Tips & Resources

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Aeration

Aeration is an important part of ensuring the healthiest lawn. By punching holes in the top layer of soil, you increase the surface area and allow for gases to be exchanged with the atmosphere. This is very important because it promotes the population of aerobic microbes in the soil, who need oxygen as they break down organic material in the soil.

There are two types of aeration methods that are used regularly. It is important to identify the correct method for aerating your lawn as using the wrong method could cause more harm than good. The first method, the spike aerator, punches holes in the sod without removing any sod. If aeration is not necessary, this method could potentially cause harm to your lawn due to compacting the soil. The second method of aeration, the plug aerator, removes small plugs of soil and lays them across the lawn. The plug aerator is preferred, but the spike aerator is better than nothing if aeration is needed. If you choose to use the spike aerator method, you must promptly apply top dressing of peat moss or compost. Though it is preferred, you do not need to use top dressing if you use the plug aerator.

The best time to aerate your lawn is in the fall. As aeration will expose a good amount of soil, your lawn could become more susceptible to warm season weeds if done in the spring. Weeds such as crabgrass require warm conditions and light to grow. By aerating your lawn in the fall, you will have a much easier time keeping those unwanted weeds from taking over.

Watering

It is no secret that plants require water to grow. However, if not done properly, watering can do as much harm as it does good. There are three things to consider when watering your plants.

Timing is very important. If you water your lawn at the same time every day, make sure that you are prepared to mow your lawn on a similar schedule. It is important to do this regularly as it will help to train your lawn to grow evenly and consistent. Please note — by only watering your lawn when it needs it, you will help it become more drought resistant.

Know your soil! It is important not to drench your lawn when watering. It is only necessary to moisten the soil between four and six inches, depending on how deep the roots reach. With most types of soil, about one inch of water applied to your lawn will adequately moisten the soil down about four inches. The richer and heavier the soil, the more water it will take. Make sure you give the soil some time to allow the water to be absorbed. If you have sandier soil, you will not need as much water to moisten the roots, however you may have to water it more frequently as this type of soil will dry out quicker.

Water your lawn in the morning! This is especially important when the night time temperatures are cool. By watering your lawn in the morning, you are increasing the likelihood that the water will be absorbed rather than have it evaporate.

Landscaping

Landscaping can enhance the quality of life on your land. There are many benefits to landscaping your property. With the proper landscaping, you can add color, fragrance, protection and privacy to your land making it fit your needs. Also, by having a nicely landscaped house, you can significantly raise the value of your home — sometimes by as much as 15%.

Pruning

Approximately one year after planting a tree you should begin to prune it annually. This practice will help you to begin training your tree to grow the way you would like it to by enhancing the shape and structural strength you would like it to achieve. It is important to prune your tree no more than necessary in the first few years.

When you begin pruning young trees, try to avoid removing too many of the side branches from the trunk. These branches are important because they will help the trunk’s diameter increase making the tree more substantial. These branches also provide shade and protection from the sun, animals, and other potentially harmful pests.

When pruning your trees, try to keep the following in mind. Branches less than 5 cm in diameter are safe to remove. If the branch is between 5 cm and 10 cm in diameter, you might want to reconsider removing them. Unless there is a reason for their removal, branches over 10 cm in diameter should not be removed.

There are many benefits that come from pruning your plants. By doing this annually, you will encourage your plants to grow stronger, produce more flowers and fruit, increase the amount of shade that they produce, and help them to be as healthy as possible.

Tree Planting

When making decisions on planting techniques, you should consider how the plant was grown in the nursery, the plant’s drainage requirements, the soil type and drainage characteristics, and the availability of water for the planting. The plant should be specifically appropriate for the site or the site should be amended to specifically fit the plant. Choose a site that is large enough for the tree to grow to maturity.

Trees are very vulnerable during the first several years. One must pay close attention to make sure that they are getting the care that they need. It is important to make sure that you are adequately watering your trees on a consistent basis. The goal is to ensure that the water is absorbed deep into the earth, beneath the roots. Over time, this practice will lead to large, healthy root systems.

When planting trees, it is important to try to plant them during the dormant seasons — either early spring or late fall. You want to make sure that the roots have time to establish themselves before the rains and growing season begins.

Mulch

Mulch is considered a “top dressing” and is used for several reasons. In addition to the aesthetic appeal it provides, mulching your flower beds is important because it protects the base of your plants from pests, frozen roots, and helps the ground surrounding your plants retain moisture instead of evaporating in the summer heat.

There are many different types of mulch to choose from. Mulch can be organic or inorganic, different textures and sizes, and also different colors.

Here are some other benefits of using mulch in your garden:

• decorative
• encourages root growth
• improves the amount of nutrients in the soil
• helps drainage
• insulates your plants throughout the year

When mulching your beds, it is best to use organic mulch as the nutrients will be returned to the soil resulting in stronger, healthier plants.

Tips on How to Mulch

It is recommended to apply between 1 to 3 inches of mulch, depending on your preferences. When spreading the mulch, try to use your hands as it will guarantee even distribution. It is important to leave about two inches around the base of the plants. This will help the ground directly around the base of the plant to retain moisture and help to avoid disease in your plants. When you have finished with the application, watering the mulch will provide moisture and will also help it to settle into place.