summer. Then, it makes sense to aerate and seed in the fall. The fertilizer you apply now and throughout the summer will help to thicken the lawn and get it in better shape for the fall.

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02 Jun 2020
Prevent lawn fungus - Bluegrass Lawn Service
By BGLawn Fungus, Lawn Care, Pro Tips

Common Types of Lawn Fungus

Are brown patches starting to pop up in your yard? You could be dealing with one of many types of lawn fungus that naturally occur in your lawn. Your lawn naturally contains millions of fungi spores, many of which never cause problems. However, things like long rainy seasons, over watering, too many cloud days, droughts, and subpar lawn care can cause the fungi can spread out of control.

What Does Lawn Fungus Look Like?

Lawn fungus, which can sometimes be misidentified as weeds, appears in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Summer Patch

Summer Patch

Symptoms of summer patch include rings and circular patches of dead or dying turf grass. Most likely there is a center or surrounding area of healthy grass in or around what we call a doughnut style patch. Therefore, allowing those dead spots to become full of many forms of weeds. You may see this during mid-summer, after heavy rainfall or consistent rain.

Red Thread

The symptoms and signs of red thread are distinctive, most common among morning dew, water from rain or irrigation issues. A coral pink or reddish layer of fungal growth knows as mycelium can be seen on leaves and sheaths. Development of this type of disease is prompted by cool, wet weather (65-70 degrees). The most obvious times you may see this is in the spring or early autumn. As most fungus Red Thread can be seen during long wet weather and damp lawns.

Dollar Spot Lawn Fungus

Dollar Spot

Long periods of high humidity or frequent rainfall may cause the most severe outbreaks. Watering your lawn at the wrong time may extend or increase the incidence of disease. Therefore, the most common outbreaks occur when temperatures are moderately warm and change rapidly. Such as warm days turn into cold nights. Infected areas 4 inches or larger may run together, allowing for much larger patches. Although, patches growing to 12 feet wide are not uncommon.

Lawn Care Tips for Preventing Lawn Fungus

Don't Cut Your Grass Too Short

Not only does it help to prevent weeds from growing, but cutting no more than one third of the length of your grass off keeps it strong and healthy. Cutting your grass too short weakens the grass, which increases the risk of a fungal disease.

Hire a Reputable Lawn Care Company

Keeping your yard healthy requires regular lawn maintenance. It’s essential your lawn care company is well aware of the types of fungal diseases that are common in your area. For over 35 years, we have kept our community's’ yards beautiful and healthy in Bucks County and the surrounding areas. Over that time, we have learned what to anticipate throughout the year and our lawn care plans reflect that!

Apply Only as Much Fertilizer as you Need

Giving your grass the nutrients it needs is key to promoting a strong root system. However, applying too much or too little fertilizer stresses the grass. A strong, healthy lawn is the best defense against fungal diseases.

Get Rid of Dead Grass

Dead grass can build up in the soil over time, which chokes out healthy grass blades and increases the risk of developing a fungal disease. Using a dethatching rake, you can remove the dead grass. However, it is time consuming process. If your yard is big, you might want to rent a power detatching rake or purchase a dethatching attachment available for some types of riding mowers.

Sharpen the Blades of Your Lawn Mower

Your lawn mower blades should be sharpened in the Spring before the mowing season starts. Dull lawn mower blades tear off the tips of your grass instead of actually cutting them. The resulting frayed grass blades are more likely to develop fungal diseases compared to clean cut, sharp blades of grass.

Quit Worrying About Lawn Fungus!

Our lawn care plans have kept our customers’ yard healthy and beautiful for over 35 years! Our experts will treat your yard to ensure it stays beautiful and disease free year-round! Explore our lawn care programs or call us today today and see why the grass is always greener at Bluegrass Lawn Service!

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07 May 2020
Get Rid of Weeds the Right Way!
By BGLawn Gardening, Lawn Care, Pro Tips

Get Rid of Weeds the Right Way!

Sick of seeing weeds pop up on your lawn? You’re not alone, homeowners everywhere are watching dandelions, crabgrass, and clumps of clover mess up their beautiful yard. Luckily there are several simple ways you can get rid of weeds in your yard…

What Are Weeds?

A weed is basically any unwanted plants sprouting up in your yard. These troublesome plants fall under one of three categories: broadleaf, grassy, or grass-like weeds.

Getting rid of broadleef weeds

Broadleaf Weeds

The leaves are broad and flat as opposed to needle-like or grassy. These plants could be dandelions, clover, ground ivy, oxalis, chickweed, dollarweed, henbit, plantain, or thistle.

Getting rid of grassy weeds

Grassy Weeds

Grassy weeds look similar to grass and grow one leaf at a time. The leaves closely resemble grass blades. However, these could be crabgrass, foxtail, annual bluegrass, or quackgrass.

 

 

 

 

Getting rid of grass-like weeds in your yard

Grass-Like Weeds

These may look like grass blades from a distance. However, a closer look shows the leaves are triangular or tube-like and hollow, not flat like a grass blade. These weeds could be nutsedge, wild onion, or wild garlic.

 

 

How to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Yard

The best way to control weeds in your yard is with a proper lawn care schedule. Our eight treatment plan is perfect for ensuring your lawn is uninterrupted by pesky weeds. If you only have a few weeds, hand-pulling may be an option. Crabgrass, chickweed, and other annual weeds tend to have shallow roots making them easily controlled with hand-pulling. However, perennial weeds, such as dandelion and thistle, have deep roots. If you miss even a small part of the root while hand-pulling, the weed will grow back.

 

Preventing Weeds From Growing in Your Hard

Keeping your yard weed-free is can be a battle. However, with a proper lawn care schedule and these simple tips, you can keep your yard beautiful year-round!

Treat at the Right Time

Your lawn care schedule should include treatment for annual grassy weeds in the spring. In the spring, the seedlings are tiny and vulnerable. This makes it a great time to treat so they don’t become a problem in the summer.

Keep Your Yard Healthy Year-Round

Proper lawn care is the best defense against weeds. We have a variety of lawn care treatments backed by over 35 years of experience to keep your yard beautiful year-round. A thick and luscious lawn leaves little space for weeds to grow.

Mow Higher

Any great landscaping company will tell you: when you mow, raise the mower height. Weeds require sunlight to sprout, just like any other plant. Mowing at a taller height allows the grass to grow higher and shade the soil. As a result, the weeds are less able to sprout.

Water Your Lawn Deeper

Frequent and shallow watering encourages shallow root growth in your yard. The periods of heat and drought can cause thin, bare spots in your yard that weeds will happily sprout up in. Watering deeper, less frequently, encourages deeper grassroots. This allows the grass to grow thicker and occupy more of the space weeds normally would.

Leave it to the Experts!

With over 35 years of experience, our experts will treat your lawn regularly to ensure your lawn stays beautiful all year! Explore our lawn care programs or call us today and get rid of weeds the right way!

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06 Apr 2020
By BGLawn Lawn Care

How to Treat Your Lawn for Ticks and Other Pests

With summer approaching, many of us are looking forward to spending time outdoors with our families and pets. However, this year we have a larger population of pests in our yards to deal with. Because of that, it’s very important to understand how to treat your lawn for ticks and other pests so you can protect your family, pets, and landscaping

Ticks Hiding in Grass

Why are there more pests in my yard this year?

For many of the critters making a home of our yard, the life cycle consists of being born in early spring to dying or lying dormant in the cold winters we’re accustomed to in Bucks County. For instance, ticks do not hibernate or lay dormant in the winter if the temperature is above freezing. The mild winter we had this past year in Bucks County allowed more time for pests like ticks to breed meaning we can expect a much higher population of them this year.

 

Why should I be worried about pests in my yard?

Many pests lurking in your yard can lead to much bigger problems. Ticks can carry many diseases that can be transmitted to both you and your pets. These include diseases such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Flea infestations end up in your drapery, carpets, furniture, and more importantly in your pets. More severe cases of flea infestation can cause anemia or even death in some cases.

 

How to treat your lawn for ticks and other pests

The best strategy is to be proactive, treating your yard early on and maintaining your yard regularly.

Regular Lawn Maintenance

Having tall grass helps hide ticks and fleas, allowing them an ideal environment to breed. It’s important to cut your yard to the proper length, cutting it too low will discourage the habitation of ants and spiders which feed on ticks and fleas.

Pesticides

Using a pesticide is your first line of defense against pests. It’s important to make sure that the pesticide is pet-friendly and causes minimum damage to your lawn.

Minimize Debris and Ornaments

Having debris like piles of bricks, wood, or stones allows ticks and other pests to seek refuge in. Even simple items like flowerpots or lawn ornaments in the areas where your family or pets frequents increases the chances of tick infestation.

Hire a Professional

The specific pests and how to get rid of them varies from place to place. A local lawn care expert will understand what to expect for the coming year as well as how to protect your yard and family from pests.

Bluegrass Lawn Service & Landscaping

With over 35 years of experience, we’ve seen time and time again how pest populations affect yards and families across our community. Contact us today to keep your yard safe and beautiful year-round!

 

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09 Mar 2020
By BGLawn Lawn Care ,

Why You Need Grub Control this Spring…

The mild winter we’ve had in Bucks County might have seemed like a pleasant break from the usual cycle of freezing temperatures and gray skies. Most of us were too busy looking forward to warmer weather to think about what that weather means for our grub control.

However, there’s a pest lurking under the ground that loves warm temperatures as much as we do…

What are grubs? Why are they bad for my lawn?

Lawn Grubs (also known as White Grubs) are the immature form of different Scarab Beetles, such as Japanese Beetles, June bugs (beetles) or the European Chafers. These white, crescent-shaped creatures have soft bodies with legs near the head. They feed on grassroots and organic matter in the soil, causing sections of your grass to die. Eventually, grubs turn into adult beetles and emerge from the soil to mate and lay eggs.

Japanese Beetle Grub Control
Cold and icy winters are part of nature’s cycle for controlling these pests in Bucks County. The freezing temperatures kill off many insects that hibernate through the season, resulting in fewer pests waking up in the spring to do damage to your yard.

The problem is, the mild winter we’ve had may not have been frigid enough to kill off the hibernating grubs.

How can I tell if I need grub control?

Clear indicators of a grub problem normally do not come until fall. One indicator is brown patches of grass that can be peeled up in chunks much like a carpet. This happens because grubs eat the grassroots, so the dead grass can be easily pulled up. Sometimes you can detect sponginess before the brown patches appear. Sponginess may be the first clue that Grubs are present if your lawn is well-watered.

Using these visual clues, grubs are easy to spot close-up, as their light color is easily distinguishable against brown dirt. Most live up to two inches below the surface and a small hand tool can be used to reveal those deeper in the dirt. Any more than four grubs per square foot of grass is considered unhealthy for your lawn and extensive lawn damage could result if grub control is not implemented promptly.

How can we help?

With over 35 years of experience, we’ve provided grub control all over Bucks County and have seen first hand how mild winters affect the grub population. Let our experts keep your yard beautiful year-round, get a quote today!

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10 Jun 2019
Lawn Care
By BGLawn Fungus, General, Lawn Care , , ,

Lawn Service Near Me Benefits

There are many benefits for using a lawn service company near you. Especially if the company has been in business for a long period of time and is family owned and operated. With many benefits, such as knowledge of soil, grass and the local experience over the years. We are perfect for all customers looking to protect their lawn, trees, and shrubs. Below are some key benefits and services we offer to our Blue Grass Lawn Service family of customers.

Knowing Your Trees and Shrubs

Knowing the area and the climate we created a 9 step tree and shrub care program provides nutrients, controls damage due to insects and prevents damage due to hot, dry weather conditions. The need for expert tree and shrub care often goes overlooked, but a flourishing landscape will greatly enhance the overall health and appearance of your property while increasing its value. Blue Grass Lawn Service & Landscaping offers a range of tree and shrub care services designed to give your landscape the nutrients, protection, and conditions it needs to thrive.

Lawn Care Needs

Based on the needs of your lawn we offer a variety of optional services to extend protection and help your lawn thrive throughout the season.

  • Promotes strong roots and thick, beautiful turf
  • Improve oxygen uptake ability
  • Defend your yard against ticks & fleas
  • Prevent damage due to turf diseases
  • Prevent damage caused by white grubs

We are a one-stop shop for seeding, aeration, flea and tick control, grub control. With us, we are only a phone call away and we consider everyone a customer, not a number. Owner-Operator Mitch Lynd is a phone call away. Whether you are a current customer or not, Mitch is always there to answer any questions or concerns!

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