Walk down the fertilizer aisle in spring and it is easy to assume every lawn should be fed as soon as the snow disappears. Bags are stacked everywhere, the grass is beginning to wake up, and after months of winter, doing something to the yard feels productive. The problem is that grass does not … [Read more...] about When Should I Fertilize Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grasses?
What Grass Type Is Best for Shady Areas of the Yard?
There is always that one section of the lawn that refuses to cooperate. The grass looks great out near the driveway, but under the maple tree it is thin enough to see the soil. Maybe the strip along the north side of the house stays patchy no matter how often you seed it. You water. You … [Read more...] about What Grass Type Is Best for Shady Areas of the Yard?
How Late Can I Overseed in the Fall for Cool-Season Grass?
Fall can sneak up quickly in Maine. One week the afternoons still feel like summer, and a couple of weeks later you are watching leaves pile up and wondering whether you missed your chance to improve the lawn. If you have bare spots or thin grass, the question becomes: how late can I overseed in … [Read more...] about How Late Can I Overseed in the Fall for Cool-Season Grass?
Should I Rent or Buy a Dethatching Machine for My Lawn?
There is something satisfying about tackling your own lawn projects. You pick a Saturday morning, roll the equipment out of the garage, and by lunchtime the yard looks noticeably different. Dethatching seems like it should fit neatly into that category. Then you start looking at the machines and … [Read more...] about Should I Rent or Buy a Dethatching Machine for My Lawn?
What Signs Indicate Insect Damage Versus Fungal Disease?
Insect damage often shows up as chewed grass, weak or absent roots, turf that pulls up easily, visible larvae, or excessive bird and skunk activity. Signs that point more often to fungal disease include patterned patches or spots on individual blades, coloured fungal threads, powdery spores, or … [Read more...] about What Signs Indicate Insect Damage Versus Fungal Disease?
Is an Automatic Irrigation System Worth the Cost for a Small Yard?
Is an automatic irrigation system worth the cost for a small yard? You betcha. Unless the budget is low or the project will be temporarily DIY’d until moving day. An irrigation system can make sense when your lawn has new seed, landscaping you don’t want to risk, uneven rainfall, or homeowners who … [Read more...] about Is an Automatic Irrigation System Worth the Cost for a Small Yard?
What Is the Ideal Mowing Height for Healthy Grass?
Wondering what the ideal mowing height is to maintain healthy grass? A height of near 3 inches is recommended for northern lawns because they generally contain cool-season grass species. Cutting too short can stress bunch-type grasses and reduce the benefits of deeper roots. The University of … [Read more...] about What Is the Ideal Mowing Height for Healthy Grass?
What Fall Lawn Care Tasks Should I Not Miss?
Homeowners in northern climates should still mow, clear excess leaves, aerate compacted lawns, overseed thin spots, fertilize if needed, and water any new grass seed. The goal during fall lawn care is to prepare cool-season turf for winter and allow the roots to recover from summer damage. Fall … [Read more...] about What Fall Lawn Care Tasks Should I Not Miss?
Is It Better to Mulch Clippings or Bag Them When Mowing?
Should you leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing or bag them up for disposal? Let’s face it… Homeowners often have questions about the right way to mow their lawn. “Is it better to mulch clippings or bag them when mowing?” Sometimes it’s better to mulch clippings and leave them on the … [Read more...] about Is It Better to Mulch Clippings or Bag Them When Mowing?
How Do I Prevent Clover and Weeds From Overtaking My Lawn?
A carpet of clover, dandelions, chickweed, crabgrass and other unwanted vegetation doesn’t take long to ruin a lawn’s healthy appearance. The good news is that it’s usually easier to prevent weeds from overtaking a lawn than to eliminate an established infestation. But how do you stop clover and … [Read more...] about How Do I Prevent Clover and Weeds From Overtaking My Lawn?
