GENERAL LAWN CARE

MAINTENANCE
A healthy lawn essentially is disease, insect and pest free. Using a lawn fertilizer high in nitrogen [1st number] will help establish your TURF in becoming green and lush.

Apply fertilizer anytime over the course of the growing season however; the best time to apply is during the fall. This will encourage a good healthy start in early spring. Avoid application of fertilizer during hot, dry conditions as you could burn the lawn.

SPRING LAWN CARE
1. With a spring-tined rake, remove any debris, dead grass and/or leaves. Be sure to utilize what you can in the compost. Removal of dead grass is called dethatching and can be done for large areas by renting a dethatcher to get the job done quicker!

2. If the soil is clay based or if the lawn receives high foot traffic - aerate the lawn using a power aerator to reduce compaction as well as decrease thatch.

3. Fill in low areas or thin areas with 2-4 cm of soil. Over seed the lawn with fresh grass seed but be certain the ground has dried and is firm enough to walk on. Be sure to use a good quality grass seed.

5. If the lawn is in pretty good shape, simply repair any bare spots and fertilize the lawn using a spring fertilizer containing slow release nitrogen, which usually lasts up to 10 weeks. Applying a slow release product will help ensure continuous, even, no-burn feeding throughout the entire spring season. [Green Earth Products are great natural lawn products.]

SUMMER LAWN CARE
1. Mow at a higher setting (at least 2 1/2 inches or 6 cm). This promotes stronger roots and taller grass keeps the soil temperatures cooler.

2. A good deep watering every (3-4) days is better than a light sprinkling. Lawns require about one inch of water per week. Purchase timers if necessary to avoid over watering and excessive waste of our precious natural resource.

3. Water in the morning to avoid evaporation. Night time watering tends to encourage disease and insects to invade the lawn as well as the garden.

FALL LAWN CARE

1. Apply one last application of fertilizer to ensure a good healthy start to spring growth.

2. Continue to mow until the lawn has stopped growing to reduce the amount of springtime thatch.

3. Take care of the mower. Winterize it by removing the gasoline, clean up and sharpen the blade, remove any debris from underneath the mower, change the oil and prepare for a new season.

GRUBS IN THE LAWN
The key to keeping grubs from ruining your lawn is to stop them before they invade. The best way to prevent serious grub injury to your lawn is to grow strong, healthy grass. A vigorous, healthy lawn can outgrow or recover from damage without complete renovation.

Environmentally friendly approach to grub control- The natural pesticide free method of controlling grubs is the use of nematodes.

Nematodes are microscopic worms that:
- are parasitic [feed on other insect larvae]
- do not harm people, pets, plants or earth worms
- can survive in the soil without food for 60-90 days
- begin to destroy grubs within 72 hours

TIPS: Nematodes are easy to apply by a hose 'end sprayer' (e.g.) "Miracle Gro Sprayer". Consult your local professional turf specialist to purchase nematodes which are a cost effective, chemical free way to prevent not only grubs, but a wide range of insect pests from invading your lawn.

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