Landscape & Outdoor
Black & Decker - The Complete Guide to a Better Lawn
Source: Black & Decker - The Complete Guide to a Better Lawn.pdf
Source file: Black & Decker - The Complete Guide to a Better Lawn.pdf
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The Complete Guide to aHow to Plant, Maintain & Improve Your Yard & Lawn
by Chris Peterson
Mantesh
Creative Publishing
international
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
www.creativepub.com(j Copyright © 2011 PresidenUCEO: Ken Fund Creative Publishing international, Inc. 400 First Avenue North, Suite 300 Home Improvement Group Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 1-800-328-0590 Publisher: Bryan Trandem www.creativepub.com Senior Editor: Mark Johanson All rights reserved Managing Editor: Tracy Stanley
Printed in U.S.A. Creative Director: Michele Lanci-Altomare Senior Design Manager: Jon Simpson, Brad Springer, James Kegley 10987654321 Digital ISBN-13: 978-1-61060-189-4 Lead Photographer: Joel Schnell Shop Manager: James Parmeter Softcover edition: 978-1-58923-600-4 Production Manager: Laura Hokkanen, Linda Halls Library of Congress Cataloging-in-publication Data The complete guide to a better lawn: how to plant, maintain & Author: Chris Peterson improve your yard & lawn / created by the editors of Creative Page Layout Artist: Danielle Smith Publishing international, Inc., in cooperation with Black & Decker. Technical Editor: David Griffin p. cm. Shop Help: Charles Boldt At head of title: Branded by Black & Decker. Prooreader: Drew Siqveland Summary: “An up-to-date, environmentally responsible approach Editoriailntern: John Buckeye to lawn care with mainstream appeal. An ideal reference for busy homeowners who want better grass quickly and easily”—Provided by publisher. Includes index. ISBN-13: 978-1-58923-600-4 (soft cover) ISBN-10: 1-58923-600-9 (soft cover)
- Lawns. I. Creative Publishing International. II. Black & Decker Corporation (Towson, Md.) III. Title: How to plant, maintain & improve your yard & lawn. SB433.C662011 635.9’647—dc22 2010050832
The Complete Guide to a Better Lawn Created by: The Editors of Creative Publishing international, Inc., in cooperation with Black & Decker. Black & Decker@is a trademark ofThe Black & Decker corporation and is used under license.
NOTICE TO READERS For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher and Black & Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided. The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions included with products, since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required: some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help. Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.
Contents
The Complete Guide to a Better Lawn
Introduction . … . … . … . 6
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns … 8
Evaluating Your Lawn … . ........... 24 understanding Your Soil… … … … .. ...... 26
Lawn Soil Types … … … … ... 27
Soil Nutrients … … … … … … … . ... 28
Testing Your Soil … … … . ..... 30
Knowing Your Lawn … … … ..... ... 32
Geography, Climate & Grass Choice … … … … . 34
Cool-Season Grasses . … … … … … 36
Warm-Season Grasses . … … … … … . . 38
Inspecting Your Lawn … … … … … … .. ... 40
Your Lawn-Care Plan … … … … . . 42
Scheduling Lawn Care … … … … … … … 43
Renewing an Older Lawn … 46 Renew or Replace? … … … … ... 48
Dealing With Thatch … … … … … … … . . 50
Dethatching Your Lawn … … … … .. . 51
Aerating Your Lawn … … … … … … 54
Leveling the Lawn Surface … … … … .... .... 56
Contents (Cont.)
Repairing Bare Spots . … … … … … 58
Overseeding .. … … . … … … … . .. 62
Planting a New Lawn … . … . 64
New Lawn Options … … … … … .. . 66
Selecting Sod … … … … 67
Selecting Grass Seed … … … … … … .. . 68
Selecting Lawn Plugs … .. … .. … .. … 69
Removing an Old Lawn … … … … 70
Preparing Your Soil … … … … … … .. . 72
Adding Topsoil … … … 74
Amending Soil With Compost .. … . … .. … 75
Natural Soil Amendments … … … … … … 76
Maintaining Proper Soil pH … … … ..... .. 77
Grading for Proper Drainage … … … 78
Laying Sod … … … … … 80
Planting a Lawn From Seed … … … 86
Maintaining Your Lawn … . ........... 90
Feeding Your Lawn .. … . … … … … … 94
Mowing Fundamentals . … . … .. … .. … . .. 108
Mowing the Lawn … … … … … … .. 120
manteshTrimming & Edging … … … … … ..... 126
Water & Your Lawn … … … … … … 138
Winterizing the Lawn … . … . .. 156
THE LAWN PROBLEM-SOLVER GUIDE . … 158
Solving Lawn Problems . … . … 160
Fighting Weeds … … … … … … ... 162
Defeating Harmful Insects & Pests … . … . … … … 176
Dealing With Lawn Diseases … . … . … 188
Improving Site Conditions … … … … … … .. 194
Installing a French Drain … … … 202
Creating a Drainage Swale … … … … … 204
Adding a Mowing Strip … … … … .... 208
Artificial Lawns … … … … … 210
APPENDIX: Lawncare Equipment User’s Guide . … 216
Resources … … … … … … . . 218
Conversions . … . … . … 219
Photo Credits … … … .... 220
Index … . … . … 221
I
Introduction F ew things make a home look as spectacular as a lush, manicured, emerald green lawn. Aside from making your neighbors green with envy, a fabulous lawn is also the grand, comfortable stage for many of life’s most treasured moments, from summer birthday parties, to a lazy neighborhood cookout, to junior’s first game of catch with dad. But just as a gorgeous lawn enhances your home, one that has some obvious shortcomings will detract from the look of a house-and the neighborhood in general. A weed-strewn, scraggly, patchy lawn or a sickly plot of grass can bring down the value of the home it’s connected to, and it makes outdoor activities less enjoyable. There’s simply no reason to put up with a less-than-wonderfullawn. Dense, healthy turf doesn’t materialize by accident. It’s the result of timely feeding, watering, and regular maintenance. Conscientious lawn care not only creates a luxurious carpet of grass, it is also your first and easiest line of defense against weeds, insects, disease and other lawn problems. Preventing them from occurring is always easier than dealing with them after they rear their ugly heads. That’s why we’ve laid out all the basics of lawn maintenance in this book, including exactly what you need to do to keep your lawn healthy, and when you need to do it. Of course even the most meticulously tended lawns occasionally have an outbreak of weeds, a problem with grubs, or even a small patch of dollar spot fungus. After all, you can’t entirely control nature. So we’ve also included a comprehensive “Lawn Problem-Solving Guide” in this book, ensuring that you always have the right solution for whatever problem crops up. Keeping ahead of lawn problems and on top of your lawn’s needs entails just a little diligence and the right knowledge and advice. It’s not hard. You provide the watchful eye and few hours on weekends, and these pages will serve up the information you need to create a verdant, rich green lawn that you and your family can enjoy with pride.
• 7I
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns Y OU can learn a lot about lawns just by looking at
them. The color is the first thing that sticks out. Ahealthy, well-fed, and well-tended lawn will be a deep consistent green. And it’s not just the color; a healthy lawn is also dense and cut suitably high so that it has the welcoming appeal and magnetism of a plush carpet. You just want to lie down on it. Take a stroll down your block and you may find that precious few yards actually look this inviting. That’s because many different elements come together in the creation of a truly memorable lawn. In addition to a sharp appearance of its own, the lawn should also complement the edges of the property and visually complement other yard features , such as flowerbeds, shrubs and trees. That said, growing the better lawn is not a great mystery, it’s the product of a little thought, a little time, and making sure the lawn is kept healthy. If it’s kept in fighting trim, you lawn will do the rest-filling out in a dense mat of eye-catching green and looking good even in periods of drought, overuse, or less-than- ideal weather. The following pages feature inspiring lawns that show what a little work and quick action in dealing with the occasional pest, weed, and disease can do. These examples should provide ample motivation for you to create your own little carpet of heaven right outside your front-or back-door.
• 9I Healthy Turf An in-ground sprinkler system, although somewhat expensive and labor- intensive to install, can save a significant amount of time, money, and hassle over the years.
Mowing patterns are a wonderful and easy way to add a fascinating graphic element to your healthy lawn.
10 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
A lush. pristine lawn like this requires excellent soil, ideal conditions, and dedicated lawn maintenance.
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns • 11A blanket of healthy turf grass not only looks beautiful, but is a highly effective way to prevent soil erosion in a hilly lawn area .
There’s nothing wrong with this lawn; allowing a cool-season lawn to go dormant helps keep it healthy and, as long it’s mowed trim as this lawn has been, it can still look nice and tidy.
12 • T H E CO MPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
This southern lawn has been mowed extremely low to achieve an elegant, velvety texture. Only a few grass species will tolerate mowing to such a short height; mow the correct height for your lawn.
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns • 13Healthy grass grows vigorously as long as it gets plenty of sun and water. Keeping up with the growth takes some effort but will give payback in many ways because healthier plants are much more resistant to disease and they outperform weeds.
A well-maintained lawn can be identified in a quick glance in most cases. The urge to take off your shoes and run through the grass is a key sign that you’re doing a good job in the lawn care department.
14 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
Beautiful Borders
Crisp edging goes a long way toward helping a lawn look spiffy. Keeping edges cut cleanly will also help prevent healthy lawn grasses from invading flowerbeds.
A gravel pathway separates the lawn from adjacent shrub beds. A matching brick border separates the gravel path from the lawn, ensuring that the edge can be easily mown without the fear of flying gravel.
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns • 15Lawn-edge pathways not only add a distinctive design element to any lawn, they are also extremely practical. They limit the need for edging, make mowing easier, and keep aggressive garden plants from invad ing the grass-and vice versa .
16 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BEITER LAWN
I Accent Plantings
\1,...-- -_
~ - ~From container plants to meticulously pruned shrubs to wildflowers, border plantings, specimen trees, and climbing vines, this yard features just about every imaginable type of accent plant. The element that ties it all together: a lush green lawn.
Ornamental rose gardens are lovely counterpoints to this Climbing roses add life and color to the transition area strip of lawn, but the homeowner has to keep a watchful eye between this stretch of lawn and the driveway. The plants on the lawn’s soil. The Japanese beetles that are common also help soften the hard lines of the metal railing for a more rose pests can start as white grub infestations in the lawn. inviting appearance. protecting lawn health often means being aware of what other plants are nearby.
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns • 17A beautiful flowering cherry tree, low-lying shrubs, and flowering ground covers thrive in a high-traffic corner where the grass struggled to survive. The solution to a lawn problem often lies in being creative with landscape plantings.
18 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Because this lawn has essentially been designed as the pathway between flower beds, the grass chosen is one that is tolerant to high traffic. Always consider if your grass species is well suited to the plans you have for your yard and landscape.
Native wildflowers planted around
the edges of this lawn create an informal
border that feels natural and requires only
minimal maintenance.
Gallery of Beautiful Law ns • 19The right tree can be a lovely addition and a great way to break up an otherwise boring expanse of lawn. But choose carefully. The tree should have a modest canopy and it should be placed where the sun will move around it during the day, preventing lawn thinning due to lack of sun.
20 • T H E CO MPLETE G UID E TO A BEITE R LAWN
Hardscape Helpers
Mowing strips, such as the concrete versions shown here, save you time and effort spent edging. They also add a sharp look to the lawn.
A wonderful stepping-stone path leads visitors through the yard and prevents soil compaction and grass damage from foot traffic. Stepping-stone paths are the easiest to install in a lawn, and can save a lot of wear and tear.
Gallery of Beautiful Lawns • 21
It's often wiser to terrace a severe
slope than to try to grow grass there. This
low-maintenance terrace garden replaced
a section of lawn that was both difficult to
keep healthy and a challenge to mow.An elegant stepping-stone pathway leads both the eye and foot traffic to a lovely outdoor patio. It also prevents that foot traffic from causing lawn compaction.
22 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
A mixed bag of masonry structures could easily be a visual mess, but the calm tones of this plush lawn provide a resting place for the eye and allow each stone or brick element to stand on its own. For the record, this landscape includes poured concrete steps, a curved concrete paver walkway, a mortared fieldstone wall, a mortarless ashlar wall with flagstone cap, and a brick wall.
A rock garden and a garden pond with stone coping provide shape and form to this landscape. The gardens create rounded forms and interesting irregular lines in the lawn borders that give it a very organic feeling.
Gallery of Beautiful Law ns • 23Evaluating Your Lawn B efore you can really meet your lawn’s needs, you have to know what those needs are. The grass in your lawn may be any of a dozen different common types, each with its own nutritional and maintenance requirements. The soil beneath your lawn can be rich loam, quick-draining sand, or impenetrable clay-or any combination. Certain weeds, pests, and diseases will be common to your area. Growing the best lawn possible entails knowing all you can about the grass, local conditions, and the problems your lawn is likely to face and why. Understanding your lawn starts with the soil. Determining which nutrients are present, and which are missing, will help you choose precisely the type and quantity of fertilizer your lawn needs to grow as robustly as possible. The type of grass is as important as the soil. With that in mind, we’ve provided a visual guide to lawn grasses. This will allow you to come up with a maintenance plan tailored to your yard, and develop strategies for heading off problems such as pests and disease long before they take hold. A simple and comprehensive lawn-care plan is the ultimate goal of any thorough lawn assessment, which is exactly what you should have once you’re finished with this chapter.
In this chapter: • Understanding Your Soil • Cool-Season Grasses • Lawn Soil Types • Warm-Season Grasses • Soil Nutrients • Inspecting Your Lawn • Testing Your Soil • Your Lawn-Care Plan • Knowing Your Lawn • Scheduling Lawn Care • Geography, Climate & Grass Choice
• 25I Understanding Your Soil A lush, healthy lawn begins with the soil that lies beneath it. Good soil is your first line of defense against problems, because it ensures that the grass The nutrients available to grass roots will also be affected by the pH of the soil, which is the measure of how acidic it is. An imbalance in pH can occur when has all the nutrients it needs to grow strong, win the a lawn is not correctly maintained, or is improperly competition against weeds, deny pests a home, and fertilized. When soil becomes too acidic or alkaline prevent disease. The best soil also ensures that water (the opposite of acidity), some nutrients become drains quickly enough so that the lawn doesn’t drown , unavailable. It’s easy to fix an acidity imbalance, but but not so quickly that it dies of thirst. detecting it early is key. Maintaining proper pH , along How well your soil supports lawn growth and with ensuring the right balance of nutrients, is why health depends on the balance of the four basic any sensible lawn program starts with a basic soil test. ingredients that make up any soil: air, water, inorganic How well the soil supports your lawn also minerals, and organic matter-the mix of decaying depends on how much soil you actually have. plants and insects called humus. The wrong balance Topsoil that is more than five inches deep provides creates a soil that doesn’t drain and discourages root an excellent foundation for the typical lawn. But growth, or one that drains too quickly to effectively topsoil is expensive, which is why home builders hold nutrients . The right balance is a rich mixture and contractors often use two inches or less. That teeming with beneficial life. can translate to a lawn that struggles. So in addition Lawns prefer loam for good reason. Loam provides to making sure your soil is supplying the proper a ready supply of nutrients to the grass. Those nutrients to the grass, you’ll also need to determine nutrients, like the soil structure itself, must be in how much soil you’ve got to work with. In most cases, proper balance to ensure that the lawn gets the food it it’s a good idea to regularly add organic matter on needs, when it needs it. The three main nutrients you’ll top of the lawn to build up the soil base, in a process encounter most often in discussions of lawn health called topdressing. are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. But as But whatever you do, always keep in mind that essential as these are, they are only a few of the many although you can’t see it, the soil underneath your nutrients present in healthy soil. An overabundance or lawn is just as important as the grass itself. It’s a living, deficiency of other key nutrients can create problems breathing thing, and keeping the soil healthy is key to just as serious as an imbalance in the big three. keeping your lawn healthy.
Rich loam is the soil of choice for
lawns; different size particles, a wea lth
of decomposing organic materials, and
beneficial organisms ensure grass roots
get the nutrients, water, and air they need.26 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Lawn Soil Types hen we talk of soil, we are really discussing the No m atter what type of soil is natural to your W relatively thin layer of topsoil that sits atop a area, soil health and structure also dep end on how the much deeper layer of subsoil. The topsoil is the layer lawn has been used over time , and how it has been in which plants can grow; subsoil is unfit for plant maintained. For instance, a lawn that has seen many growth. But the subsoil can affect the chemistry of the years of hard use as a football field for a growing group topsoil, most specifically, the pH. The other important of kids will likely be tightly compacted and dense. An factor in the makeup of topsoil is location. excess of certain nutrients such as calcium can also Soil differs greatly from one geographic region to adversely impact soil structure , as can an imbalance of another, but all soil falls into one of three classifications: other nutrients. clay, loam, or sand. If you live in certain parts of the However, most lawn soils are not totally one south, you may have to deal with distinctively clay- type or the other. If you look closely at your soil, it’s heavy soil, while homes in coastal areas often struggle like ly you’ll see a mix, such as a sandy loam. That’s with extremely sandy soils. Loam is the most desirable why the goal of improvements like aerating the soil. Clay drains poorly and the dense structure resists lawn , and adding structural amendme nts such as root growth. Sandy soil drains much too quickly to hold compost, is to create a soil that is most conducive to the nutrients necessary to keep the lawn healthy. a healthy lawn .
Determining Your Soil Texture ~
Soils partly come from the earth's mineral crust and partly from the best soil for lawns since it doesn't compact like clay
the remains of living things. The mineral (inorganic) part is rock or dry out like sand. A handful of moist loam will form a
that has been wom down to particles. Clay (left photo) is simply ball when squeezed, but the ball will crumble as you
stone that has worn down to microscopically small particles. handle it.
Clay soils are dense and slow draining. Clay soils compact Sand soils (right photo) are gritty and resist forming
easily when wet. Compacted clay soils resist root penetration a cohesive ball. Sand soil resists compaction better than
and do not support grass well. Most clay soils form a tight wad clay and loam but dries out quickly unless generously
when squeezed in your hand that does not easily crumble. amended with organic matter. Heavy clay and dry sand soils
The inorganic part of Loam soils (center photo) are best improved with the addition of compost or other
are a mixture of clay, silt, and sand particles. Loam is organic matter.
Evalu ating Yuur Lawn • 27
ManteshI Soil Nutrients S oil serves as the lawn’s kitchen. A rich, healthy soil provides a smorgasbord of varying amounts of more than a dozen macro and micronutrients. These sources for nitrogen, from fine lawn clippings themselves to natural fertilizers, to the synthetic mixes sold at most garden centers. The trick is to feed the range from large amounts of nitrogen to trace amounts lawn a steady and moderate supply of nitrogen. of copper and zinc. However, the main courses and Phosphorous is important in its own right, the nutrients you’re most likely to deal with and adjust primarily for aiding root and shoot growth. Most soils are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (denoted by typically contain enough phosphorous to feed a lawn, the initials N-P-K). but in unhealthy soils, the nutrient can be bound up Nitrogen is considered the biggest player in that and unavailable to the root system. trio, because its effects are most apparent. Largely Potassium is the unsung hero in your soil. It acts responsible for lawn growth and the deep green color as a vitamin and supplement to your lawn, helping that marks a vigorous lawn, nitrogen spurs the process the grass plants block out weed growth, resist disease, of photosynthesis by which the grass plant actually and tolerate stressors such as cold snaps and drought. feeds itself. Available nitrogen is used up or washes Unfortunately, a lack of potassium is a hard thing to out of the soil very quickly, but too much nitrogen discern, which is why it’s usually a part of any regular applied all at once can cause more problems than it lawn feeding. addresses, including “burning” the lawn, killing off As important as these big three are, keep in mind beneficial organisms in the soil, and creating very that the key to healthy soil is balance. If only a single rapid blade growth at the expense of proper root nutrient is out of whack, it can negatively affect how development. Fortunately, there are many available other nutrients are absorbed by lawn.
The Perfect pH ~
Soil acidity is measured on a 14-point pH scale. On this scale, 1 is extremely acidic,
7 is neutral and 14 is extremely alkaline. Lawn soil should generally be neutral or
slightly acidic, falling somewhere between 6.5 and 7 on the scale. Soil that is too acidic
or too alkaline (the opposite of acidity) will hinder lawn health. Depending on how
severe the imbalance is, acidity or alkalinity will "lock up" certain nutrients making
them unavailable to the lawn.
Lawn soil acidity can be affected by local geographic
conditions, the age of the lawn, the type of fertilizers that
have been used, and other factors. Soil that that is too
acidic can be remedied with the application of lime,
while alkaline soils can be corrected by adding sulfur
to the soil. But these corrections have to be done
very carefully.
In any case, the place to start is with a soil test,
as described on page 30. In addition to measuring
the relative levels of different nutrients in the soil,
the test should accurately depict the pH level. Keep
in mind when reading your results that the scale is
exponential: a one-point difference in the scale-
say, from 6 to 5-represents a tenfold increase in
acidity or alkalinity.28 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Not Just For Bait Anymore ~ Keep an eye out for earthworms in your lawn soil. These wriggly little creatures are a sure sign of healthy soil, because they process decaying matter and create waste, or “castings,” that add to the nutrients your lawn uses to make its own food. They will not proliferate in an unhealthy soil base, and a lack of earthworms is oftentimes the “canary in the coal mine” of your lawn’s health .
Thinking Green: Composting ~ Gardeners call compost “black gold,” because not only does it provide a nutrient-rich, structure-improving soil amendment that few - fertilizers can rival, composting is also a low- or no-cost way to recycle household and yard waste, keeping it out of landfills while benefiting your lawn. Among the many wonderful attributes of compost is that it releases its nutrients slowly for long-term benefits. And even if you add other fertilizers to your lawn, compost-enriched soil will bind those fertilizers, limiting runoff and stopping excess fertilizer from making its way into sewage streams, waterways, and watersheds. You can buy compost from most garden centers, but it’s almost as easy to make your own. Purchase one of the many prefabricated compost bins on the market, or build your own with straw bales, wood, chicken wire, or any material that will create an enclosure that allows for air circulation. You can even just pile layers of different yard and kitchen waste in a discrete corner of the yard. For quick results, turn the pile every couple of weeks to make sure it’s kept moist. Even a neglected pile will eventually become your own little source of black gold!
Evalu ating Yuur Lawn • 29I Testing Your Soil R ush out to buy fertilizer, amendments, or lawn- care products of any sort without knowing what’s already in your soil, and you’re flying blind. That’s mail-in tests. But if you have doubts about the health of your soil or have detected multiple problems in the lawn, a mail-in test kit is probably the way to go. You where soil tests come in. can find mail-in kits online, or get them through your A decent soil test kit (look to pay $20 or more) local cooperative extension office. The Cooperative will tell you if your pH is off. It will also measure Extension System (now called the National Institute relative amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous , and for Food and Agriculture) is a federal government potassium in the soil. That information will give you agency with a network of regional branch offices a great start on determining whether or not you need throughout every state in the nation. Charged to immediately make corrections. A soil test provides with advancing knowledge about agriculture, the a great overview snapshot of your soil health, and environment, and related issues, your local extension you can use the test results to select the appropriate office offers soil testing as part of their services . Collect fertilizer blend for your lawn (that’s if you determine a soil sample as shown in the steps on page 31, but put you even need to fertilize at all). You’ll find home test the sample in the container supplied by the extension kits that give you results right away at large home office. Mail the sample to the lab in the mailer centers and nurseries. provided, and you’ll receive a highly detailed report. Mail-in kits provide more accurate and more Look to test your soil in the early spring, after comprehensive information, including levels of soluble the weather first turns warm, or in the late fall , after salts in the soil and percentages of micronutrients. the lawn has gone dormant. Make sure to create your Some even provide recommendations for correcting sample from several different areas of the lawn, and soil imbalances. You’ll wait a few weeks for the results carefully follow the directions that come with the and you’ll have to spend a little bit more money for test kit.
Jar Test ~
You can tell what texture soil you're working with by
conducting a jar test. Fill a quart jar two-thirds full with
water. Gradually add to the jar a soil sample from the
desired planting area. Continue adding soi l until water
reaches the top of the jar. Cover and shake, then allow
the sediment to settle for a day. The sand wi ll settle first,
then silt, and finally clay. Is your soil predominantly sand?
Mostly clay?
Heavy clay soils and dry sand soils are most
effectively improved by the addition of organic
matter. While it would seem that adding sand shou ld
make a clay soil more like loam, in practice this
mixture produces hard, brick-like chunks in the soi l.
Instead, till in generous quantities of peat, compost,
or composted manure. Contact your local extension
service for recommendations on the best kinds and
quantities of organic matter to add to your clay or
sand soils.30 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Test Your Soil
Clean a thin garden trowel and gallon bucket with a mild Dig up samples from different areas of the lawn. Half a soap mixture. Wipe them with a clean, dry cloth moistened with trowel of dirt or less from each of about five or six locations rubbing alcohol. Allow them to dry before gathering the soil. will be plenty.
Collect the soil in the bucket as you go. When you’ve Test the soil for key nutrients and acidity, using the test kit collected the soil you’ll need, use the trowel to thoroughly tubes, and following the kit’s instructions. blend the soil samples.
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 31I Knowing Your Lawn A lawn is a garden unto itself, typically populated by over a million grass plants that are all incredibly alike in their structure and growing habits. Those to seed if you allow them to. But routine lawn mowing prevents this from happening. Instead, turfgrasses grow new plants in one of three ways. Rhizomatous plants are fairly special; of the thousands upon grasses create new growth at the end of underground thousands of grass species, only a select group of stems, called rhizomes. Stoloniferous grasses produce about 50 are suitable for use in a lawn. new plants at nodes along stolons, essentially rhizomes All turfgrass species share a basic structure. that creep along aboveground setting new plants down Turfgrasses grow from a central node at ground into the soil. C lumping grasses don’t send out stolons; level called a crown. The crown is essentially the they grow new stems called tillers, directly out of the main control center of the plant. It sucks up water crown. The bushy growth habit is why clump grasses and nutrients from the roots to fuel the process of are sometimes called bush or bunch grasses. photosynthesis in the leaves by which any turfgrass The reason this distinction matters to produces its own food. That food is then used to homeowners is because stoloniferous and rhizomatous generate both root and leaf growth. Amazingly, even grasses tend to fill out more quickly and fully, making if you severely scalp the top growth and the roots are for a lusher lawn. That’s why they are the most popular underfed, dried out, and shriveled up, your grass still varieties for lawns. has a fighting chance if the crown is intact. Turfgrasses can be classified as annual or Sturdy stems called shoots grow out of the crown perennial, but the vast majority of lawns are perennial with a protective covering known as a sheath. Each grasses. It’s not very useful to have your lawn die out stem is capable of producing several growth nodes, every year. The more important division is seasonality. out of which new leaves will sprout. Most people call Some grasses grow best in warmer parts (called warm- these leaves blades (technically speaking, only the season grasses) of the country, while others thrive in top portion of the leaf), and the fact that you can cut cooler areas (called, predictably, cool-season grasses) . them again and again without damaging the plant is Knowing what grass species you have, how it something that makes grass unique among plants. It’s spreads , and what season it prefers determines when also the trait that allows you to mow regularly. you should fertilize and water, how you should mow Turfgrasses differ in how they grow and spread. and maintain the lawn, and what pests and problems Like other grasses, turfgrasses will reproduce by going you can expect to battle.
Some turfgrass plants grow out from a
centra l crown that provides moisture and
nutrients to the leaves so that essential
photosynthesis can occur.32 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Turf Grass Propagation
-
STOLONIFEROUS
Blade Rhizome Crown -
CLUMPING 3. RHIZOMATOUS
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 33
I Geography, Climate & Grass Choice J ust as you select the flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs for your yard and garden based largely on your climate, you need to choose turfgrass that thrives maps; seed companies sometimes develop their own to reflect the species and varieties they have developed. But this version is the most common in your yard. Like any other plant, turfgrass has its and, for most purposes, it’s a very effective resource own needs and characteristics, including relative in choosing the specific grass that will work best in tolerance to sun and shade, heat preferences, and your loca tion. water requirements. The type of seed or sod you select The map breaks the country into the following for lawn planting or renovation should not be chosen five zones: based simply on whether you live in a cool or warm Cool arid (1). Encompassing such a large part of the country, but should take into account geographic region, it should be no surprise that this regional variations. Fortunately, there is a very good zone features an incredible diversity of microclimates. resource to help you do just that. Mild, snowy-to-dry winters are the flip side of The map below is a representation of the warm-to-very hot, dry summers. The diversity of Turfgrass Climate Zone Map developed by the this zone makes it a good idea to contact your local United States National Arboretum. Similar to the cooperative extension office or university agricultural American Horticultural Society Heat Zone Map that program for help in choosing just the right grass. gardeners often use, this map divides the country Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most common to into five separate zones. The characteristics of each this region and will do well, but given the relatively zone determine which turfgrass or grasses will do modest rainfall throughout the zone, you should plan best in that zone. You may find other turfgrass zone on regular watering for best growth.
Cool/Humid
Cool/Arid
Transition Zone
Warm/Humid
Warm/Arid34 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Cool humid (2). Anoth e r diverse zone , this is a green lawn. The big challe nge is, of course, water;region of extremes . Within the boundaries of this zone, options such as in-ground sprinklers , drip hoses and there are frigid-to-mild winters , and hot to temperate grey water systems are all part of lawn care here. summers. But moisture comes with all seasons. Most The most common species throughout this zone is of the cool-season grasses do well in this zone . Be rmuda grass. Warm humid (3). A typical southern region , this Transition zone (5). Running along the center zone features uniformly mild, we t winters, and hot, of the country from the east coast to around Missouri, humid summers . The abundance of moisture provides this zone represents the most challenging area for a breeding ground for insects and a hospitable growing turfgrass. Harsh summers and freezing environment for many different lawn diseases, so winters mean that neither cool-season nor warm- vigilance is key in this zone . Treat any problems with season grasses are going to do well everywhere in the the appropriate solution as soon as signs of disease zone . The answer is to use Inte rstate 80 as a dividing become appare nt. Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, line . If you’re north of that line, cool-season grasses and zoysia grass all do well in this region. such as perennial ryegrass will probably work best in Warm arid (4). This is perhaps the most difficult your yard. If you’re south of the line, and experience region in which to maintain a lush, dense, and deep milder winters, consider growing Bermuda grass .
Understanding Microclimates ~
The Turfgrass Climate Zone Map is an excellent tool, but it if you live in the cool/arid zone, but your home is located
can't account for all geographic elevations and variations. in a deep valley where fog is common in the summer,
Certain "microclimates" sometimes feature completely it's likely that you could consider a less drought-tolerant
different conditions than the zone within which they are species than could survive elsewhere in your region.
located. If your home is located within a microclimate, Likewise, if your yard is shaded most of the day and is at
you need to take that into account when choosing seed the foot of a watershed slope, you'll have much wetter
or sod . conditions than your neighbors.
A microclimate is created when a local feature Being aware of your local and site conditions helps
causes a small area to experience much different you further refine your choice of turfgrass, and can playa
conditions than the surrounding geography. For instance, large part in just how well your particular grass grows.
Local conditions such as frequent snowfall and freezing temperatures will affect what grass type you should overseed
with or plant in the first place.
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 35I Cool-Season Grasses O ne of the best ways to head off potential problems with your lawn, and avoid extra work in keeping it as healthy as possible, is to select the right grass and may not need to mow at all for several weeks in the middle of a hot summer. Periods of growth and dormancy also affect when you should fertilize the from the start. The first step in making that decision is lawn (see page 94) , and the best time for undertaking choosing between cool-season and warm-season grasses. stressful procedures such as dethatching. Simply put, cool-season grasses grow best in colder Although you won’t have to do frequent mowing climates, while warm-season species do better in on a cool-season lawn during hot summer months, you warm areas. Cool-season grasses prefer temperatures will have to increase your vigilance. The stress of heat between 60 and 75°F and require a significant and and the diminished activity of dormancy leave cool- steady supply of water to grow their best. Kentucky season grasses susceptible to damage from drought- bluegrass is the most common cool-season grass, related diseases such as dollar spot. It also leaves chosen for its attractive blades, strong growth, and the lawn vulnerable to infestation from pests, and resistance to disease. However, cool-season lawns are poorly equipped to withstand simple damage such as typically comprised of a mix of species. compaction from summer parties and sports. The schedule of maintenance is where the differences between cool- and warm-season turfgrasses really become most apparent. Cool-season lawns grow most vigorously in the cool of spring and Winter Help ~ the chill of early fall. As the heat of summer comes on, or during unusual hot spells in other seasons when the One of the big disadvantages to many warm-season temperature is consistently above 85° F, cool-season grasses is that they go brown over the winter. So even lawns will actually go dormant. This may include though you may live in a southern climate where turning brown if the climate is dry and hot without other plants flourish over the winter months, your respite for more than a week or so. lovely green lawn will look dead. A remedy used by Consequently, you’ll need to mow a cool-season many homeowners in warmer states is to overseed lawn much more frequently in the spring and fall, the lawn in fall with annual varieties of cool-season species such as ryegrass or fescue. The cool-season grass greens the lawn during the cooler days between fall and spring, and then dies away just as the native warm-season grass greens up with the rising temperatures. This technique also adds to the health of a southern lawn, because the actively growing cool-season grass will crowd out opportunistic weeds. The best time to overseed a warm-season lawn is when it goes dormant and the temperature is consistently below 75° F.The cool-season grass seed is spread with a spreader after the lawn has been thoroughly raked to remove any loose thatch or debris. Spread the seed in one direction, and then repeat the process in the perpendicular direction. Finally, rake the lawn again to force the seeds down to the soil, and water thoroughly. Water daily until the seedlings take root. You’ll probably need to fertilize over the winter months to keep the lawn at its greenest. When the weather warms and it comes time to let your warm- Kentucky bluegrass is the most common type of cool-season season grass reassert itself, stop fertilizing, let the grass. It is a favorite of northern homeowners because it’s lawn go dry, and mow shorter than normal. beautiful and relatively easy to keep healthy and looking great.
36 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Guide to Popular Cool-Season Grasses ~ DROUGHT MOW NAME DESCRIPTION TOLERANT MAINTENANCE HEIGHT DURABILITY SPREAD PROS AND CONS Kentucky Arich blue-green color No Med-high 2Y2” High Rhizome Mixes well with other Bluegrass and elegant blade shape species; requires a lot of are two of the many water; slow to establish; qualities that make not particularly disease- Kentucky bluegrass or insect-resistant the most popular cool- season lawn species Tall Dense, coarse Yes Low 3” High Clump Great in high traffic Fescue appearance, with deep areas; resistant to shade, roots, and strong sad heat, disease and pests; structure makes this a will thin out in some favorite for play areas northern areas Fine Very fine bristle leaves, Yes Low 2Y2” Low Rhizome The fine fescues grow well Fescues and a pretty, medium- and clumps, in shade and in sandy green color, make the depending soils; but they do not fine fescues (chewings, on variety stand up well to traffic red, among others) a favorite in cooler northern localities Bentgrass Soft, dense and low No Very High 1” Med Stolon Tolerates scalping (as growing, bentgrass is low as 1/4”); quick to a plush and appealing recover from damage; choice, often used blades bend unattractively for tennis courts and if allowed to grow too putting greens long; frequent watering and mowing Perennial Finely textured, glossy Slightly Low 2” High Clump Establishes quickly; very Ryegrass deep-green blades, wear tolerant; can’t stand make ryegrass a lovely up to deep cold lawn choice
Guide to Popular Transitional Grasses ~ DROUGHT MOW NAME DESCRIPTION TOLERANT MAINTENANCE HEIGHT DURABILITY SPREAD PROS AND CONS Buffalo Anice gray-green Yes Low 3Y2” High Stolons Disease resistant; Grass color along with a fine tolerant to heat, harsh texture and dense sun and poor soils; growth habit makes this expensive; susceptible to a handsome grass to weed growth grow in difficult climates Blue Gray-green color and Yes Low 2Y2” Medium Rhizomes Tolerates poor soils; easy Grama fine texture make it to care for; slow to green similar to Buffalo grass; in spring; turns brown in fuzzy blades set it apart cold; sparse growth
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 37I Warm-Season Grasses R elocate from Massachusetts to Florida, and along with a year-round tan, you’ll find a much different lawn outside your front door- it will even look Unlike their cool-season counterparts, warm- season lawns are usually comprised of a single species of grass. And because of the way they grow, these different. Warm-season grasses vary in appearance species are usually planted as sod or plugs, while new from species to species far more than cool-season cold-season lawns can easily be seeded. The most grasses do . Southern grass species range from mat- common warm-season grasses are Bermuda grass and forming broad-leafed types , to specimens that more St. Augustine grass, both of which are disease-resistant, closely resemble their northern cousins. This gives the and low growing. This limits the amount of mowing southern homeowner in search of a new turfgrass a you need to do-a big plus when it’s hot outside. wealth of choices. Appearances aside, the warm-season grasses share a whole slew of characteristics, the traits that Transition Grasses ~ fundamentally separate them from cool-season species. Chief among these are growth periods. As you can see on the map on page 34, some areas As far as warm-season lawns are concerned, the of the country can’t be neatly classified as cool or hotter the better. They grow most actively when the warm. They’re actually a little bit of both. Homes in temperature is above 80°F, and will keep growing these transitional areas generally call for very rugged strong right into triple-digit temperatures. This and adaptable lawns that can potentially survive both group of grasses basically has an on-off switch: they steaming hot summers and frigid snowy winters. The start growing when the weather gets hot in early best transition grasses are actually native grasses summer, and shut down at the first sign of frost in that once grew wild on the plains of the Midwest. late fall, after which they go completely dormant until These include buffalograss and Blue Grama. late spring.
A durable and low-maintenance choice, st. Augustine grass can be found throughout most warmer climates, especially in the
deep south in the United States.38 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Guide to Popular Warm-Season Grasses ~ DROUGHT MOW NAME DESCRIPTION TOLERANT MAINTENANCE HEIGHT DURABILITY SPREAD PROS AND CONS
St. Afast-growing, coarse- Slightly High 2Y2” Medium Stolon Shade tolerant; Augustine textured, standby, St. susceptible to many Augustine is popular in pests and diseases and temperate areas that thatch buildup, coarse see no cold weather texture underfoot
Bermuda Soft, dense and Slightly High lY2” High Rhizomes Great for high-traffic a fetching green, and stolons areas; will grow in many this selection is different types of soil; a low, spreading, won’t tolerate shade; tough species invasive - protect nearby beds
Bahiagrass Bright green, Yes Low 2” High Rhizomes Extremely resistant coarse, low-growing to wear; tolerates species that is shade and poor soils; exceptionally tough extensive roots prevent erosion; susceptible to certain diseases
Zoysia Medium textured, dark Yes Medium lY2” High Rhizomes Grows in poor soil; green grass, thick, and stolons tolerant of moderate dense growth shade; resistant to pests and diseases; turns straw brown early in winter and stays brown until early summer; prone to thatch
Centipede Medium textured, light Yes Low 2” Low Stolons Tolerates partial shade; Grass green turfgrass that is creeping, slow growing means low growing and easy thus the less mowing; tolerates to maintain name poor soil; quick to turn brown; slow to recover from damage
Carpet Medium texture, No Low 2Y2” Low Stolons Shade tolerant; will grow Grass undistinguished form in boggy conditions; quick and a light dull green to turn brown; will not make this a less than tolerate traffic stellar choice
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 39I Inspecting Your Lawn A lawn is more than soil and turfgrass. Once the grass takes root, spreads, and becomes established, the grass and soil form an intricate relationship, creating a grass and needs to be remedied before you have a severely weakened lawn that has no energy to prevent opportunistic weeds from taking over. Are the crowns living carpet that can be negatively affected by many of the plants healthy and producing stolons, rhizomes different problems. Some of these, such as fertilizer or tillers? Stunted growth may point to a number burn, show up quickly and blatantly. Others, such as of problems. thatch buildup, become worse slowly. To catch any Of course, what happens below the surface is problem before it has the chance to profoundly stunt the just as important. A side view of your soil will tell growth of your lawn, look a little deeper than the surface. you if pests are trying a sneak attack, or if the lawn A thorough inspection of your lawn starts with slicing out is becoming overly compacted from too much foot a chunk of the turf and soil and taking a good, hard look traffic. Check soil texture to make sure it is not in profile, with an eye to all the potential troublespots. too dense or too loose. This is also your chance to Look first at the top growth. It will tell you whether ensure that your grass plants are growing a deep, you’re doing everything you need to do to properly interconnected, healthy root system. maintain the lawn. Are the blades yellow? That may Whether you find problems or not, a basic signify a deficiency of iron or nitrogen. Are they ragged at inspection of your lawn’s structure tells you volumes the top? This is a sure sign that you need to sharpen your about what’s going on above and below the surface . mower blades, and a potential entry point for disease. That’s what makes it one of the easiest ways to check Also look at the base of your grass plants. Thatch on lawn health and get a jump on any problems that buildup (see page 50) can slowly choke out your do exist .
I How to Evaluate Your Lawn 2
Use a spade or square-edged shovel to cut a wedge out of Closely examine the soil chunk for any obvious problems, the lawn. Take the sample from an inconspicuous area of the such as burrowing insects, compaction, or conditions that lawn. Cut at least 6” deep. need amendment, such as heavy clay.
40 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Expose the root structure. Ideally, the roots should run at Determine the extent of thatch buildup. Measure to least 4” to 5” deep, and should form an intertwined network. check that the thatch layer is not more than )‘2 ” thick or There should be plenty of new, white root growth. compacted, which indicates the lawn needs to be dethatched.
Inspect individual leaves. Look for signs of disease and Replace the wedge from the spot where you dug it out. discoloration due to malnutrition. Check the tops to ensure the Tamp it down gently, sprinkle a little soil around the seams, and lawn mower blades are cutting cleanly, not tearing. then water the spot well.
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 41I Your Lawn-Care Plan W hether you’re working with an existing lawn or looking to plant a completely new one, a good plan is essential to success. That plan begins with mowing strips to circumvent the need for edging, replacing grass on severe slopes with garden terraces to make mowing easier and watering more efficient, the actual design of the lawn, which should take into or adding stepping stones to protect against soil account both aesthetic and pragmatic concerns. compaction from foot traffic. Start with the basic contours of your yard, Any lawn-care plan is also likely to include more sketching the outline on a pad. Now consider how practical modifications, changes you make just to you want the lawn to fit within the yard. This will be improve the health of the lawn. Adding new drainage a simple exercise if you are looking for a fairly basic and amending soil before you install a new lawn are square or rectangle that sets the stage for foundation both examples of pragmatic improvements that might plantings and the home’s architecture. But design- be part of your master plan. wise, it’s always a little more interesting to break up an You’ll also want to decide on lawn irrigation as expanse of lawn with one or more flower beds, trees, part of your plan. An in-ground sprinkler system is a a line of shrubs, or other features that create visual big investment, but if it’s the best option for you, do variety. Sketch any features you want to add, creating it early in whatever plan you have for the lawn. You a plant and materials list as necessary, and you’ll be don’t want to be undertaking major modifications all set to modify the design when you’re ready to after renovating an older lawn or planting a new lawn. start work. Add the list of all the changes you want to make The design will also be affected by features you to the sketch you’ve created. Lastly, you’ll want to add out of necessity or to make the lawn easier to care schedule those changes, including a calendar of the for. For instance, your planning may include installing maintenance your lawn will require.
A plush, perfect lawn like this one is the result of careful feeding, meticulous watering, and mowing to ideal height for the grass species. All should be elements of any lawn-care plan.
42 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Scheduling Lawn Care L awn m aintenance, such as fertilizing and mowing, needs to be done on a schedule . Trying to make up for lost time inevitably leads to lawn damage and basic maintenance chores for both warm- and cold- season lawns, but you’ll need to add to or change the schedule to accommodate the needs of your own problems such as fertilizer burn . Lawn care don e in particular grass , th e variations in your local climate, a tim ely fashion , and according to th e timetable that and your personal p references. is best for your particular species of grass, ultim ately This schedule is also limited to th ose general means less effort and trouble in the long run. chores that are done on a yearly basis. You should A simple lawn-care schedule is an incredibly plan on testing your soil every two or three years. useful tool in helping you keep on top of your You’ll also need to leave time to aerate and de thatch lawn’s health. The schedule shown here lists the as necessary.
COOL-SEASON WARM-SEASON
January-March Protect the lawn from damage such as foot traffic and salt overspray. Continue mowing regularly if your lown has not gone dormant,
water during hot spells
April Treat for crabgrass where applicable; rake up yard debris; tune up and sharpen lawn mower and prep other power equipment; begin
mowing as the grass begins to grow; begin regular weeding. Add amendments as necessary
May Topdress with compost or similar amendment if treating naturally; apply grub control as necessary; fertilize. Raise mowing height
except on Bermuda grass; inspect for early insect outbreaks
June-August Mow until lawn goes dormant; water regularly to supply amount necessary for your grass type; watch for insect outbreaks and
infestation; fertilize cool season grasses in late August, just as weather cools, possibly with weed control. Mowas often as necessary
to ensure lawn is kept at ideal height; fertilize warm season grasses midsummer; check for insect outbreaks and treat as necessary
September-October Continue mowing as long as grass is actively growing, but lower the mowing height by W; reduce watering slightly. Watch for
disease outbreaks, fertilize as necessary, overseed with cool·season grass seed as preferred
November-December Winterize mower and power equipment for storage over winter months. Remove leaves and debris off lawn as necessary; check for
fall insect outbreaks
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 43
Planning for Organic Lawn Care ~
Choosing to grow an organic or natural lawn is actually THE ORGANIC PROCESS
a pretty significant commitment. Transitioning your lawn Organic lawn care is a philosophy that makes very different
from chemical food, weed, disease, and pest controls to assumptions than would be the norm in traditional lawn
more natural solutions can easily take a year or more, care. For instance, an organic groundskeeper assumes that
and will inevitably mean more effort on your part up some weeds in the lawn are not necessarily a problem, and
front. (There's a reason people commonly use powerful may even be a good thing. The common white clover that
chemicals: they're easy and quick.) so many homeowners fight hard to get rid of is considered
Before you jump in with both feet, it helps to know a boon to most organic proponents, for its nitrogen-fixing
the terminology. Organic and natural are often confused and year-round greenery (not to mention the lovely white
because the difference between the two is subtle. flowers). Organic enthusiasts also believe the way to
Generally, and for the purposes of this book, natural lawn help a lawn survive drought, disease, and other stressful
care relates to preferring natural processes and products, conditions is to reinforce the lawn's own natural defenses.
even if they may have been exposed to synthetic materials.
Organic is strictly non-chemical, and true organic lawn-care STRIKING A BALANCE
professionals won't even use compost made from organic If a grass-only lawn is your goal, taking care of the lawn
materials that may have been exposed to chemicals. in a truly organic way requires a lot of work. You'll either
Generally, organic proponents believe that treating have to set up a compost bin and begin using it, or you'll
the lawn with chemicals for whatever reason-fertilizing, need to purchase a lot of compost. You'll also be weeding
fighting weeds, or even battling diseases-creates as by hand when you need to, and checking the amount of
many problems as it solves, because chemical treatments water your lawn consumes much more closely, as well as
tend to kill the good with the bad. They also feel that testing your soil on a regular basis.
the introduction of chemicals to moderate what are But don't feel bad if you can't find the time or energy
natural processes damages the environment at large to brew your own compost tea. Look at the transition
and the health of individuals who come in contact with as an incremental process; it doesn't happen overnight.
those chemicals. And, in fact, many people would say that even if you don't
An organic lawn-care proponent is willing to overlook (and may welcome) a scattering of clover in the lawn. You
might find that from a distance, having a few beneficial plants among the grass in your lawn doesn't appreciably detract
from the appearance.44 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
change your ways to conform to completely organic lawn THINKING GREEN WITH THE HELP care methods, any change at all is a change in the right OF THE GOVERNMENT direction. The first step you might want to take is smart Greenscaping is a philosophy that is promoted by the shopping. When comparing lawn-care products, look for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a way to the Organic Materials Review Institute label. The institute is conserve resources and preserve the outdoor areas of a non-profit organization that evaluates different products our homes. Greenscaping focuses on five steps: Building that are produced and labeled as “organic.” In a sense, the and maintaining healthy soil; planting right for your site; OMRI unofficially certifies products as organic. So picking practicing smart watering; adopting a holistic approach products with the OMRllabel will ensure that you’re at to pest management; and practicing natural lawn care. least buying organic. The program focuses on reducing waste and the amount Keep in mind that some organic practices, such as of chemicals you introduce into your lawn, as well as mowing the lawn high to conserve water and spur root reducing the amount of pollutants you introduce into development, and allowing clippings to remain on the the environment by using manual lawn-care equipment. lawn, may ultimately reduce the amount of work you need Key to greenscaping is the idea of reusing clippings and to do in maintaining your lawn. organic wastes in the form of compost, and recycling Then, whenever you can, begin to institute organic or water, including rainwater and gray water. Lastly, the EPA natural practices. Buying a compost bin and using it is a recommends “rebuying”-the practice of purchasing great start, but you might also think about removing weeds goods that are all or part recycled materials. As with manually rather than using a synthetic herbicide (look at it the practice of organic lawn care at large, the idea is as extra exercise), and mowing your lawn slightly higher to to embrace as much of the greenscaping philosophy conserve water and improve the health of the grass. as you reasonably and practically can. To learn more, Who knows? Eventually you may catch the bug and go to www.epa.com. or visit your local cooperative begin brewing your own compost tea after all! extension office.
Look for the OMRI label for assurance
that products are organic.
Evaluating Yuur Lawn • 45I
Renewing an Older Lawn P erhaps you inherited a lawn that hasn’t seen the best of care (sellers are often more worried about their next house than keeping their current lawn in the peak of health). Or it might be that nature just got ahead of you. If your lawn has seen better days and is beyond the help of a little extra watering, a quick mow, and a dose of fertilizer, it may well be time to completely renew it. Even if you’ve taken reasonably good care of your lawn, soil can fatigue and the lawn itself can become stressed enough that it can’t rebound to full health. In this case, you’ll need to take action. That usually means starting with a good de thatching to clear out the dead growth that is preventing nutrients from getting to the soil, which in turn prevents healthy new grass growth. You’ll also need to introduce more air and organic material into the soil in a process known as aerating. And you might as well take the time to correct minor problems in the structure of the lawn, such as depressions or areas where the mower has repeatedly scalped the lawn. Fortunately, lawns are fairly resilient. With a little time and elbow grease, you can return your front or backyard lawn to dense, deep green brilliance.
In this chapter: • Renew or Replace? • Leveling the • Dealing With Thatch Lawn Surface • Dethatching Your Lawn • Repairing Bare Spots • Aerating Your Lawn • Overseeding
• 47
ManteshI Renew or Replace? T he first step in renewing a tired lawn is determining if it is worth renewing, or if you’d be better served by starting over with a brand new lawn. and take measures such as aeration to help the lawn grow stronger. A pretty easy fix, all in all. But the more problems you add, the harder any fix A complete lawn rehabilitation will take significant becomes. Say you have all those weeds to deal with, work and a bit of expense. You’ll also need to be but there are also signs of grub infestation, several patient while your front yard or backyard looks ratty areas of dollar spot disease, obvious soil compaction, in the short term, so that you can have a magnificent and grass color that indicates a deficiency of nutrients. lawn down the road. Obviously, nobody wants to make In that case, it’s simply going to be easier to start over that investment if the chances of success are slim. with freshly amended soil and a new lawn, than it There are certain criteria that will help you decide would be to do everything necessary to deal with all the best course of action. The first of these is just a the problems. Not to mention, the more problems matter of how much grass is left in your lawn. If actual your lawn has, the less chance of success any grass plants make up less than 50 percent of the lawn, rehabilitation effort has. you’re wiser to shut it down, kill everything and start Some localized problems, such as that awful path with new sod or seed. through the center of lawn from where the kids run If, on the other hand, the lawn is still mostly grass, back and forth to the back door, may look really bad. you need to figure out how many problems you’ll have But in most cases, these specific issues are actually to deal with in renewing it. A wide range of troubles quite simple to deal with. indicates lawn and soil that has been fundamentally When all signs point to renewing the lawn, it’s compromised. For instance, if weeds are your main time to dive in and remove the thatch, get air to the concern, there are a number of ways to eradicate them root system, fix bare spots and bumps, feed and water, while strengthening the lawn to protect against any and return your lawn to the magnificent centerpiece of re-emergence. The solution is to eradicate the weeds, your yard that it was meant to be.
Multiple deficiencies affect most lawns.
Choosing how to deal with them amounts
to deciding if your current yard is worth
saving. A thorough aeration and seeding
can bring some lawns roaring back to
life. But whether you choose to save
it or scrap it (and this lawn is probably
salvageable), make sure you address the
source of any problems. For example,
create a designated area for your dog to
relieve himself.48 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
A lawn that has surrendered this much territory to aggressive weeds is done for. Although you could apply a selective herbicide, any attempt to eliminate this level of weed infestation would be long-term, intensive and probably doomed to failure. Unfortunately, the answer here is to use a non-selective herbicide to kill everything (or solarize the field if you want to go the environmentally responsible route) and start fresh.
Large patches of bare ground surrounded by comparatively healthy turfgrass probably means you have a plant disease that requires treatment as part of your lawn renovation or replacement project.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 49I Dealing With Thatch T hatch is proof that too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Normal thatch is a valuable layer of decomposing organic material that settles around the that you’re cutting off too much of the grass when you mow. Longer clippings take longer to decompose. The best way to handle thatch is to physically base of your grass plants. A modest amount of thatch remove it on a regular schedule, so it does not get creates a protective layer over the soil, helping retain out of control. A deep, vigorous yearly raking with a moisture, and it breaks down over time into necessary bamboo or steel-tined leaf rake (plastic tines generally nutrients. Thatch isn’t a problem until it builds up and don’t do the job as well) will go a long way toward becomes thicker than a half inch. preventing any serious thatch buildup. Just be sure to Once the thatch is too thick, you need to do remove the de bris you pull up- it makes excellent fuel something about it: it prevents water, fertilizer, lawn for a compost pile . You’ll want to be especially vigilant seed, and beneficial organic material from reaching if you live in a southern state. Warm-season grasses the soil. A thick layer of thatch will essentially starve are more likely to develop excessive thatch buildup the grass roots and dry out the soil. It also provides an than cool-season grasses are, because warm-season excellent breeding ground for unwanted insects and species actively grow over a longer period. disease. In other words, a thick layer of thatch is a The next line of defense is lawn aeration (see gateway for trouble . page 55 ). This can be done on a small lawn with a Thatch buildup itself can be a symptom of other manual aerator, or it you can use a rented power core problems. Normally, the organic material that comprises aerator if your yard is larger. Either way, the idea is to thatch is food for beneficial microorganisms and punch holes through the layer of thatch at the same desirable soil life such as earthworms, which keep it time as you are punching holes in the soil. Aeration from collecting in mass. Excess thatch is a sign that usually works best for thatch layers that are no thicker those organisms are not on the job, which can mean that than % inch. Once the thatch exceeds 1 inch thick, something, such as an excessive application of fertilizer, you’ll be fac ed with th e more involved process of has killed them off. A deep layer of thatch can also mean dethatching the entire lawn .
Beat Thatch Buildup ~
Some simple maintenance practices can help you keep • Fertilize sparingly. One of the most common mistakes
thatch to a minimum and prevent buildup from becoming homeowners make is fertilizing too much, or too
a problem . much at one time. Explosive growth contributes to
buildup of thatch, so it's better to go a little light on
• Mow frequently. Cut less than % of the blade length the fertilizer application.
each time you mow and the clippings are less likely • Water deeply. Frequent shallow waterings causes
to pile up. root systems and organic matter to cluster close to
• Mulch when you mow. Using a mulching mower will cut the surface. The deeper you water, the further down
the clippings even finer, ensuring they break down and your lawn's roots will grow, and the less thatch will
disintegrate as quickly as possible. accumulate.50 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
I Dethatching Your Lawn hen it becomes clear that a deep raking or a right before it goes into a period of active growth, W simple aeration isn’t going to solve your thatch when it will best be able to recover. For the same buildup, it’s time to undertake a real dethatching. But reason, lightly fertilize and water thoroughly right after be aware that dethatching seriously stresses your lawn, you finish dethatching. chewing up your soil and damaging grass blades and If your thatch buildup is more than 1 Y2 inches, crowns. Be careful not to do more harm than good. don’t remove all of it at once. Run the machine once Although you can de thatch with a special tool each way and then wait until the lawn recovers before called a cavex rake, the process is fairly laborious de thatching again. A few basic practices will ensure when done by hand. It makes more sense-even for that you minimize the trauma of de thatching and help an average size yard-to rent a power dethatcher. the lawn rebound effectively to grow even stronger These machines are usually called vertical mowers due after the process has been completed. to the orientation of their blades. They are extremely effective at digging out thick layers of thatch. They are • Avoid feeding the lawn. If you’re planning on also easy to use, and are similar in operation to a gas- de thatching, don’t fertilize for at least two months powered lawn mower. You’ll find them in the lineup at before you do it. The same goes for treating the most equipment rental outlets . lawn with any kind of preemergence weedkiller. Perhaps the most important part of using a vertical Wait until right after you’ve dethatched the lawn. mower is setting the blades to the proper cutting • Water the lawn lightly before dethatching, or depth so they remove thatch without cutting too deep de thatch it right after a light rain. The soil should into your soil. Start with a setting between ljs and \4 be moist, but not sodden or bone dry. inch, going deeper if needed to remove all the thatch. • Mow low. Cut the lawn below the minimum of The time that you select to remove the thatch is the recommend height for your species. Bag or just as important as how you go about it. You should rake all the clippings off the lawn. dethatch cool-season lawns in mid to late summer, • Always start power dethatching with the machine right before they green up in fall. Warm-season lawns set high. You can then lower the blades to are best dethatched in late winter or early spring, remove all the thatch after you become used to before they start their summer growth spurt. The idea its operation. is to put the lawn through the trauma of dethatching • Water deeply as soon as you’re done.
A vertical mower (also called a power
rake) makes quick work of the rigorous job
of dethatching your lawn.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 51I How to Use a Vertical Mower
Use marking paint to mark all underground lines and cables, Mow the lawn to about half the height you would normally including utility, power, and gas lines, and television cables. mow it, bagging the clippings. Rake up any leaves and debris Mark in-ground sprinkler lines and head locations. on the surface of the lawn .
Warning ~
For the most part, vertical mowers are easy
to use because they are operated much like a
walk-behind mower. But don't let their similarity
to mowers allow you to forget that they are
dangerous power equipment capable of causing
injury (as well as causing damage to your yard
if used improperly). Always wear safety glasses,
sturdy shoes or boots, and long pants. Don't ever
turn the un it on its side when it is running. If it
binds up or catches debris, shu t it off and then
inspect under the deck.
• Be aware that there are many different blade
designs for vertical mowers. When renting
one, never leave the rental center until you are
absolutely clear on how to adjust, change, or set
the blades for the particular mach ine you' ll beAdjust the vertical mower to the correct depth for your using. The rental center pro should brief you on grass (the rental store can advise you on how to do this). Make this and other safety issues. the first pass, and adjust the settings as necessary.
52 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
Make the second pass at a 90° angle to the first, and Rake up the waste left behind by the vertical mower. alternate in this way until you’ve covered the entire lawn. Compost this debris unless you have previously treated the lawn with chemicals.
Thinking Green ~
You can avoid the use of a gas-guzzling
machine by dethatching your lawn
manually. All the process requires is
a special implement called a cavex
rake and lots of elbow grease (look at
it as a chance to get some exercise
while improving your lawn and the
air quality). This rake is equipped with
sharp, crescent-shaped blades. To use
the rake, force it down and pull hard
to cut smoothly through the thatch,
removing it as you pull. Collect and
compost the debris you remove after
you're done.
Cavex rakes are typically used on
smaller plots of grass because they
require a lot of effort, but regardless
of where you use one, rake over a
given area of grass only once. First-
time users have a tendency to overuse
with a cavex rake, which can stress
the grass.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 53I Aerating Your Lawn L iving creatures need air, and the roots of your turfgrass plants are no different. Unfortunately, soil can become compacted over time, making it too No matter which kind of aerator you use, be sure that the soil is slightly moist; if it’s too wet, it will bog down the machine or manual aerator, and mud will fill dense to effectively allow air, water, and nutrients to in the holes. If it’s too dry, you’ll have a very rough go reach grass roots. Compacted soil slows and can even of it as the machine struggles to penetrate the surface. stop grass from growing. You’ll also need to plan the right time for aeration. Aeration-the process of creating openings in Cool-season lawns should be aerated in late summer the soil structure-is the cure for compaction. It to early fall, while warm-season lawns are aerated in literally opens up the soil, bringing essential air and late spring. Adjust this time a bit to ensure that you water to the roots, while allowing those roots a loose don’t aerate during the germination period for weeds structure through which to spread. Aerating your lawn common to your area. Because it’s gentler on the lawn prevents thatch buildup (and can alleviate an existing than dethatching, you can aerate once a year. Follow thatch problem), ensures that fertilizer finds its way up aeration with a topdressing of compost or other deep into the soil rather than languishing on top, and organic amendment to get the most out of the process. generally creates a very hospitable environment for Water deeply after you’re done. Post-aeration is also a beneficial microorganisms. good time to overseed the lawn and feed it with a light The aeration process is simple. It involves pulling application of fertilizer. cores of soil out of the ground and depositing them on top, where they will dry out and break up naturally. The holes left behind are made at regular intervals about 3” apart. The Compaction Test ~ You can use any of a number of manual aerators available on the market, but the most effective and You can determine if your lawn is a candidate for quickest way to aerate is to rent a power core aerator. aeration with a very simple test. Try sticking the point This machine features rows of hollow tines on a roller of a long Phillips head screwdriver into your soil. If or other device. As you move it forward, the tines jab you have a hard time pushing it in, it’s a good sign down into the soil about 3” deep, pulling up cores and that the lawn is overdue for aeration. ejecting them onto the lawn.
Power aerating your lawn creates
openings for air and nutrients to get
deep into the root system. It also creates
hundreds of dirt cylinders that can be left
to dry and then worked back in.54 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
How to Use a Power Core Aerator
water the entire yard lightly a few hours before you aerate Flag all sprinkler heads, shallow sprinkler lines and shallow to ensure that the soil is moist-but don’t overwater or you buried cables, wires and utility lines. Clear the lawn of other will bog down the machine in mUd. debris such as small tree branches.
Set the depth gauge on the coring machine to maximum. Run Allow the cores pulled up by the aerator to dry for a day, the machine across the lawn, back and forth in one direction. then gently rake across them to break them up so that they Then run it again, perpendicular to the original direction. decompose more quickly.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 55I Leveling the Lawn Surface O ver time, the topography of a lawn changes. Tree roots grow, then die and decay. Certain areas of the lawn settle more than others. Burrowing rodents trowel, and a bucket full of topsoil or “black dirt” with sand in it. Leveling the lawn is most logically done as part of leave behind tunnels long after you get rid of the an overall lawn renovation, and is the perfect follow- pests. Simple erosion sometimes takes its toll. All that up to lawn dethatching and aeration. But if it works can add up to an uneven lawn surface, and an uneven better for your schedule, there’s no reason you can’t lawn surface creates potential problems. do it at other times . Just be sure to remedy the initial Even a minor hump in the lawn can lead to cause of the dip or bulge before you level the area. scalping during mowing, creating an unattractive bare spot. A depression in the lawn can collect water and organic debris, becoming an entry point for pests and diseases that can end up affecting the whole lawn . An Tools & Materials ~ uneven surface makes the lawn far less usable for play and recreation and, depending on how deep or high Half-moon edger Non-hydrated lime the irregularities are, detracts from the look of your Flat garden spade or landscape lawn. Given how easy lawn high and low points are to Garden rake marking paint fix, there’s just no reason to tolerate them. Basically, all Gloves Topsoil or horticultural soil you’ll need is about half an hour, a half-moon edger, a
I How to Level High and Low Spots
Clearly identify the area to be raised or lowered, by Remove the sod over the repair area . Set it aside and marking the perimeter with sprinkled non-hydrated lime. Cut moisten it before continuing with the repair. the edges with a half-moon edger or garden spade, then use a flat spade to cut roots a few inches under the turf.
56 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Handy Fix
for Little Dips ~
You can use a groundskeeper's
shortcut to fill in shallow
depressions in the lawn .
Simply cover the depression
with a light topping of potting
soil and water. The soil will
sift down and the grass will
eventually grow on top of
it. Do this regularly until the
depression is leveled out.Fill the depression with topsoil-or remove soil to level a bump-until it’s level with the surrounding soil. Smooth off the top surface and lightly tamp down the soil.
4
Water the repair area, just until the soil is moist. Replace Step on the turf over the repair or use the back of a the sod patch you cut out, being sure to position it in its steel-tined rake to seat the sod and ensure the turf is in solid original orientation. contact with the soil. Water the repair area well.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 57I Repairing Bare Spots B are spots are one of the most common afflictions in older lawns. Over time, foot traffic tends to follow the same path, wearing out the grass and Patching bare spots works best if you do it at the beginning of new lawn growth. Repair bare spots in the late summer for cool-season grasses, and in late compacting the soil in particular spots. Pets are also spring for warm-season species. Either way, always creatures of habit and they tend to do their business water well whether you’re planting sod or seed. Every in the same place repeatedly. Certain diseases can also day for a week is a good baseline (if there has been no lead to a bald patch, as can incidental trauma, such as rain) and continue watering until you’re sure the patch a burn from spilled fertilizer or gasoline. With so many is completely established. potential causes, it’s a wonder that more lawns aren’t suffering from bare spots! Fixing these eyesores begins with solving whatever the cause might be (for solutions to Tools & Materials ~ individual problems, see The Lawn Problem- Solving Guide, pages 158- 159). Then it’s just a Garden spade Metal tamper matter of bringing life back to the area, a process Garden fork or 4 x 4 scrap that is helped by the lawn growth around the patch. Garden rake Grass seed Create a favorable environment with seed or sod, Large, sharp knife Compost and the surrounding grass will look to move in Sod Starter fertilizer as well.
Bare spots are not only unsightly, they can spread if the primary cause is left untreated. They are entry points for other problems such as lawn diseases.
58 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
How to Patch a Bare spot With Sad
Use a spade to cut a square or rectangle shape around the Break up the soil with a garden fork and mix in compost or a damaged or bare patch. This will make it easier to snugly fit the similar amendment. Level the patch area to about 1” below the sod patch in place. surrounding turf. Lightly tamp the soil down with a scrap 4 x 4 or metal tamper.
Measure the patch area and cut a piece of sod to fit snugly. Settle the patch with the back of a garden rake to ensure It’s better to cut it slightly larger and then trim it to fit as good contact with the soil below. Water well, keeping the patch necessary. Use a large, sharp knife to cut the sod. moist until it is well established.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 59I How to Patch a Bare spot With Seed/Fertilizer Mix
Rake out dead grass or other debris. Use a garden fork to Add combination seed and fertilizer mix to the soil within break up the soil. Rake and moisten the prepared area. the borders of the bare spot. Spread at the rate recommended on the package. Feather the mixture outside of he borders slightly to help it blend in with the surrounding turf.
The Premixed Solution ~
Seeding a bare spot requires a lot of follow up,
primarily to ensure that the seeds and seedlings
are kept moist until established, and that birds and
other wildlife don't poach the seed. An alternative-
involving slightly more money and slightly less
effort-is a lawn patch mix. These all-in-one products
combine seed, a binder such as ground-up paper
mixed with gel, and a starter fertilizer. Simply spread
the mix over the bare spot after you've prepared the
surface, and water regularly (some mixes don't even
require watering) until the new grass takes root.Use the top of the rake to level the patch area even with the surrounding soil surface, raking the amended mix out from the edges of the patch as necessary. Water the patched areas thoroughly and continue to water regularly and deeply until the new grass plants are well established.
60 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
I How to Patch a Dead spot With Seed
Identify the type of grass surrounding the dead spot Dig out the dead spot or remove a thin layer of dirt from the or bare spot. If your local lawn and garden center carries a bare spot. Add a layer of compost or topsoil/compost mixture combination seed/fertilizer mixture containing that type of to the repair area so the top is slightly above the dirt level seed, use it (see previous page). If not, locate plain grass seed surrounding it. of that type from the store or a seed catalog.
Scatter the seed over the repair area, following the coverage Protect the repair area by staking it out with stakes and rate recommended by the seed package. Spread a thin layer caution tape. Continue watering with the stakes in place until of compost over the seed. Correct compost coverage leaves the new grass plants are well established. some of the seed still visible. Water thoroughly.
Renewing an Older Lawn • 61Overseeding
O verseeding is the practice of spreading new seed over an existing lawn. It is perhaps the most underappreciated and underused lawn-care There’s another benefit as well: Seed companies are constantly developing new, stronger, more disease- resistant grass varieties. By oversee ding, you take technique. That’s especially true when it comes to advantage of these developments because you’re renovating an existing, older lawn. It’s simply plain introducing the latest grass types. science: grass plants literally “tire” after half a dozen The best time to overseed for cool-season lawns is years or so. Their growth slows, making an older lawn in early fall, while the optimum time for warm-season susceptible to thinning. With thinning comes many grass is in early spring. Either way, the actual process other problems. is a fairly simple one. The way to fight thinning and keep your lawn as Start by raking the lawn. Don’t be gentle ; you’re dense as brand-new sod, is to properly overseed the trying to remove all the organic debris lying on top lawn on a regular basis (once every few years should of the soil that might prevent seeds from reaching do it). The benefit is twofold. First, you get a lawn that it, while scratching the surface to prepare for the is as lush as the day it was laid (or when it first filled new seed. Now mow about half the height you in ). Second, and more important, dense new grass normally would (you may have already done this growth crowds out weeds. as part of a general lawn renovation ). Collect the
To help seeds sprout after overseeding,
cover them with a thin layer of compost or
topsoil mix spread with the spreader, just
as you did with the seeds.62 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
clippings in a bag or, if your mower doesn’t have a correct spreading rate, and overlap rows by a couple bag attachment, you’ll need to rake them up. In any of inches. It’s always a good idea to practice first on case, a second raking perpendicular to the direction a hard surface such as a driveway, to get the proper you used the first time is a good idea to thoroughly pacing down. prep the soil. If you were planning on topdressing A modest application of a starter fertilizer will the lawn, now is the time to do it. Then it’s time to improve the chances that a majority of the seeds start oversee ding. establish themselves and grow. You can also topdress Spread seed with a broadcast or drop spreader. with a little compost as a protective cover for the Seed bags or boxes list the spreader rate for both new seeds. Some professionals follow up a month later lawns and overseeding. You can use the company’s with an application of quick-release nitrogen fertilizer recommendations or, as many professionals do, to turbocharge seedling growth. use the setting for seeding new lawns when you’re One of the keys to overseeding success is to keep oversee ding. This gives you a better shot at success the new seeds moist. You don’t want them to drown, because, depending on your local climate and but they shouldn’t ever dry out. This usually means conditions, as few as half of the seeds you spread may watering every day that it doesn’t rain, and twice a day actually germinate and grow. in very hot weather. You should also take precautions Spread seed in the same way you spread fertilizer. to keep people, pets, and other traffic off the lawn Walk in rows at an appropriate pace that maintains the until the seedlings are completely established.
Protecting Your Seeds ~
Birds consider overseeding a catered meal. Exposed fabric", this is available through home centers, nurseries
seeds are likely to get eaten and even if they don't, grass and garden supply outlets. Simply lay it on top of the newly
seeds are fairly fragile. Too much heat, too little water or seeded lawn and keep it moist-birds and the elements
even a stiff wind can prevent them from germinating and will effectively be blocked from getting to the seeds. Be
filling out your lawn . To help overseeding payoff, consider aware, though, that this type of fabric should only be used
protecting seeds and seedlings with special fabric in cool weather. The fabric traps heat and can smother the
manufactured for this purpose. Called "all-purpose garden seeds in hot weather.
ReneWing an Older Lawn • 63I
Planting a New Lawn T here are several reasons you might want to plant a new lawn. In some cases, your old lawn is beyond the point of rescue. Or you may be moving into a newly built house. In some instances, you simply want to convert an unattractive yard feature, such as a parking area, into a luxuriant, living surface. Planting a new lawn is one home improvement project that offers a big reward provided that you do not skimp on planning and preparation. Given the time, effort, and money you’ll need to put toward your new lawn, it simply doesn’t make sense to take shortcuts. You should thoroughly improve your soil as much as possible, take all necessary steps to prevent weeds in your new lawn, and choose just the right time to actually plant or seed the lawn. This is also the perfect time to install an in-ground sprinkler system. Aside from proper preparation, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be using sod, plugs, or seeds to start your new lawn. Each has its own pros and cons, but basically the more expensive the option, the less time you’ll have to wait for a rich, mature lawn.
In this chapter: • New Lawn Options • Natural Soil • Selecting Sod Amendments • Selecting Grass Seed • Maintaining Proper • Selecting Lawn Plugs Soil pH • Removing an Old Lawn • Grading for • Preparing Your Soil Proper Drainage • Adding Topsoil • Laying Sad • Amending Soil • Planting a Lawn With Compost From Seed
• 65I New Lawn Options O nce you’ve decided to plant a new lawn, you’ll choose between three options: sod, seeds, or plugs. Your choice should be driven by a combination for cold-season varieties, and mid to late spring for warm-season grasses. If you absolutely have to have a lawn in the middle of summer for your daughter’s of how much you’re willing to spend, the specific wedding reception, sod would be the way to go. conditions of your yard, and how quickly you want The other major benefit to sod is instant to see the results of your efforts. Balance the relative gratification. A lawn of reasonable size can be laid importance of each to determine which method is with sod in less than a day. In a week, you’ll be able to right for you, your budget, and your yard. walk on it, and in two weeks it will be hard to tell the Expense is, as always, a crucial factor. The larger difference from a year-old lawn. Lawns grown from the lawn, the more you’ll feel the difference when you seed, on the other hand, will take weeks to establish write the check. Laying a lawn of sod is about 20 times and a month or more to become as lush and verdant more expensive than growing that same lawn from as a sodded lawn is the day after it’s laid. Plugs are an seed, and about 10 times more expensive than planting odd man out, because they look lush where there’s plugs. You can expect sod costs to average around 25 grass, but it may take two full growing seasons to fully cents per square foot. This cost will vary depending fill in the entire lawn area. on a number of factors, including what grass species The terrain of your yard may also playa part you’re buying and how far you are from the sod in your decision. For instance if your lawn will be farm. But that extra money buys you a couple of key situated on a steep slope, you’d be wise to consider advantages. The first is flexible timing. Sod can be laid sod or plugs because seeds are likely to wash away at just about any time of the year, although the hotter during watering or rain. Laying sod is more work than it is, the more of a challenge you’ll face in getting the spreading seed, and plugging a lawn is more laborious sod safely laid, rooted, and established. In contrast, still. There are, however, many more species available seeded or plugged lawns are only planted in early fall in seed form than in sod.
sometimes, the only remedy for a failing lawn is to replace it. Whether you choose seeds, sod, or plugs to create your new lawn, the key to success is in the preparation of the soil base and, in three simple words: water, water, water.
66 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Selecting Sod T he relatively high price of sod is due to the fact that someone is growing your lawn for you. That someone is a sod farmer, who literally grows acres and strongly as new sod would. So the point is, do whatever it takes to get the sod delivered as quickly as possible after it’s been cut. Most homeowners buy and acres of turfgrass. When he receives an order, the sod through a third-party nursery or garden center, and farmer goes out into the field and cuts the number of it’s wise to ask questions-especially about how long square feet you need of the grass species you want. after cutting the sod will take to reach you. Be your Sod farmers cut to a standardized width of 2 feet, in own advocate, and if you don’t like the answers you’re lengths ranging from 6 to 8 feet long. They cut the sod getting, move on to another supplier (most suppliers 2 to 3 inches deep, depending on the variety. in the areas share sod farms, but not all will have the Once cut, the sections of sod are folded or rolled, same relationship with the farmer). and stacked on pallets for shipping to the client. That When ordering sod, you’ll need to calculate the signals that the clock is ticking. The longer the sod takes square footage of your yard. That’s pretty simple if it’s to get where it’s ultimately going, the worse condition it a square or rectangle, but can be a bit of a challenge will be in when it gets there. Ideally, you want to receive if the lawn area is an irregular shape with odd areas your sod within a day or two of it being cut. that are hard to accurately measure. When ordering The problem is, even when kept moist, that sod for a basic geometric shape, add 10 percent to account is not getting the proper nutrients. After about four for waste or measuring mistakes. If your yard is an days, the grass will start to show signs of damage, unusual shape, allow yourself a 15- to 20-percent and will be somewhat less likely to root as completely buffer to be safe.
The best sod is the freshest. Always ask how long the sod wil l sit after cutting and before it’s transported to your site.
Planting a New Lawn • 67I Selecting Grass Seed T he last decade has seen amazing advances in the science of turfgrass seeds. New varieties are stronger, more insect- and disease-resistant, and able pests common to that species. Mixtures are more common among warm-season grasses; if you live in a colder part of the country blends may be your to tolerate much greater stress than earlier types. only option . Most blends also include what are Spend the time and attention to select the right seeds called “nurse grasses,” species or varieties that grow for your lawn and they will payoff not only in how quickly and provide a good environment for the rest well the lawn does in the short term, but also how of the seeds in the mix. No matter which you buy, gracefully and trouble-free it ages. consult your local cooperative extension office for To start with, you’ll be choosing between a recommendations of grass species and varieties that blend or mix of seeds. Seeds are rarely sold as just do well in your area . one varietal of one species because mixing seed to You’ll also have to determine how much one degree or another generally creates a stronger seed to buy. Take an accurate measurement lawn overall. Whenever possible though , look for of the square footage of your lawn and check a mixture rather than a blend. A blend combines that measureme nt against the coverage different species that mayor may not work well in recommendations listed on the box or bag. your given location and conditions . A mixture is Purchase more seed than you need because the different varieties of the same species, and works extra can come in handy for reseeding troublespots especially well in fighting diseases, weeds, and or oversee ding in th e future .
The Story on the Label ~
Grass seed boxes and bags are required by law to clearly
list detailed information about the ingredients on the
label. Consequently, the label is the first place to look
when shopping for seed. The variety or species in the
mix are listed by their "purity" or the percentage of each
that makes up the total bag contents. You'll also find a
germination rate that tells you what percentage of each
type of seed can be expected to sprout and grow into
a grass plant. Surprisingly, you'll also find a percentage
of weed seed in the mix. This is because it's difficult to
cultivate and harvest grass seed without collecting some
weed seeds-and it's even harder to "clean" the mix and
remove those seeds. Ideally, this number should be 0,
but a weed seed percentage of less than .5 is considered
acceptable (the higher the percentage, the poorer quality
of the mix in general). Inert matter, or filler, is also listed.
Although this doesn't usually affect how successful the
seed mix or blend will be, you want the numbers close to
O. Read the label carefully and with a critical eye, and you'll
wind up with a seed product that spells success for your
new lawn. A grass mixture contains different varieties of the same
species, whereas a blend contains seeds from multiple
turfgrass species.68 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Selecting Lawn Plugs G rowing a lawn from plugs falls in the middle ground between seeding and sodding a lawn. The plugs are cut from sod in 2- to 4-inches squares (or, criteria for plugs that you would for assessing the quality of sod. You want them as fresh as possible, kept moist and cool. less often, rounds), which are then planted individually Be aware that depending on the type of grass, in a grid across the lawn’s area. The cost is a little over plugs can take up to two growing seasons to half of what sod would run you to cover the same area, completely fill in a lawn. In the interim, weeds are a but is still 10 times more expensive than seed. big challenge for the bare spots between the plugs, Labor-wise, planting plugs is on par with the effort and applying a selective herbicide is often part of the you’d dedicate to laying sod, because each plug is regular maintenance of a lawn grown from plugs. This planted in an individual hole. The plugs are purchased drawback is the reason plugs are usually only offered in much the same way as sod is, through a nursery or for grasses that are prohibitively expensive as sod and garden center that contracts with a grower. those that aren ‘t regularly available as seed. Zoysia is The grower cuts the plugs from sod, and so can the most common grass planted from plugs for these you. But that will double your workload, without reasons, and most plug grasses are warm-season saving you much money. Buying plugs is, therefore, species, because the longer growing cycle helps the usually the wiser course of action. But use the same lawn fill in quicker.
Plugs are small clumps of sod that are planted in a regular pattern as a cost-effective alternative to laying sod. It usually takes two growing seasons for the plug roots to entirely spread and fill out the lawn.
Planting a New Lawn • 69I Removing an Old Lawn O nce you’ve decided that your current lawn is beyond reviving, you’ll need to clear the field of old growth to give your new lawn the best possible prepare for the process of amending the soil. Keep in mind that non-selective herbicides can take two weeks to completely kill grass and weeds. chance to take hold and eventually thrive. Removing your old lawn is not difficult, but it will take a bit of labor. The amount of work you’ll need to do depends on how much grass remains, but don’t be tempted to just Tools & Materials ~ roto-till the old lawn under. That would be an invitation to weeds and disease to infiltrate the new grass. Pump sprayer Square-edge shovel Instead, take the time to kill all the plant life in the Lawn mower or spade lawn with a general, non-selective herbicide (or use one Sod cutter Non-selective herbicide of the natural solutions suggested below). Once all the Gloves plant life is dead, you’ll need to completely remove it to
Thinking Green: Herbicide Alternatives ~
Today's herbicides have been refined for minimal impact
on humans and animals, while still effectively killing the
plants you want to remove. Howeve r, overspray can harm
other plant life in the yard and garden, and many people
prefer to avoid using chemicals whenever possible. If
you're focused on natural or organic solutions for the
lawn, there are two highly effective alternatives to killing a
worn-out lawn with herbicides.
Thick black plastic sheeting laid over the lawn
creates an impermeable layer that kills everything
underneath in about two weeks. This process is called
solarizing because it amplifies the heat of the sun to
kill most plant life under the plastic (many beneficial
microorganisms and insects survive). Overlap rows and
secure the sheeting with bricks or other weights. After
solarizing, you should amend the soil with nutrients before
planting the new lawn.
Newspaper laid down in thick layers over the lawn
may be used instead of plastic. You'll need to spread
a layer of mulch over the newspaper. Plan on one full
growing season for this to be effective. The newspapers
can also be composted after the growth underneath is
completely dead.
"Solarizing" is the process of trapping heat underneath
a dark membrane to kill plants in the topsoil. This method
requires full sun.70 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Remove a Worn-out Lawn
Prepare the lawn for spraying with a nonselective Allow at least two weeks for the plants to die and then herbicide by watering deeply a week before you plan to scalp the lawn by setting a power mower to its lowest cutting spray. Choose a warm, calm day to spray. Mix a nonselective height and then mowing the dead grass. herbicide according to the directions and apply it to the entire lawn, avoiding any plants you don’t wish to kill.
I options for Tilling Organic Material Into the Soil
Rent a powerful rear-tine rototiller and use it to break up Use a digging fork (resembles a pitchfork but with broader the soil and dead grass, working the dead plant matter back tines) to break up the soil and work the dead plant matter into into the soil. Make multiple passes to till down to a depth of 6”. the earth.
Planting a New Lawn • 71I Preparing Your Soil W hether you’re planting sod, seed, or plugs, great soil preparation will be the difference between a good and a great lawn. Proper soil structure, nutrients Amend the soil when it is just moist. The actual processes of amending and grading your soil are not complicated, requiring little more than hard effort and grading not only get your lawn off to a good start, with a shovel or a rototiller. But that elbow grease they also go a long way toward heading off potential investment will payoff for as long as your lawn lives. problems. Now-before the lawn is in place-is the best possible time to improve your soil. Without the top layer of growth, it’s easy to make all the changes you need to create the perfec t foundation for a Warning ~ brilliant lawn. When it comes to digging around in an area as large The first order of business is to amend the as most lawns, always keep safety first. Call your soil as necessary to improve the structure and local building department and utilities and request add nutrients. You can us e any amendments, that they mark the pathways of cables, water and but the best of these do double duty, improving gas lines. Installing a lawn is hard enough; it’s wise to structure and adding micro- and macronutrients. save yourself any unnecessary grief. Turfgrasses prefer soil that allows air and nutrients to move down to and around the roots, but that doesn’t drain so quickly that the roots don’t have time to absorb them. The nutrients you n eed will be de termine d by the results of Tools & Materials ~ your soil test. But the bea uty of most natural amendments is that the nutrients are slow-release . Shovel Leaf rake A healthy soil supports a broad range of beneficial Rototiller (optional) Lawn roller organisms that will break down organic matter Wheelbarrow Amendment such as clippings, releasing essential nutrients in Garden rake Starter fertilizer the process.
Rototiller Wisdom ~
Rototillers are amazing machines that can churn through
soil like a hot knife through butter. Renting one for a day
can cut hours and lots of labor off the chore of amending
lawn soil. Tilling wet clay soil with a rototiller can actually
harm soil structure, so wait until soil is just moist. Work
the amendments about 6" into the soil. Finish by rolling
the surface and you'll have set the stage for a healthy
lawn. The light weight tiller shown here is useful for
incorporating ammendments in soil that has already
been broken with a fork or shovel. For breaking sod and
compacted dirt, use a powerful rear-tine tiller or a tractor
with a tiller attachment.72 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to prepare Soil for a New Lawn 2
Spread the amendments across the top of soil and use a Rake out the soil as level as possible. removing rocks or shovel or rototiller to mix them in, digging down about 6” until other large debris as you go. If you’re installing sod, the level the amendment is thoroughly mixed in. should be about 1” lower than surrounding areas, such as sidewalks or beds.
Fill drum '.4-full onlyApply the starter fertilizer appropriate for the grass you’ll Roll the soil with a light drum roller (fill a water-filled roller be planting, and water the soil so that it is thoroughly moist but about % full), to create a firm but not compacted surface for still firm and not muddy. the seed or sod. Scratch the surface with a garden rake right before laying sod or seed.
Planting a New Lawn • 73I Adding Topsoil T opsoil is the rich base for your lawn, so the first order of business in making improvements is to ensure that there is actually enough topsoil in the first place. Inspect the topsoil before you buy. It should be a rich dark brown and somewhat moist. Good topsoil crumbles easily in your hand. The particles Although more is always better when it comes to topsoil, that comprise it should be of varying sizes, and the most gardeners agree that the topsoil under a lawn topsoil should be rich with decomposing humus. should be around 6” deep. If your topsoil is 4” or less, Horticultural soils are often sand-based, even though add a couple inches before laying or planting your lawn they are a rich black color. Also keep in mind that even (keep in mind that sod brings with it about 1” of topsoil). after you’ve inspected it, it’s never a bad idea to test Purchase topsoil just as you do other the topsoil you’re considering buying. amendments, by the cubic yard. Large garden centers The new topsoil should be spread evenly across and landscape supply outlets are some of the sources the surface of your yard and dug into the existing for topsoil. But regardless of where you purchase soil just as any other amendment would be. You can it, always ask where the topsoil came from. Home- also use this opportunity to mix in compost or other building site excavations can be good sites for healthy amendments. Doing them all at the same time limits topsoil, but excavated ditches along roads, and silt the amount of digging you’ll need to do as well as any from waterbeds are not. damage to the soil structure .
Ordering Topsoil ~
Figuring out how much topsoil you need is just a matter of But since we actually want to add only 3 inches,
using a simple formula. It works like this: and three is one-quarter of a foot, multiply the cubic yard
Let's assume you want to add 3 inches of topsoil. If number by .25.
your yard is 1,000 square feet. begin calculating by starting Which gives the number of cubic yards you
with 1 foot of topsoil added to the yard. Because a cubic need: 9.25.
foot of new topsoil goes on top of each square foot of the Because suppliers generally only sell in complete
yard, you would need 1,000 cubic feet of topsoil. cubic yards, you'll buy 10.
Now divide that figure by the number of cubic feet in
a cubic yard (27). That gives you the number of cubic yards
of topsoil you will need-37.
High quality topsoil should be a rich,
dark brown or black in color, with visible
organic elements (humus). It should
smell rich and earthy; a chemical smell
or strong unpleasant odor is a sign of
contaminated topsoil that is poorly
suited to support healthy grass.74 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
I Amending Soil With Compost C ompost is one of the most common, useful, and potentially inexpensive amendments you can add to your soil. You can easily create your own compost, Good compost adds immeasurably to the soil. It improves the structure so that the soil drains well, but retains a good deal of moisture. Compost also adds a but given the amount that you will probably need to wealth of beneficial microorganisms to the soil (and amend the soil in preparation for a new lawn, you’ll often, larger helpers such as earthworms). The material most likely want to buy what you need from a local is not as rich in nutrients as other amendments are. source. You can buy bagged compost, but that would But although the amounts are lower, compost contains be exceptionally pricey. It’s wiser to buy in bulk, by the some amounts of all the macro- and micronutrients cubic yard. your lawn needs, in slow-release form. Use about three Be aware that not all compost is created equal. cubic yards for every 1,000 square feet of soil area. Compost needs to be “finished” to be at its most Preparing for planting a new lawn is the perfect useful; the compost itself should smell somewhat time to add compost to the soil, but it’s not the only sweet. If it smells at all of ammonia, it’s unfinished time. Compost is an excellent yearly top-dressing for a and you should find another source. growing lawn, one that helps keep your soil healthy.
Thinking Green: Composting ~
Making your own compost is a simple way to help the
environment, help your lawn, and help yourself to one of
the best soil improvements you can use.
Large home improvement stores and garden centers
carry many different designs of composting bins, but all do
the same basic things: contain the pile of yard and kitchen
waste and other debris that you will be composting,
provide for airflow around the pile, and allow access to
remove the completed compost.
Of course, you can also make your own compost bin
for free. Use scrap boards and posts to create a square
bin, or chicken wire and poles to make a round one. You
can even make a simple pile in an out-of-the way corner
of the yard or garden.
Ultimately, how you maintain the pile is more
important than the design of the composter. You'll be
composting two types of organic materials, generally
referred to as "browns" and "greens." Browns are leaves,
twigs, bark, and dead flowers. Greens are grass clippings,
kitchen waste, and other similar materials. To create
the most efficient pile, use a ratio of two-to-one in favor
of brown elements. Help a new pile get started with a
compost starter kit available at nurseries and home centers.
Keep the pile moist, but not soaking wet. Turn it
regularly; the more you turn it, the faster the materials will
compost. You know the pile is working if the center is hot.
Harvest it when the compost is finished. It should be black Turning your compost regularly accelerates the
and crumbly with no recognizable bits or pieces of the conversion time it needs to be ready for your yard
original material. and garden.
Planting a New Lawn • 75I Natural Soil Amendments A dd amendments to the soil with, or in addition to, compost, to bolster nutrients and improve the soil structure. You can also amend by adding fertilizers Green manure. This is a relatively new addition to the soil amendment line-up. The term refers to crops that are grown specifically to be dug back into the soil directly to correct specific imbalances in the soil. as enrichment. Depending on the crop, green manure Natural fertilizers are best for this purpose. For more can add a spectrum of nutrients to the soil. The process on those, see page 100. is bit lengthy because you have to grow a “cover crop” Animal manure. Compos ted manure is much of one of a group of plants that serve the purpose. better as a soil amendment than a quick-release lawn These include alfalfa, clover, soybeans, buckwheat fertilizer which can burn the grass. Most manures are and oats, among others. Some can be regularly mowed rich sources of slow-release nitrogen that will provide during the year they are growing, to maintain a neat a steady supply of the nutrient for a long time to and tidy appearance. Certain of these plants “fix” come. When dug into topsoil, the manure also greatly nitrogen (a method of storing it) in their roots. When improves the structure of the soil. Many raw manures, they are plowed under, the green manure can serve the however, contain seeds from the plants eaten by the complete nitrogen needs for a lawn for up to a year. animal, which may include weeds. That’s why the best Peat moss. Sphagnum peat moss is a widely used form of manure for lawn soil amendment is compos ted soil amendment that doesn’t add much in the way of manure. The heat of composting kills weed seeds. You nutrients, but brings a big bang for the buck in terms can purchase bulk manure from the same sources as of soil texture. Harvested from bogs around the world you would compost, but you can also get it free if you (most of the peat moss sold in the US comes from live within reasonable range of a farm with livestock, Canada), peat is a remarkable water sponge- holding commercial stables, or a ranch. Most farm or ranch up to 20 times its weight in moisture-which it then owners are more than happy to give the manure away slowly releases. For this reason, peat is used most if you’re willing to clean it up. Whatever the source of often to improve sandy soils. As a lawn amendment, the manure you use, it’s always best to age it for at least you should add about 1 inch of peat for every 6 to six months to reduce the level of ammonia, a highly 7 inches of topsoil. Be sure you know the pH of your mobile source of nitrogen which can wash away, off soil, though, because peat moss may affect the acidity, gas, burn the lawn, or cause unhealthy levels of growth. lowering the pH.
Manure is a nitrogen-rich amendment that can greatly Peat moss reduces the compaction potential of clay soils and improve the water- and nutrient-retention properties of a improves water retention of sand soils. lawn’s soil. You can purchase composted cow or steer manure in bag form or by the yard.
76 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Maintaining Proper Soil pH I nmost lawns, the soil pH is fine. But when it’s not, the variance can spell disaster for your new lawn. Imbalances in soil pH levels can be the result of heavy point (such as from 5.0 to 5.5), you should use 15-20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn soil, or 30-35 if the soil is extra rich in loam. Generally, its wise to err rainfall, the local geography, and other conditions. If on the side of caution, because you can always add your soil test shows a pH of less than 6.5 or higher than more lime, even after you plant the new lawn. 7.5, it’s wise to correct it before your new lawn goes in. Sulfur. Sulfur comes in two forms: powdered Fixing a pH imbalance should be done very and granulated. Always use granulated if it’s available carefully because it’s easy to overdo and imbalance because it’s much easier to handle. However, with the soil to the opposite end of the scale. Ideally, if the either form, use a facemask, gloves, and safety glasses. imbalance is modest, use sulfur or lime in moderation To lower pH a half point with sulfur, use about 3 to slowly make the change over a couple of seasons. pounds per 1,000 square feet of normal or slightly For the same reason, measure these materials very sandy soil. You may need up to 12 pounds per 1,000 carefully and be sure you know the correct treatment square feet for extremely clay-heavy soils. amounts. To correct acidity by raising pH, use lime. Test the soil about a month after you’ve laid the To fix high alkalinity and lower pH, use sulfur. new lawn to measure if the amendment moved the Consult your local nursery professional or cooperative pH into the recommended range. Apply a second extension office agent for specific recommendations treatment on top of the lawn as necessary. for your area, or you can use the general guidelines below regarding application amounts. Lime. Ground limestone is a fine powder that is Warning ~ safe to work with because it is non-caustic. However, this type is very slow acting, taking weeks to fully alter The fast-acting form of lime is called quicklime and the soil’s pH. If you need faster results, you can use it’s caustic. Handling it can cause burns, and requires hydrated lime, known as quicklime. It’s dangerous to gloves, a respirator, safety glasses, and appropriate work with, so exercise extreme caution. Pelleted lime clothing. Quicklime should never be applied on a windy is a safer version that combines quicklime and ground day and should not be brought into contact with skin. limestone in small pellets. The amount you use should A safer way to handle this material is in pelleted form. be strictly controlled. Generally, to raise pH half a
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Planting a New Lawn • 77I Grading for Proper Drainage T he final step in preparing the bed for your new lawn is ensuring that the yard slopes correctly for proper drainage. That drainage is important for No matter who is doing the grading work, it’s a good time to add features such as an in-ground sprinkler system (see page 148), or wiring for low-voltage lights lawn health, but it’s also essential to preventing water that are meant to line a sidewalk. It will be much easier from draining into your house or undercutting and to do any in-ground work before the lawn is planted. damaging your foundation. All the usual caveats about checking with the local Ideally, the lawn should slope away from the utilities, cable companies, and building departments house (toward a street, road , or culvert), dropping before you dig apply when grading your property. But 1 foot in height to every 50 feet of lawn. If the soil you also need to know where your septic system runs bed does not slope sufficiently, you should grade the if you have one, and where your well-water supply surface before you install your lawn. line is, if you get your water from a well. When you’re This basically entails moving dirt from a high sure you are not going to create other problems point to a low point. It may mean more substantial while grading, it’s time to get your tools together and digging down into the subsoil if you need to reverse complete the last step before planting your lawn. a slope that runs toward your house. In this case, remove and store the valuable topsoil and dig out the subsoil, replacing the topsoil when you’ve established the proper grade. Tools & Materials ~ Obviously, that could involve quite a bit of work. A large grading project calls for heavy equipment Pointed shovel String line such as a front loader, and you’ll probably want to hire Landscape rake String level professionals in that case. Make sure whoever you hire Wheelbarrow Stakes has experience in grading a residential yard, and that Measuring tape they are clear on how you want your topsoil handled.
The soil bed for your lawn should
slope away from your house and toward
natural drainage points, such as streets
with sewers. A slope of one foot per 50
feet of run is ideal: water runoff will not
puddle, but it also won't drain so quickly to
cause erosion.78 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Grade a Lawn
Drive a stake into the soil at the base of the foundation Working away from the base of the house, add soil to and another at least 8 ft. out into the yard along a straight line low areas until they reach the desired height. Using a garden from the first stake. Attach a string fitted with a line level to rake, evenly distribute the soil over a small area. Measure the stakes and level it. Measure and flag the string with tape at down from the 1-ft. markings as you work to make sure that 1-ft. intervals. Measure down from the string at the tape flags, you are creating a 3h ” per 1 ft. pitch. Add and remove soil as recording your measurements to use as guidelines for adding needed until soil is evenly sloped, then move on to the next or removing soil to create a correct grade. area and repeat the process.
Use a hand tamp or a roller to lightly compact the soil. Use a grading rake to remove any rocks or clumps. Starting Don’t overtamp the soil or it could become too dense to grow at the foundation, pull the rake in a straight line down the a healthy lawn or plants. Add a little more soil after tamping as slope. Dispose of any rocks or construction debris. Repeat the a seed bed for the grass seed or sod. process, working on one section at a time until the entire area around the house is graded.
Planting a New Lawn • 79I Laying Sod E nsuring the success of a lawn created from sod begins before the delivery of the sod. Sod doesn’t age well, so you want to install it as quickly Although sod is essentially an instant lawn to the eye, newly laid sod is still vulnerable. In addition to the post-installation watering you’ll have to do until as possible. Have all your tools and equipment the grass is fully established and actively growing, prepared, have any helpers you’re going to need on you’ll want to keep all traffic off the lawn for several hand, and be ready to get to work as soon as the weeks if possible. It’s especially important to keep sod arrives. pets off the lawn, because animal urine is fairly toxic When it is delivered, check to see you’ve to new sod. With some basic protection and follow-up received all the sod you ordered. Have the sod care, your sodded lawn will, in month’s time, look like stacked in a shady area. Inspect the sod closely. it’s always been there. Note: Soil should be properly Fresh sod will be moist and cool to the touch. If the graded, amended, and raked out prior to laying sad. sod is hot, it means the process of decomposing has begun. You should also check for uneven top growth, yellowing blades, and curling edges-all unwelcome signs that the sod has been sitting around for Tools & Materials ~ too long. Once you’re satisfied that the sod is in good Large sharp knife Sod condition, spray it down well using a hose equipped Wheelbarrow Plywood scrap (for with a nozzle attachment set to mist. When you start Drum roller kneeling platform) work, it’s a good idea to moisten both the roll of sod Trowel Wood stakes you’re preparing to lay, and the strip of soil the sod’s S traigh tedge String line going on top of.
Laying sod is the quickest and most satisfying (and also the most expensive) way to create an instant lawn.
80 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
How to Lay Sad
Check all the sod as soon as it’s delivered. Look for damage, Lay the first strip of sod along a straight edge such as a disease, or signs of insect infestation. Feel to make sure the front sidewalk. Butt it to the edge as tightly as possible without sod is not hot, indicating that it has begun decomposing. overlapping the surface. Mist the soil lightly before setting Store the sod in a cool, shaded area, keeping it moist until you the sod. lay it.
Alternative: If there is no straight edge to use as a guide, Continue the row of sod by butting the next strip up tight such as along a property line with no sidewalk, create one with against the end of the first. Be sure there is no gap, and that stakes and string. the strips do not overlap.
(continued)
Planting a New Lawn • 81Cut the first strip in the second row as necessary to Fill any low areas as you lay the strips, to ensure there are create a staggered “brick” pattern. Use a large, sharp knife, or no voids underneath the sod. Trowel in topsoil or compost to sharpened trowel. level each individual area .
6As you work, stop about every 20 to 30 minutes and spray If you need to butt strips at an angle to one another, the strips you’ve laid-as well as the stack of sod-with overlap them, and cut completely through both strips with enough water to keep them moist. your knife or sharpened trowel.
82 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
At curves in sidewalks or paths, lay the end of the last If the final row of sod will need to be cut to width, lay strip over the path, and cut the sod along the edging of the a full-size row on the outer edge, and cut the next-to-Iast row path surface. Cut the sod snug, because you can cut again if to fit. Use a straightedge, such as a large metal carpenter’s you need to, but you shouldn’t add thin scraps of sod as filler. square, long metal ruler, or level.
Planting Sod on a Slope ~
One of the advantages of installing sod instead
of spreading seed is that it is far better for growing
lawns on a slope. But sod strips can still slide out
of position . Secure sod strips on a slope by peggingRoll the lawn with a roller at least half-full with water to them with metal pegs or with home-made tapered ensure there are no air pockets and that the sod is firmly in wooden stakes. contact with the soil.
(continued)
Planting a New Lawn • 83Check the strips for separation gaps or any areas that you Water the lawn every day-unless it rains-until you are have cut short. Fill these with a combination of sterile soil and sure the grass is established and growing (usually a little more grass seed that matches the species in the sod. than a week).
Prepping Soil for Sod ~
Amending the topsoil and raking the surface out flat is
often all the prep work you'll need to do prior to laying
sod. But you can take steps to help the sod root securely.
The quicker and more completely it roots, the faster and
more robust your new lawn will grow in.
Use a leaf rake to scratch shallow furrows in the soil
(as seen in the photo at right) in the direction you'll be
laying the soil. Similar to the way raised tire treads help
a tire grip the road, these furrows will help the sod bond
down to the soil.
You can also give your sod a head start by spreading
a starter fertilizer over the top of the soil before laying
the sod. This will guarantee that the new sod has all the
nutrients it needs to begin growing strong. Apply starter
fertilizer strictly according the instructions on the bag
or box-more is not usually better in the case of sod .
And don't ever be tempted to spread a general synthetic
fertilizer because you may prompt a flush of top growth
at the expense of strong roots-leading to big problems
down the road .84 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
How to Plant a New Lawn from Plugs
Use stakes and string to create guides 8” to 12” apart Plant the first row of plugs along the first guideline, so that over the length of the lawn surface. Make the holes for the the plugs are spaced the same distance apart as you spaced plugs with a bulb-planting tool, staggering them to create a the rows. checkerboard pattern.
Remove the string and stakes and water the plugs well, Alternate: Plant sprigs (individual plants) just as you would keeping them moist until they are obviously established. plugs, but don’t dig holes. Simply push them into the soil spaced a few inches apart. For even coverage you can set up string lines; but spacing them out by eye will work, too.
Planting a New Lawn • 85I Planting a Lawn From Seed S eeding is the traditional way (and certainly the least expensive method) to grow a new lawn. It is also one of the trickiest because so many things can Once you’ve distributed all the seed and laid down a protective layer over it, you’ve still got work to do. One of the keys to helping as many seeds as possible go wrong, from seed that doesn’t germinate to a run-in germinate is to make sure that the seeds never with a flock of hungry swallows . If you choose this completely dry out. This means you have to water the method for growing a new lawn, give your lawn the seeded area lightly, several times a day. You can cut best chance possible by being exacting in each step of back on the watering to a couple times a day once your the seeding process . seedlings sprout, but you still need to give a lot more Everything starts with the seed. By shopping moisture than an established lawn will need. After carefully for your seed, you take the first steps toward three or four weeks, you may also need to overseed maximizing the seed’s potential. The next trick is to areas not filling in because the seeds were in shade, or make sure the seed is set down in the right way and the they were not spread evenly. right place. Drop spreaders are best for this. Because they drop the seed directly below the hopper, it’s easier to tell where the seed is going, and to know exactly where to overlap the rows. It’s common on larger lawns Tools & Materials ~ to use a broadcast or rotary spreader because the width of each row will be three times or the more the size of Drop spreader Grass seed drop spreader rows. If you use a broadcast spreader, Leaf rake Grass fabric you’ll need to be very diligent about where the seed is Drum roller or mulch going to ensure an even starting growth for your lawn.
A drop spreader is often used for
fertilizing, but can also be used to
apply seed . It ensures even grass seed
coverage for a more uniform lawn. But it
is essential to regularly clean and maintain
your spreader. A poorly functioning
unit translates to improper feeding and
possible damage to the lawn.86 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Seed a New Lawn With the soil prepared as described on page 72, spread the seed. Set the drop spreader to the setting listed on the seed bag, test the dispersal rate on a driveway or sidewalk, and begin seeding.
Rake the seed into the surface of the
soil. Drag a leaf rake upside down over the
surface to rake in the seeds. Rake gently to
prevent dispersing the seeds too much.Proper Seed Dispersal ~ Regardless of whether you’re using a drop, broadcast, or even a hand-held spreader, the goal is to have a nice, even dispersal across the entire area of the soil. Check to ensure you are dropping the right number of seeds per square inch, as recommended by the seed company and listed on the seed bag. Use a square to count seeds and check the dispersal in different areas of the lawn as you spread the seed, and make adjustments as necessary.
(continued)
Planting a New Lawn • 87
Roll the surface of the lawn with an
empty drum roller. The goal is to press
the seeds firmly into the soil without
crushing them.
water the surface immediately.
Protect the newly seeded lawn with
ropes or tape to keep dogs and cats off
the surface. Cover the lawn with clean
straw or degradable garden fabric to help
ensure germination and retain moisture.
Spun bonded poly mesh will also protect
the seeds against birds, but it is not
readily degradable.
Spreading by Hand ~
Drop or broadcast spreaders are
effective on lawns of any size, but for
much smaller lawns, such as a modest
patch behind a townhouse, it is easier
and quicker to spread seed by hand. You
can use a handheld crank spreader, or
even just broadcast handfuls of seed as
you walk along. Either way, check to be
sure that the seed is broadcast evenly
across the soil in the concentration
recommended on the seed bag. And
remember, too much seed can be as
bad as too little. If you opt to spread seed with a handheld spreader, walk at a
constant rate and hold the spreader as steady and level as possible to
achieve the correct distribution of seed.88 • T H E COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTE R LAWN
Hydroseeding ~ Hydroseeding is a relatively new alternative to growing and is even quicker than seeding. Hydroseeding is also an a lawn from seed or sod. It’s quick, easy, and has a great excellent option for troublespots such as slopes. Because success rate. The process involves spraying a mix of grass the seeds are contained in such a beneficial medium, the seed, water, and fertilizer that has been combined with a germination rate for hydroseeding exceeds that of seeded base of fiber or recycled paper. Other elements such as lawns, and the grass usually sprouts faster. In most cases, soil inoculants are sometimes added, but the main idea is you’ll quite possibly be mowing the lawn in less than that the dense liquid mix gets pumped through a sprayer, a month. and is sprayed across the prepared soil surface. The wet Expense wise, this option usually falls somewhere fiber or paper base sticks to the soil, holding the seed between the cost of sod and the cost of seed . But it’s in place, while keeping it moist and protected from the not a DIY project; getting the blend right and spraying elements and birds. correctly so that the coverage is spot on takes a In time, the seeds germinate and sprout, and the fiber professional. The one major downside is that many or paper base decomposes, adding to the soil’s structure hydroseeding contractors offer a very limited selection and slowly releasing fertilizer. of grass seed varieties. Hydroseeding should be done It’s a highly effective process, is one that can be done at the beginning of the growing season for your type in a fraction of the time it would take to sod a large lawn, of grass.
Planting a New Lawn • 89I
Maintaining Your Lawn M aintaining a weed-, disease-, and problem-free lawn isn’t rocket science; it just requires correct maintenance practices, done at the right time on regular intervals. The first step is to make sure you have all the tools necessary to properly take care of your lawn. Those tools should be in good repair, which makes any lawn care job easier. Mowing is the most regular of lawn-maintenance chores. But there are distinctively right and wrong ways of mowing the lawn. The wrong way doesn’t just make your lawn look bad, it opens it up to infection from diseases and attack by pests. So it pays to make sure your lawnmower is in good running condition and that you mow at the best time and in the best way for your lawn. Ensuring the grass gets all the water it needs is another good lawn-maintenance practice. And lawn maintenance also involves several less regular, but no less important, tasks. Fertilizing, aerating, and shutting your lawn down properly for the winter (or whenever it goes dormant), all impact how well your lawn grows and looks.
In this chapter: • Feeding Your Lawn • Trimming & Edging • Mowing Fundamentals • Water & Your Lawn • Mowing the Lawn • Winterizing the Lawn
• 91I Lawn-Care Hand Tools Shovel Garden fork
Square-edged shovel
We!ed puller
\~ Hand
clippers
Trowel
Reel mower
Drop
spreader
Rotary edger
Core sampler92 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BEITER LAWN
I Lawn-Care Power Tools Push mower
Garden sprayer
Power
blower/vacuum
Power
shearsI Rental Power Equipment
Power Power
sod cutter
Power vertical
rake/dethatcher
Rototiller
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 93I Feeding Your Lawn A lawn can exist with very little help from the soil, but if you want an enviable patch of green you really need to stock the pantry for your grass. The term hungers for. They are just the nutrients it uses in the largest amounts. Any lawn also relies on a steady supply of “feeding the lawn” is actually a bit of a misnomer; smaller amounts of secondary nutrients and various when you fertilize you’re just giving the soil nutrients micronutrients. Each plays a lesser or greater role in that the individual grass plants need to perform lawn health. But the best protection for any lawn is photosynthesis. As most of us learned in elementary the right balance of nutrients-almost as important as school, that’s the process through which individual the amounts of each. leaves of grass use the sun’s energy to convert water The form the fertilizer takes will affect how readily and carbon dioxide into sugars the plant uses to grow. available it is to the grass roots, as well as how long In other words, it feeds itself. Just the same, it’s as if it persists in the soil. The two basic forms are liquid you were feeding the lawn because the grass needs the and dry. Both can supply the nutrients your grass nutrients the soil contains to survive. needs but liquid fertilizer is generally more quick- The trick is giving the grass just the right amount acting and easier to prepare. It doesn’t last as long as and right balance of nutrients at just the right time granular types do. It also takes a bit of skill to apply to help it grow as consistently perfect as possible. liquid fertilizer evenly. That’s one of the reasons the You won’t need a degree in chemistry to master the majority of homeowners use dry fertilizer for regular fine art of fertilizing a lawn, but you do need a basic lawn feedings. understanding of the nutrients the grass needs and As you proceed through this section, it’s a good how it uses them. idea to have your lawn soil tests on hand, and give You learned a little bit about the three them some thought as you read about the different macronutrients in Testing Your Soil on page 30. But nutrients. When you’re done, you should have a pretty if nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the big exact idea of just how much of each nutrient you three, they certainly aren’t the only components of want to feed the lawn, and what form you want those fertilizer. Nor are they the only vitamins the lawn nutrients to take.
Granular fertilizer is easy to spread evenly with a spreader, so many homeowners choose it over liquid fertilizer.
94 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Variable Appetites ~ Grass type affects fertilizer consumption. For instance, Cool Season: Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass are pretty much Kentucky bluegrass ±10 hogs when consuming nutrients, while centipede grass Ryegrass ±5 and Bahia are light eaters. Like many other particulars Tall fescue ±6 about lawn care, there is debate about appropriate Perennial Ryegrass ±5 nutrient amounts for any given turfgrass, so it’s a good idea to speak with your nursery professional or local Warm Season: cooperative extension office expert about the nutrient Bermuda ±8 needs of your particular grass species and variety. Also St. Augustine ±8 talk with neighbors who seem to be having success with Zoysia ±6 their lawns. The following numbers are a good baseline Centipede grass ±4 for the most common types of turfgrass. The amounts listed represent the pounds of nitrogen each grass will Transition Grasses: need on average in a year to support a healthy, typical, Buffalograss ±3 2,OOO-square-foot lawn. Blue Grama ±3
Mixing a liquid fertilizer is easy and
quick, but sprayed fertilizer is available to
the grass for only a brief period.
Successfully fertilizing with dry fertilizer
means exacting measurements and a
thorough watering to ensure the nutrients
reach the grass roots.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 95I Nitrogen, Phosphorous & Potassium Of the three major nutrients, nitrogen has the biggest Phosphorous is most important for new root direct impact on the lawn, specifically in regards growth, making it a key nutrient for seedlings. It’s to visible growth and color. Nitrogen is crucial to wise, for instance, to boost the amount of phosphorous chlorophyll, the metabolic component that makes in the fertilizer you use on a warm-season grass, before grass green. Your lawn consumes more nitrogen than you overseed for winter growth with a cool-season it does any single other nutrient. As far as fertilizers grass seed. A phosphorous-heavy mix is a good idea (natural or synthetic) go, pay the most attention to the as the first feeding after planting a lawn from seed nitrogen content. as well. Phosphorous is slow-acting and most of its Nitrogen is actually all around us, as an inert benefits are only apparent below the soil. It will spur gas in the air (actually, almost 80 percent of the air). new root growth over weeks and the result will be a You’d think that grass could get all it needs from the healthy top growth over time. air, but that’s unfortunately not the way it works. That Potassium is the backup player of the big three. gas needs to be converted for use in plants, including That’s because it helps grass plants endure times of grass. It’s why organic farmers plant special nitrogen- stress, keeping cool-season grasses alive over tough grabbing “cover” crops that are plowed under at the winters, and helping any grass ride out fluxuating end of the growing season (clover does the same moisture levels. Potassium is, like phosphorous, slow thing in your lawn, but most consider it a weed and and steady. The best time to use a high-potassium a blemish on their carefully cultivated green carpet). fertilizer is in the fall, to help the lawn survive the These plants convert airborne nitrogen, making it tough months to come. available in the soil in a process called nitrogen fixing. Turfgrass, unlike cover crops, is a heavy net consumer of nitrogen and thus, needs a reliable consistent supply of the nutrient. When your grass experiences nitrogen deficiency it turns pale and yellow and may even start thinning out. But most lawns don’t get that bad unless they are stressed in some other way as well. When grass plants have a steady supply of the right amount of nitrogen, shoots and stems grow thick and strong. That helps prevent weeds, disease, and pests from making a home among the grass. Both synthetic and natural fertilizers can supply nitrogen. The debate over which is better is a hotly contested one, but the key difference in feeding a lawn is that most natural versions supply only slow-release nitrogen, while synthetic types offer either fast-release or slow-release nitrogen in their formulations.
THE TWO PS Phosphorous (represented as “P” on a fertilizer bag’s label) and potassium (represented as “K”) live in the shadow of nitrogen when it comes to fertilizing your lawn, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t significant. In fact, severe deficiencies of either can compromise lawn health. But in most cases, these nutrients stay in the soil so long that deficiencies are rare, and very bright green color is a sign that a lawn is saturated additional amounts delivered via fertilizer are usually with nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can spur what appears to be very modest. lush, green top growth at the expense of root development.
96 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Secondary Lawn Nutrients The three secondary nutrients essential to soil health MICRONUTRIENTS and lawn growth are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Rounding out the elements that contribute to lawn Deficiencies in these signal a very unhealthy soil or and soil health are a group of nutrients present in at least a pH imbalance. Calcium and magnesium are much smaller amounts than macronutrients. There ingredients in the lime that is used raise the soil’s pH, are seven of these and each has its own role. Boron while sulfur is used to lower it. promotes the development of flowers, which in Calcium helps stabilize pH and loosens grass assists overall growth (the grass plant is always soil, serving as a mild conditioning agent. More trying to get to the flowering stage and forever being importantly, this mineral strengthens plant cell walls, stymied by the lawnmower). Chlorine helps stabilize contributing to strong root and top growth. A complete soil structure, while copper promotes plant growth lack of calcium translates to development of weak by serving as a component of chlorophyll. Iron is roots and stunted shoots. perhaps the most important micronutrient, and is an Magnesium also helps condition soil, acting as essential catalyst to chlorophyll creation. As such, iron a bonding agent to maintain a strong soil structure. is one of the few micronutrients that can make its It’s also an important element in chlorophyll, and absence known; given a lack of iron, the grass leaves in that way, contributes to food production within a will turn yellow. Manganese is crucial for the function grass plant. of photosynthesis and aids grass plants in processing Sulfur is primarily used in relation to soil pH. But nitrogen. Molybdenum promotes nitrogen fixing, while it’s also a necessary ingredient in key amino acids and zinc helps the formation of starch for the plants to use . . proteins used in grass plant functions. m processmg energy.
Although yellowing of the grass can be a sign of nitrogen deficiency, if you’ve fed the lawn nitrogen and it’s still yellow, chances are that the soil is low in iron.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 97I Synthetic Fertilizers The actual act of fertilizing a lawn is not all that If you use synthetics, you can address these complex. But figuring out exactly what type of concerns by being very careful in what type of fertilizer you should use, and how much, is a far fertilizer you use, how much, and how and when you different matter. Not only does the type of grass and apply it. Careful fertilizing practices ensure that most where you live affect the amount of fertilizer your if not all of the fertilizer remains in the soil until it is lawn will need, it also influences timing. And to make used by the grass. Signs of overfertilization are pretty matters a little more confusing, just how often a lawn clear. They include succulent grass blades almost full should be fed is a matter of no small debate-even to bursting with moisture, blades that when squeezed among professionals. or rubbed leave your fingers green, and deep green How often and how much you feed your lawn growth so dense and top heavy that individual grass depends first on whether you choose to use a blades flop over. synthetic, mass-produced fertilizer, or whether you’ve Buying the right synthetic fertilizer mix starts with opted to go all natural or organic. If you’re like the vast measuring the square footage of your lawn. Bagged majority of homeowners throughout the country, you fertilizer is usually calculated for a 1,OOO-square- most likely use synthetic fertilizer. foot yard. You’ll need to factor your square footage to That choice is usually driven by how easy determine how many bags (or fractions of bags) you’ll synthetic fertilizers are to use. Synthetics offer the need to use. choice of fast- or slow-acting nitrogen, where the In addition to normal formulations, you can buy nitrogen in natural fertilizers is usually slow-release. timed-release fertilizers in which the particles are Synthetic formulations also deliver greater amounts coated to slowly release nutrients over a much longer of nutrients in one shot than natural types do. This period than regular fertilizer. These types of fertilizers means you’ll use less of them, which translates to are more expensive, but they last much longer and less expense. may even prevent the need for additional feedings. On Of course organic lawn-care proponents would the downside, though, timed-release fertilizers are not say these advantages are more than offset by the controllable-the nutrients, and especially nitrogen, downsides to using synthetic fertilizers: a strong may be feeding the lawn during periods when it potential for overuse and damage to the lawn should not be fed. from excess nitrogen; and misuse that results in You’ll also find so-called combination fertilizers damage to the environment as excess fertilizer that include herbicides or pesticides added to the makes its way into the water system both locally fertilizer mix. Although these can be quite handy and regionally. as all-in-one solutions, you don’t have the control
Slow Release vs. Quick Release ~
There are basically two types of nitrogen in fertilizers: slow negative environmental impact. It is also more likely to
release and quick release. Slow-release versions feed the kill beneficial microorganisms, damaging the health of
grass plants a more moderate dose over time and are less the soil.
likely to burn the grass. You'll also need fewer applications Some types of synthetic fertilizers combine both
because the fertilizer lasts longer. fast- and slow-re lease particles. Most organic fertilizers
Quick-release types are great for fast "green-ups" are just slow-release by their very nature, feeding the lawn
and, unlike their slower counterparts, they make the a modest, continuous, and balanced stream of nutrients.
nitrogen available in colder weather. The cost is less Fast-release fertilizers include ammonium nitrate,
as wel l. But quick-release nitrogen is more likely to ammonium su lfate, ca lcium nitrate, and urea, among
leach from the soil in the presence of heavy drainage, others. Slow-release types include activated sludge,
meaning it can make its way into sewers, waterways, su lfur-coated urea, soybean meal, bone meal, composted
water tables, and other areas where it can have a manure, and methylene urea.98 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
over application that you would by applying the chemical mix . It’s extremely important-for your components separately. Combination fertilizers lawn and garden, your family’s health, and the are best used as a pre-treatment for common and well-being of the environment-that you follow widespread weeds such as crabgrass. the manufacturer’s directions to the letter and Whatever type or brand of fertilizer you buy, exercise diligenc e and caution whenever you fertilize keep in mind that you are purchasing a powerful the lawn.
Decoding the Label ~
The label on a bag of fertilizer contains
a great deal of useful information,
but you need to know how it applies -'
to your lawn before you make your
purchase. The biggest numbers are
the most important, representing
the relative amounts of nitrogen,
phosphorous, and potassium in the ...---
-- -
mix (N-P-K). The numbers are the
percentage of that component that
..
--
~
----- ......_ _..
makes up the bag's contents. For DitectioOl lOr VIC 591 endb.. tipe
instance, a 10-10-10 formulation I«/fIIt Fd lIIw/I
hoIIIftll .... JC*1b bdp pn:pw,..,.. .....
-,-_ ...........................
would indicate that 10 percent of the
contents are nitrogen, 10 percent
are phosphorous and 10 percent are
."
.u....
........ ..., poo¥td< balttpemup
For. dIIcRr. baD 1Oc*IaI ......
M ...
.......
din! """
It
r-. _lI0I*I IIbw Oor,
I'll """' ~ 10 6
-.........
"lddwro- . g .
5
......- 41/%
.u.n,....,,..,..,. • -
_
J
potassium. The remaining 70 percent I«*t ..,.11... JIId ...., ala "PPIIII .................
.......
==='.
til •
lor _
...... ,..--,
of the bag's contents is comprised of
inert materials and ingredients that
~
- .....-
==-
3 F_-=,IO_
help deliver or hold the nutrients in a
form that facilitates use by the lawn's
root system.
-- _-- •
....
...-......-..
I
- .
... IJ111
t
_NorQ I" 00.._
-- '., ...-.",......
........................
-. .•=i: ....
t1I'ION:
.....
,.......,..-.:........... --_. ....
_ -
mrOVl'OfIlACltOllClf'M.
You can use these numbers to "CDUKJ'W1"'~.AY~·
.. . . JaQN'''''-''
....
...--
figure out just how much nitrogen is
being delivered per 1,000 square feet
... -"o " ..' , )It
(the standard baseline measure used
on most bags). To figure out how many
--- ...........
:..:.---
--.
'i:'~_·CIt ..
........
........._
.. .........
_oe__
. ...
_.... ..............
.--.---
_ _ .............~ ... I.
,.. ,.. t--.,-
.,
_ . ..
.................. ..--.
a =:::r-
pounds of nitrogen you're delivering
to your 1,000 square foot lawn, using
---_
,~
to
~
-
... _--
~
11 '-.........
.. ....,...........,..
••
the example above, you would multiply
the percentage of nitrogen (.10) by the
overall weight of the bag (standard
bags of fertilizer are 15.5 pounds). So,
.10 x 15.5 = 1.55 pounds of nitrogen.
. .., . , ..
Divide that number by the number
of 1,000 square-foot segments of
coverage listed on the label (let's say
2,000) and you discover that it will
deliver .78 pounds of nitrogen (1.55/2)
per 1,000 square feet.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 99
I Natural Fertilizers
To understand natural fertilizers it helps to pause about using these types of fertilizer on their
understand what natural means in terms of fertilizers. lawns. Still, animal-based fertilizers are incredibly rich
Natural is often confused with organic, but the two sources of nutrients for your grass.
can actually be quite different. Natural pertains Manures are rich in nitrogen and other
to any product from a plant or animal. Organic, in nutrients, are plentiful, and fairly inexpensive.
its truest form, precludes any chemicals. So while Manure is usually compos ted before being used as a
you can consider a plant-based fertilizer natural, it's fertilizer. The downside to these types of fertilizers-
not considered organic by purists if the soil or the and many other natural types-is that they release
plant was treated with any artificial chemicals such nitrogen slowly and unpredictably. The soil needs
as pesticides. to be warm enough so that the microorganisms that
That said, there are a range of effective and break the fertilizer down and release the nitrogen
environmentally friendly natural fertilizers. They break are active.
down into two basic categories: animal products and Fish emulsion is just another way of saying
plant products. fish manure. This is a nutrient-packed fertilizer
Animal-based products such as cow manure containing as much as 10 percent nitrogen. Pure
and bat guano can make rich fertilizers, but working fish emulsion can be a little on the pricey side, but it
with the materials can be a distinctly unpleasant stands out among natural fertilizers because unlike the
experience. And, more recently, concern about slow-acting nature of most of these, fish emulsion acts
animal-borne diseases has given some homeowners quickly and can even be used to green-up the lawn.
ALL NATURAL FERTIliZER
kaf\tHl1eaI
......_..-...........- ...............
-. C-.Iot
PRO-BIOTIC
-s..!v.......
Feather meal Alfalfa meal100 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Bat guano is even more expensive, but is incredibly The easiest way to realize the benefits of natural rich in key nutrients. fertilizers is to buy a bagged blend. Like their synthetic Meals are ground animal parts that can be counterparts, these bags list the N-P-K amounts right rich sources of nitrogen. Blood meal, for instance, on the front, so you can use them just as you would a is 12 to 15 percent nitrogen, while feather meal is synthetic version. almost as rich. Bonemeal is, meanwhile, a mother lode of phosphorous and calcium. The downside is that meals are all expensive, and should not be used directly as fertilizers because they can do as much — damage to top growth as the benefits they bring to the soil. They are, however, often used in natural fertilizer blends. Plant-based products are increasing in popularity and many, such as seaweed, have been used throughout history as rich sources of nutrients, as well as amendments to improve soil structure. Alfalfa meal is a key ingredient in many blended natural fertilizers. Containing around 3 percent nitrogen, it can be used in its raw form as a soil amendment. Soybean meal is another common addition to natural fertilizer blends because of its very high nitrogen content and its wide availability. Like alfalfa meal, you’ll find soybean meal at farm supply outlets, if you want to use it as a soil amendment. Seaweed is a time-tested soil additive, which is why it too is included in many bagged natural fertilizers. Although it contains a modest amount of nitrogen (about 1 percent) it contains many organic compounds that aid grass plants in vigorous growth and seed and seedling development. Natural fertilizer
Thinking Green: Soil Inoculants ~
Soil inoculant is a relatively new lawn treatment that is increase grass plant vitality, increase growth and green-up
being embraced by homeowners looking to go natural rates, and help prevent the onset of diseases.
in their lawn maintenance. Inoculants aren't fertilizers or Rhizobia have long been a part of the success of
pesticides, but are usually applied in a similar fashion. As legumes such as clover. The bacteria works by infiltrating
their name implies they inoculate the soil against pests plant roots and setting up nodes that allow it to fix
and diseases. Along the way, some types assist in the nitrogen from the air.
uptake of nutrients by grass roots, and can increase grass There are other inoculants, such as algae, that have
plants' strength and vitality. similar beneficial affects on turfgrass. They can all be
Mycorrhizae is one of the most commonly used lawn added to natural lawn fertilizers, but you should save
inoculants. These are beneficial fungi that attach to the your money if you fertilize using synthetics. Research
roots of grass plants and help them take in water and has shown most natural inoculants are shut down in the
nutrients. Added to natural fertilizers mycorrhizae can presence of synthetic additives.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 101
I Applying Fertilizer
Once you've worked out the type of fertilizer you'll
use and the N-P-K blend you'll need, it's time to apply Tools & Materials ~
that fertilizer to the lawn. The process is done with
a spreader, and should be done carefully to prevent Spreader Fertilizer
fertilizer from going where you don't intend it to go. Push broom Gloves
The best way to do that is by using a walk-behind
drop spreader, the most popular kind. It is the most
effective type because you maintain control over
exactly where you lay the fertilizer. There is a much easily prevent the odd-looking lawn that results from
smaller chance that you will spread fertilizer onto any having fertilized some spots too much and others
adjacent areas such as flowerbeds, where the fertilizer too little . Then you'll want to do the test outlined
could cause damage. on page 104 to make doubly sure you've got your
However, if you have a large yard, you may prefer pacing down.
to use a broadcast spreader because it covers the area After you've finished, give the spreader a good
much more quickly than any other type . rinse so that no fertilizer remains in the hopper, stuck
Whatever the case, before you begin actually to the frame, or on the wheels (you may be using a
fertilizing , you should take your empty spreader out different blend next time you use the spreader and
for a spin. Roll it over the grass and walk up and back mixing blends is not a good idea) . Wash the spreader
a few times just to get the feel of keeping a steady on the lawn, and let it dry completely before you put
walking rhythm. It may seem silly, but this could it away.
Timing the Application ~
When you fertilize is every bit as important as how,
and there are actually two "whens," the time of day
and the time during the year. It's always best to
spread fertilizer in the morning, when the grass is still
wet with dew (and the sun is not directly overhead).
The moisture will keep the fertilizer down. But you
should still water thoroughly afterward to ensure
the fertilizer particles make it all the way down to
the soil.
The time of the year that you should fertilize
depends on whether your lawn is warm- or cool-
season grass. Cool-season grasses should be
fertilized in mid fall, a few weeks before the lawn
goes dormant. Fertilize warm-season grasses in early
spring, just as the weather warms and the grass
prepares a flush of growth for early summer.
Of course, you may want to fertilize with smaller
amounts at different times. Give a cool-season lawn
a second feeding in late summer, just as the weather
cools for fall. A third can be done in late spring. For
warm-season lawns, add a second feeding in mid
summer, and a third at the end of summer, right
before the weather cools off. Always load your drop spreader on a hard surface so you
can sweep up spil lage instead of letting it remain in the lawn.102 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Choosing Your Spreader Deciding on a spreader is an important decision that usually limited to small areas of lawn over which using can affect many of the lawn maintenance chores a larger spreader would be impractical. you’ll do over time. The right spreader can make the job easier; the wrong one can damage the lawn by DROP SPREADER spreading materials unevenly over the surface. The most common type of spreader, the drop spreader has a simple hopper with a plate that blocks holes in HOSE-END APPLICATOR the bottom until it’s opened with a lever on the handle This is a simple spreader used only for liquid of the spreader. When held open, the vents drop seed, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. It’s the easiest fertilizer, or other material in an even stream 1 Y2 to spreader to use, but also the least efficient. Simply 2 feet wide. This makes it easy to see where you’ve laid mix the material into the screw-on container and the fertilizer so that you don’t overlap strips too much. attach the applicator nozzle to the end of your hose. However, the modest width means that covering large The water under pressure mixes with the container’s lawns translates to quite a lot of walking. ingredients and disperses them with the water spray. Even coverage is difficult to achieve, and liquid BROADCAST (ROTARY) SPREADER fertilizer washes out of the soil very quickly. This type features a hopper with sides that taper to a round or oval bottom. Like a drop spreader, the HAND-HELD SPREADER broadcast spreader has holes in the bottom of the hopper If you have a steady hand, a keen eye, and an attention that are opened and closed with a handle-mounted lever. to detail, a hand-held spreader can work well for As the material drops out of the hopper, it is distributed you. This type of spreader is used for overseeding, through a spinning horizontal disc that is turned by topdressing, and feeding the lawn. It is, however, the action of the wheels, distributing seed or fertilizer limited in coverage and actually somewhat more work in a much broader swath than a drop spreader would. during the actual task than a push spreader would be. Although this allows you to cover a much greater area Fill the hopper and walk along at a steady rate, turning in a shorter time, it also presents some difficulty in the crank at a steady rate. Although you can achieve determining the outer edges of each pass you take. That even coverage with a little practice and patience, means that overfertilizing areas between passes is a real dispersing just the right amount of fertilizer or seed possibility with a broadcast spreader, as is spreading is difficult. Consequently, hand-held spreaders are fertilizer or grass seed onto garden beds or into shrubs.
Hand-held spreader
Hose-end applicator
Broadcast
(rotary)
Drop spreader spreader
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 103
I Checking Spreader Accuracy
You need to trust that the spreader you're using Calibrating a spreader is not the easiest
is spreading correctly according to the setting procedure, and it involves a bit of math. Many
you have it on. Because you're operating on the homeowners who realize that their spreader is not
manufacturer's recommendation for the amount of delivering fertilizer or seed exactly as the setting
fertilizer to be applied, if the setting is incorrect, indicates opt to buy a new unit, because spreaders are
you can be applying much less- or even much relatively inexpensive. However, if you want to dive in
more-than you intended. Either case is going and save the money, half an hour or so is all it takes
to lead to some less-than-desirable results in to fine-tune the spreader you have. Just make sure to
lawn growth. clean up any fertilizer after you test for calibration.
I Calibrating a Drop Spreader
Start by measuring the width of your spreader's
hopper bottom. Standard widths are 1 foot, 1Y2 feet,
and 2 feet Wire a large catch pan underneath the
hopper to catch the fertilizer. Next, find a long solid
surface such as a parking lot, and mark off an even
distance such as 50 feet (the longer, the better). Fill
the spreader with fertilizer and open the hopper as you
walk at a steady pace along the marked-off distance.
When you're done, weigh the fertilizer you've
caught in the pan, and multiply the width of the
spreader by the distance you covered (in this case,
2 feet by 50 feet). The result is the square feet of
coverage for the amount of fertilizer you weighed
(l00 square feet).
Now do the math. Say there was 1 pound of feet, and you get 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet
fertilizer in the pan. The spreader is dropping at a (lilO = 10ilOO). If this doesn't match the rate listed
rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Now convert on the bag, adjust the setting on the spreader to
to the standard bag specification of 1,000 square account for the difference.
I Calibrating a Broadcast Spreader
Fill the hopper of the spreader and begin spreading
for a few feet along a parking lot or driveway. Measure
the width of the spread material. Divide 1,000 (the
standard distribution measure) by the width. This is
your test distance. Now mark a test path measuring
that distance. Fill the hopper with 5 pounds of
material, and spread it along the test distance. Empty
the remaining material in the hopper into a plastic
grocery bag.
Weigh the bag and subtract the weight from
5 pounds. This is the figure for how much the
spreader drops over 1,000 square feet. Check that
amount against the figure on the bag, and adjust the
spreader setting accordingly.104 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Spread Fertilizer
Adjust your spreader to the setting recommended by the TIP: Put sand, crushed gravel or the actual fertilizer you’ll fertilizer or seed manufacturer. use into the spreader and test it on a driveway or other hard surface. This will help you determine how fast to walk, and if the unit is distributing in a uniform pattern.
Clean Up Spillage ~
Clean up any fertilizer that has been
spilled or broadcast on hard surfaces
such as sidewalks or driveways.
Fertilizer left on these surfaces may be
washed by rain into the edges of the
lawn, causing those specific areas to go
into a burst of growth. Even worse, rain
or sprinkler overspray can wash loose
fertilizer into a storm drain or other area
where it can make its way into local
water resources and the water table,
where it can have an adverse effect on
the ecosystem.
(continued)
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 105
Fill the spreader's hopper on the driveway or other hard start spreading fertilizer along an outside edge of the lawn.
surface, away from the lawn and any areas of vegetation. Make sure you can see where the fertilizer is dropping. Repeat
along the opposite edge.
5
Continue spreading fertilizer between and perpendicular Keep one wheel on the edge between the lawn and garden
to these two header strips. Hold the hopper gate closed as you beds, tree rings, and other areas. When you have covered the
make your turn at each end. Overlap passes by the width of entire lawn, water the surface thoroughly.
a wheel.106 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
I Topdressing Your Lawn Although it is one of the simplest lawn-maintenance To be effective, you should look to distribute techniques, topdressing is also one of the most around three pounds of the organic material per effective. A favorite practice of professional square yard. More is better, as long as none is left groundskeepers, it involves applying a layer of sitting on top of the grass where it could block organic material to the top of the lawn and sifting sun and air and actually diminish growth in some it down to the soil. Topdressing can improve the areas. You can topdress at any time in the season, soil without tearing up the sod. It works slowly to but the fall is best, especially after you have aerated add organic material into the soil and create a more the lawn. beneficial structure. The practice can also level out depressions in the lawn, as well as stimulate new growth to create a denser, more weed- and disease- resistant turf. Tools & Materials ~ You can topdress with compost, although professionals often use a mix of three parts sand to Wheelbarrow Garden fork three parts compost, mixed with one part sphagnum Shovel Compost or . . peat. The idea is the same no matter what material Garden rake orgamc mIX you’re using: shovel a layer on top of the grass and get Spring rake it to the soil.
I How to Topdress the Lawn 2
Measure and mix the components Shovel the mixture across the lawn Rake out the mixture with the back of your topdressing (3 parts sand, 3 evenly. You should distribute about 3 to and front of a garden rake, then use parts compost, 1 part peat moss is 4 pounds of topdressing mix per square a spring rake to work the mix into used here). Use a garden fork or spade yard of lawn. the grass. to mix ingredients and break up any large pieces.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 107I Mowing Fundamentals Warning ~ Lawnmowers are dangerous equipment with sharp blades and movements that can be unpredictable. I t’s a simple thing, cutting the grass . But it’s also on e of the m ost important things yo u’ll do to yo ur lawn, so yo u’ll want to make sure to do it the right way. One momentary lapse in concentration is all it takes for a mower to cause serious injury or worse. Mower Mowin g incorrectly exposes your lawn to disease and safety should be commonsense, but the nearly stress and , if noth ing else, it just makes th e lawn look 70,000 Americans who are injured every year in bad- the exac t opposite effec t you’re after by mowin g mower accidents belie that assumption. Observing in the first place . simple safety guidelines will take much of the risk out Mowing is actually what separates “formal lawns” of your lawn maintenance. from wild fields of grass . By mowing, we prevent the plant from flowering and eventually growing seedheads. • Never disable safety features or remove the Th is keeps it in a perpetual state of growth until it gives guards on a mower. If a feature is impairing the up and shuts down in th e face of th e offseason . The functional efficiency of the machine, you need to q uintessential lawn is on e that is beautifully uniform have a professional repair it. Period. and flat across its surface, like a dead-calm lake. • Always take a moment to police the area you’re M owers come in m any types, sizes, and styles, and mowing before you mow, to ensure that there th e on e you p ick will affect not only how comfortable are no hidden dangers, like rocks, bottles or pieces of glass, toys, or other debris. you are as you mow, but also h ow quickly you can mow your lawn and how difficult the chore will be. • Allow any power mower to cool down for 30 You’ll want to pick a m ower based on the size of your minutes before cleaning or storing it. yard , your budget , and the extra features such as • Children younger than 16 should not operate mulching capa bility, that fit with the way you want to riding mowers, and children younger than 12 maintain your lawn . should not operate push mowers. More than How you use th at mower is th e other part of th e 9,000 mower-related injuries each year happen equation. Carefully choosin ba th e riaht m ower heiaht to people younger than 18. b b ,
the right time to m ow, the right frequency, and the • All children should be off the lawn whenever you
right method will all contribute to h ow well your lawn mow with a power mower. Adults should as well.
fights disease, crowds out weed growth , and thrives to • Dress appropriately when mowing. Wear sturdy
grow as thick and full as possible . O f course, the res ult shoes, long pants, and eye protection.
is also a terrific lookin g lawn that will be the envy of • Never allow a passenger on a riding mower.
your neighbors . • Turn off the mower and allow a moment for
the blades to stop moving before disengaging
a bag attachment, clearing a discharge vent, or
crossing a gravel surface.
• Do not handle gasoline or turn the mower on
when it is still indoors. Refill the gas when the
motor is cool, the mower is off, and it is sitting
on a hard, level surface outdoors.
• Keep gas in an approved container. Clean up any
spills immediately.
• Do not reverse a riding mower, or use one on a
steep slope.
• Always keep all four wheels of a power mower on
the ground. Do not tilt the front up for any reason.
• Do not use an electric mower if the cord is
frayed or the wires are exposed.
Cordless, electric, or gas-powered, all lawnmowers
are dangerous and demand that you always follow safe
• Avoid using power mowers in the rain.
use recommendations.108 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Before You Mow Before that all-important first mowing of the season, afternoons, it’s not so warm and fuzzy for everyone. If it’s a good idea to take stock of your equipment you’re using a gas-powered mower, you’ll be making a and review your mowing practices. This is the considerable amount of noise . Not surprisingly, people perfect time to either tune-up and prepare your can be a little sensitive to the noise of a lawnmower. mower for a summer of action , or upgrade to a new, In fact, many homeowners’ associations, and even more efficient model. It’s also the ideal moment some municipalities, have regulations governing at to consider the way you mow and decide on a what times you can mow your lawn. Some experts mowing schedule. even recommend wearing ear protection if your These considerations are not just about the health mower is exceptionally loud. But rules or not, mowin g of your lawn. They also have to take into account local at a reasonable hour is just a matter of being a regulations and simple courtesy. This starts with the good neighbor. sound of the mower. As much as the sputter of a two- You’ll also need to decide what to do with the grass stroke mower engine evokes images of lazy Saturday clippings. If you’re only cutting the recommended one- third or less of the grass height, you can just leave the clippings on the lawn . They break down quickly and, depending on how much you’ve fed your lawn, the clippings can be a rich source of nitrogen . A mulching mower accelerates this process . Or, you can compost your clippings, unless you applied selective herbicides or pesticides, which could have a negative effect on the composting process.
When to Mow ~
All other considerations aside, as far as the lawn is
concerned, some times are much better than others
for mowing. The goal is to prevent damage to the
grass blades and limit stress to the grass. The best
times for this are in the early morning right after any
dew has dried, but before the sun is at full strength,
or in the early evening before it gets dark.
other than those general guidelines, the actual
days you choose to mow should be dictated by
observing your lawn. Grass grows at different rates
over the course of a season, depending on how
much water it gets, how recently it has been fertilized
(and what type of fertilizer was used), and other
stress factors such as drought.
A good rule of thumb is to know the optimal
height of your species of grass and always cut it
when it grows a third more than that height. This
may mean mowing twice in a week at some points,
and once every ten days at others. Being flexible
and responding to the needs of the grass is one ofIf you don’t want to compost your clippings, don’t throw them away. Collect them in biodegradable bags and take them the ways you create a truly wonderful and visually to the recycling or compost programs at the local sanitation or appealing lawn. parks and recreation departments.
M ai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 109
I Types of Lawnmowers
A lawnmower should be easy enough for you to use
regularly, so that you'll never have a reason not to
cut the lawn when it needs it. Your selection should
some physical labor and are usually recommended
for lawns less than 2,000 square feet. You'll also need
to have the blades professionally sharpened, unless
be based on the amount of work you're comfortable you're a skilled sharpener. These mowers come in
doing (if you're in great shape, a reel mower or standard cutting widths from 14 to 24 inches, and
basic push mower may be right for you; if you have better models are adjustable from liz to about 2l1z
mobility issues or an extremely large lawn, you may inches high.
need a riding mower) and other factors, such as how
important the environmental impact of the machine is
to you.
REEL MOWERS
The reel mower is the classic push mower, but it is
no longer the heavy clunker of old. New versions
are light, easy-to-use, and more height-adjustable
than their predecessors. This is the environmentally
friendly alternative to a power mower-not to mention
being much quieter. The blades on a reel mower are
mounted to spin clockwise around the axle between
the wheels, passing by a sharp-edged cutting bar.
The action is like scissors, and creates a distinctively
clean cut. But it also accounts for the limitations; reel
mowers can't be set to cut as high as power units, and
they don't do well over a lawn with irregular terrain.
Because the wheels box in the cutting cylinder,
reel mowers cannot edge as closely as other types
do to walls, fences and other vertical barriers. That
translates to more clean-up work with a string trimmer
or clippers. Power reel mowers are usually used
only by professionals due to their high cost, but new
cordless electric models are available for around $200.
Just the same, the most popular types remain the
contemporary lightweight push versions. They require
Reel mower110 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
GAS-POWERED ROTARY WALK-BEHIND MOWERS Lawn Size ~ Although electric and cordless models have eaten The size of your yard will factor into your mowing into their market share, gas-powered mowers decision. Mowing a 1k acre of lawn requires you to remain the most popular type. The mower comes walk between 1 mile and 2 miles. If your yard is fairly equipped with a two-stroke or four-stroke enaine’ b , small-from a few hundred sq. ft. to around 1k acre- the two-stroke is noisier, less reliable, and pollutes you can consider a reel mower, or either type of push more, while four-stroke models with overhead power mower. A riding mower will be too great an valves are more expensive. These mowers are built investment for such a small lawn (unless you aren’t with cutting decks ranging from 18 to 22 inches physically capable of walking a mower). A medium wide, and can cut grass from 1 to over 4 inches size yard, from about 1k to 112 acre is landscape that high. Engine power differs based on the size of the needs to be mowed with some sort of a power unit, but manufacturers have largely stopped using mower. An electric or gas mower-especially a self- horsepower as the standard, so you may need to propelled model-should be more than sufficient , compare models based on cubic inch displacement although depending on the layout, you may want to or torque ratings. consider a small riding mower. Beyond 112 acre, you The blades spin horizontally, blowing the clippings either need a powered, self-propelled push mower into a rear or side ba ba , out throuah b a side discharae b with a large deck or, more likely, a riding mower. vent, or around inside the deck and back down into You should also consider the topography of the lawn (mulching action). Gas mowers require more your yard. If your lawn covers a steep slope, a riding maintenance than electric models, and filling a gas mower is not a great idea. If the surface itself is tank is less convenient than plugging in a cord or a uneven, a reel mower is going to struggle to cut the rechargeable battery. You can, however, opt for a self- tops of the blades evenly. propelled model.
Walk-behind gas mower
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 111
ELECTRIC-POWERED PUSH MOWERS
These come in two versions: corded and cordless.
Electric models with cords tend to be lighter, but
rechargeable cordless versions don 't entail the
sometimes-cumbersome navigation around the cord.
Cordless machines are eguipped with detachable
batteries that are recharged in a charger, or with
fixed batteries that are just plugged in to a standard
hous e outlet betwee n mowings. Battery life- both
between charges , and before needing replacement-
is a key point to consider when shopping for a
cordless model. Electric mowers were at one time
considerably underpowered in relation to their
gas-powered compe titors. But manufacturers have
made strides, and now the playing fi eld is much
more level. The blade technology is approximately
the same, but the mowing swath of most electrics
is generally narrower than that of comparable gas-
powered units. If you 're considering a corded model,
make sure to check how long the extension cord
can be before the amperage drops and the motor
power decreas e s. Battery-powered walk-behind mower
Corded electric lawn mower112 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
RIDING MOWERS manual dexterity to exploit the sensitive steering A riding mower is a significant purchase because mechanism on this mower. you’re buying a vehicle. The whole idea is to make Deck widths range between 38 and 60 inches ; as mowing a large yard-anything over Y2 acre-easier with other mowers, the larger the deck the quicker and quicker. Riding mowers also accommodate those the mower will finish the job. There are also different people who aren’t capable of pushing a lawnmower. drive systems, including hydrostatic systems, power Expect to pay just under $1 ,000 for a basic model to wheels, and blades with pumped fluid, so there is well over $5,000 for a lawn tractor with all the bells no direct geared connection between motor and and whistles. The price will depend primarily on the impl ement. Ultimately, riding mowers require more size and type of riding mower, and the features it maintenance and are more expensive to operate than comes with. You’ll choose between a front- or rear- any other mower type. mounted engine; a rear engine makes it easier to scan the grass ahead while you mow, while a front-mounted engine offers more power. Zero-turn radius (ZTR) models offer the best of both worlds, but you’ll pay a Tractor vs. Mower ~ premium for them. A ZTR riding mower is a special type in which the rider sits in front of the engine and If you’re shopping for a riding mower, you’re likely to right on top of the mowing deck. This allows him or come across models that are cal led “riding tractors.” her to see better and take advantage of the extremely The difference is that a riding mower functions solely responsive and nimble steering system. The steering is as a mower. A riding tractor, on the other hand, can controlled by levers and steering bars, and is designed be used with special attachments to dethatch, aerate, to allow for precision cutting. It can save a lot of time spread fertilizer, or topdress the lawn, and even plow over a traditional riding mower. A ZTR mower is a snow. If you want to do all those things over a large good choice for a very large lawn with many obstacles area, consider going with a riding tractor. such as trees or beds. But be aware that it takes some
Riding lawnmower/lawn tractor
Maintaining Your Law n • 113
I Troubleshooting Your Lawnmower
Mowers are, for the most p art , rem arka bly MOWER IS VIBRATING WHEN RUNNING
reliable . With just a little bit of regular This is a sign of a serious problem and no mower
maintenanc e , a gas or electric model can easily last should be used when it is noticeably vibrating. It's likely
a decade or more, providin g exc ell ent servic e all that you've run over an object and your mower blade
the while. But sometimes even the most reli able is damaged, which can cause it to become unbalanced
m achine s have problems. When that h appens to and throw off the operation of th e whole machin e.
your mower, you n eed to diagnos e th e situation to Turn off the mower and disconnect the power source,
determin e if it's an easy fix you can do at hom e, or and then turn it over and inspect the blade. If the blade
if you 're goin g to need to m ake a trip to th e local is the cause of the vibration, it will be visually deformed
rep air shop . or cracked all the way through. Replace the blade .
If your gas mower won't start, look for a fuel shut-off switch and make sure it is not in th e open position.
Warning ~
Whenever you are investigating a problem with a lawnmower, regardless of what type it is, the mower must be completely
shut off and disengaged. That means removing the battery or unplugging an electric mower, disconnecting the spark plug
wire from a gas push mower, and removing the key entirely from a riding mower. It should go without saying that if you
are having problems with a safety feature such as a guard that is bent and interfering with the operation of the mower, or
a dead man's switch that is cutting out, have them repaired immediately.114 • THE COMPLETE GU ID E TO A BETTER LAWN
THE MOWER WON’T START Begin by checking the most obvious causes first. For I Changing Cutting Height ~ an electric mower, check that the cord is pluooedbb Depending on the model and age of your mower, securely into the outlet, and that power is flowing to setting the wheel height adjustment on a push the outlet. If neither of those is the cause, check the mower can be a difficult, strength-testing feat. To fuse controlling the outlet, and then check the mower make it easier with any mower, use a scrap 4 x 4 or cord for a break or damage that would interrupt the the sidewalk curb to prop the deck up, so that the power to the mower. back wheels are off the ground (this only works with If your mower is cordless, check that the battery rear-wheel height-adjustment models). then change is installed correctly in the mower. Then, determine the height adjustment. It should require far less if the battery is charged, and if it is holding its charge pressure to make the change. (see photo, below). Gas mowers-push or riding-can fail to start for many different reasons. Check that you have gas in the tank and that it is fresh. Drain and replace the gas if you know it has been in the tank for more than one month, or if you’re in doubt as to how old it is. Check that the spark plug wire is securely attached, and that the spark plug itself is clean and correctly gapped. Check that the battery cables are tight and clean and, if they are, tes t the battery to determine if it is still holdinob a charoe b . On a ridino b
mower specifically, make sure that the blades are not engaged, in which case a safety feature would prevent the engine from starting. If you have a high-end, late-model riding mower, there may be a problem with the seat sensor, so that it doesn’t reoister b that anybody is in the seat-another safety feature that will prevent starting.
Cordless electric mower batteries
can only be recharged so many times
before they can no longer hold the charge.
A quick test of the battery will determine
if it needs replacement. You can do this
yourself with an ohmmeter, or take it to a
service station .
•
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 115
I Lawnmower Maintenance
Given how much engineering goes into name-
brand mowers these days, there's simply no reason
your mower shouldn't last many, many years, if not
decades. That's partly up to you; if you perform all
the regular maintenance your machine requires (or
pay to have it performed), you give your mower its
best shot at longevity. Gas mowers require the most
regular maintenance.
• Perform an oil change at least once a year and
according to the manufacturer's directions
(many riding mowers have an hour m eter that
logs hours used for maintenance purposes).
Whenever you change the oil, change the
filter. To ensure against leaks, coat your finger
with fresh oil and rub it along the rubber
gasket on the oil filter before replacing the
filter. Always use the oil recomm ended by
the manufacturer.
• Replace the engine's spark plug annually, even if
your owner's manual doesn 't call for it.
• Replace the air filter every two years unless the Use a stiff bristle brush to clean cooling fins and other
manufacturer calls for more frequent changes, or engine parts after removing the blower housing.
if the filter becomes clogged.
• Make sure gas is fresh. All too often,
homeowners keep a can of gas around for months
or even years. Old gas gathers impurities and
its octane content diminishes. Not only does
this mean the engine will run more poorly, it
can also damage all the parts of the engine the
gas touches.
• If you own a riding mower, you'll also need to
check the drive belt for wear on a regular basis,
and replace it when it is worn.
• When you're putting the mower up for the
winter, drain all the fluids and empty your gas
can. Put the gas you drain and gas in the can into
your car's fuel tank, preferably when the tank
is more than half full. Recycle the oil at a local
gas station .
• Electric mowers: About the only thing you'll
need to worry about is the battery on a cordless
mower. Always check the cord on a cord mower,
and if you find any nicks or splits, replace
the cord.
Store gas in a proper, approved container, and add
leftover gas to your car regularly, so that the gas doesn't
go stale.116 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Caring for Mower Blades The blade is an incredibly important part of the back. You can find a number of these products at mower. If the blade is in poor condition, it can affect hardware stores and large home centers. your entire lawn. And the negative effects aren’t just Always take your time when you balance the blade related to appearance. A ragged top cut on a leaf of because an imbalanced blade can cause engine damage grass opens the grass plant up to disease. That’s why or damage to the underside of the deck. Use care when keeping your lawnmower blade sharp is the first line of you reattach the blade; some models are only meant defense against lawn diseases. to go in one direction. A torgue wrench is the best tool Sharpening your blade is a simple task that should to use for tightening the nut that secures your mower be done at least once every season (and it certainly blade. Follow the inch-pounds recommendation from doesn’t hurt to do it more than once). Before you the blade manufacturer as your guide. inspect for nicks or other obvious damage, clean the blade with a wire brush. Serious dents, cracks, or deep nicks in the blade mean it’s probably time for a Tools & Materials ~ replacement blade. If you can’t remove the nick fairly easily during the sharpening process, you’ll need to Closed-end wrench Mower blade replace the blade. Torgue wrench Hammer As part of your regular cleanings, consider treating 10” file Nail the blade metal with a rust remover to remove any Vise Gloves oxidation, and a rust retardant to stop it from coming
Mulching Adapter Kits ~
When it comes time to replace your lawnmower blade, into the lawn. Mulching kits are not made for all makes
you have an opportunity to upgrade your standard push and models of mowers, but it's certainly worth checking
mower. Manufacturers make mulching adapter kits to with your locallawnmower retailer. The kits range from
turn a standard mower into a mulching mower. Standard about $40 to over $200 depending on the model and
mowers cut grass blades and then blow the clippings out size mower you are converting. They usually include a
the discharge into a bag or down onto the lawn, where subhousing that is installed under the deck, new blades,
the pieces may take some time to decompose. Mulching and new hardware. Installation is fairly easy and it just
action recirculates the clippings under the deck so that might save you bagging your clippings the next time
they can be cut several times before being blown down you mow.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 117
I How to Sharpen a Mower Blade
Remove the spark plug or battery from the mower, or wedge a wood scrap piece between the blade and the
otherwise disable it so that it cannot accidentally start. Tip mower deck to stabilize the blade so it doesn't spin while you
the mower on its side, so that the entire underdeck area is remove the bolt holding it in place. You can also purchase a
accessible. Tip: If your fuel tank contains gasoline, remove the special device for this purpose from yard and garden centers.
cap, cover the opening with foil or plastic wrap (inset), and
then replace the cap. This prevents gas from dripping out of
the vent hole in the cap.
Remove the blade. Use a closed-end wrench to loosen the Secure the blade in a vise. Inspect the entire blade for
bolt that secures the blade to the mower motor. If the bolt is damage, and then file along the cutting edge, using smooth,
stuck, try spraying it with penetrating lubricant and letting it even strokes at an angle that matches the existing bevel. Use
soak in for a few minutes before retrying. the same number of strokes on each edge.118 • TH E COMPLETE GUID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
Check the blade's balance by hanging5 it on a nail that has been driven into the wall. The blade should hang leve l. If the blade is not balanced, file metal off the heavier end until it is.
Reattach the blade to the mower's
motor following the manufacturer's
instructions and cut a small strip of grass
as a test. Inspect the tops of the cuttings
to make sure they have been sliced
cleanly, indicating that the blade is sharp.Blade Balancing Cones ~ Balancing a mower blade is an important last step before you reinstall the blade on the mower. There are a number of ways to accomplish this. If you don’t feel comfortable hanging the blade on a nail and judging it on the wall, you can lock a screwdriver horizontally in the vise and slide the blade onto the shaft. But if you want to do it as the pros do it, buy a blade-balancing cone at your hardware store or lawn mower retailer. You simply sit these on a flat, level surface, slide the blade on top, and check the balance. The device is inexpensive and pretty much foolproof.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 119I Mowing the Lawn M owing is traumatic to a grass plant, but you can mitigate the trauma by making wise choices about when and how to mow your lawn. grass sticks to the blades and the housing. Always clean the underside of the deck after mowing. The deck is engineered to create an airflow that draws The benchmark of a good mowing job is a clean grass blades upright so that they can be cut cleanly. cut. The top of the blade should be sheared off as if If that airflow is blocked, the mower will cut less you’d cut it with sharp scissors, not torn and ragged. efficiently. The mower is also designed to cut while There are many ways to avoid a poor cut, but they moving forward, not backward. all start with maintaining your lawnmower, and Mow the lawn according to its needs, not your using the mower correctly. Keep your lawnmower convenience. Cut no more than a third of the blade blade sharp. Although sharpening is recommended height-it’s actually a good idea to measure the grass once a season, if you know your species of grass is so you know how tall it should be and when to cut famous for being tough and dense, or if it seems it. The last cut of the season, however, should be like the mower blade has taken a lot of abuse in slightly lower than the proper height for your grass. confrontations with tree roots, small branches, rocks, In times of drought, cut the grass higher than normal or other obstacles, a mid-seasoning sharpening may to help limit transpiration and conserve water in the be in order. You should also avoid mowing when the soil. Tip: A simple and useful trick for knawing when grass is wet. Wet grass rarely cuts cleanly or evenly, to cut the lawn is to match the optimal grass height to a and it strains your lawnmower’s engine as well, as corresponding height on your shoes or boots.
A well-tended lawn is beautiful to behold and, if it's been mowed correctly, it's as healthy as it is good-looking.120 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Mowing on a Slope ~ Slopes are challenges for every aspect of lawn care, but up and down, never across the slope. Although some no more so than for mowing. If you own a riding mower, professionals suggest mowing on the diagonal, that’s the best advice is not to use it on a slope, instead cutting every bit as dangerous as riding a mower across the slope. that part of the lawn with a push mower. If you absolutely In the case of a push mower, you should do the have to use a riding mower on a slope, the Outdoor Power opposite: push it across the slope. The idea is to avoid Equipment Institute and the US Consumer Safety Product pushing up the slope, where the mower might accidentally Commission both recommend that you ride the mower roll back onto your feet.
Fixing Mowing Mistakes ~ None of us are perfect, and mowing isn’t a perfect let the grass rest for a day or two. Then cut the other science. Sometimes life creeps up on you and your 14 and you’ll have prevented any undue stress to the lawn has grown to a mini-jungle before you realize it. grass pia nt. Or maybe you weren’t paying attention to that big dip in • Repairing a scalp. A one-time event is traumatic your yard and you gave a spot of your lawn a crewcut but constant scalping can have a devastating impact, instead of its usual 2 inches. Don’t fret; those are creating large bare patches. You’ll need to fix the fixable errors. underlying problem that caused the scalp in the first place. But in the moment, feed the scalped area with • Cutting overgrown grass. The secret here is not to calcium, manganese, and iron, and then water deeply. shock the roots by lopping off a large portion of their Continue to give that part of the lawn a daily watering food-producing top growth all at once. If you need for the next week or so. Within a couple of weeks it to cut the grass height by Y2, cut the first 14 and then should be back to normal.
!VI ain tain ing Your Lawn • 121
I How to Mow the Right way
Check the lawn for obstacles such as
rocks or sticks. Adjust the height of the
mower to the optimal height for your grass
type (but never cut more than % of the
total height).
Choose your direction. You should vary
the direction of mowing each time you
mow to prevent tire ruts. Start mowing
along an outside edge.
Mowing Heights by Species ~
COLD SEASON GRASSES WARM-SEASON GRASSES
Kentucky Bluegrass 2-3" Bahia 2-3"
Perennial Rye 2-3" Bermuda 3,4-1Y2"
Tall Fescue 2Y2-3" Centipede 1Y2-2"
Creeping Bent Grass %_3,4" St. Augustine 2-3"
zoysia 1Y2-2"
TRANSITION GRASSES
Buffalo 2-3"
Blue Grama 2-3"122 • THE COMPLETE G UID E TO A BEITE R LAWN
Leave a buffer of an inch or two between the mower deck and the base of trees and shrubs. Be careful not to scalp the grass where roots have made the ground uneven. Overlap rows by a couple inches on each pass. This will ensure that you don’t cut the grass unevenly. Check for any missed spots after you’ve mowed the entire lawn.
Clean the underside of the mower deck immediately after every use. For optimal mower performance and ideal cutting, the deck needs to be free and clear of clippings and other organic matter. Tip: Help keep it clean by spraying a layer of cooking spray on the freshly cleaned underside. The spray will stop clippings from sticking and will keep the underside of the deck cleaner, longer.
Variation: If you’re using a reel mower, you usually need to overlap rows with a little more to spare because the cutting area doesn’t reach as close to the mower tires as it does on most power mowers.
M ai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 123
I Mowing Patterns in the Lawn
Mowing patterns in your lawn is a simple way to add obstacle. You may have to use stakes and a string line
an interesting graphic element to your landscape. A to keep your rows straight.
basic design such as stripes in two directions is a good Regardless of the pattern, it's always a good idea
way to get acquainted with what it will take to create to put it down on paper before you put it on the lawn.
a more complicated pattern. Although they aren't Measure your lawn and lawnmower (wheel edge to
difficult to achieve, take your time; the most successful wheel edge) and then layout the pattern on the page.
patterns require a certain amount of precision. If the pattern goes horribly wrong, you can always
Once you've done a basic stripe pattern, you can roll the entire lawn in one direction to essentially
graduate to increasingly complex designs, such as a " " your attempt. But no matter w hat pattern
erase
checkerboard or diagonal diamond pattern. Regardless you use, or how it turns out, do not repeat the same
of the pattern, the idea is the same: mow in the pattern every time you mow or you'll damage the
directions for the pattern you're trying to create, then health of your grass.
roll the lawn in the same directions to bend the grass
blades in that direction. The bent blades reflect light
as a different color, creating the visual pattern.
It may seem impossible to do patterns if you Tools & Materials ~
have cut-ins and unusual shapes due to lawn beds or
features such as trees. But for diagramming, consider Lawnmower Pencil and paper
the shape a square or rectangle; in mowing and rolling Drum roller
you'll just continue the pattern on the other side of the
Creating a dynamic lawn pattern is one way to make your lawn-and your home-stand out in the neighborhood.124 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Mow a Pattern
Begin by mowing a stripe in one direction. Mow as At the end of each row, lift the front wheels up and straight as possible. If your mower is self-propelled, control the carefully turn the mower around so that the outside wheels direction carefully. Mow in the direction you’ll be viewing the are aligned with the inside wheel strip from the previous row. lawn, usually the width of the lawn. Make a return pass in the opposite direction, keeping the wheels aligned carefully.
Continue mowing rows in alternating directions. When Variation: To create a checkerboard pattern, complete all you’re done, roll each row with a drum roller in the same of your parallel rows and then repeat the process by cutting direction the row was mowed. parallel rows that are perpendicular to the first passes. Roll the new rows in the same direction as they were cut.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 125I Trimming & Edging A perfectly manicured lawn cannot have sloppy borders. Even the lushest, deepest expanse of green Warning ~ grass will look shaggy and unfinished if it’s growing out over sidewalks and paths, or if tufts of barass are risinab When using power edgers and trimmers, wear long up the sides of planter boxes and terraces. To give your thick pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, and safety glasses, lawn a look that truly says “finished ,” you must edge and follow these guidelines: and trim it properly. These are not back-breaking lawn-care tasks, but STRING TRIMMERS they do require attention to detail. To make everythinab bao • Use only the recommended size line. more smoothly, choose the right tool for the job. Edges • Before refilling a gas trimmer’s tank, turn off the can be cut sharply and crisply with a manual edger or a engine and let it cool. gas or electric power unit. Trimming where the mower • Never check a jam or problem with the trimmer can’t reach can be accomplished with manual or electric head until the unit is completely disengaged. shears. For bigger jobs, turn to the greater power of gas or electric string trimmers. Manual edgers and shears are POWER EDGERS fine for cleaning up a small lawn with straight borders . • Don’t use a power edger next to a gravel path . But for larger yards, you’ll probably want to turn to a • If the edger strikes an object such as a buried power model. There are many power edgers to choose rock, stop the unit and turn it off, and inspect for from and most are easy and quick to use. \Vhichever tool damage before continuing. you use, work slowly and steadily to avoid mistakes.
Trimming overgrown shrubs is related to the general lawn trimming routine-you need to cut back shrubs that shade out parts
of the lawn, or that force pedestrians to walk off a path and onto the lawn to get around the projecting branches.126 • T H E CO MPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
Well-mulched evergreen beds should be crisply separated from the lawn. The bed here is bordered with nearly invisible black plastic edging that is positioned several inches deep to preve nt grass from migrating into the bed .
Hard edging, such as the inlaid bricks along the curved border of this patio, are the most effective and low-maintenance way to keep lawn edges neat and trim.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 127
I Choosing Trimming Tools
Aside from budget, your chief concerns in picking a Long-neck grass shears are a special type in which
trimmer for your lawn care should be how comfortable cutting blades are separated from the handles by an
it is to use and how big your yard is. If you aren't able extension pole that alleviates the need for the operator
to bend down or kneel for more than a few minutes, to bend down. Tip: shop at the high end of the price
manual trimmers aren't for you at all. If you've decided range and you'll be rewarded with an ergonomically
on a power trimmer, pick one that you can easily superior tool that causes fewer hand cramps and worb
handle and control. more smoothly.
GRASS SHEARS ELECTRIC GARDEN SHEARS
These were the weapon of choice before power Powered shears are a step up from hand-held grass
trimmers came along, and they kept the borders of shears in the ease-of-use department. Normally
many a suburban lawn neat and tidy. Early versions battery operated, these cordless tools are designed
were stiff to use and frequently led to arm, wrist, and with ergonomic handles and balanced bodies that are
hand fatigue. Newer models are lighter in weight, comfortable to hold for extended periods. They are
with padded ergonomic handles, smooth cutting offered with interchan geable heads, giving you the
action, and carbon steel blades th at hold their edge for ability to switch to small hedge trimmers as the need
years. Top-of-line models can even cut through sod. arises. The best models include an LED battery-life
indicator and wide cutting heads. One of the big
advantages of a powered version over the manual style
is that it is easy to hold the c utter level to cut grass
even with the grass cut by the lawn mower. They are
also an environmentally friendly solution. You can even
find an attachment pole to use these as long-handled
grass shears .
Grass clippers
Long-neck
grass shears
Cordless
grass clippers128 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
POWERED STRING TRIMMERS trimmer will, however, reg uire tune-ups and Whether gas, electric, or cordless, string trimmers maintenance. Ask about the starting proced ure for any have similar ergonomic features. Look for the most trimmer you’re considering, beca use some start much comfortable grip for your hand, because how well you easier than others. Translucent fuel tanks are also a control the direction and motion of the trimmer head good idea, so you can see wh ere you are with gas at has a direct effect on th e appearance of your trim job, a glance. as well as how safe th e unit is for you to operate . You’ll also have to decide between a tool with a curved or a ELECTRIC STRING TRIMMERS straight shaft. Straight-shaft trimmers are great for tall The electric trimm er category includes both cordless people, and usually give better access to h ard-to-reach (battery powered) and corded models. Corded models areas. Trimmers with curved shafts are lighter and are encumbered by a power cord, and most now have easier to handle. some sort of cord control or lock sys tem on the handle. When considering different units, keep in mind that GAS-POWERED STRING TRIMMERS a trimmer with the motor mo unted near th e handle Gas-powered string trimm e rs are notoriously loud will be easier to use th an one with the motor mounted and they’re heavy polluters. Recently, manufacturers at the head. A swivel head is a handy feature th at have made some strides-prodded by legislation- to makes edging with th e trimmer a simple job. Unit to increase the efficiency and decrease the exhaust of unit you’ll want to compare battery charge life, overall t heir engines . A four-stroke engine is guieter and weight, and voltage. The power is much be tter than leaner than a two-stroke, but it is also heavier, making it once was, but electric trimmers still can’t compare th e trimmer harder to mane uver and more fatiguin g. head-to-head with gas-powered units in this category. Consider the horsepower ratings and compare them to Tec hnology has improved and battery chargers on what you need to do. Do you cut thick-stalked weeds? some models can charge the battery in as little as an Go with a powerful motor. For th e average yard, you hour, and batteri es las t longer than th ey once did. won’t go wrong with a low or m edium horsepower However, they remain a much greener option th an any rating. Either way, th e unit can operate continuously gas model. for a much longer tim e than most cordless electric units, with more power to burn. Any gas-powered
Gas-powered
string trimmer
Cordless (battery powered)
string trimmer
iVlaintaining )'iJur Lawn • 129
I Choosing an Edger
Lawn edgers are used to cut a nice, crisp border force to use effectively, and it helps if you are bigger
around grassy areas. The available options are and stronger than the average person. In any case,
similar to trimmer choices; you'll find manual and they would be very tiresome to use for any but a
power versions, with the powered tool running on lawn with limited edges to cut. Half-moon edgers
gas or electric (both corded and cordless). Edgers function like shovels, so your primary interest
are somewhat more specialized than other outdoor when selecting (a nd maintaining) one should be
equipment types , and the needs of your yard should the blade. It should be hardened steel, and the
figure first and foremost in your decision of which bigger the crescent, the better. Rotary edgers are
model to buy. somewhat easier to use. They feature a toothed
cutter mounted to the side of a wheel (or wheels )
MANUAL EDGERS that guides the cutter along the lawn. These are
There are two types of manual edgers: step-on and fairly efficient and, although they require a little
rotary. The most common example of a step-on elbow grease, are easy to use. If you're shopping
edger is the half-moon edger, with its namesake for rotary edgers, look for cushioned grips and extra
cutting blade and a small lip above it for the user's wide guide wheels, as well as self-cleaning features
foot. These require a certain amount of effort and for the cutting wheel.
Half-moon edger Rotary edger130 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BEITER LAWN
ELECTRIC EDGERS
As with electric trimmers, electrically powered edgers
come in both corded and cordless versions. The
corded models often come with a handle-mounted
cord control. But battery-powered, cordless models are
- the more popular. Manufacturers are steadily ramping
up the power and running time of these machines. A
newer, high-end model will do a great job of edging
through even tough dense turf. Some edgers can be
converted to a landscape trencher for digging out small
trenches. As with the trimmers, battery-charging time
has been reduced and use time has been increased.
Look for a model that is comfortable, well balanced
and that you can get your weight behind.Gas-powered edger
GAS-POWERED EDGERS The same drawbacks that apply to the small gas- powered engines on trimmers and other yard equipment apply to gas-powered edgers. Even modern two-stroke edger engines are loud and fairly inefficient, although four-stroke engines are more reliable-and the added weight usually isn’t an issue with an edger. Gas-powered edgers range from modest units that look something like trimmers with a cutting wheel mounted vertically, to top-end edgers that resemble smalllawnmowers, with two wide-or even four- wheels and a powerful engine. More powerful edgers are easier to move along, and offer the ability to cut turf for other landscape projects such as defining and cutting out a bed in the middle of a lawn. If you have a large lawn with edged borders on at least three sides, one of these high-end units may be the right choice. But if you have a more modest lawn, look for a smaller unit with a single guide wheel and single shaft handle. Electric edger tool (corded)
!VI aintaining Your Lawn • 131
I Trimming Your Lawn
Trimming is a finishing touch to mowing your lawn. Your lawn will look its best-and you'll keep the
You are simply cutting those areas the mower can't grass at the fringes as healthy as possible- if you
reach, such as grass around trees and fences. Try to trim every time you mow, regardless of whether the
cut the grass as closely as possible to the way the lawn appears to need trimming. As an extension of
mower cuts. When you're trimming with a string mowing, trimming has to follow the same rules; you
trimmer, concentrate on keeping the head of the don't want to take off more than Y3 of the height of
trimmer at the same level the grass was mowed. the grass you trim if you can help it. You can also use
You can, however, use a slight downward angle to the trimmer for light edging work, basically to square
improve sightlines. up light overgrowth. Simply turn the machine so the
It takes a lot of concentration to cut clean level head is vertical (some units have swivel heads for just
lines with a string trimmer, but don't lose sight of this purpose).
safety issues. A trim line spins at a high speed and Finish up trimming by checking the trimmer head
it can catch rocks, small toys , and other yard debris, and housing for any debris or damage. Replace the
flinging them a long way at a high speed. Keep an eye spool or wire if necessary; there are several different
out for any surprises hidden at the borders of the lawn, types, so follow the manufacturer's directions and
and don't trim when there are children present. replace like with like.
A string trimmer is an effective tool for trimming grass in Clean up: Trimming is all about looking neat and tidy, so you
areas around your yard where a lawnmower cannot reach. don't want to leave clippings laying around loose. A quick
pass with a cordless blowerlVacuum wil l suck up any loose
clippings and keep the house and lawn looking sharp.132 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I using a string Trimmer
Before you start, inspect the trimmer for any damage and TO trim edges and vertical spots such as along edging or determine if the string needs to be replaced. For electric next to a wa ll, angle the head of the trimmer slightly downward trimmers, inspect the trimmer’s power cord to make sure toward the surface. Trim slowly and steadily in a line. it is in good condition-the cord casing often is damaged accidentally by the trimmer string.
TO mow small areas that the lawn mower cannot reach, keep option: You can edge with a string trimmer by holding the the trimming head leve l at the same height as you mow the head at a 90° angle to the ground. Carefully move along grass, and methodically cut all the grass in the area. parallel to the line you are edging. Because the trim head and string will be exposed, make certain there are no people or animals nearby, and wea r eye protection.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 133
I Edging Your Lawn
Turfgrass doesn't honor borders. It grows where it light edging along driveways or preexisting surfaces,
wants to grow, and edgers slice through it to make a not cutting new edges for garden beds or around
clean edge. Lawn edgers actually come in handy all tree rings.
around the lawn. The traditional use is to provide a For the full range of edging tasks, most
crisp edge and cut through grass overgrowth sprawling homeowners turn to power edgers, either gas-powered
onto sidewalks, paths, driveways, and other surfaces types, or electric models like the one we show here.
bordering the lawn. But edgers prove much more A good cordless edger will do just about everything
useful than just keeping straight lines shipshape. They you need an edger to do, and in an ecologically
can also be used to cut through the surface along the mindful way. Most are capable of cutting a new edge
proposed new edge of a garden bed. In that sense, through existing lawn, and are quick and easy to
they help to outline the borders of your lawn, no work with.
matter what you put on the other side. Gas-powered edgers require the same kind of
Using an edger is a relatively straightforward follow-up maintenance that gas-powered mowers do.
affair. The crudest types are simply step-on tools with Electric edgers are pretty much maintenance free,
a blade that looks like a shovel blade that has been although you will have to replace the blade when
squashed flat. Lips line the top of the blade so that it starts to wear out or loses a battle with a rock or
you can step on it, pushing the blade down into the piece of cement that has hidden under a dirt edge.
soil and cutting the edge. It's a lot of work to edge a Otherwise, since edging only needs to be done once
long border this way. That work can be cut down by every few weeks to keep everything looking great, your
using a rotary edger, although these are meant for edger should last a long, long time.
An edger creates neat borders around your lawn, especially where it meets sidewalks and pathways. You can use hand
egdging tools, but for larger yards you'll want to invest in a gas-powered, electric, or cordless edger.134 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BEITER LAWN
I How to Edge a Lawn 1
Check the area to be edged for rocks, large sticks, or Align the edger and, holding the blade up off the surface, any other debris. Make sure your edger is in good running start the motor and allow the blade to reach full speed. Then condition, with no major nicks on the blade. gently lower it to begin edging.
3 Score Cutting Lines ~ Use your power edger to make straight cuts through your turf before beginning an excavation. The edger creases a neat border so the sod you remove or turf you dig out leaves a clean line in the lawn.
Edge slowly following the line of the sidewalk or other guide, paying close attention to avoid any buried rocks or obstructions such as sprinkler heads.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 135
I How to Replace a string Trimmer Spool
unplug the trimmer, remove the battery, or disconnect the Press the release tabs on the spool hub cover and pull it
spark plug if the trimmer is a gas-powered model. Place the off. Lift the spool out from the spool hub, and clear any line or
unit on a workbench, with the bottom facing up. debris from around the hub housing.
Insert the end of the line on the new spool into the eyelet Alternative: To use bulk line rather than a replacement spool,
in the hub. Pull the line through the hole, maintaining tension insert one end of the line through the spool's hole and hold it
as you drop the new spool into place in the hub, with the as you pull the rest of the line through the slot and wind the
notched side exposed. line in the direction of the arrow on the spool.136 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
4
•Press down on the spool gently and rotate it until you feel Field-test the trimmer to make sure the new string is it drop into position. It should still be able to turn slightly to the feeding correctly. left and right. Replace the hub cover and reconnect the power source for the trimmer.
I How to Replace a Power Edger Blade 1 2 •
Make sure the edger is disconnected from its power Set the blade spacer over the arbor bolt and then slide the source (unplugged or with the battery removed). Prop the new blade into place over the spacer. Replace the mounting blade guard in the open position to expose the blade and nut and tighten it down with a wrench. Close the housing door blade housing. Immobilize the blade against a wood scrap to and lock it down by turning the knob. keep it from moving while you loosen the blade mounting nut with a wrench. Remove the blade, noting the position of the inner and outer spacers.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 137I Water & Your Lawn Y our lawn can live with a deficiency of any nutrient or mineral. It can struggle along through overcast days with minimal sunlight. It can even fight through how often and in what amounts water is available. Think back to the initial examination of your lawn and the soil structure in side view; you’ll remember that clay soil with amazingly small amounts of air. But it healthy roots form a network that travels down inches, cannot live without water. spreading out as it goes. How much water the lawn requires, and when it A spread and depth like that shows that the needs it, are critically important issues if the grass is roots are growing deep in search of water, and going to thrive. Understanding those needs starts with they are finding enough to fuel the plant and grow understanding how the plant uses water. denser roots. Grass plants bring in water through their roots. But the moisture doesn’t stay for long. The plant consumes water in the process of photosynthesis, as it breaks down carbohydrates for energy. Like us, Soil Situation ~ grass plants increase their metabolic processes in warm weather. Unless the temperature gets so hot The type of soil you have is going to affect water that the grass plant actually goes dormant, the hotter drainage and, ultimately, how you need to deliver and drier the weather, the more water it will need to water. As you recall, how well a soil holds onto water stay healthy. As the weather warms, photosynthesis and nutrients depends on how much sand, loam, or increases and the plant consumes an increasing clay makes up the soil. If you think about it, it makes amount of water. Add to that the fact that water is lost sense. A sandy soil drains quickly, while heavy, dense out of individual blades in a process similar to human clay soil is going to be slow to absorb any moisture at sweating, called transpiration. This process actually all. To give you some idea of the real-time effects of keeps blades upright and strong, but it means water different soil types, here’s how long it wi ll take Y2” of is constantly moving up through the plant and out water to soak down about 8” in each type. through the leaves. Sandy Soil: 30 min. Roots will grow far to find all the necessary Loamy Soil: 1 hour water for the plant to grow strong. How far, thick, Clay Soil: 2112 hours and healthy they grow depends in no small part on
water that simply sits on grass blades is useless to the plant because plant leaves are not equipped to absorb moisture.
Only the plant's underground root system can draw in water, so the point of watering your lawn is to saturate the dirt.138 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
On the other hand, if you were to look at a side viewof the root structure in a lawn that has been watered Gauging Rain ~ freguently and briefly, you’d see shallow roots spread out underneath the plants. The roots don’t need to grow far Accurately gauging how much moisture your lawn down in search of water because it’s always there. Root receives from rain is essential to adjusting how growth is retarded in this instance, affecting uptake of much you should water the lawn-overwatering can nutrients and resulting in scraggly top growth. Roots of be as bad as letting the lawn go thirsty. A simple, grass plants suffering from a lack of moisture are likely inexpensive way to monitor the exact amount of going to stretch down in their search for water, but the rainfall is a rain gauge, a small plastic basin that you structure and density are greatly diminished from those stick in the lawn in an inconspicuous spot. You can of a healthy plant and, once again, top growth will be also use the gauge to determine how much water limp and far less robust than in a healthy lawn. your sprinklers or sprinkler system are delivering to So effective watering involves both depth and the lawn, which will help you decide when to dial freguency. Watering more deeply and less freguently back or ramp up watering. (once or twice a week) is much better for lawn health than more freguent, shallow waterings. If your automatic sprinkler system is set to water every day, you’re not doing your lawn any favors. Lawn watering is also affected by many different variables including soil texture, weather, conditions such as compaction, and other factors. Giving the lawn the proper amount of water involves monitoring and understanding these conditions, and choosing the proper time, method, and amount of lawn irrigation. The average lawn needs about 1 inch of water every week when it is not dormant. It can get that water from rain or from you. Warm-season grasses will, in general, be okay with less. Cool-season grasses in dry arid regions may need slightly more. But the 1 inch rule is a good baseline.
Rainfall is one of the trickier variables you’ll need to account for in determining the best watering schedule for your lawn. Note that areas of high runoff, such as space around downspouts, should require less watering. The trick is to be aware of how your yard holds water and to pay attention to accumulation amounts.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 139
I Conserving water
Conserving water is an issue that most homeowners you can keep kids and p ets off the lawn, and forego
must deal with sooner or later. Whether you want to fertilizing. Feeding a lawn during a drought period
live green and help the environment, or just lessen the causes it to try to grow, using more water than it
pain of your summer water bills, water conservation is normally would use, and stressing the grass when it
a continuing and pressing concern. And all indicators can't find those water reserves.
suggest it will become even more important in the
coming decades.
If you have a cool-season lawn, you'll need to
decide whether you want to let it go dormant in
Weather-Aware Watering ~
the summer heat-its natural state-or if you want Your watering schedule should be adapted to
to keep it green by using precious resources to many different factors, not the least of which is
artificially hydrate the grass. Dormancy is not death. the weather.
It's simply a state where the grass turns brown and You can pull back on your watering when
goes metabolically inactive. If your region or local the weather turns cloudy and overcast, when
municipality is under water restrictions, this is the temperatures drop, or there's little wind and high
environmentally responsible thing to do, and local humidity. And, of course, you should always take into
regulations may require you do it. Keep in mind that account the amount of rain that has recently fallen .
even a dormant lawn needs some water-about 14" Water more frequently when the grass has been
every other week. subjected to long periods of intense, direct sunlight,
If you aren't under a water restriction, or if you're high winds, dry conditions, and warmer-than-
growing a highly drought-tolerant, warm-weather normal temperatures.
species, you should still look to optimize the water you
use. Water the lawn early in the morning (5 or 6 a.m.
is ideal) before the sun is at full force, to give the
water time to soak into the soil. Although some experts
recommend watering at night to avoid evaporation,
the reality is that wet grass that doesn't completely
dry before dark becomes an excellent breeding ground
for diseases.
You also want to take into account your grass
species- which may n eed much less than the average
1 inch p er week (see graphic below ). When in doubt ,
look for the telltale signs that a grass is struggling
with a lack of moisture . These include a bluish-gray
cast to the overall lawn, inward folding blades, and
footprints that remain when someone walks across
the lawn.
Which brings up the last part of the water
conservation puzzle. The less you stress the lawn , the
better it will handle any kind of drought conditions,
modest or severe. Although you can't put a giant
umbrella over your lawn during a string of hot days ,
GRASS THIRST BY SPECIES
MORE LESS
Kentucky Bluegrass Creeping Bentgross Toll Fescue Perennial Ryegrass Centipede Gross St. Augustine Zoysia Bermuda Buffalo140 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Alternative Sources for Lawn water Watering the lawn does not always mean turning on the hose or activating the in-ground sprinkler system. Tip ~ As water has become a scarce commodity in many of As an emergency measure, you can use pool water to the more crowded and warmer parts of the country, alternatives to the traditional sources of lawn water are water your lawn. As long as you haven’t chlorinated the pool within the previous four days, your lawn enjoying increasing popularity. The first of these is the cheapest: rain. Most should be fine, and you can easily refill the pool when large garden centers, home centers, and nurseries- wetter weather returns. especially in warmer parts of the country-now stock rain barrels of one type or another. The rain barrel is simply connected to downspouts or rainwater chains. There are a range of available designs, many of which Rain Barrels ~ are attractive or at least basic eno ugh to blend in with your yard and landscape. One of the simplest, most inexpensive, and most If you get bit by the environmental bug and want environmentally responsible ways to water a lawn to take this idea one step further, you can use an in- is by tapping a system that collects rainwater and ground rainwater harvesting tank with a pump. The stores it for controlled irrigation. Although you rain is routed to the tank via feeder spouts. The tanks , should always check the acidity of your rainwater to usually made of stainless steel, store it for use later. ensure it is not too far out of balance, this source can When you’re ready to water the lawn, you turn on the account for a significant amount of water required pump and connect your irrigation to the water outlet. by a thirsty lawn. The most common rain-barrel It may seem like a rather drastic solution, but in areas system includes one or more 40- or 80-gallon barrels where water bills skyrocket during warm months, connected to gutter downspouts. Spigots near the and where local water resources are as much an base of the barrels let you connect them to a hose. environmental issue as an economic one, an in-ground The barrels are usually plastic or stainless steel, rainwater runoff system can actually pay for itself although you can use a wooden cask if you prefer. over time. Some communities now offer subsidies for rain barrel systems, including free or low cost barrels and downspout connection kits. Check with your local water company or environmental protection agency. Thinking Green: Gray Water ~ Gray water is a hidden resource in every household that many homeowners are tapping in the face of increasing water shortages and rising water costs. Grey water is water reclaimed from clothes washers, bathtubs, showers, and sink drains throughout the house. Gray-water systems range from the incredibly simple to the complex. At the most basic, a gray- water system can be a sealed cistern fed by the clothes-washer discharge hose, with a drain hose attached. More complicated systems involve whole- house collection units with some type of filtering, and spigots for using the gray water outside. Regardless of how basic or complex the system is, you need to check with your local authorities before ever installing one. Some municipalities outlaw the systems outright.
!VI aintaining Your Lawn • 141
I Lawn water Quality
Not all water is created equal. Depending on the
source, the water you use on your lawn can bring with
it a wide range of minerals, chemicals, and acidity.
Well water, for instance, may be subject to infiltration
from many sources such as fertilizer runoff from
local farms, golf courses, or parks. Well water is also
affected by the depth to which you had to drill to find
water. Excess amounts of sulfur, salts, or minerals
such as copper are not unheard of in well water.
Municipal water isn't necessarily pristine either.
Although municipal water is treated at the source,
any number of elements can be introduced along the
way to your tap or spigot. Pipes carrying the water can
contain high amounts of lead and copper. The city or
locality may have introduced excessive amounts of
chlorine if the authorities found high levels of bacteria
or other organisms in water tests.
Obviously, you can't assume what comes out of
your spigot and onto the lawn is necessarily the best
water for your grass.
But even though serious imbalances tend to be
rare and sporadic, simpler changes in the water can
spell problems for your lawn. Hard water is the perfect
example. Hard water-water containing high levels
of calcium and magnesium-is usually good for the
lawn. However, both city systems and in-home water
softening systems introduce sodium to make the water
"soft." If the level of sodium is high enough, it can
turn grass leaves yellow and even do damage to the
soil and the grass plants.
That's why whenever mysterious problems occur
in a well-fed, well-tended lawn, it's wise to take a look
at the water. If you have concerns, test the water. But
at the very least, talk to the local cooperative extension
office professional to find out if there have been issues Well water can contain minerals or have a level of acidity that
with well or city water in your area. can alter the makeup of your lawn's soil.
Water Testing ~
Whenever you have concerns about your water, you'll only nitrates and nitrites, magnesium, and pH. Some also test
be engaging in educated guessing until you actually test for lead and pesticides.
the water or have it tested. As with soil, you can test your Laboratory tests will give you more precise
water with a home test kit, or choose the more expensive measurements of those contaminants, as well as levels
and more exacting option of a send-away lab test. Home of heavy metals, herbicides, specific fertilizers, and
tests are simple and quick to use. You just dip test strips bacteria. Most water authorities offer testing services.
into the sample and read the results. Most of these tests Well water should usually be tested every year as a
give you results measuring levels of chlorine, iron, copper, matter of course.142 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Lawn watering Technology When it comes to watering your lawn, it pays to use But ultimately, they can lower your water bill, make all the tools available. More effective lawn watering your lawn maintenance more environmentally translates into a healthier lawn, a lower water bill, and friendly, and even lead to a healthier lawn. In an improved environment. Given the great importance the long run, they represent a pretty fair return of the issue in both a local and global sense, it should on investment. come as no surprise that it has spurred a wealth of scientific research and innovation. One of the most promising developments is evapotranspiration, known as ET. ET is represented by a formula that calculates total water lost from soil evaporation and from the transpiration of the leaves of grass. The goal is to determine when and exactly how much water a lawn needs at any given moment. The ET formula is currently used in high-end automated sprinkler system controllers, in one of two ways. One type of controller uses a mounted weather gauge to gather local weather data, combining this with data about your specific yard, including the size of the lawn, type of grass, exposure, topography of the lawn surface, and other relevant features. The other type of controller gathers information by downloading it from weather satellites and other sources, including the Internet, combining that data with the particulars of your yard. Both types then adjust sprinkler times to account for weather variations. It’s an incredibly sophisticated approach to watering your lawn, but one that makes a lot of sense given how important water is almost Rain sensors detect when a prescribed amount of rain has fallen and can be programmed to shut your automatic everywhere today. sprinkler system off, avoiding redundant watering. Other ET automated controllers and systems electronic systems pick up broadcasting weather forecasting are not cheap. They add hundreds to the cost information and adjust to the automated system that takes the of a standard in-ground sprinkler system. weather into account.
Thinking Green: Wetting Agents ~
Water can have a hard time getting to the roots of some water, stopping it from beading and making it more
la wns. The soi l may become baked to a hard surface easily absorbed.
that repels water, so that the water evaporates before it Wetting agents, also known as surfactants, aren't meant
is absorbed. Or your soil may have a high clay content for long-term use, and they don't add nutrients or actually
and may be too dense to rapidly absorb moisture. The improve the soil structure in any way. The best types are
same goes for compacted soil. The results may be organic-granular types sometimes use cork as the carrier
runoff or pooling that don't help the thirsty grass roots for the actual wetting agent. But be sure to check the label of
at all. any wetting agent you're considering because some contain
To remedy this situation, turn to wetting ingredients that are not environmentally friendly. Lastly, avoid
agents. Available in both liquid and granular forms, the old home remedy of using diluted dishwashing liquid-it
these compounds break the surface tension of the can do more harm than good to grass plants.
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 143
I Lawn Sprinklers
Water table and rainfall are not likely to be able Installing an in-ground system is a major
to supply all the water your lawn needs to grow undertaking and a significant expense (see page
vigorously-not even close. That means you have to 148). For an easier and cheaper option, turn to
supplement nature's bounty to truly slake your lawn's a portable sprinkler. But be aware that portable
thirst by watering in a way that dispenses the moisture sprinklers are called "portable" because they need to
efficiently. That's where sprinklers come in. be moved to get water everywhere it needs to go on
Many types of sprinklers are made and sold today, the lawn. If you don't monitor it closely, the sprinkler
but they can be broken down into two categories: can overwater some areas while leaving others
portable and in-ground systems. Portable sprinklers almost dry.
can be subdivided into four groups, defined by When choosing a lawn sprinkler, the first factor
their method of dispersing water: rotary, oscillating, you should consider is coverage. Some types work best
stationary, and spinning. in small areas, while others are superior at watering
An oscillating sprinkler is a good choice for both small and large lawns because you can control the coverage efficiently by
varying the water pressure.144 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BEITER LAWN
larger spaces. Smaller sprinklers are designed for control. This is handy if your lawn is an unusual Thinking Green: shape with lots of corners and nooks, or if some Hose-End Timers ~ areas are shaded or have other special considerations that affect the amount of water they need. However, The challenge with portable sprinklers is to run them using a sprinkler with a tight coverage pattern takes just long enough to supply the water necessary for much more time and attention. If the whole lawn is that area of the lawn. But once you get it going, it’s roughly accessible from one point, it’s wise to use a easy to let your attention wander, or just forget the large-coverage sprinkler such as an oscillating unit or sprinkler is running. To prevent wasting water and rotary sprinkler. ensure that your lawn doesn’t become waterlogged, Even the best portable sprinkler will not use a hose-end timer, placed between the spigot cover a larger area uniformly. You need to know and the hose-end. Set the timer for the appropriate the pattern your sprinkler makes and compensate watering time, and enjoy the rest of your afternoon. accordingly. The best way to check the coverage of your particular sprinkler is to perform the test described below. Cost shouldn’t be much of an issue in shopping for a portable sprinkler, because-with the exception of some models that are essentially yard art-they are all relatively inexpensive. Beware that some sprinklers have very uneven distribution. What you do want to look at when considering different sprinklers is their spray pattern and how that matches the shape, size, and configuration of your lawn. Give it some thought because a sprinkler that is poorly suited to your lawn will be an irritation that wastes water.
The Can Test ~
To determine the rate at which your sprinkler dispenses water to different areas, clean out 8 to 10 tuna cans (or cat food
cans, whichever is available) and place them in a random pattern around the sprinkler. Turn on the sprinkler and let it run
for 15 minutes. Turn off the sprinkler and measure how much water is in the cans. That number times 4 is the hourly rate
of your sprinkler, for each different area. If your goal is to spread W' of water in two weekly waterings, determine how long
you need to run the sprinkler by dividing .5 by the hourly rate. Supplement the areas that are underwatered as necessary.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 145
I Choosing a Sprinkler
If you're like many homeowners , the sprinkler you
purchased was directed mostly by which model was
on the shelf right in front of you. In fact, you should
consider carefully when choosing a sprinkler (or
multiple sprinklers) for your lawn. Each has its own
strengths and weaknesses, and buying the wrong type
can mean the difference between getting your lawn
the water it needs, or wasting water on areas such as
driveways, sidewalks, and gravel beds. Following is a
sampling of the main lawn sprinkler types.
HOSE SPRAYER/HAND WATERING
The most basic type of lawn watering you can do is
with an unadorned hose, capped by a spray nozzle that
The holes can sometimes get clogged, but the major
you aim to direct the water. You can buy fancy sprayers
drawback of this type of sprinkler is limited coverage
with multiple settings but that doesn't change the fact
area. Consequently, they only make sense for very
that it's extremely difficult to achieve even coveraoe
b
small lawns . If you do choose a stationary sprinkler, be
across the surface of your lawn when watering by
sure to buy one with a spray pattern that matches the
hand. And the time it would take is prohibitive. To
shape of the small space you need to water.
distribute Yz inch of water by hand over a small lawn
could easily take an hour or more . Hand waterinob is
SPINNING
usually best reserved for very small patches of grass, or
The simplest versions of spinning sprinklers have
problem areas that can't be reached with sprinklers .
three arms with spray holes. The arms are mounted on
a swivel that sits atop a base. Water pressure causes
STATIONARY
the arms to spin, spraying the water in an arcing
These are the simplest sprinklers, with no moving
circle. Although spinning sprinklers are best on small
parts to go wrong. The lack of moving parts, however,
lawns , the more expensive models have heavier bases
translates to very modest coverage. There are many
and a wide spray radius, while cheaper models are
different designs of stationary sprinklers, all with
lighter and have a tendency to flip over when used
different spray patterns. All are extremely inexpensive.
with maximum water pressure. Because the water
from a spinning sprinkler falls in a circle around the
base, you need to move the sprinkler periodically
to create overlapping circles. Unless you happen to
have a circular lawn, this design will waste water and
overwater the overlap areas .146 • T H E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
OSCILLATING One the most popular portable sprinkJers, oscillating sprinklers feature a single bowed arm lined with spray holes. Water pressure causes the arm to move back and forth, so that the spray waters a path, backward and forward. The best models have little or no hesitation at each end of the stroke, otherwise water saturates the lawn at that point. This type of sprinkler is also prone to water loss in gusty wind, so it’s best to use it only on calm days. Because of the constantly moving arm, this type of sprinkJer is also the one most prone to malfunction.
ROTARY Featuring a sturdy base, rotary sprinklers have a vertical head that contains a water-pres sure-powered gear mechanism that repeatedly shoots out a strong stream of water spray, moving side to side in the process. An impulse sprinkler is roughly the same design, but with a counterweight that rebounds each time the stream hits it, cutting off the stream in a jerkier motion. Either type is very effective across large areas of lawn, and the concentrated stream loses very little water to evaporation or wind gusts. This is the choice of many professionals who don’t have an in-ground system to work with.
TRAVELING Perhaps a good idea, but not guite fully achieved, the traveling sprinkler has wheels that slowly propel the unit back along the hose. It follows the layout of the hose you determine, but water distribution is unpredictable and not efficient over any substantial sguare footage. Today’s versions are more oddities than practical watering options.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 147
l in-Ground Sprinkler Systems
Properly set up and monitored, an in-ground
sprinkler system will waste less water and keep your Tools & Materials ~
lawn healthier than any other watering option. The
key, of course, lies in that phrase "Properly set up Bucket Spade or shovel
and monitored." Pressure gauge Sod-cutter (optional)
All in-ground systems contain the same basic Drill with I" bit Plastic Tarp
components and they are arranged in roughly the Utility knife Gravel
same layout. The system is fed by a connection to the
home's main cold water supply line, which is routed
through a vacuum breaker or backflow valve that
prevents sprinkler system water from backing up into or a sudden drop or hike in temperature that "'rill affect
the home's supply. how much water the lawn requires.
The system's water supply is routed out to control Increasingly, homeowners are using more
valves that serve different zones. Each zone contains sophisticated controllers that calculate data from
one or more sprinkler heads. The zone valves, supply weather and soil sensors to determine if watering
pipes, and heads are all usually PVC , which is easy to is actually necessary and, if so, how much water
work with and resists damage from movement during is appropriate. The high-end sprinkler system
the freeze-thaw cycle. controllers offered today make use of the latest ET
The zone valves are controlled by a central (envirotranspiration, see page 143) data and technology
controller. In the past, this was an analog unit wired to water exactly when and how much your lawn needs.
with electricity that made use of a day-and-hour timer. The only other way to get this kind of control, and to
The homeowner usually set it according to when he protect against water waste, is to control the system
wanted the lawn to be watered. manually. Unfortunately, most homeowners probably
Today's controllers are mostly digital models with chose an in-ground system precisely because they
much more programming flexibility built in. The problem wanted to "set it and forget it," so monitoring it and
is, most homeowners don't look to take advantage of the adjusting it manually may well be disregarded. If you
programming capabilities. Most people just set up their have made the decision to upgrade your lawn to an
controller to trigger the sprinklers every day or every in-ground system, spend the extra money for a modern
other day, at a certain time (usually early in the morning). controller that will make more informed decisions,
Unfortunately, that doesn't take into account weather, saving you water-bill money in the long run.
Saving Sewer Fees ~
Most municipalities charge a sewer fee based on
your water meter, assuming that all the water that
comes in goes out through a drain. This doesn't
take into account the water used for irrigation,
the biggest amount of which goes toward keeping
your lawn healthy. Depending on your local rules
and regulations, you may be able to save a handy
sum on your sewer bill by installing what is known
as a "submeter." This is basically a separate
water meter logging the water routed to irrigation
and outside uses such as watering the garden.
The submeter reading is subtracted from your
An in-ground sprinkler system can be the perfect watering sewer fees.
solution, especially if you use a modern, data-driven contro ller.148 • THE COMPLETE GUID E TO A BETTER LAWN
The Contractor Option ~ In-ground sprinkler systems require extensive excavation and plumbing. Installing one is a project that should be attempted only by experienced do-it-youselfers. If you aren’t completely sure that your abilities, knowledge, and experience properly equip you for tackling this particular project, hire a contractor instead. Use only a licensed contractor who can provide you with proof of insurance. You don’t want to find out the limits of your homeowner coverage if and when a worker is injured digging a trench for a sprinkler line. You should also check references to see if the contractor has successfully completed a project on par with yours, including the same or greater number of zones, and a similar controller installation. Make sure the contractor will warranty the equipment, whether he is selling it to you as part of the project, or you are getting it from a third party vendor. Ultimately, you want to be secure in the knowledge that if something goes wrong with any part of the system, quick help will be only a phone call away. As always, get everything in writing, including start and finish dates and warranty specifications (if the contractor is not supplying the materials, you’ll want him to conform to all the manufacturer’s requirements for maintaining the warranty).
Parts of an inground sprinkler system
c include: Controller (A), sprinkler heads (8),
PVC pipe (C), copper pipe (D), backflow
preventerlVacuum assembly (E), control
valve (F), control valve box (G), tees (H),
I funny pipe (I), low-voltage wire (J)'
polyethylene pipe (K).
D
J
B
iVlain tain ing Your Lawn • 149
I How to Install an In-Ground Sprinkler System
2
Measure the flow rate of your water supply by setting a Measure the water pressure of your water supply system.
gallon bucket under an outdoor spigot. Open the faucet all the Make sure all faucets in the house are off, and then attach a
way and time how long it takes to fill the bucket. Calculate the pressure valve to an exterior sillcock. Open the valve all the
system gallons per minute (GPM) by dividing 60 by the fill time. way and record the reading.
The GPM figure is needed to choose properly sized feeder pipe.
The fundamentals of an in-ground
sprinkler system are shown here. The
water-supply line draws water from the
house's cold water supply, routing it to
zone valves contained in an underground
box. The water is then piped out to the
sprinkler heads for each zone.150 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
House
Valve manifoldD o Sprinkler line Sprinkler line (PVC pipe) … (PE pipe)
D ~ (]
Sprinkler beads Circuit 1
(]Plan your system. Take measurements and sketch a rough splice a tee fitting into the cold water supply line in the layout of the lawn and yard with exact dimensions. Send this run just after the meter, inside or under the house. You may information, along with the pressure and GPM figures, to the use copper or plastic supply pipe. If you choose plastic, manufacturer or third-party sprinkler plan creation company. you’ll need to use a tee with compression-fittings and a Collect all the pieces for your system and check them against copper-to-PVC adapter. You’ll also need to connect a full-flow the plan. Check that you have the right number of each type of ball valve and vacuum breaker/back flow preventer. Some sprinkler head, and a sufficient amount of pipe and tubing. municipalities require this be done by a licensed contractor or plumber. Local codes may also require the vacuum assembly be connected inside. Drill a hole through the rim joist or foundation wall and run the supply pipe and controller wire out through the hole.
(continued)
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 151
Remove sod over the trenches and dig the trenches for Run the supply line and wire to the first control valve
sprinkler lines 8" to 10" deep. Do the same for the holes for the location. Line the bottom of the control-valve hole with gravel,
zone valves. Keep the sod on plastic next to the trenches, and and splice the valve body connections into the supply line.
regularly moisten it as you work.
construct the zone-valve assembles and connect them Connect the control wires to the zone valves. Run supply
to the supply-line. Install an in-line drain fitting, if required by lines to other zone valve locations, and finish them in the same
code or as part of the system design, opposite the supply side way. Install the control-valve boxes and backfill around them.
of each valve. Make sure that the valves can be easily accessed through the
box cover.152 • THE COM PLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Run the main feed lines and branch lines from the control Create a hole for pipe to run under sidewalks by gluing a valves. Install drain valves at the lowest point in each feed line hose adapter to one end of a length of PVC pipe and a special (or as required by local code), threaded into the valve with tunneling nozzle (available at large home centers) to the other Teflon tape. end. Spray from each side to create the pipe access hole.
cut polyethylene pipe with scissor cutters (use PVC pipe Install the sprinkler heads. In most cases, use a basic 90° cutter on PVC pipe). Add tees for branch lines. fitting, although you may need to use a drain fitting at low points. Connect the head using funny pipe.
(continued)
Mai.ntaining Yuur Lawn • 153
If you've used a drain fitting, put gravel below it and over it Alternative: When a sprinkler head is located directly over the
when backfilling. Backfill the sprinkler head hole, being careful supply pipe, use a tee connection with a threaded riser (you'll
to keep the head level with the top surface. Tamp down the find them in a range of lengths).
soil, leaving room for sod.
14 Rent a Pipe Puller ~
If your yard is large and will require several long
trenches for main and branch sprinkler lines, it may
make sense for you to rent a pipe puller (sometimes
called a vibratory plow). This machine uses a
powerful blade on an arm that essentially burrows
down to create a tunnel in which it runs the sprinkler
pipe 12" to 16" below the surface of the soil. The
machine is heavy to operate and fairly expensive to
rent, but on a large project it will save many hours
of time and hard labor. You'll still need to dig up the
trench at junction points, such as wherever a head
must be installed or for the zone control valves.
Backfill all trenches and replace all the sod you
removed . Finally, wire in the control panel according to the
manufacturer's wiring diagram and setup and test the system.154 • TH E CO MPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Adjusting In-ground Sprinklers Modern in-ground sprinkler heads are extremely Rotary heads that spray a concentrated stream adjustable, something many homeowners don’t realize can be adjusted by twisting the collar on the body because their contractors didn’t tell them. You can adjust of the sprinkler. This allows you to direct the water your sprinkler heads to account for variations in weather, exactly where you want it to go. wind, and anomalies in the lawn itself. However, in most Spray heads can be adjusted to any of a number cases, you’ll only need to adjust the head right after the of spray patterns and angles using a special tool system is installed. Conditions affecting the need for available from the manufacturer of the head. water will usually be accounted for in your controller.
The In-Ground System Alternative ~
If you love the idea of an in-ground
sprinkler system but can't quite manage
the budget to install one, consider
installing "hybrid" sprinkler heads instead.
These are installed in the ground and
look much like standard in-ground heads.
The big difference is that these heads
are connected to male and female hose
adapters that allow you connect a garden
hose to the head and, if you want, to
connect another hose on the outflow side,
to link several of the heads in series.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 155I Winterizing the Lawn P reparing the lawn to survive the winter months is almost as important as keeping it going strong during the growing season. Warm-season lawns in temperate parts of country continue to grow over the winter. Note: Warm-season grasses should not receive “winterizer” or any other kind of fertilizer in the fall unless a cool-season grass is overseeded. The first step in winterizing a cool-season lawn is to apply a specially formulated fertilizer called winterizer. This is a formula high in potassium, which helps strengthen the cells of the grass plants and toughens them up for the winter to come. The potassium affects both top growth and roots, increasing the plant’s ability to endure cold and helping it take up other essential nutrients prior to going dormant. The last time you mow the grass at the end of the growing season, set the mower lower so that you cut to a grass height of around 2” or less. This will limit damage to the grass and prevent it from becoming a haven for rodents during the colder months. Water the lawn well one last time before the first freeze. It’s also very important that the lawn not be covered with leaves or other yard debris over the winter months. Any covering can damage the lawn, adding to the stress of colder temperatures. Remove leaves and give the lawn a brisk raking to clear all debris from between the grass plants. Once you’re finished with that, make sure all your lawn-care equipment and tools are cleaned, serviced, and stored. Then head inside and keep yourself warm until spring, when your lawn will need you again.
Sprinkler System
Hibernation ~
If you live in an area where the ground freezes, you'll
need to prepare your in-ground sprinkler system
for winter. Turn the supply line off using the va lve at
the T between the cold water supply and sprinkler
system supply. Then use the system's drain valve to Removing the layer of fall leaves sitting on your lawn
completely drain the lines. ensures that the grass plants don't develop disease over the
winter months.156 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I using a Leaf Blower/Vacuum
A leaf blower can make quick work out of clearing the lawn using a blowerlvac to pick up leaves is a quick way to of leaves, especially if your town has curbside pickup. The gather them for your own compost pile. blowing action also clears organic debris down to the soil (inset). helping ready the lawn for winter.
I Disposing of Fall Leaves
If your municipality collects leaves at curbside, rake Some sanitation departments require that leaves be put in them onto a large tarp, such as a plastic painter’s tarp, and biodegradable bags for pickup. But even if they don’t, it’s the drag them to the curb for pickup. ecologically responsible thing to do.
iVlaintaining Your Lawn • 157-
- . I .Ii
I Solving Lawn Problems Y our first line of defense against any invaders or flaws in the lawn is simple plant h ealth. If you take care of the lawn with the right nutrition, the proper amount of hydration, and fastidious maintenance, you'll be giving it the best chance flourish. Unfortunately, there is always the possibility that something is going to cause damage or try to overtake the real estate. In creating the perfect circumstances for a lawn to thrive, you're creating a very inviting habitat for all kinds of plants and insects (even the
IIIII11 II fill , I undesirable ones). Not to worry. There are solutions for every malady a lawn may suffer. Of course, you need to know what to look for. That’s why this chapter includes photo guides of the lawn’s most common foes, along with appropriate treatments you need to beat them and keep your grass in the peak of health .
In this chapter:
• Fighting Weeds • Installing a
• Defeating Harmful French Drain
Insects & Pests • Creating a
• Dealing With Drainage Swale
Lawn Diseases • Adding a
• Improving Mowing Strip
Site Conditions • Artificial Lawns
• 161I Fighting Weeds W e tend to think of weeds as the sworn enemies of the lawn, but in fact they are just different plants looking for a place of their own. Of course, that doesn’t much matter, when they show up as blights on what is otherwise a pristine, uniform, deep green lawn. That’s when the gauntlet is thrown down, the gloves come off, and the weapons come out. But really, before you start fighting a weed or weeds, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. If you’re going to beat it, you need to know how and when it grows. That starts with the knowledge that not all weeds are created equal. Bluegrass There are many ways to classify weeds. Like turfgrasses, there are warm-season and cool-season weeds. A warm-season weed flourishes in the heat • Annuals. Like annual flowers, annual weeds of summer, while cool-season species actively grow live their entire life in one growing season. The in spring and fall. Either kind may be found in either classification is a little deceptive, however, season of lawn. because if an annual weed matures and produces Another useful grouping in terms of heading off seeds, new annual weeds will arrive next year. weeds before they grow is into annuals, biennials, This means you can break the cycle by simply and perennials. disrupting the creation, dissemination, or germination of those seeds. Common annuals include prostrate knotweed and annual bluegrass. • Biennials. Biennials have a two-year lifecycle. They spend the first year using all their energy to grow, setting down strong roots and establishing themselves in the soil. The second year is focused on flowering and setting seed. These are tough plants to eradicate, because if you don’t kill or remove the first-year root, they will come back with flowers and seeds in year two. Mallow is a common biennial and a familiar interloper in many lawns.
Crabgrass is a common lawn invader and one that is quick to
spread in just about any area your turfgrass finds inhospitable.
Once it has a foothold, it wi ll gradually invade healthier parts
of your lawn, too. Crabgrass is a warm-season annual. Apply
a pre-emergent before hot weather and mow lawn high
to smother. Mallow162 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Regardless of how you classify them, all weeds
are opportunistic plants that look to take advantage
of conditions turfgrass finds challenging. Some
weeds will infiltrate a wet area at the first sign of
boggy conditions. Others can thrive in hot, waterless
conditions that leave most turfgrasses withered,
brown, and sparse.
The problem is, even after those conditions
have been remedied, the weed will staunchly hold
onto the ground it has gained. That's one of the
many reasons why it's so important to not let adverseCreeping Charlie conditions linger in the lawn. If weeds have made it in, you’ll have to decide between turning to chemical remedies, or using more labor-intensive, but less toxic, • Perennials. Perennial weeds live for multiple natural cures. Whichever remedy you choose, keep years. They will continue through a cycle of in mind that a completely weed-free lawn is a very dormancy and active growth, and may even fool hard objective to achieve and, many would argue, not you into thinking you’ve eradicated them. Some completely desirable. Some weeds bring beneficial perennials spread through rhizomes and stolons, diversity to the lawn and can even help maintain soil making them even more difficult to permanently and lawn health. remove from the lawn. The secret is to kill the whole plant, preferably before they flower and set seed. Dandelion and Creeping Charlie are two common perennials.
In addition to their growth periods, weeds areclassified based on appearance: Broadleaf weeds have relatively wide leaves with branching veins. Many have conspicuous flowers. Narrow-leafed weeds have grass- like leaves with parallel veins. Dandelion and oxalis are two common broadleaf weeds, while Bermuda grass (in cool-season lawns) and crabgrass are examples of narrow-leaf weeds. The distinction is important because they respond to different herbicides. Dandelion
Compact-Soil Weeds ~
Weeds will take advantage of poor soil conditions. They
are tough plants that can flourish in soil that would
stymie most turfgrasses. That's why basic lawn hygiene
and soil maintenance are so important. One poor soil
condition that creates a prime breeding ground for weeds
is compaction. Weeds such as crabgrass, plantain, and
chickweed have no problem thriving in compacted soil
and will move right in to push more desirable grasses
aside. The best remedy for compacted soil is timely
situational aeration (see page 54). It is also wise to
eliminate controllable sources of the compaction, such as
ca r 0 r foot traffi c.
Solvi.ng Lawn Problems • 163
I Identifying Common Weeds
When it comes to weeds, it's wise to know the enemy-
which means recognizing them on sight. The one big
advantage any homeowner has over these lawn invaders
is that most weeds stick out. The following listings
are divided into the sneakier narrow-leaf species that
often blend right in with the lawn while they spread
throughout the turf, and the brazen broad-leaf types Annual bluegrass
that announce themselves with distinctive appearances.
Once you determine the specific weed you're dealing
with, follow-up with the appropriate treatment. up in boggy conditions or where water puddles on
top of poorly draining soil. It can't take heat, and
I Narrow-Leaf Weeds will often yellow, wither, and die in the height of
summer drought-but not before spreading seed that
germinates through fall.
CRABGRASS Treatment: Mow higher than normal if you know
Perhaps the best-known and most ubiquitous lawn annual bluegrass will be a problem, and alleviate
weed, crabgrass, is sometimes also called Devil's any drainage problems, especially low-lying areas
grass-for good reason. This warm-season annual will that collect water, before the season starts. You can
sneak into a cool-season lawn during hot, dry weather. treat with a preemergence herbicide in fall just as
It spreads seeds that sprout in spring, but the thick the weather cools. Do not use herbicide if your fall
branching stems can root at joints. In a compromised maintenance will include overseeding.
lawn, crabgrass will spread quickly, filling in bare spots.
Treatment: Crabgrass is relatively easy to pull, QUACKGRASS
because the fibrous root bundle grows close to the Similar in appearance to crabgrass but with thicker
surface. As prevention, apply a preemergence herbicide stems, quackgrass is a clump-forming perennial that
in late winter or early spring (crabgrass herbicides are will grow up to 3 ft. tall if left uncut. The bluish-
often part of weed-and-feed combinations). Enrich the green stems are hollow and end in wheatlike spikes.
soil with compost and calcium. Dense, healthy lawns It spreads through rhizomes and can consequently be
rarely allow crabgrass invasion. Mow high. difficult to entirely eradicate.
Treatment: Quackgrass is a tough enemy,
because a tiny piece of rhizome can grow into a brand-
new plant. Don't attempt to pull the grass, because
this may stimulate rhizome growth. Cut back new
growth constantly in spring and carefully apply a non-
selective herbicide to individual plants. The stronger
you make your turfgrass, the more it will crowd out
the quackgrass. But if your entire lawn is infested, you
really have two choices: kill the lawn and start again,
or live with the quackgrass.
crabgrass
ANNUAL BLUEGRASS
As the name says, this is a cool-season annual that is
quick to sprout and spread as soon as warm weather
hits in spring. You can tell it from Kentucky bluegrass
by its lighter green color. It features small white
seedheads, which give the lawn an overall whitish
hue. Annual bluegrass loves moisture and it will pop Quackgrass164 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
DALLIS GRASS A clump-forming, warm-season perennial, dalIis grass sends down deep roots that support long stems growing out of the crown in a star pattern. The leaves are coarse, and fingerlike segments sprout from the tips of the stems. This grass starts growing in early spring and is a common enemy of warm-season grasses. It thrives in moist, hot areas. It grows best in lawns that have been allowed to grow high. Dallis grass reproduces by seeds and rhizomes and can grow from segments of rhizomes left over after tilling or pulling the weed. It Barnyard grass sprouts in spring and thrives throughout summer. Treatment: Don’t bother trying to pull the weed; it will just come back. Use a postemergence herbicide BARNYARD GRASS such as glysophate to spot-treat outbreaks of individual A tough survivor, this grass grows in poor soil and plants, and repeat once a week for three weeks to ens ure neglected and sparse areas of the lawn. It is a the plant is eradicated. Head off the establishment of shallow-rooted summer annual that usually grows dallis grass in your turf by mowing regularly. tall and erect, but will form mats if regularly mowed. It reproduces by seed, and grows signature purple seedheads on thick, reddish purple stems. Treatment: The best defense is a highly fertile soil and dense turf. Individual weeds can be pulled or, in the case of extensive mats, spot-treated with a nonselective herbicide. You may have to reapply it two or three times over the course of one or two weeks, until the weed is completely dead. Use a preemergence herbicide in early spring, just as the Dallis grass weather warms.
Sedges ~
sedges are a group of perennials and annuals that Treating sedges requires persistence and painstaking
resemble common, cool-season grasses. Even in a lawn maintenance. Start by making sure that you are
conscientiously mowed and maintained lawn, sedges conservative in your lawn watering, and that every part
may go unnoticed . The most distinctive features of of the lawn drains well. The best direct treatment is a
most sedge species are their seedheads. Two common selective "nutsedge" herbicide applied in early spring, and
lawn invaders, purple nutsedge and yellow nutsedge, reapplied several times over the following two weeks.
are named for the color of their seed heads. The leaves Repeat at the same time the following year, to ensure the
are very similar to grass leaves, although if you roll a weeds don't reappear.
sedge stem between your fingers, you'll notice that
the stems are actually triangular, as opposed to the
round stems of most turfgrasses. In addition, sedges
have three leaves per stem, while turfgrasses generally
have two.
Sedges are prolific plants that reproduce by seeds,
rhizomes, and tubers. Pulling sedges doesn't have much
effect. It may seem like you have removed all the plant,
while it has actually left tubers behind to sprout the
following year. These weeds prefer wet or even boggy
conditions, in otherwise nutrient-rich soils.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 165
WITCH GRASS
A summer annual that grows upright with a tasseled
flowerhead and fleshy, shallow roots, witch grass
reproduces by seed. The foliage is hairy and the
seed heads are grayish brown, and spread the seed
when they break off from the stem. The stems
can also root at nodes. Witch grass grows best in
compacted conditions along driveways, walkways and
curbs, and rarely takes hold in well-maintained lawns.
Treatment: It is easy to pull, but important that it
be pulled at first sign of growth, long before seedheads
have a chance to drop and spread seed. It can also be
mowed to prevent seedheads from growing. Apply a
preemergence herbicide in early spring, right after the
weather warms.
Foxtail
FOXTAIL
This summer annual is common in lawns bordering
wild fields and rural areas, from which it will migrate.
It's easily detected by the characteristic seedhead that
looks like its namesake. It is a nuisance for dogs, often
breaking off and sticking deep in their ears. It thrives
in the heat of summer and suffers under repeated
mowing, which can kill the plant. Foxtail prefers rich,
well-drained soil.
Treatment: Foxtails are easy to pull and can be
mowed down, although if seedheads are mowed, the
clippings should be bagged and disposed of. Foxtail
can be controlled or prevented with a preemergence
Witch grass herbicide in early spring.
Moss Madness ~
Moss can't really be considered a weed, because it's more
a symptom than a problem itself. If moss is growing it's
because several undesirable conditions exist in that area
of the lawn. The most prevalent will be excess moisture,
because moss dries out and dies very quickly in a dry,
well-drained environment. Its presence also indicates
infertile soil that is in need of nutrients. It also thrives in
shallow soil and deep shade.
Although you can find both synthetic and organic
moss-killing products (such as herbicidal soap) on the
market, the real issue and the ultimate solution is to
clear up the underlying causes that sparked the moss to
flourish in the first place.166 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Treatment: Nimblewill is easy to pull, and this
is the preferred method of eradication. It thrives
under the same conditions most turfgrasses prefer, so
changing lawn conditions will not affect the growth
of nimblewill. If infestation is widespread, use a
selective herbicide labeled for use on nimblewill, from
late spring through the beginning of summer. Keep
the lawn mowed to the correct height to prevent the
formation of seedheads in fall.
WILD ONION AND WILD GARLIC
Welcome in the herb garden, these species areGoose grass considered hostile invaders in a lawn. Both grow from bulbs and reproduce from seeds or bulblets, making them somewhat different from other weeds. GOOSE GRASS Wild onions will grow bulbs or seeds on the tip of the This clump-forming annual can look a little like tall stems if allowed to grow high-their means of crabgrass when it is cut low, and it will spread into reproducing. Both plants have fleshy, tubular leaves. mats. The seedheads grow like spikes at the end of They are dormant over winter and spread in spring and stems, and the stems are prone to collapsing and summer. But the most obvious characteristic of both laying flat on the ground. It grows widespread roots, these plants is the odor. Wild onion smells strongly of making it difficult to remove by pulling. Goose grass onion, while wild garlic smells just as strongly of garlic. likes compacted, poor quality soil. Treatment: These plants are easy to pull or, if Treatment: Eradicate clumps of goose grass by it is your preference, to harvest. Just make sure you spot-treating with a non-selective herbicide, waiting dig up all bulbs and bulblets when weeding. Regular about a week before digging out the plant (the mowing helps keep both wild onion and wild garlic herbicide should kill the weed’s roots, but top growth controlled and stops them from spreading. In the may still appear alive). You can use a preemergence event of infestation, use a selective herbicide in spring, herbicide in late spring, but loose soil and dense turf repeating applications as necessary into the summer. will prevent goose grass infiltration. Ultimately, to get rid of any traces of these two plants, you’ll need to use the herbicide for two to three years . NIMBLEWILL This warm-season perennial features wiry, spreading growth, with flat, bluish-green leaves. The appearance mimics many turfgrasses, but if allowed to grow, it will produce feather-like seedheads in fall. Nimblewill spreads through both seeds and stolons.
Nimblewill Wild garlic
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 167
I Broadleaf Weeds
BROAD LEAF PLANTAIN
One of the most common weeds, this perennial
intruder grows light green leaves in a rosette pattern.
It grows slender, tall seed stalks in fall, and the plant is
deeply rooted with strong fleshy roots and a stubborn
central taproot. Like many other weeds, broadleaf
plantain thrives in constantly moist, compacted soil.
Treatment: Although pulling the complete plant
is work and not always successful (this works best Dandelion
if you catch them young, long before the seedheads
develop), broadleaf plantain is easy to eradicate with
selective post-emergence broadleaf herbicides. Treatment: Dandelions are relatively easy to treat
with a selective preemergence herbicide applied in
fall. One application should be plenty to kill the entire
plant. You can also use this same treatment in early
spring. In the course of the season, use non-selective
broadleaf herbicides for spot treatments; pulling the
plants is effective if you remove all or most of the root.
Note: Research indicated that dandelions wear out and
die if you keep after them, although there is some re-
growth from incompletely removed roots.
CURLY DOCK
Reddish leaves with wavy margins define this
perennial, and make it look a little like a dandelion
that is not in bloom. It spreads by seeds that are grown
on a tall, thin, green seedheads, but is fairly easy to
contain and eradicate.
Broadleaf plantain
DANDELION
There's no mistaking this flashy lawn invader. The
bright yellow flowers are markers of spring in fields
everywhere, and in lawns across the country. The
flowers are followed closely by puffy snowball
seedheads that explode and send seeds scattering to
the wind. The serrated leaves grow out from a central
crown, which is fed by a deep, tight-holding root. curly dock
Thinking Green: Dandy-Lions ~
If you're willing to put up with the appearance of a few dandelions in the lawn, you can realize some benefit from them.
Dandelion greens are edible and can be added to salads (wash them very well first) . They are also a favorite treat for
domesticated rodents, such as guinea pigs. In your soil, the root growth creates gaps for earthworms and other beneficial
organisms, and the flowers are an early food source for honeybees.168 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
English daisy
Treatment: You can pull English daisy plants by
hand, but you need to be sure to get the whole plant,Chickweed including all of the taproot. Fertilize to increase the nutrient density in the soil, and if you suspect they will be a problem, use a general weed-and-feed product Treatment: Curly dock is one of the less resistant that includes a selective broadleaf herbicide. weeds, and can usually be eradicated with a single application of a general broadleaf herbicide. Individual SPEEDWELL plants can be dug out as long as all of the plant is In the right place and circumstance, speedwell is removed. Mowing regularly to standard heights usually considered a groundcover for its habit of spreading far keeps the plant from spreading seed. and wide in a tight-knit mat. It’s actually a wildflower, with stems filled with pretty purple blossoms over CHICKWEED tiny, hairy green round leaves . However, in a lawn, it’s A common, mat-forming annual, chickweed does not one of the first weeds to appear, usually right at the usually infiltrate healthy, dense lawns. Instead, it tends end of winter. Speedwell loves cool, wet conditions to grow into bare patches or areas that would not and thrives in shade. It’s a vigorous opponent to support vigorous grass growth. These include heavily homeowners looking for a pristine lawn, and in shaded and moist corners of the yard, and gravel addition to spreading seed, mowing can spread the pathways. It grows yellow-green leaves along spreading plant. Small sections will root and grow independently. stems with small white flowers in spring. The stems Treatment: The first line of defense against can root at nodes. The seeds germinate in early fall. speedwell is to make sure every part of the lawn is Treatment: Chickweed is a very easy weed to well drained, and that any shady areas are opened up pull, and extracting the entire plant is simple and by cutting back trees and shrubs to allow plentiful practically effortless. To prevent recurrence, you sunlight over the lawn. Hand pulling is effective and should improve the soil or conditions in the area easy, but you really have to be sure you get the whole the weed covered, and if the problem is severe, you plant, because one small piece can grow anew. If you can treat with a general post-emergence broadleaf decide to attack with chemicals, you’ll need to use herbicide, or proactively, with a pre-emergence a selective broad leaf herbicide, and probably more product in early fall, just as the weather cools. than one application will be necessary to completely eradicate the speedwell. ENGLISH DAISY A favorite perennial in the flower garden, this flowering plant will quickly invade the lawn if given a chance. The pretty white flowers with yellow centers grow over softly lobed leaves, starting in spring and sometimes in fall. It does best in lawn soil that is deficient in nutrients and consistently wet. Growth of the tall stems is fueled by a deep taproot, and the plant spreads through seeds. Before you rid your lawn of this plant, cut the flowers for indoor displays and, if you’re so inclined, make tinctures or teas from the greens. Speedwell
SolVing Lawn Problems • 169
HENBIT
Henbit is a winter annual, following an unusual cycle
of growth. It features sprawling square stems with
somewhat fuzzy, round, scalloped leaves. H enbit
grows from seed, sprouting in fall, and then growing
throughout winter, only to bloom in mid spring, after
which it dies. It's important to know this cycle if you're
going to eradicate the plant.
Treatment: It's fairly easy to pull hen bit by hand,
but if the weed seems out of control in your lawn, you
can use weed-and-feed post-emergence application
using a product labeled for henbit. You can also apply
pre-emergence herbicide in early fall to kill seeds.
Prostrate knotweed
PROSTRATE KNOTWEED
Yet another annoying mat-forming weed, prostrate
knotweed is a summer annual that starts growing
as soon as the soil warms. Like many other weeds ,
it thrives in poor soil and in problem areas such as
high-traffic driveway edges, along shortcut paths
across the lawn, and in similar locations in which
soil is compacted. The plant sends out wiry stems
with smooth, oval, blue green leaves. It also produces
a tough taproot. Prostrate knotweed reproduces
Henbit from seed.
Clover: Friend or Foe? ~
Many organic gardeners would contend that far from
being an invader that needs to be fought or eradicated,
clover should be embraced as an ally in the war against
other weeds and nutrient deficiencies.
Traditional white clover, with its small pretty flowers
and signature simple round leaves in groups of three or-
if you're lucky-four, can be a boon to lawn health. Clover
is infected by rhizobia, a soil bacteria that spurs the plant
to create nodules on roots that "fix" or hold nitrogen . This
allows clover to convert nitrogen in the air for use in the
plant. Mowing and mulching clover in the lawn helps feed
the lawn with slow-release nitrogen (and it also smells
fantastic) . If the lawn contains 5 to 10 percent clover, the
clover can supply almost all the yearly nitrogen needs of
the turfgrass. Clover also remains green all year round,
and can help make the lawn more resistant to disease.
The look certainly isn't for everyone, and certainly not
for the homeowner trying to create an immaculate lawn.
But if you can put up with a few round leaves amongst your
blades of grass, you'll enjoy a bounty of organic benefits.170 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BEITER LAWN
Treatment: In spite of the taproot, it's notdifficult to pull individual prostrate knotweed plants. You do, however, have to make sure to get all the root and crown to eliminate the plant. Treat infestations in early spring, with a selective broadleaf post-emergence herbicide. Here again, improving the low-quality conditions that allow the plant to flourish will go a long way toward preventing its return.
GROUND IVY (CREEPING CHARLIE) A highly aggressive perennial, ground ivy can be a serious threat to your lawn. The plant features various- Mallow sized round leaves with scalloped edges. It spreads both by seed and by creeping stems that can root. It forms a dense mat that can quickly crowd out healthy Treatment: You can pull mallow, but once lawns, and although it prefers poor quality soil and it’s established, you’ll usually need to be a bit shade, it can thrive in sun and loam as well. more aggressive than hand-pulling each plant. Treatment: If you notice ground ivy in nearby Add nitrogen to the soil in the form of fertilizer or yards, chances are you’re going to be dealing with it organic topdressing, and mow regularly to the proper in yours eventually. Take quick and decisive action. height for the grass. Use a weed-and-feed product Optimum lawn and soil health are essential, but in labeled for use on mallow, and spot treat with a non- and of themselves, no guarantee of deterrence. Spot selective herbicide. treat with a non-selective herbicide, and apply a selective broadleaf herbicide in fall. You can also use a GARLIC MUSTARD weed-and-feed product labeled for use on ground ivy. It may sound delicious to some, but garlic mustard is an invasive , biennial herb that poses a significant ecological threat because it routinely outcompetes native plants. Its seeds can remain viable in the ground for five years, complicating its eradication. In its first year the plant exists as a low-to-the-ground rosette of leaves. In its second year it will grow stalks that can reach up to 3 feet in height if not mown. Treatment: Thorough hand-pulling of the entire plant can be effective for light infestations, but be sure to remove the plant immediately. For larger infestations, cut any flowering stems within a few inches of the ground, and treat with a systemic glyphosate herbicide.
Ground ivy
MALLOW Distinctive, dark green crinkled leaves set mallow apart from other weeds. It’s also one of the more tenacious species, growing into a low mat, with pink flowers in the leaf joints throughout summer. It has a significant taproot and will spread wherever the soil is deficient in nitrogen and other nutrients, and high in potassium. It can be an annual or biennial, but either form is difficult to eradicate. Garlic mustard
Solving Lawn Problems • 171
I Fighting Weeds Naturally
The first and best weapon in your war on weeds
should be a strong, dense, healthy lawn. Even if you
manage to accomplish this, however, there are many
aggressive species that just won't quit until they've
infiltrated and attempted to take over the lawn. But
before you go reaching for chemical herbicides, get
busy pulling weeds. Although some weeds are so
well rooted that pulling them can be fruitless, many
weeds can be pulled easily and effectively. Narrow
leaf weeds, for example, are best controlled with hand
pulling. If they do come back, pull them again and
you weaken the plant further until it no longer has the
energy to start from scratch.
If weeding is not an option for you, there are a
number of natural alternatives to spot treat weeds
of all kinds. These include pouring salted boiling
water over the weed, and spraying with vinegar or
A simple weed puller can make extracting even deep-
citrus-based solutions. You'll find organic spot weed- rooted weeds such as these dandelions a fairly easy chore. The
treatment sprays at home centers and garden stores, tool also helps ensure that you pull as much of the root system
and some natural food stores. as possible so the plant is less likely to grow back .
•
--
Corn gluten is an all-natural herbicide that also contains beneficial nitrogen. It will prevent weed seeds from germinating but will
not kill existing weeds. Proper application time is critical.172 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Perhaps the most lethal weapon in th e natural nitrogen rich fertilizer your lawn needs from oth erlawn care armory is corn gluten. This by-product source s. Corn gluten breaks down slowly, so the of corn processing is used as a pre-emergence nitrogen is released over time , and it’s a completely treatment for weeds of all kinds. The gluten is environmentally safe option. spread with a spreader just like fertilizer or lawn Th e drawbacks to corn gluten are its substantial seed. It must be laid down two to three weeks before price tag and th e fact that you can’t spre ad it within seed germination for the weed you’re attacking, six wee ks of overseeding a lawn or the n ew seeds however. Contact your local cooperative exte nsion won’t germinate. It also won’t affect existing annual , service office to find out weed germination date s in p e rennial, or biennial wee ds . your area. Just the same , corn gluten is part of a group of Corn gluten h as certain ben efits in addition to natural solutions, all of which should be considered its h erbicidal qualitie s. It is about 10% nitrogen , before you turn to the riskier use of chemical so an application can gre atly re duc e the amount of weed killers.
Thinking Green: Torching Weeds ~
Some weeds can be eradicated by pulling and some can't.
Another option is using a basic DIY torch, or a special
"flamer" with a feed hose and a long wand. You can direct
an intense, tiny flame exactly where you want it go. Then
burn the weed to death. It lends a whole new meaning to
the term "scorched earth."
The heat of the flame not only fries top growth,
it causes the liquids in the entire plant-including
the roots-to become superheated . In most cases,
a single burning will destroy an annual weed
outright. Perennial weeds, and those with deep,
stubborn root systems may take more than one
burning, but keep at it. They too will eventually die
under the flame.
Safety, of course, is paramount when using a flamer.
• Use an igniter like the type used to light
gas grills. Matches can result in nasty finger
burns. Better yet, purchase a torch with
electronic ignition .
• Don't use a torch near flammable yard waste and
debris. This includes a dry layer of thatch, tanbark
pathways, or in a lawn that has been parched
by drought.
• Use the torch for only a second or two at a time,
repeating as necessary to completely destroy the
weed. Sustaining the flame too long can damage soil A propane torch dispenses with just about any
weed quickly. Look for a torch with a hose and wand-
and adjacent grass.
style head, and push-button ignition. Hooked up to a
• Handle the torch or flamer with care, making sure not 20-pound propane tank, this type of torch is portable
to contact the hot tip with your skin, and storing the and doesn't require you to bend over or work on
fuel tank out of reach of children. your knees.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 173
I Synthetic Weed Killers
The field of chemistry has done wonders in coming up Contact herbicides kill any plant matter to which
with ways to fight any invasion of weeds in your lawn. they are applied. This means top growth will be
You'll find an amazing diversity of herbicides-the quickly killed. But that doesn't necessarily mean that
name for any chemical designed to kill plant life-at the weed is gone-its roots may be able to produce
nurseries, garden stores, and home centers. Many of another plant. Systemic herbicides infiltrate the entire
these are even formulated to eradicate specific classes plant and are more complete solutions. The entire
of weeds. plant is killed.
To use any herbicidal product correctly and Selective formulas are created for one category,
responsibly, you need to determine if it's the right such as broad-leaf weeds, to destroy only those plants
type of herbicide for the weeds you're attempting and leave other surrounding flora alive. Non-selective
to eliminate, and for your lawn, yard, and garden. formulas kill plant life indiscriminately, and will take
You'll choose between granular and liquid out turfgrasses as quickly as weeds. These are usually
products, but beyond that, there are several other sold as spot-use sprays that can kill a single plant or
important distinctions . group with a directed application.
Pre-emergence herbicides kill seeds as they In using any herbicide it's essential that you
germinate, before they have the chance to "emerge" use it at the right stage of the growing season.
as plants. They are most effective at permanently You should also err on the side of caution,
eradicating annual weeds, although they may work using less than you need, rather than more.
on some species of perennials that grow solely from You can always reapply an herbicide, but using
seeds. They will be far less effective against weeds too much can cause dangerous side effects and
that spread through rhizomes or stolons. damage your lawn just as surely as it destroys
Post-emergence herbicides are formulated weeds. Lastly, look for the least toxic forms
to kill existing weeds. They are organized into two you can buy; these include glyphosate and
interrelated pairs of categories: glufosinate-ammonium formulations.
Spot treatments of selective
formulations are often the best use of
chemical herbicides.174 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Herbicidal Soap ~
An alternative to more toxic compounds, herbicidal
soap can be used as a broad-spectrum, non-selective
herbicidal for spot treatments. The soap works by
destroying plant cell walls where it contacts the
plant, drying out and killing the tissue. Herbicidal soap
works best on seedlings and moss, and may require
several applications to effectively destroy weeds with
deep taproots, or perennial weeds. The best part is
that the soap breaks down completely in two days.Pre-emergence herbicide
HERBICIDll SOAPpost-emergence herbicide
Warning ~ Chemicals that are formulated to destroy plant life • If you’re applying granular herbicide with a spreader, usually are harmful to humans and other animals as make sure that the spreader is properly calibrated. well. Herbicide formulations are regulated and meant to • If you’re spraying an herbicide, don’t do it on a be safe for home use when used as directed and in a windy day. cautious, mindfu l manner. The Environmental Protection • Keep pets and chi ldren off the lawn for 24 hours after Agency classifies herbicides with Roman numeral applying herbicides. ratings of I through IV, from the most toxic (I) to the least • Wear a mask and gloves (whether the label says to (IV). To be on the safe side, limit your use of chemical or not). herbicides to those rated III or IV. But even with the safer • Take your shoes off before going into the house, after formulations you must follow all safe-use practices you’ve walked over an area treated with herbicides. and precautions: • Take steps to limit any runoff from watering after applying herbicides. You should prevent them from • Follow to the letter the instructions on the bag or making their way into the storm drain system, bottle of herbicide. waterways, or adjacent properties.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 175I Defeating Harmful Insects & Pests P erhaps the greatest challenge when dealing with insect invaders in your lawn is identifying if the problem you’re having is actually caused by insects the roots, while others will eat top growth. Still others act like vampires, sucking the juice out of grass blades and leaving toxins behind. However they operate, all and, if so, which species. That is made all the harder insects are attracted by a healthy, dense, fast-growing because signs of insect damage can look like a lot of lawn. It’s a feast waiting to be plundered. other problems, including drought, disease, and pet Finding insects is a matter of looking for them damage. Added to that is the fact that insects have where and when they are active. If you’ve detected very rapid life cycles. They change quickly, well within damage that you think is insect related, you need to the course of a lawn’s growing season. That means actually see the insects to confirm your diagnosis. that there is usually a period when the pests are most Dig under the sod and check the soil. Cutworms, for vulnerable, creating a window for eradication. Treating instance, eat the roots, so that the sod will come up for insect infestation at the wrong time is just as too easily and you’ll see the actual worms. Inspect the inefficient as using the wrong treatment. The stages area at night as well, because some insects are only of a typical insect lifecycle include hatching from an active after dark. If possible, capture one or more of egg, from which they go into the larval stage (the stage the insects and either use the photo identifications in where the most damage is often caused), pupation the pages that follow, or take it to a local cooperative in a cocoon-like phase, and emergence as adult extension office or nursery to have the insect winged insects. identified. The experts who can identify the insect will Other insects, such as chinch bugs, go through more than likely be able to instruct you on appropriate a different development cycle. They become nymphs eradication methods. after hatching from eggs, essentially becoming small If the damage happens during one part of the adults without wings. As they mature, their wings grow year, every year, chances are you have an insect that is and they take flight. If you try to fight the insects at moving on after it matures. In that case, you want to this point, you’ll have little success. mark the calendar and treat the pest in the larval stage Another difference separating insect species is to prevent recurrence. Visually identify the insect the way in which they attack the lawn. Some go for before you attempt to fight it.
Testing for Insects ~
There is no room for guesswork when you're determining
what treatment to use for an insect problem. To confirm
wh ich pest you have, turn to some simple tests. Discover
chinch bugs by cutting the bottom out of a coffee can
or simi lar can, sinking it into the lawn several inches,
and filling the aboveground portion with water. Keep
filling to maintain the level of water in the can and, if you
have chinch bugs, they'll float to the top within about
five minutes. You can also detect mole crickets and sod
webworms this way.
Another more generalized test is to mix a couple
of tablespoons of lemon dishwashing soap in a gallon
of water. Slowly pour the mixture over a section of lawn
about a yard square. Within about 8 to 10 minutes, any
mole crickets, bill bugs, cutworms, and sod webworms wi ll
come right to the surface, driven out by the soap.176 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Whatever damage you find, and whatever insect soil, as well as affecting people who use the lawn andis causing it, you should consider the simplest, most nearby natural resources such as water tables . Besides, natural solutions first. More extreme eradication there are so many natural treatments that chances are methods such as pesticides can have serious you can solve your problems without ever turning to consequences on other beneficial organisms in the synthetic insecticides or pesticides.
Not all evidence of insect damage is as apparent as the sawdust-like residue left by billbugs. Normally, you’ll need to see the insect itself.
Integrated Pest Management ~
Integrated Pest Management (lPM) is a relatively new concept • Prevention. This is the first step in dealing with pests,
in lawn care and gardening. Focused on environmentally and can include changing fertilizer schedules to slow
beneficial practices in pest control, it involves viewing the down growth so that harmful insects will view the
yard as a complete ecosystem where anything you do to one lawn less favorably, and seeding with different grass
living organism affects all the other organisms. The concept species that the insects you're dealing with don't like.
clearly lays out four guiding criteria, including: • Control. This comes last, once you've definitively
identified the pest, determined the extent of the
• Action thresholds. or the point at which the damage, and attempted whatever form of prevention
number of pests or the amount of damage indicates might be available to you . Taking action to control
the need for some action . In lawn care, this translates the pests begins with the least risky and least
to determining if the damage or pest population toxic solution first, working toward more powerful
you've detected is modest enough that you should alternatives only after the initial attempts at control
take a wait-and-see attitude, or if you need to take or eradication prove unsuccessful.
action to prevent further damage to your lawn. Small
spot problems may not be worth treating aggressively. Although IPM was developed as a more ecologically
• Monitor and Identify. Where IPM is concerned- focused way to solve pest problems, the method includes
and where sound lawn-care pest control is the possible use of chemical pesticides. This means it is
concerned-it's essential to see and understand not considered an organic process by organic gardeners.
what's happening, and verify that the pest you think is Just the same, it is a sound method, and a good one for
causing the damage is actually causing the damage. the homeowner to follow in attacking a lawn pest problem.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 177
I Natural Pest Controls
Insects are attracted to your lawn because it offers broadcast across the entire lawn. The lawn should
them something they want. If you make the lawn a be thoroughly moist before nematodes are applied. If
less hospitable place, sometimes that takes care of you can, wait until the sun sets to apply nematodes-
the problem. The two most common conditions in direct sunlight can sterilize them. Nematodes are
a lawn that draw harmful insects are a thick layer of at their most effective and aggressive when the soil
thatch and persistent moisture. Dethatching your temperature is between 65 and 90°F.
lawn not only improves overall lawn health, it can Bacillus thuringiensis, known as BT, is
also take away the habitat of insects that are causing another common and effective biological control. The
other problems. Likewise, if you simply improve your many different strains of this bacteria are used in
watering routine or increase drainage in wet areas applications from vegetable gardens to lawns (when
of the lawn, you'll be taking steps to deny refuge to you purchase BT you want to make sure you're buying
moisture-loving insects. Biological controls are your the strain applicable to the insects you're fighting).
next point of attack. Typically, this means increasing BT is effective against white grubs, sod webworms
the population of beneficial organisms that prey on and other harmful worms, and is available at most
harmful insects. large, well-stocked garden centers and nurseries. It
Beneficial nematodes-microorganisms that must be kept refrigerated before use, should be mixed
have an appetite for the larvae of many lawn pests- with water according to the package instructions,
are one of the most common biological controls. They and applied with a sprayer. One application rarely
will aggressively attack and destroy common white kills the entire population of insects you're trying to
grubs, cutworm and sod webworm larvae, army worms, eradicate, so be prepared to reapply as necessary every
and other pests. Nematodes, sold in bags containing two weeks.
several million of the microscopic roundworms, are Endophytes are another way to fight detrimental
also easy to install. They are mixed with lukewarm insects. The microscopic endophyte fungi infect
water and then applied to the problem area or even the grass without hurting it, but make blades and
White grubs are one of the most common lawn pests, and Nematodes are microscopic organisms (parasitic worms,
one of the most easily eradicated with organic controls. actually) that attack several insects that can damage your
lawn, including lawn grubs, cutworms, and slugs.178 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
leaf stalks toxic to insects such as chinch bugs, All of these solutions-or a combination-can sod webworms and billbugs. This is a longer-term be highly effective. Most of these work slower than solution because you’ll need to overseed with grass chemical insecticides and on a more limited range of seed that has been inoculated with endophytes. insects in many cases. But the trade-off is that they do Once those seeds begin growing, the insects begin minimal damage and are environmentally responsible. dying. Only a limited number of grass species are In the end, one or more of these treatments can solve available as inoculated seeds, mostly comprising just about any insect problem you’ll encounter in cool-season grasses. your lawn. Botanical insecticides are derived from plant sources, so they break down quickly after use and are fairly harmless to humans and animals. Neem is one of the most common. Derived from a tropical tree, it can kill immature feeding insects and has been known to repel Japanese beetles so that they cannot lay the eggs that result in white grubs. Pyrethin is a common organic insecticide, derived from the daisy. It is a broad-spectrum insecticide that should be used carefully because it can kill both beneficial and harmful insects. It’s best used as a spot treatment for localized infestations of sod webworms or white grubs. It is sometimes combined with synthetic additives to amplify its effects and power, and doing so can make it toxic to other insects such as armyworms and aphids, although it can also become toxic to beneficial insects and harmful to the environment. Rotenone is extracted from an Asian plant. It has long been used as a broad-spectrum insecticide that Bacillus thuringiensis is a natural bacteria that is used is slow to work and also somewhat dangerous for pets to combat caterpillars and some types of worms that and humans. damage lawns.
Diatomaceous Earth ~
Made from the ground up fossils of ancient plants called
diatoms, diatomaceous earth is a highly effective and
completely organic insecticide. The material is a fine dust
that doesn't harm humans or animals, but slices the outer
skin that serves as a skeleton for most insects, or shreds
their digestive systems. You should use only agricultural-
or food-grade diatomaceous earth (there's a more harmful
type used for pool filtration), and dust it over any lawn
area with an insect problem. You can spread it by hand, or
with a spreader over larger areas. Either way, you should
wear a high-quality dust mask when you are working with
diatomaceous earth. It usually works within 48 hours. It's
most effective against ants and aphids, although it will
harm many types of top-dwelling insects. It can also harm
beneficial insects, so it should not be used as a regular Diatomaceous earth is the active ingredient in this
preventative treatment. natural insecticide product.
Solving Lawn Problems • 179
I Beneficial Insects
One of the best ways to eradicate harmful pests is by
enticing their natural predators into your yard. These
beneficial insects can be the best, most ecological
solution to solving pest problems in the lawn.
Although you can actually buy and introduce species
such as lady beetles, the best way to bring in the good
guys is by creating an environment they find attractive.
This usually means adding a diversity of flowering Lady beetle
plants, and a water source doesn't hurt either. The
more diverse your yard and garden, the more diverse
the insect population will be-including a range of
beneficials (as well as birds that feast on grubs!).
If you want to foster populations of beneficial
insects, you should also limit the chemical controls you
use in the lawn. Pesticides of any sort may drive away or
kill beneficial insects as guickly as they do the harmful
types. The more chemicals you introduce for whatever
reason, the more you put insect populations at risk.
Some of the beneficial insects that you should
keep any eye out for include: Ground beetle
Lady beetles. Popularly known as lady bugs,
these easily recognized insects are the groundskeeper's
friend (although some species, such as the Japanese
Lady Beetle, can overrun your home). The lady beetle
feasts on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The
larvae, especially, are hungry eaters that can put a
huge dent in detrimental insect populations.
Ground beetle. Don't make the mistake of trying
to eliminate this ugly friend. The ground beetle with
its iridescent body and spindly black legs won't win
any beauty contests, but it will eat grubs, armyworms,
and cutworms .
Braconid wasps. Are tiny creatures that lay eggs
inside of their prey or in the pupal cocoons of the prey
larvae. In this way, they destroy aphids, grubs, and
other insects.
Braconid wasp
The lady beetle is one of the most effective beneficial insects
any homeowner can hope for, feasting on a range of lawn- Lacewing
damaging pests.180 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Lacewing. Named for its distin ctive, delicategossamer win gs, th e lacewing m ay look like a fragile beauty, but th ey’re anythin g but dainty wh en it com es to attacking aphids . In fac t, th eir larvae are som e times known as “aphid lion s” for an almost insatiable appe tite. T he larvae will also eat other h armful insects in the egg stage. Big-eyed bugs. Appropria tely named for th eir bulgin g eyes, the se in sects are a feared enemy of chin ch bugs . T hey are tiny and green in th e eas t, and brown in the west of North America. But no m atter where they call hom e, they go after chinch bugs, leafhoppers, aphids , and caterpillars. Big-eyed bug
Using Pesticides ~
Chemical pesticides and insecticides should be the Clean all equipment thoroughly after use, rinsing it
options of last resort when you're dealing with an insect several times and allowing itto dry thoroughly. If you use
problem in the lawn. Although pesticide companies a sprayer for herbicides or other applications, it's a good
formulate their products to be as safe as possible, the fact idea to use a separate one for pesticides, because even
remains that any synthetic pesticide is potentially harmful after rinsing, some residue remains.
to animals and humans, and they have the potential to Follow all instructions to the letter and use
damage the environment as well. commonsense safety practices, and you'll quickly
Proper pesticide usage begins with identifying eradicate the detrimental insects. Always follow up,
exactly the insect you're trying to eradicate. Once though, with healthy lawn maintenance to create an
you're certain of the species, the next step is to read environment that discourages a recurrence of the pest.
pesticide labels closely and completely. The law sets out Pesticides are some of the most dangerous
stringent requirements for pesticide manufacturers and chemicals you'll ever use in your yard, so take every
outlines what they must include on the label. You'll find precaution necessary to apply them in the safest
relevant safety information along with a list of insects way possible.
the pesticide is used to treat. Only use a pesticide if
the insect you're targeting is listed. Pesticides are also • Wear appropriate clothing, including long pants, a
labeled for use on either warm- or cool-season lawns. long-sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, and rubber gloves.
Don't use it if it is recommended for a different season • Protect your lungs. Wear a high-quality dust mask
than your lawn. when dusting with pesticide, and a tight-fitting
Pesticide regulations cover the user as well respirator when spraying it. Look for specific masks
as the manufacturer. You are legally obligated to approved by the National Institute for Safety and
use pesticides in a safe manner in accordance to Health (NIOSH).
the manufacturer's instructions and prevailing best • Clean up completely. Thoroughly rinse equipment and
standards and practices. Pay particular attention to rubber gloves, and wash the clothes you used during
dosing. Using exactly the recommended amount of application in a load by themselves.
pesticide is a key step in insect eradication. More is not • Choose your product carefully. Use the pesticide with
better, nor is too little. the least risks and side effects, and the one most
Apply granular pesticides just as you would spread targeted to the insect you need to eradicate.
fertilizer, but use a drop spreader, not a broadcast or • Store pesticides properly. They should be locked up in
hand-held model. Spray liquid formulas with a hose end a cabinet out of the reach of children .
sprayer for pre-mixed types, and a pressure sprayer for • Dispose of leftover, out-of-date pesticide according to
concentrated liquid pesticides. Never apply pesticide when local sanitation codes.
it's raining or about to rain, or on windy days. • Keep all pesticides in their original containers.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 181
I Common Problem Insects
This photo guide will help you identify the culprit
you're dealing with in diagnosing lawn damage. Keep
in mind that some insects are nocturnal, and have
to be detected at night-a Hashlight and patience
will be your best friends in this type of detective
work. Some underground enemies, such as grubs, are
visible only when you lift an area of the lawn. Once
you've identified the villain, follow the steps listed to
eradicate them.
BLACK ANTS & FIRE ANTS
Black ants are generally beneficial to a lawn's ecology,
but may become a problem when colonies grow large
and several anthills appear. Although they are limited
to certain areas of the deep south and a few locations
in the north of the country, fire ants are a much
greater nuisance than black ants. They build bigger
hills in the lawn than other species do, and they are
Chinch bug (nymph)
far more aggressive. Fire ants will swarm pets and
humans alike, causing painful stings that can lead to
anaphylactic shock.
Treatment: You can get rid of the black anthills CHINCH BUGS
by physically destroying them and raking them out, One of the most common lawn pests, chinch bugs
or pouring boiling water into them. If the problem have tiny black bodies and white wings. The females
persists, and becomes overwhelming, turn to an age- lay eggs in late spring or early summer, which hatch
old remedy of borax (boric acid) mixed with sugar- into a stage called nymphs. The red nymphs cause
although make sure no small children or pets will most of the damage to grass plants by sucking juices
be in the area. Make an effective boric acid trap by from the grass blades, leaving toxins in their place, and
forming a hollow ball out of several layers of aluminum creating round, yellow patches in sunny parts of the
foil, filling it with a borax-and-sugar mix, and punching lawn. The nymphs tend to cause damage in the middle
small holes in it. of summer in cool-season lawns, and in late spring in
To get rid of fire ants, use spinosad, a natural warm-season lawns.
botanical pesticide that is broadcast around the fire Treatment: Dealing with chinch bugs begins
ant hill in spring or fall. with regular lawn watering. The insects proliferate
in drought conditions, and don't like moist soil. You
can also treat them with insecticidal soaps, applied in
liquid solution over the affected area. This treatment
may need to be repeated to completely eradicate the
infestation. You can also spot treat with pyrethin.
SOD WEBWORMS
The first sign of sod webworms is usually the adult
moths that appear over your lawn in spring during
the early evening. The moths lay eggs that hatch two
to three weeks later. Signs that the larvae are causing
damage include small sections of dead grass about the
size of a drink coaster. The detrimental larvae are just
under an inch long, with black-spotted grey bodies.
The larvae burrow into thatch during the day, and feed
Fire ant on blades of grass during the evening.182 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Sod webworm
Treatment: Like many lawn pests, sod webworms White grubinfiltrate and thrive in poorly maintained lawns, which makes improving the health of your lawn the first step in treating an infestation. Dethatching will remove WHITE GRUBS the hiding places for the destructive larvae. Beneficial These ubiquitous insects are actually the larvae nematodes are extremely effective against the larvae, of Japanese beetles, along with a few other beetle especially when applied shortly after they hatch. Turn types. If you find beetles on your roses or vegetables, to BT and pyrethrin for severe infestations on which chances are you have some level of white grub other solutions have not worked. problem that can result in extensive damage to grass plant roots. The grubs sever the roots from the plant, BILLBUGS causing dead patches and bare areas in spring. As if Adult bill bugs are tiny beetle-like insects, but the that weren’t enough, grubs are an irresistible attraction threat to your lawn is posed by the larvae. The white to burrowing predators, like moles and skunks. grubs with orange heads eat the blades of grass, Treatment: The most common and effective causing small areas of dead lawn, much like you would treatment for killing Japanese beetle white grubs see with sod webworm larvae. However, billbug larvae is milky spore. Other species can be treated with leave a sawdust-like scattering of waste product near beneficial nematodes. the crown of a grass plant. The larvae are most active and destructive in the middle of summer. MOLE CRICKETS Treatment: As with other grubs, the first line The mole cricket can easily be mistaken for the of defense is a healthy lawn, specifically a lack of common cricket. The difference is that the mole thatch. Dethatching is the first step in treatment of cricket has a larger head with thicker front legs-and billbug infestations. The botanical insecticides neem it is much more destructive. Feeding on grass plant and rotenone are effective, as is insecticidal soap. You roots, it tunnels under the soil, creating significant can also turn to beneficial nematodes to eradicate cavities that can cause the lawn to feel spongy obvious infestations. underfoot. An infestation will be quite apparent; aside from the tunnels, the crickets are pretty nonchalant about appearing openly in the grass.
Mole cricketBillbug Common cricket
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 183
Treatment: Beneficial nematodes are effective a widespread infestation , you can use an application of
against mole cricket eggs, but this control needs to be insecticidal soap.
applied with fairly precise timing to kill the crickets
before they hatch. Neem is also somewhat effective, CUTWORMS
as long as it is watered into the soil deeply. Common to colder parts of the country, cutworms
often migrate from vegetable or flower gardens to
APHIDS the lawn. They are actually caterpillars (the larvae
Also known as greenbugs, these are tiny, nearly of moths ) and are plenty ugly, with plump and dark
transparent insects that are hard to detect without brown or black bodies. They are nocturnal and feed on
careful examination. They suck the fluids out of grass grass blades in one area, causing circular dead spots in
blades (and many other garden plants), while injecting the lawn. Generally, you should treat them aggressively
a toxin that eventually kills the plant. Grass will slowly if there are more than 5 or 6 worms in a square yard
turn brown in small areas under an aphid attack. of sod.
Treatment: Aphids are a favorite food of many Treatment: BT is the solution of choice for
different beneficial insects. They can also be washed cutworm infestations, although beneficial nematodes
off the grass with a vigorous blast of water. If you have and pyrethin spray are also very effective.
Aphids Cutworm
Thinking Green: Oil's Well ~
When it comes to repelling unwanted inhabitants in your with clove oil to create a nerve toxin that is fatal to many
lawn, you can turn to nature's own defenses-specifically, insects. Orange peel extract is used in several natural
plant oils. For instance, castor oil made from the seeds of insecticide sprays because it tends to degrade and
the castor bean plant can be applied to the soil to send destroy the respiratory systems of several insect species.
moles and voles packing. Rosemary oil can be combined When it comes to defending plants-including the grass
with pure peppermint oil to create an insecticide that plants that make up your lawn-few formulations can
fights chinch bugs. Peppermint oil can also be combined beat nature's own.184 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Getting Rid of Skunks and Raccoons Normally, skunks, raccoons, and (in the south) armadillos cause few problems for the average lawn. There simply isn’t much of interest to lure these mammals into your yard. That is, until they discover that a treasure trove of grubs is easily accessible just below the surface of the sod. That’s when the trouble starts. Even if the grubs themselves aren’t causing much damage, you’ll suddenly find sections of sod pulled up, with the soil underneath tilled . It may be a mystery until you realize that these wild raiders tend to eat at night or very early in the morning. You can build a fence or try one of several home remedies such as motion-activated safety lights, or predator urine. But don’t count on these solutions . Raccoons are wily and tend not to be put off by light or noise, while skunks are generally fearless for good reason (sharp claws and a unique defense mechanism ). In the end, if you have an ongoing problem that you can trace to any of these three animals, the only real permanent way to dissuade them from digging up your lawn is to send them to greener pastures. If you eradicate your grub population, these animals have little reason to visit your lawn, or dig it up. If you spot raccoons or skunks in your city yard, notify animal control immediately, because there is a good chance that they are rabid, hurt, or otherwise dangerous. Never attempt to handle or deal with a wild animal that seems disoriented or aggressive.
When the Pest is a Pet ~
If you're not walking your dog regularly, he will
probably choose a part of your lawn on which to
do his business, and he'll return to the same spot
again and again. If you notice a spot on the lawn that
grows rapidly and turns dark green and then brown,
your pet is probably the culprit. To fix pet damage,
flush the spot thoroughly with water, repeating in
subsequent days. To allow the grass to return, you'll
have to get into a schedule of walking your dog, or
train him or her to go on another surface off the lawn. Skunks and other hungry mammals can do plenty of
damage to your lawn in their quest for delicious grubs.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 185
I Dealing with Tunneling Rodents
In most cases, wildlife will avoid your lawn. After all, trap and dead animal when the trap is successful. You
it's an exposed area with little in the way of protective can also bait for moles, although this is not a good idea if
cover. Plus, a healthy lawn offers a dearth of tempting you have pets or children around-even if they are just
dinner items. But when you have grubs or other insects casual visitors to your house. Bait lasts a long time and
in your lawn, they may attract other visitors. The most you don't want any but the target animal consuming it.
common of these are moles, voles, and gophers. Gophers. Gophers are similar to moles in that
Moles. Moles tunnel under the lawn in search they tunnel throughout the yard in search of food,
of grubs. Left alone, they will clear your lawn of although the food they are looking for is plant matter.
white grub infestations, but they'll also leave behind They don't usually feed on grass roots, but the search
unsightly tunnels that make the lawn a challenge to to find a tasty meal will often take them beneath your
mow. Experts are somewhat divided on how big of lawn, causing damage similar to what a busy mole
a problem moles really are. Because they're meat- will leave behind. Gophers travel in larger groups and
eaters, they don't actually consume any of your lawn. can be a persistent problem, and are usually trapped.
However, they do damage the lawn by raising the However, if you can locate active tunnels, sponges
sod, and they can also traumatize grass roots in their soaked with ammonia placed in the tunnels will cause
tunneling. Because they are solitary animals, any mole the gopher to vacate to another area. Just remember to
problem you have is usually limited to a single rodent. remove the sponges once that gopher has left.
You can tamp down the tunnels and water well Voles. Voles differ from moles in that they
to make sure roots reestablish after they've been regularly surface (moles only emerge by accident).
disturbed by the mole. Getting rid of the mole entails Among voles, the pine vole is a burrower and a threat
a two-part strategy. Treating the lawn with beneficial to your grass roots. The non-burrowing meadow vole
nematodes or other applicable product to eradicate is a threat in the cooler months, when it will chew
the grubs is the first part. With the grubs gone, the uncut grass down to the roots as a cold-weather source
mole may leave for other feeding grounds. However, if of nutrition.
he stays around to feast on your earthworms, you may Regardless of which type you're dealing with,
want to trap him. the best method to eradicate voles is trapping. Use
You can live-trap a mole and then transport it to a a large rat trap if you don't mind killing the animal;
wild area such as a state or national park. If that is too live-trap and relocate it if you do. Peanut butter is an
much hassle and you see the mole as just a nuisance effective bait for these animals either way. But tackle
and an undesirable varmint, you can use a kill trap, the problem early, because unlike moles and gophers,
which requires less effort- you simply throwaway the voles are quick to reproduce and colonize .
By the time you see evidence of a
mole, gopher, or vole, a lot of damage
has already been done-quick action is
necessary to stop large-scale devastation
of the lawn. The best way to find active
tunnels for any burrowing rodent is to get
up very early in the morning and watch
the tops of the tunnels for movement.
You can also mark tunnels, and check
later to determine if the marks have
been disturbed.186 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I The underground Trio
Moles have a distinctive appearance, with shortened Voles have a mouse-like appearance, with small but forelimbs equipped with oversized digging claws, no visible obvious ears, prominent tiny eyes, and reddish brown or ears, and tiny, nearly non-existent eye slits. grey fur.
Sonic Warfare ~
You'll find a host of high-tech products on the market
that claim to repel any burrowing rodent in your
yard. The idea is to stick a probe into the ground or
set speakers down that produce sonic, ultrasonic, or
electromagnetic energy. The energy is in the form of
high-pitched noise or waves. Manufacturers claim
that the energy drives the rodents out of their mind
and out of your yard. Unfortunately, the claims remain
largely unproven, and professional groundskeepers
have not had a great deal of success in using these
devices. Until more quantitative proof is produced
regarding these devices, it generally makes sense
to use time-tested remedies such as traps or
tunnel flooding.Gophers are distinguishable by their large teeth, whiskers, and the pouches on either side of the mouth.
Solving Lawn Problems • 187I Dealing With Lawn Diseases I t’s a simple fact that lawn diseases don’t just pop up out of thin air. The disease itself can be present, having arrived from any number of sources, including on the disease you’re dealing with, as well as possible courses of treatment. As a last resort, if you’re having no success in fighting the disease, you can take a sod airborne, bird borne, animal borne-it may even have sample to the extension office. Ask them for a referral arrived on tools or equipment brought from elsewhere to a lab that can analyze the disease. and used in the yard. But no matter where it came from, for the disease to take hold, it needs a hospitable ROOT CAUSES OF LAWN DISEASE breeding environment and a grass that is susceptible • Most lawn diseases are water-related. Some to the disease. The lawn usually has several problems diseases thrive in a very moist habitat, while that serve to create the right conditions for growth of others will do best in arid surroundings. Either the disease. way, few diseases do well in a lawn that is The key to treating any disease in your lawn is irrigated at just the right time with just the right first correctly identifying it. This can be a challenge amount of water for the climate and the type because many lawn diseases look very similar to other of grass. conditions, such as drought, nitrogen burn, or pet • Improper mowing is a common mistake that spotting. Take a close look not only at the damaged invites diseases to take hold. The height you mow grass, but also at the overall pattern of destruction. should reflect the type of grass you’re mowing (see Look at the grass around the damaged area and check page 122 for ideal heights according to different for any changes in the healthy grass. Inspect individual species). Mowing consistently too low or too blades to determine if they have any particular marks infrequently, or using a mower with a dull blade, on them, and check different areas of the lawn to are examples of improper mowing that can lead to determine if there are different stages of the same lawn disease. disease at work. • Disease can take hold in the lawn if you have a If the disease is not fairly obvious, but it is dense, thick layer of thatch. The more thatch widespread, you may need help in identifying and there is, the more disease spores it can harbor. treating it. You can talk to a local nursery professional • How, when, and how much you fertilize and use who may have encountered other customers with the insecticides or pesticides will also affect the lawn’s same problem. Or, if you want to go a little more in resistance to disease. The more chemicals used depth, contact your local cooperative extension office. on the lawn, the greater the chance that disease- The experts there may be able to give you information fighting beneficial organisms will be killed.
Need Some Expert Help? ~
You local agricultural extension office is the best source
for assistance in identifying and combating lawn disease.
These local agencies are part of a larger network called the
Cooperative Extension System. This network is partnered
with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture
(NIFA), which is administered by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Although the NIFA has some helpful resources,
its primary benefit for homeowners is as a clearinghouse
for local agencies. By logging on to their website you can
easily find contact information for the agricultural extension
closest to you-often a division of a land grant university.
The website address is: www.nifa.usda.gov/Extension/.188 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Treating Lawn Diseases Quick fixes are hard to come by once a disease has You can overseed with a resistant grass, but taken hold in your lawn, which is why most experts that’s a long-term solution. Changing the conditions preach prevention. Fungicides are available for in the lawn is the more immediate treatment. This individual diseases and can be effective in certain includes being fastidious about watering, and getting cases, but as with most strong chemicals, there rid of thatch. To treat the spores themselves, consider are repercussions to using fungicides. The most topdressing with compost. Certain specific types of important is that the chemicals can kill good fungi compost have been linked to disease eradication. at the same time as bad. Some fungicides are long- These include composted manures, leaf composts, lasting, lingering in the soil long after they’ve served and sludge compost such as Milorganite. Ultimately, their purpose. That’s why fungicides are generally it pays to remember that the lawn has its own disease- considered the option of last resort for treating most fighting mechanisms and the healthier you keep it, the lawn diseases. More often, the answer lies in changing better eq uipp ed it is to respond to an infection. That’s one of the three legs of lawn disease “triangle” : why you may want to take a wait-and-see approach if susceptible grass species, conditions that foster the outbreak does not seem severe, making sure that disease, and the presence of disease spores. your lawn care practices are as painstaking as possible.
Dollar spot is one of many common fungal ailments that afflict lawns. As with most lawn diseases, a change in how you water and care for the lawn is usually the best course of action to eradicate the disease naturally.
Survival of the Fittest ~
The type of grass in your lawn impacts how resistant disease resistance part of your purchase decision if you're
the lawn will be to diseases. Some species are naturally buying sod or seed for a new lawn, or for overseeding. The
disease resistant to certain conditions. But grass seed professionals at local nurseries, garden centers, and your
companies are constantly developing new varieties that local cooperative extension office will be able to instruct
are more tolerant to adverse circumstances such as you on diseases that are common in your area, and the
drought, and are resistant to specific diseases. Consider latest resistant grass varieties available.
Solving Lawn Problems • 189
I Lawn Disease Identification & Treatment
If you're going to fight a lawn disease, you need to higher than normal, and cut back on fertilization.
know which one you're fighting. Identification is key Aerate as necessary and alleviate pockets of deep
and the photos shown here will give you a better idea shade on the lawn if you can. If your lawn has been
of exactly what each disease looks like. The listings affected by the fungus before, or if you know that
here represent the most common lawn diseases, it is common in your area, you can treat with a
along with treatments to eradicate them, repair their preventative fungicide in early spring (although this
damage, and prevent them from recurring. usually isn't necessary).
BROWN PATCH FAIRY RINGS
This soil-borne fungus is a common problem in Fairy rings are one of the most distinctive lawn
regions where high humidity combines with warm diseases, characterized by rings of lush lawn growth,
temperatures. Grasses most often affected by the often accompanied by growth of mushrooms along
disease include Kentucky bluegrass, centipede grass, the ring (and sometimes featuring just mushrooms in
Bermuda grass, and St. Augustine. The disease is the ring formation without the underlying excessive
usually most active in late spring and early fall for lawn growth). Fairy rings sometimes include dieback
warm-season grasses, and early spring for cool-season in the ring formation if the fungus is so prolific as to
types. The fungus attacks while the grass is actively block water absorption by the grass. But more often,
growing. Onset is encouraged by overfertilization the grass survives. The fungus usually returns the
and overwatering. The first signs of brown patch are next year, often creating a larger ring. It's caused by
small circles of wet-looking grass that quickly turn decaying organic matter that contained the fungus to
brown. The damaged patch enlarges quickly, but start with, usually added as a soil amendment when
eventually the infected area begins to return to health, the lawn was first planted.
creating rings of brown that are lined on the outside Treatment: Because the effects are largely to the
by yellowing grass, sometimes called a "smoke ring." appearance and not the health of the lawn, fairy rings
Infected areas can range from the size of a dinner are usually treated as a cosmetic problem. Remove
plate to many feet in diameter. You may, in certain the mushrooms (which are toxic, so you should keep
instances, notice lesions on the grass leaves. The children away from them). Water and fertilize as
lesions will be brown, going black at the edges. usual. Eradication of the fungus entails digging out the
Treatment: Lawns can recover from brown infected area and removing soil and sod as deep as 10
patch in time, especially when measures are taken to inches-which is why most homeowners simply cover
correct the conditions that allow the fungus to thrive up the disease's affects. There are powerful fungicides
in the first place. Water only in the morning and only for use on the fungi that cause fairy rings, but these
when the lawn absolutely needs it. Mow the lawn are not considered safe for home lawn use.
A lawn with brown patch Fairy rings190 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
There are actually two types: pink and gray. Both
appear as patches of dead, brown grass surrounded
on the margins by a gray or pinkish fuzzy growth.
Gray snow mold is the less damaging of the two,
affecting only the blades of the grass. Pink snow mold
infects the blades and crown, and can do serious
damage to the lawn.
Treatment: The fungicides effective on
snow molds are not recommended for home use.
Generally, the treatment consists of changing the
conditions that fuel the fungus. These changespythium blight include cutting the lawn short for winterization, forgoing nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the fall, and improving drainage through dethatching PYTHIUM BLIGHT and aeration. The first signs of pythium blight, or grease spot as it is sometimes called, are small dark areas that may LEAF SPOT look slimy or greasy. The affected area can range from Leaf spot is also called “melting out,” which actually around 1 inch to over a foot in diameter. The disease describes the second, more destructive effect of the spreads rapidly, creating signature reddish brown and disease. The first signs are spot-like lesions on the wilted grass sections that may streak as the disease grass leaves. The lesions resemble burns, with brown follows the lines of drainage. Infected grass will centers and darkened margins. These symptoms shrivel and turn brown. The appearance may include a appear in early spring or fall, and cause no serious cotton web-like growth, especially in the evening and damage to the grass. However, the second phase of early morning. the disease- melting out- involves the fungus moving Treatment: Fight the disease with fungicide into the crown and roots of affected grass plants, as soon as you notice an outbreak. Prevention is killing them. This happens in the hottest weather of key, involving aerating to improve drainage and, the summer. specifically, correcting any alkalinity imbalance with Treatment: Apply a contact fungicide at the first an application of lime, as necessary. signs of leaf spot, and expect to reapply until the signs disappear. Usually, three or four applications spaced SNOW MOLD a week apart are necessary. Prevention focuses on As the name implies, this fungus only occurs avoiding overfertilization, and watering deeply once or in colder areas of the country with freezing twice per week, in the early morning, to prevent water temperatures and snow. The fungus grows under from sitting on the grass leaves. Keep in mind when cover of the snow, in wet conditions, and is more overseeding that there are many new varieties of leaf prone to shady areas in which the snow melts late. spot-resistant grasses.
Snow mold Leaf spot
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 191
DOLLAR SPOT Treatment: Mildew is regularly treated with a
Dollar spot is one of the lawn diseases that mimic the broad-spectrum systemic fungicide at the first signs
look of many other conditions. It's named after the of outbreak, with a repeat application around a week
silver-dollar size dead spots the fungus creates in the later. To prevent recurrence, prune shrubs and trees to
lawn. However, the spots are often larger than that, allow more sunlight exposure over shaded areas of the
and can develop into significant areas of dead grass. lawn, and water only moderately in affected areas.
The disease is most common during spring and fall,
when the weather is the mild 60 to 80°F range that
the fungus thrives in. In some regions it will persist
through summer. The fungus is spread throughout
the lawn by contact with shoes, sprinklers, hoses, and
lawn-care equipment.
Treatment: If the infection is widespread, use
contact fungicide labeled for dollar spot at the first
sign of outbreak, and repeat the application a week to
10 days after the first treatment. To prevent dollar spot
from returning, you should water only in the morning
and ensure that the lawn is receiving the proper
nutrients. Overseed the lawn with resistant varieties.
Ultimately, however, your lawn will recover on it's own
powdery mildew
from an attack of dollar spot, although it may take
months for the lawn to completely regenerate.
RUST
This aptly named fungus coats grass blades with
orange and reddish brown spores that can be rubbed
off. It most commonly afflicts Kentucky bluegrass and
perennial ryegrass, and strikes in late summer and
early fall. Outbreaks occur most often in lawns already
stressed by other conditions or diseases. The fungus
grows best in mildly warm, moist conditions.
Treatment: In most cases, rust will cause only
minimal cosmetic damage, with no significant grass
die-off. If you detect the disease, continue to mow
regularly, bagging and disposing of the clippings. In
severe cases, treat the lawn with a systemic fungicide,
repeating the application in a week as necessary.
Dollar spot
POWDERY MILDEW
This fungus exhibits a distinctive coating on the top
growth of the lawn, resembling a dusting of powdered
sugar or flour. The mildew coating ranges from white
to gray, and only in severe cases will it actually kill
the grass. The fungus prefers shaded sections of the
lawn in regions with cool nights and high humidity.
It is most common in lawns of Kentucky bluegrass,
although other grasses may be affected as well. Rust192 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
LEAF SMUT
There are two types of leaf smuts that affect lawns:
stripe smut and flag smut. When infected with either
fungus, grass will turn pale yellow, followed by long
gray-black streaks on the grass blades. Smuts thrive
in the cool weather of early spring or fall. The grass
blades will wither and die, and the fungus eventually
moves into the crown and other tissues in the plant.
Plants often die as the summer warms.
Treatment: Leaf smuts, like many fungi, flourish
in deep, dense thatch. They also grow best in acidic
soil with an abundance of nitrogen. That's why
dethatching and fertilizing lightly are the first steps in
limiting the effects of leaf smuts. Severe cases can be
treated with systemic fungicides, but the wisest courseRed thread of action is to simply reseed damaged areas with one of the many disease-resistant cultivars.
RED THREAD FUSARIUM BLIGHT The namesake pink and red strands of this fungus Sometimes called summer patch, this fungus grows attach to leaves and sheaths of the grass plant, causing most actively in hot weather above 85 °F and in irregular die-off and a ragged lawn appearance. From drought-stressed lawns. It appears as small circles of a distance, the disease in full bloom may give the lawn graying or brown dead or dying grass. The best way to a reddish hue. The fungus is active in cool, moist tell fusarium blight from other conditions with similar weather in early spring and fall. In the vast majority of symptoms is to examine the crowns of dead plants- cases, the disease causes no serious long-term damage they often feature a reddish rot. to the lawn. Treatment: Maintaining proper mowing height Treatment: Red thread may be a sign of is crucial in prevention, as is keeping the lawn potassium deficiency that should be corrected with consistently moist through hot and arid periods. organic or synthetic fertilizer, after being confirmed There are also a number of blight-resistant cultivars with a soil test. Water sparingly, and only in the that should be used to overseed lawns that have morning. In very extreme cases, apply a contact proven susceptible to attack. As a last resort, apply an fungicide labeled for use on red thread. appropriate contact fungicide.
Leaf smut Fusarium blight
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 193I Improving Site Conditions I na perfect world, your lawn would sit atop a deep layer of loam and bask in a wealth of sunshine and ideal temperatures. The lawn would slope gently, almost the lawn and where, why, and how it collects. Ensuring proper drainage can involve solutions from the simple, such as slowly improving the soil by top- imperceptibly, creating efficient, non-eroding drainage dressing, to the complex, such as installing a French for whatever excess water the lawn received. In the real drain. The solution that you choose will be guided by world, there are very few perfect places for lawns. how serious and extensive your drainage issues are. The fact is, if your yard is fairly large-and even Drainage can involve grading the soil and if it isn’t-chances are that the lawn will have one landscape, but grading may also be required for or more trouble spots or challenging areas where different features in the lawn. For instance, if you are it’s hard to keep the grass healthy. Some site-related adding a child’s play structure or putting green, you problems are easily fixed, while others call for more may need to grade that particular area differently then creative solutions. the rest of the lawn. One of the most common inhibitors to thick, Lastly, your site location and particular features lush turf is shade. Shade is a reality for many mature may lead you to make aesthetic improvements. For landscapes where shrubs have grown tall and the instance, installing edging between the lawn border canopies of long-established trees arch over whole and the line of a flower or shrub bed will provide a areas of the lawn. The trick is in opening up those crisp look to the lawn, but it also may be necessary screens as much as possible, and in ensuring watering to prevent aggressive species such as ivies or other and mowing practices don’t make the situation worse. ground covers from invading your lawn. Drainage is another key issue for any lawn. The The point is, by proactively responding to the soil composition will control drainage to a certain challenges posed by your site, you can head off a lot degree, but the topography of your lawn will also of problems before they begin. It’s one more way to influence how quickly water makes its way through ensure a healthy, trouble-free lawn.
A severe slope can be an unusable and hard-to-maintain area of a lawn. A few simple terraces create an attractive, low-
maintenance yard feature instead.194 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Deep shade such as this can lead to a host of lawn problems, from poor grass growth to a proliferation of lawn diseases. The solution is to prune trees judiciously, to thin out sun-blocking canopies.
Certain types of gardens, such as native perennial beds, contain fairly aggressive plants that will covet your turf space and eventually make a play for it. You can keep most of them at bay with simple lawn edging.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 195
I Dealing With Shaded Areas
Shade is a hard thing to plan for. Trees that were
relatively young when your lawn was planted often Tools & Materials ~
grow to become incredible sun blockers. Or you
may have made your lawn-care plan in the winter, Pole chainsaw Safety glasses
when the trees surrounding your yard were bare Alligator loppers Gloves
of leaves, not realizing that in season they were Hard hat Protective shoes
going to create dense dark areas inhospitable to
grass growth.
Areas of deep or persistent shade call for a change
in lawn-care tactics. The challenge is changing
the way you care for one small area of lawn, while
maintaining the proper maintenance for the rest of
the yard. That can be a bit of bother, but if you're
going to keep shaded grass healthy, you need to
make adjustments.
The first is in how you feed shaded parts of the
lawn. You may want to skip any mid-season feedings
in the shady areas, because those feedings will divert
resources of already challenged grass from roots
to top growth. Shaded top growth is already full of
moisture, so adding denser leaves means attracting
insects and disease that prefer moist environments.
It's best for shaded areas of grass to be fertilized in
spring and fall when deciduous trees are leafless.
When winterizing a shady area, use a potassium-
heavy fertilizer to fortify the grass against the stress of
its location.
Watering is also important. Shaded areas need
less water than other areas of the lawn, and allowing
consistently moist conditions in a shady part of the
lawn is simply asking for insect and disease problems.
Check that shaded portions are regularly drying out
before watering.
Overseed the problem area with shade-
tolerant species and varieties. This is a simple way
to introduce a more appropriate strain of grass
over time.
You can also approach the problem from
the other side of the equation, by increasing the
sunlight in the area. This usually entails pruning
back shrubs and trees that are keeping the lawn in
shadow. In some cases, where a significant portion
of the lawn has suffered under the shade of a
large tree, you may want remove the tree if your
goal is to have a healthy and vibrant lawn. You'll
find instructions for doing just that in the pages
that follow. A pole chainsaw. like the one shown here, is ideal for
pruning back smaller tree branches that clutter the canopy and
create denser shade.196 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
How to Prune a Shade Tree
2Start by undercutting from beneath the limb with your bow Finish the cut from above. This keeps the bark from tearing saw or chain saw. when the limb breaks loose.
3
•Trim the stub from the limb so it’s flush with the branch An electric alligator lopper makes quick work of fallen tree collar, but do not cut the collar, which is responsible for healing branches. Remove branches quickly; if they’re allowed to sit the wound. on the lawn too long they can kill the grass underneath and spread diseases.
Solving Lawn Problems • 197
I Removing a Shade Tree
Sometimes, for the health of the lawn, you may
choose to remove a tree that has simply grown too
large and blocks too much light. But take your time
and follow all safety precautions; felling a tree is not a
small job. If you don't feel sure of your abilities, hire
a professional arborist or tree trimming company to
remove the tree. You should definitely seek the help
of a professional if the tree is close to the house, or
is diseased.
The first step in removing a shade tree is
determining where you want it to fall. For safety's
sake, you'll also want to decide on two "retreat"
paths that will let you avoid the tree if it falls in the
wrong direction.
Ensure that tree falls where you want it to by
making a series of cuts in the trunk. The first is called
a "notch" and is made by cutting out a triangle-shaped
section on the side of the tree facing the path you
want it to fall along. A felling cut is then made on the
opposite side, forming a wide hinge that guides the
tree's fall.
Always follow the manufacturer's safety
instructions when operating a chain saw. These are
extremely dangerous pieces of power equipment and
every year, thousands of people are injured using
chainsaws. The most common injury is caused by
kickback, a sudden movement in which the saw
unexpectedly jumps up and back. Kickback is caused
by the nose of the guide bar making contact with the
tree. Prevent it by avoiding contact with the nose of
the guide bar, and using both hands on the handles
while making a cut.
Tools & Materials ~
Chainsaw Gloves
Hard hat Wedge
Safety glasses Hand maul
Ear protection198 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I How to Fell a Tree
Remove limbs below head level . Start Use a chain saw to make a notch cut Drive a wedge into the felling cut. at the bottom of the branch, making a one-third of the way through the tree, Push the tree toward the felling path shallow up-cut. Then cut down from the approximately at waist level. Do not to start its fall, and move into a retreat top until the branch falls. Note: Hire a cut to the center of the trunk. Make a path to avoid possible injury. tree service to cut down and remove straight felling cut about 2” above the trees with a trunk diameter of more base of the notch cut, on the opposite than 6”. side of the trunk. Leave a 3”-thick “hinge” at the center.
Standing on the opposite side of the trunk from the To cut the trunk into sections, cut down two-thirds of the branch, remove each branch by cutting from the top of way and roll the trunk over. Finish the cut from the top, cutting the saw, until the branch separates from the tree. Adopt a down until the section breaks away. Do not cut on compressed balanced stance, grasp the handles firmly with both hands, and side of trunk or limb. be cautious with the saw.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 199
I correcting Lawn Drainage Problems
As crucial as water is to the life of a lawn, too much Poor drainage is often a result of soil compaction,
of it can be as bad as too little. A properly draining in which case regular aeration is the answer.
lawn moves water off the surface rapidly, but Overwatering by automatic sprinklers can also be a
slowly enough for grass roots to absorb it. Drainage source of excess moisture. That's why the "set-it-and-
problems are easy to detect in the form of pooling forget-it" philosophy of automatic sprinkler systems
water, or soil that is moist hours after a rain or doesn't lend itself to sound lawn-care practice. It pays
watering (or, on the flip side, soil that is bone-dry no to regularly check how much water your automatic
matter what you do). system is actually spreading on the lawn, using a rain
Excess moisture sets the stage for many different gauge or cans.
diseases and moisture-loving insects, and it stresses The rain gutters and downspouts on your house
the grass. If you see standing pools of water or notice can also be adding to moisture problems in the lawn.
a section of lawn that is squishy underfoot long after Improperly directed downspouts can create soil
you've watered, it's time to pinpoint the cause, which erosion that sets up a situation of standing water, or
will dictate the solution. saturation in a given area of the lawn.
Standing water in your lawn is an open invitation to problems from nuisance insects such as mosquitoes, to a full range of
damaging lawn diseases.200 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Grading for Multi-Use Lawns ~
Lawns are used for a lot of different activities, and grading stakes and adjust the string until it's level. Measure down
the soil bed is your opportunity to accommodate special from regular, marked areas of the string to the ground,
uses. For instance, if you want to add a bocce ball court, at 2 ft. intervals. Add and remove topsoil as necessary,
volleyball court, putting green, or just a nice, even sitting redistributing it with a landscaping rake until the surface
area, you'll want to grade that particular area so that it under the string is level. Repeat the process until the
is relatively level. Outline the perimeter of the area with entire area is leveled. If the slope leading to the area is
evenly placed stakes-a square is the easiest, but you severe and you suspect that water may pool in the level
can also outline an oval or circle for a putting green. surface, you will need to include a drainage solution-
Extend a string fitted with a line level between a pair of such as a French drain-under the area.
In other cases, the problem may be more water even during heavy rainfall. These solutionsendemic; the lawn itself may not be situated for can be used regardless of the underlying cause , efficient drainage. Properly grading the yard is the first whether it be a poorly graded yard or clay soil. step in ensuring water moves as it should through the Drainage can be routed to another area of the lawn. This is best done before you create your new garden or yard, off the property into a culvert or lawn. But even if improper grading is causing drainage gutter, or into a dry well-a simple underground problems in an existing lawn, you can use localized structure that can be highly efficient at draining solutions such as a French drain, dry bed, or a lawn away excess water. swale to improve the drainage. Whatever the solution, take action as soon as you Each of these follows the same basic principle notice a moisture problem. Excess water in the lawn of creating a drainage “field” in the area where is one of the more debilitating conditions that can moisture is accumulating, to carry away excess quickly lead to a host of serious problems.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 201I Installing a French Drain A French drain is a very simple, but very effective solution for poorly draining lawn areas. It involves digging a trench for gravel-covered length of pipe Your tile should underlie the lowest part of the problem area and slope slightly toward an above-grade exit point. Use a 2 x 4 with a level on top to ensure that filters runoff from the lawn, leading it to a low- the trench floor carries a gentle downward slope. The lying area such as a gutter or wooded section of the trench needs to be at least 1 inch deep where gravel property. Never direct a French drain or any other covers it in the problem area. The tile will exit into the drainage improvement to a neighbor’s property. gently sloped swale that will carry the water away. The most important part of the French drain is the slope. Maintaining a reasonable slope ensures that the runoff will follow the drain. The drain tube Tools & Materials ~ itself is covered with permeable landscape fabric. The idea is to allow for water to flow through, while Electric edger Level blocking fine soil that could clog up the holes in Plastic tarp Turf cutter or garden spade the drainpipe. Do not use rubber or standard plastic Gloves Straight 8’ 2 x 4 sheeting or pond liners. These will not allow for the Tall stakes 4” Perforated drain pipe free flow of water. You should use clear gravel to Mason’s string %” (or larger) washed gravel surround the pipe for the same reason. Don’t use String level Permeable landscape fabric gravel with fines that could clog or block the holes in Tape measure Safety glasses the drainpipe.
I How to Install a French Drain
Use stakes, mason's string, and a string level to Use a handheld turf cutter or spade to dig up the sod
determine a drain path with an above-grade exit point below along the trench line. Store the cut sod in a cool, shaded place
the level. Use a power edger or spade to cut the turf at the and moisten regularly while you dig the trench.
outside edges of the drain trench-usually 8" to 14" wide.202 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Dig out a squared trench over the Line the bottom of the trench from Lay perforated pipe (called drain tile) length of the drain. Place the dirt on a start to end with permeable landscape all the way along the trench. Gravel is tarp next to the trench site. Use a 2 x 4 fabric wide enough to run 1 ft. up each not needed toward the exit of the tile with a level on top to ensure the trench side. Add about 1” of washed gravel to where the trench becomes shallow. slopes slightly to outlet. the bottom of the trench.
Add 3” to 4” of gravel on top of the Fill the trench with soil, and tamp Replace the sod you removed . Roll pipe and then fold the edges of the down, leaving about 1” for the sad. the sad to ensure firm contact with the landscape fabric over the top of the Scratch the top of the soil lightly with a soil and water well along the length of gravel and pipe, essentially making an garden rake. the trench. Cover the outlet of the tile outer sheath of fabric. with a PVC grate and/or large rocks.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 203I Creating a Drainage Swale A swale is a very basic drainage solution for an existing lawn. It’s essentially a drainage ditch in a natural V of the yard, with a slope that uses gravity Tools & Materials ~ to naturally lead water from an area of saturation. The Hammer Sod cutter (optional) advantages of a swale over more involved solutions Shovel Gloves such as drainage tiles or French drains is that a Wheelbarrow Stakes swale requires far less excavation, is easier to install, Spade Level and creates just as nice an appearance as any other Drum roller Landscape fabric drainage option. Garden fork As an alternative to a swale-if your yard experiences a significant amount of runoff for may months out of the year-you can create a dry creek. This is essentially a swale without the covering of Filtering Water ~ topsoil and sod. Dry creeks should be half as deep as they are wide and they are often filled with decorative A swale can double as a water filter if you install plants stones, such as polished river rock, and designed as with well-established root systems along the entrance interesting and attractive yard features. area to “clean” water as it runs off into the trench. Regardless of the drainage option you choose, you Grasses planted in the swale dip will clean run-off need to contact your local utilities and cable company water (so long as you avoid using chemical lawn care to ensure that excavation for the planned drainage will products on this land) before it reaches storm sewers. not dig up cables or hit pipes.
A swale is an excellent and easy to way to create efficient drainage for excess runoff water. If your region receives frequent heavy
rainfall or if you have clay soil, you may need the more involved solution of a French drain (see page 202).204 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Swale options
For severe drainage problems. dig a 1-ft. deep swale angled slightly downward to the outlet point. Line the swale with landscape fabric. Spread a 2”-layer of coarse gravel in the bottom of the swale. Then lay perforated drainpipe over the gravel. Cover the pipe with a 5”-layer of gravel and wrap the landscape fabric over the top of it. Cover the swale with soil and fresh sod. Set a splash block at the outlet to distribute the runoff and prevent erosion .
Coarse Smooth
Gravel comes in two forms: coarse and smooth. When buying gravel for shaping projects, such as drainage swales, select coarse gravel. Coarse gravel clings to the sides of the trench, creating an even drainage layer. Smooth gravel is typically used as a decorative ground cover. When used for shaping projects, it tends to slide toward the middle of the trench.
So lving Lawn Problems • 205
I How to Create a Drainage Swale
Use stakes to mark a swale route that directs water away from the problem area toward a run-off zone. Place stakes slightly
uphill from the drainage area.
Remove soil from the marked zone using a shovel. If you Shape the trench so it slopes gradually downwa rd toward
must remove grass before digging, consider cutting grass the outlet, and smooth the sides.
pieces carefully and setting them aside so you can use the turf
as sod squares to finish the trench. You can rent or buy a sod
cutter to improve your chances of getting reusable cuttings.
Otherwise, pile dirt on one side of the trench for a berm.206 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Level the trench by laying a 2 x 4 board with a carpenter’s Lay sod in the trench to complete the swale. Compress the level on the foundation. Distribute soil so the base is level, sod and water the area thoroughly to check drainage. moving the board to different areas of the trench to check for leve lness. Crack the bottom of the swale with a spading fork to aid in percolation (optional).
I option: compact Skidloader
Use the digging attachment on the compact skid loader Use a grading attachment on the skid loader to level and to move earth. This could mean shearing off the top of move earth. Swales should have very shallow sides and a small hill that creates a drainage issue, or excavating low slopes. to create a natural drainage pattern . Unless you have experience operating utility vehicles, hire a contractor to do this job.
Solving Lawn Problems • 207I Adding a Mowing Strip M owing strips are often considered aesthetic improvements, but they are actually excellent ways to prevent ugly and unhealthy edge compaction while mulch is less so. Second, you need to make sure the strip itself is reasonably level and firm. Those aren’t hard objectives to achieve if you work in a lawn. They also provide many other benefits steadily and check the strip as you move along. If you lay for both the lawn and beds and garden plots they a brick mowing strip like the one discussed in the steps butt up against. Not only do these strips provide a shown here, it’s easy to adjust any mistakes by simply stable surface for the wheels of lawnmowers, they pulling out the offending brick or bricks, adjusting the also block aggressive weeds and plants such as ivies surface below, and then replacing the bricks. In the same from invading the lawn, and likewise they prevent vein, you can fix any unevenness that occurs in settling strong and healthy turfgrasses from growing into tidy over time by simply resetting the bricks in their place. garden beds. Lastly, they form a barrier that prevents runoff-that may contain fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides-from moving between garden bed and lawn. Tools & Materials ~ So the question is not whether to add a mowing strip but rather, why would you not? Tape measure Sand The trick to installing a mowing strip that looks Square-edged shovel Landscape fabric sharp and serves the purpose of a stable platform for Trowel Bricks your mower’s wheels is twofold. First, you should use a Mallet 2 x 4 scrap solid, strong edging material. Bricks are a great choice,
A solid mowing strip is as much
protection for flower beds as it is for
the lawn. This edge is made from brick
pavers set on edge, but many other
materials can also be used, including
poured concrete, natural stone, or
wood timbers.208 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
How to Install a Mowing strip
Define the edge with a garden hose or spray paint. Even Cut the edge with a garden spade. Follow the line of the if you’re adding a mowing strip in front of an already defined hose and use the spade to dig out a squared up trench about bed as shown here, you’ll want to clearly define the edge to 5” deep, and as wide as the bricks are long. make a crisp border.
Line the bottom of the trench with a U-shaped piece of Set the bricks in place, butting them as tightly together as landscape fabric. Fill the bottom of the trench with sand and possible. Check for level side to side and front to back, and tamp the sand down evenly, leaving enough space for the adjust as necessary. Spread sand over the bricks and brush it bricks to sit level with soil surface. into any gaps between bricks.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 209I Artificial Lawns C ertain areas of your yard might never have been meant to be covered in lush grass. Perhaps there is a great umbrella of shade over a corner of your Installing artificial turf is not much more difficult than laying carpet. In fact, in some ways it’s easier-it doesn’t normally require stretching. An installation about lawn, cast by old growth oak trees that you wouldn’t the size of the one shown in the following pages (200 consider cutting down. Or maybe you’ve cultivated a square feet) should take no more than a weekend to do. stately stand of beautiful, flowering, acid-loving shrubs Turf comes in wide rolls-the EasyTurf product seen that require soil conditions that are much too acidic here (See Resources, page 218) is sold in 20-ft.-wide for turfgrass. In some cases, the soil may simply be rolls-so smaller yard areas can be installed without any too barren of vital nutrients, or too rocky, or too sandy seaming. The key is to build a firm, level base for the to sustain grass plants. And lastly (and perhaps most turf, which will create a natural but stable feel underfoot commonly), local watering restrictions in arid climates and will ensure proper drainage. Professionally laid turf may make it impossible to cultivate a living lawn. bases do this one of two ways-a thick layer of gravel These are just a few of the landscaping dilemmas to with a sand bed on top; or, a thick layer of sand-and- which an artificial lawn may be the answer. aggregate mix. Follow the recommendations of your turf’s Artificial turf has come a long way since it first manufacturer or supplier. came into use in sports stadiums and athletic fields. Although it will never become a completely believable replication of actual grass, today’s equivalents to Tools & Materials ~ Astroturf are much more realistic than early types. The use of rubberized infill is a particularly good advance Measuring tape as needed that softens the surface underfoot and makes spending Shovel Drop spreader time on artificial turf a much more pleasant experience. Vibrating plate Push broom The introduction of variations in the color and height compactor Marking spray paint of individual blades also helps fake turf look much less Landscape rake Crushed gravel like the famous backyard of that popular ’60s sitcom. Tamper and/or sand Plus, newer products breathe and drain much better, Utility knife Safety glasses making them more practical for dog owners (they don’t Seaming materials Gloves discolor or trap odors like outdoor carpet does).
Synthetic turf has become a much more convincing imitation of natural turf in recent years, making it a viable option for yards (or
parts of yards) that are unfriendly to turf grass and in areas where watering restrictions discourage the growing of real grass.210 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Tiny shady backyards are perfect candidates for artificial turf. Especially for homeowners looking for a good-looking, maintenance-free lawn alternative.
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 211
I How to Install an Artificial Lawn
Measure the affected area you'd like to cover with artificial Mark off the borders of the area to be covered with
turf. Try to find logical starting and stopping points, such as landscape spray paint if they do not fall at physical structures.
fences and sidewalks. Butting artificial turf up to natural grass Tip: If you have a large, flat area outside the project area, roll
seldom gives satisfying results. If it is necessary, however, out the artificial turf so it can lay flat for a few hours prior
create a transition feature like a walkway or even landscape to installation.
edging. Relay the desired dimensions for your artificial lawn
to the sales associate at the turf supplier and they'll help you
calculate how much material you'll need to order.
If your yard has an in-ground sprinkler system, be sure Excavate to remove existing grass, weeds, and soil
to deactivate and cap off any sprinkler heads in the installation to a depth of 3" to 4" (or deeper if your turf manufacturer
area. Or better yet, disconnect the supply pipes servicing those specifies it).
heads at the manifold.212 • TH E COMPLETE G UID E TO A BEITE R LAWN
Level off the soil. using a grading rake. The soil surface Use a plate compactor to tamp the soil base and all should be flat, but if the ground has a natural slope your new other subbase layers after each is laid. Spread the sub-base turf will normally look best if you allow it to follow the original aggregate across the installation area. Smooth it out with a slope line. Option: Treat the ground with a liquid herbicide or landscaping rake until it is level, spray with water, and then cover it with landscaping fabric to prevent weed growth. compact the surface with the compactor, leaving enough room at the top for the thickness of the turf.
Roll out the turf in the installation area. If you need to cut around an obstacle, such as the tree above, roll the turf up to the obstacle, making sure it is in the proper starting position. Then, cut a slit from the opposite edge of the turf so it aligns with the obstacle. Continue rolling. If your plan is for multiple pieces of turf, roll them all out before you do any seaming.
(continued)
So lvi.ng Lawn Problems • 213
option: Seam the pieces of turf where they meet if you are doing a multi-piece installation or if you had to slice the turf to get
around an obstacle. Professional installers typically use special products for seaming artificial turf. but you can do it yourself with
supplies available at any building center. First, make sure the pieces of turf are oriented so the naps are facing the same direction
and the tuft patterns are aligned. Fold back the turf on both sides of the seam. Cut a strip of building wrap that's about 12" wide
and slip it underneath the seam so each half overlays it about 6". Apply a bed of exterior-rated construction adhesive to the
building wrap on one half and then set one piece of turf into the adhesive. Move to the other side, apply adhesive, and fold the
second half of the turf down into the adhesive (left photo). Press along both sides of the seam to set the parts. For added strength,
drive U-shaped landscape fabric staples every 12" along the seam (right photo).
After all seams are complete and you have verified that all turf pieces are exactly where you want them, trim around the
borders as necessary. Cut the turf using a utility knife with a new blade or sharp scissors. Here, a concrete paver border has been
installed at the edges of the artificial lawn area. Cut the turf just long enough so that the edge can tuck under slightly.214 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Spread the turf infill recommended by the manufacturer, Use a stiff push broom to spread the infill and help work if any. Sand, small particles of rubber, or a mix of the two are it into the “root” area of the artificial grass. Monitor the infill the most common infill materials (also called ballast). For large as you use your lawn. It occasionally becomes necessary installations, use a drop spreader to cast the infill. to replenish the material.
Artificial Turf Buying Guide ~
When shopping for a lawn alternative, keep in mind that
not all artificial turf is created equal. Look for a turf that will
stand up to your local climate and that doesn't blow your
budget. The easiest way to compare different products
head to head is to use the square foot cost of the material.
Factor in installation costs if you're not doing it yourself,
and be sure to add in the extras such as ballast, if you are
purchasing that separately.
But you should also be aware of quality differences. If
the location you're covering is in direct sun-or if you live
in a particularly sunny location-you want to check out
how UV-protective different products are. You should also
feel the product (most companies offer samples) to see if
it's comfortable for bare feet. If you have a pet, you should
inquire as to how cleanable and dirt and wear-resistant the
turf is. You can get a good sense of these factors based on
how long the warranty is for the turf you're considering.
Keep in mind that a comparison between artificial
grass and the real thing is hard to make. Although
some turf may be a bit pricier to start with, you won't
be spending money on fertilizer, weed killer, or other
amendments or treatments. You also won't spend any
time weeding or mowing.
Solving Lawn Problems • 215I APPENDIX: Lawncare Equipment User’s Guide
Use a lawn edger to make clean border and perimeter cuts Use power loppers to trim windfall into manageable sticks
when removing turf. for easy disposal.
Use a blowerlVac set on low to suck debris from a mulched Use a string trimmer to edge grass along a sidewalk
bed. The low setting is strong enough to draw leaves up but or driveway.
will leave mulch and other fill material in place.216 • THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Use a high-powered leaf blower to corral leaves and lawn Use electric or cordless hedge trimmers to make fast, debris (lower powered blower vacs are intended more for even work of hedge and shrub maintenance. clean-up chores on hard surfaces).
Flip down the bumper attachment on your string trimmer Use a power pole pruner to cut through small tree and to keep it from getting too close to trees and causing damage shrub branches that are out of reach. to the bark.
APPENDIX: Lawncare Equipment Users Guide • 217I Resources American Lawn Mower Co. Netafim Producers of a full line of reel mowers, in business since 1895. Supplies irrigation system components for drip and in-ground 800-633-1501 turf systems. www.reelin .com www.netafimusa.com
Black & Decker organic Materials Review Institute
Manufactures large selection of corded and cordless electric Non-profit organization dedicated to ensure the accuracy of
mowers, trimmers, clippers, cultivators, and other power yard organic claims on a full range of consumer products.
equipment. 541-343-7600
www.blackanddecker.com www.omri.org
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Rain Bird Sprinkler Systems
Service (CSREES) Producers of a full range of sprinkler and lawn irrigation systems
(Cooperative Extension System Offices) and components, including electronic rain gauges, digital
Resource center and listing by location of cooperative Extension controllers, and more.
Service offices nationwide, as well as consumer information . 1-800-RAINBIRD
www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension www.rainbird.com
Easy Turf Red wing Shoes Co.
Producers of artificial turf and related products. Work shoes and boots shown throughout book.
1-866-EASYTU RF 800-733-9464
www.easyturf.com www.redwingshoes.com
Hunter Industries Safe Lawns.org
Manufactures a line of sprinklers and components for in-ground Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting natural lawn-
sprinkler systems. care practices.
www.hunterindustries.com www.safelawns.org
Improvements Catalog Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., The
Sells inline sprinkler system as seen on page 155. Producer and distributor of an extensive range of lawn-care
800-634-9484 products, including Scotts seed and lawn food products,
www.improvementscatalog.com Ortho fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and Miracle-Gro
fertilizers.
Lawn Institute, The 888-270-3714.
Non-profit corporation that provides education and information www.scotts.com
on turfgrasses and related topics.
www.thelawninstitute.org Turfgrass Producers International
Non-profit trade organization providing consumer education and
Luster Leaf Products, Inc. resources on their website.
Producers of a range of soil test kits, moisture meters, and rain www.turfgrasssod.org
gauges.
800-327 -4635
www.lusterleaf.com
National Turfgrass Federation
National Turfgrass Evaluation Program
In-depth information, research , and evaluation about turfgrass
species and related topics.
(301) 504-5125
www.ntep.org
www.turfresearch.org
NaturaLawn of America
Producers and distributors of natural turfgrass products
including fertilizers, weed killers, and related products. Also
supplies natural lawn-care services.
(800) 989-5444
www.nl-amer.com21 8 • T H E COMP LETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
I Credits Alamy, (Stocksearch) The Environmental Factor, Inc., Tim Murphy/university of Georgia, p. 149 top, (Nigel Cattlin) pp. 164 left, p. 172 bottom Bugwood.org, 165 top, 166 bottom, 167 top, 170 p. 167 bottom left top, 178 right, 180 third from top, 192 Florida Division of Plant Industry top, 192 bottom, 193 bottom left, Archive, Florida Dept of Agriculture Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio (Organica) p. 166 left, (JS Photo) p. 175 and Consumer Services, State university, Bugwood.org, top Bugwood.org, p. 163 top p. 192 left Biocontrol Network, Photolibrary, (Corbis InsideOutPix) p. p. 175 right Donald Groth, Louisiana State 24-25; (Berndt Fischer) p. 187 top left; university AgCenter, (Eric Anthony Johnson) p. 189, (JS Sira) John Bria/Lawn Creations, Bugwood.org, p. 190 ri ght, (Francois De Heel) p. 194 p. 162 left p. 191 bottom right Shutterstock, William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org, p. Mary Ann Hansen, virginia pp. 13, 23 both, 42,58,71 bottom 191 top polytechnic Inst. and State right, 113, 131 top, 140, 162 top and university, Bugwood.org, bottom right, 163 middle, 164 top and Whitney Cranshaw/Colorado State p. 193 top bottom, 166 top, 167 bottom right, university, Bugwood.org, p. 183 168 all, 169 all, 170 left and bottom, bottom left iStockphoto, 171 left and top, 178 left, 180 all pp. 64-65; 120, 124, 125 bottom right, except third from top, 182 both, 183 Dirt Works, LLC. 127 both, 134, 138, 139 bottom, 142, top right, 183 both bottom right, 184 p. 179 top 173, 190 left both, 186, 193 bottom right, 195 both
Dreamstime, David Liebman, Visuals Unlimited, Inc. pp. 155 both, 171 bottom, pp. 165 left 183 top left (Nigel Cattlin) 187 top right and bottom, 200 pp. 164 bottom right, Bob Mugaas, university of Minnesota 191 bottom left Arlyn Evans/age fotostock, Extension Educator, p. 177 p. 181 Martin Mulder/Getty Images, p.160-161
Credits • 219I Conversions Metric Equivalent Inches (in.) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 36 39.4 Feet (ft.) Yards (yd.) 11/12 Millimeters (mm) 0.400.791 1.593.186.359.5310 12.7 15.9 19.122.225.4 50.8 76.2101.6127 152 178 203 229 254 279 305 914 1,000 Centimeters (cm) 0.951 1.271.591.912.222.545.087.6210.1612.7 15.2 17.8 20.3 22.9 25.4 27.9 30.5 91.4 100 Meters (m) .30 .91 1.00
Converting Measurements
TO CONVERT: TO: MULTIPLY BY: TO CONVERT: TO: MULTIPLY BY:
Inches Millimeters 25.4 Millimeters Inches 0.039
Inches Centimeters 2.54 Centimeters Inches 0.394
Feet Meters 0.305 Meters Feet 3.28
Yards Meters 0.914 Meters Yards 1.09
Miles Kilometers 1.609 Kilometers Miles 0.621
S uare centimeters 6.45 Sguare centimeters S uare inches 0.155
S uare meters 0.093 ~uare meters S uare feet 10.8
S uare meters 0.836 Sguare meters Square ards 1.2
Cubic centimeters 16.4 Cubic centimeters Cubic inches 0.061
Cubic meters 0.0283 Cubic meters Cubic feet 35.3
Cubic meters 0.765 Cubic meters Cubic yards 1.31
Liters 0.473 (1m. 0.568) Liters Pints (U.S .) 2.114 (Imp. 1.7 6)
Quarts (U.S.) Liters 0.946 (1m. 1.136) Liters Quarts (U.S.) 1.057 (Imp. 0.88)
Gallons (U.S.) Liters 3.785 (1m. 4.546) Liters Gallons (U .S.) 0.264 (Imp. 0.22)
Ounces Grams 28.4 ,Grams Ounces 0.035
fPounds Kilograms 0.454 Kilograms Pounds 2.2
Tons Metric tons 0.907 Metric tons Tons 1.1
Converting Temperatures Fahrenheit Celsius
Convert degrees Fahrenheit (F) to degrees Celsius (C) by following this simple
formula: Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature reading . Then mulitply that
number by %. For example, 7rF - 32 = 45. 45 x '/9 = 25°C. 55 ° 25°
To convert degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius temperature 50° 20°
reading by "Is, then add 32. For example, 25°C x "Is = 45. 45 + 32 = 7rF. 45 ° 15°
40° 10°
35 ° 5°
30° Freezing 0°
25 ° _5 °
20° -10°
15° -15°
10° -20°
5° - 25°
0° - 30°220 • THE CO MPLETE GU ID E TO A BETTE R LAWN
I Index A Combination fertilizers, 98-99 Excavations, 135 Acidity balance, 26, 28 Compaction test, 54 Aerating lawns compact-soil weeds, 163 F about, 54 Composting Fairy rings, 190 conditions for, 50 about, 29 Fall lawn care, 43,156-157 using power core aerators for, 55 organic lawn care and, 44 Fertilizers/fertilizing Alfalfa meal, 101 pile maintenance, 75 applying, 102, 105-106 Animal manure, 76 soil amendment from, 75 bare spot repair, role in, 60 Annual bluegrass, 162 Contact herbicides, 174-175 combination, 98-99 Annual weeds, 162 Cool arid zone (1), 34 grass type and, 94 Aphids, 180, 181, 184 Cool humid zone (2), 35 labels, decoding, 99 Artificial lawns Cool-season grasses liquid vs. dry, 94 about, 210 aerating, 54 natural,100-101 buying guide, 215 characteristics of popular, 37 nutrient balance, 94 installing, 212-215 dethatching, 50-51 nutrients, 96-97 Autumn lawn care, 43,156-157 dormancy, 12 slow release vs. quick release, 96, 98 fertilizing, 95 spillage clean ups, 105 B guide to popular, 39 spreaders, 86, 88, 103-104 Bahiagrass, characteristics of, 39 mowing height, 122 synthetic, 98-99 Bare spots, repairing, 58-61 seeding/plugging times, 66 thatch buildup prevention, 40 Barnyard grass, 165 Cooperative Extension System, 30, 45,188 time-released, 98 Bentgrass, characteristics of, 37 Corn gluten, 172, 173 Fescues, characteristics of, 37 Bermuda grass, 35, 39 Crabgrass, 162, 164 Fire, 182 Biennial weeds, 162 Creeping Charlie, 171 Fish emulsion, 100-101 Big-eyed bugs, 181 Crown (of grass), 32 Flamers, 173 Billbugs, 183 curly dock, 168-169 Foxtail,166 Birds, newly seeded areas protection Cutworms, 180, 184 French drains, installing, 202-203 from, 63 Fusarium blight, 193 Black ants, 182 D Black gold, 29 Dallis grass, 165 G Black plastic sheeting, 70 Dandelions, 168 Garlic mustard, 171 Blade balancing cones, 119 Designing lawns, 42 Gas-powered rotary walk-behind Blades (of grass), 32 Dethatching lawns, 50-53, 178 mowers, 111 Blades (of mowers). caring for, Diatomaceous earth, 179 Gas-powered string trimmers, 127, 133, 117-119,137 Diseases, 188-193 136-137 Blended grass seed, 68 Dollar spot, 192 Goose grass, 167 Blue Grama, 37, 38 Dormant lawns, 12,36 Gophers, 186, 187 Borders. See Edging Drainage Grass seed Botanical insecticides, 179 causes of poor, 200 bare spots repair with, 60, 61 Braconid wasps, 180 French drains, installing, 202-203 new lawn planting, 86-88 Brick borders, 15 grading, 78-79, 201 protection from birds, 63 Broadcast spreaders, 86, 103, 104 for healthy lawns, 26 selecting, 34-35, 68,189 Broadleaf plantain, 168 soil type and, 27 Grass shears, 128 Browning, 36 swales, creating, 204-207 Grass types, 32, 33 Brown patch, 190 Drop spreaders, 86, 103, 104 Gravel pathways, 15 BT (bacillus thuringiensis), 178 Gray water, 140 Buffalo grass, 37, 38 E Green manure, 76 Bush/bunch grasses, 32 Earthworms, 29, 50 Greenscaping,45 Edging Ground beetles, 180 C about, 134 Ground cover under trees, 18 Calcium, 97 choosi ng tools, 130-131 Ground ivy, 171 Carpet grass, characteristics of, 39 ideas, 15, 19, 127 Guide to popular grasses Cavex rakes, 51, 53 step-by-step, 135 cool-season, 39 Centipede grass, characteristics of, 39 Electric garden shears, 128 transitional, 37 Chickweed,169 Electric-powered push mowers, 112 warm-season, 39 Chinch bugs, 181, 182 Electric string trimmers, 127, 133, Clay soi I, 27, 138 136-137 H Climate and grass choice, 34-35 Endophytes, 178-179 Handheld crank spreaders, 88, 103 Climate zones, 34-35 English daisies, 169 Hand watering, 146 Clover, 44,170 Evaluation of lawns, 40-41 Hardscape ideas, 15, 16, 21-23 Clumping grasses, reproduction, 32 Evapotranspiration (ET). 143 Healthy lawns, signs of, 9
Index • 221
Henbit, 170 See a/so Aerating lawns; Fertilizers/ o
Herbicidal soaps, 175 fertilizing; Mowing; Watering; Old lawns, removing, 70-71
Herbicides, 70, 174-175 Winterizing Organic lawn care
Hilly areas, preventing soil erosion, 11 Mallow, 171 amendments, 76
Hose-end applicator spreaders, 101 Manures, 76, 100 herbicide alternatives, 70
Hose-end timers, 145 Microclimates, understanding, 35 insect control, 178-181, 184
Hose sprayers (hand watering), 146 Mole crickets, 183-184 maintaining proper soil pH, 77
Hydroseeding,89 Moles, 186, 187 materials, tilling in, 71
Month-by-month lawn care plan, 43 natural fertilizers, 100-101
Moss, 166 nitrogen fixing plants, 96
In-ground sprinkler systems Mowers pest control, 177-179, 185
about, 148 choosing, 111 planning for, 44-45
adjusting heads, 155 cutting height, changing, 115 weeds, fighting, 70,172-173
advantages, 10 electric-powered push, 112 Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
alternative, 155 gas-powered rotary walk-behind, 111 label,45
contractor installed, 149 maintenance, 116-119 Oscillating sprinklers, 147
parts of, 149 mulching, 50 Overseeding, 62-63
step-by-step installation, 150-154 reel,110
winterizing, 156 riding, 113 p
Insects, beneficial, 178, 180-181 troubleshooting, 114-115 Pathway ideas, 15-16, 21-22
Insects, defeating harmful vertical, 51, 52-53 Peat moss, 76
determining type, 176-177 Mowing Perennial ryegrass, characteristics of, 37
guide to, 182-184 about, 120 Perennial weeds, 163
integrated pest management, 177 Bermuda grass, 38 Pesticides, using, 181
organic methods, 178-181 cool-season grasses, 36 Pests, defeating harmful, 177-179,
using beneficial insects, 178, 180-181 fundamentals, 108, 122-123 185-187
using pesticides, 181 grass clippings, reusing, 45 See a/so Insects, defeating harmful
Integrated pest management, 177 height, 13,50, 109 pH of soil, 26, 28, 77
Irrigation. See Watering mistakes, fixing, 121 Phosphorous,28,96
organic lawns, 45 Pipe pullers, 154
J patterns, 10, 124-125 Plant disease, signs of, 49
Jar test, 30 preparation, 109 Plantings, 17-20
safety, 108 Plugs, 69, 85
K slopes, 121 See a/so zoysia grass
Kentucky bluegrass St. Augustine grass, 38 Pond ideas,23
advantages, 36 strip ideas, 15,21 Post-emergence herbicides, 174-175
characteristics of, 37 strips, adding, 208-209 Potassium, 28, 96
zone appropriate for, 34 timing, 109 Powdery mildew, 192
Mulching Power core aerators, 54, 55
adapter kits for mowers, 117 Powered string trimmers, 127, 133,
L
Lacewings, 181 mowers, 50 136-137
thatch buildup prevention, 40 Power rakes. See Vertical mowers
Lady beetles, 180
Lawn-care plan, developing, 42 Pre-emergence herbicides, 174-175
Lawnmowers. See Mowers N Propane torches, 173
Lawn surfaces, leveling, 56-57 National Institute for Food and Prostrate knotweed, 170-171
Leaf smut, 193 Agriculture (NIFA), 30, 45,188 Pyrethin, 179
Leaf spot, 191 Nematodes, beneficial, 178 Pythium blight, 191
Leaves, clea ring lawn of, 156-157 New lawns
Lime, 77 hydroseeding, 89 Q
Loamy soil options, 66 Quackgrass, 162
described,27 plug planting, 85 Quicklime, 77
drainage, 138 to replace old, 48-49
nutrients, 26 from seed, 86-89 R
Low spots, leveling, 56-57 soil preparation, 72-76 Raccoons, 185
See a/so Sod, laying Rain barrels, 140
Newspaper, 70 Rain gauges, 139
M
Magnesium, 97 Nimblewill, 167 Red thread (lawn disease), 193
Nitrogen, 28, 96 Reel mowers, 110
Maintenance
Nitrogen fixing plants, 96 Renewing lawns, replacing or, 48-49
of compost pile, 75
Non-selective herbicide form u las, 174 Rental power tools, 93
lawn testing, 30
of mowers, 116-119 Nurse grasses, 68 Rhizomatous grasses, reproduction, 32
scheduling, 43 Nutrients Rhizomes, 32
in compost, 29 Riding mowers, 113
thatch buildup prevention, 40
main soil, 28 Rock garden ideas, 23
of tools, 92-93, 136-137
pH and, 26 Roses, 17
topdressing, 26, 107
soil problems and, 27222 • T H E COMP LETE GUIDE TO A BETTER LAWN
Rotary spreaders, 86, 103, 104 Stationary sprinklers, 146 thatch buildup and, 50, 51 Rotary sprinklers, 147 St. Augustine grass winter browning, 36 Rotenone, 179 advantages, 38 Watering Rototillers,72 characteristics of, 39 about, 138-139 Rust, 192 zone appropriate for, 35 conservation and, 140, 145 Ryegrass, perennial, characteristics of, 37 Stepping stone pathway ideas, 21,22 by hand, 146 Stoloniferous grasses, 32 of Kentucky bluegrass, 34 S Stolons, 32 plan, 42 safety Stone coping for ponds, 23 soil type and, 138 with mowers, 52, 108, 114 Sulfur, 77, 97 thatch buildup prevention, 40 with power edgers and trimmers, 126 Summer lawn care, 43 water quality, 142 quicklime, 77 Surfactants, 143 weather and, 140 using flamers, 173 Swales, 204-207 See a/so In-ground sprinkler systems; using herbicides, 175 Sprinkler systems using pesticides, 181 T Weeds utility lines, 72 Tall fescue, characteristics of, 37 broad-leaf, 168-171 Sandy soil, 27, 138 Terrace gardens, ideas, 22 narrow-leaf,164-167 Schedule for lawn care, 43 Testing soil, 30-31 organic control methods, 70,172-173 seasonality of grasses, 32 Thatch buildup preventing, 14 Seaweed, 101 described, 50 sedges, 165 Sedges, 165 dethatching, 50-53,178 synthetic killers, 174-175 Seed. See Grass seed diseases and, 178 types of, 162-163 Selective herbicide formulas, 174 preventing, 40 Wetting agents, 143 Sewer fees, saving, 148 as symptom of other problems, 50 White clover, 44 Shade, dealing with, 194, 195, 196 Tillers (of clumping grasses), 32 White grubs, 17, 178, 180 Shade trees, 197-199 Time-released fertilizers, 98 Wildflower borders, 19 Sheath (of grass)’ 32 Tools Wild onion and wild garlic, 167 Shoots (of grass), 32 hand,92 Winter browning, 36 Shrubs, trimming, 126 maintenance, 92-93, 136-137 Winterizing, 156-157 Site conditions, improving, 194-195 power, 93 Witch grass, 166 Skunks, 185 user’s guide, 216-217 Wood ash, 77 Slopes, 83,121 Topdressing, 26, 107 Worms, 29 Snow mold, 191 Topsoil, 26, 27, 74 Sod Tractors vs. riding mowers, 113 Z advantages, 66 Transitional grasses zoysia grass, 35, 39 bare spots, repairing with, 59 characteristics of popular, 37 lines, cutting, 135 fertilizing, 95 selecting, 67 guide to popular, 37 Sod, laying mowing height, 122 about, 80 Transition zone (5), 35 on slopes, 83 Traveling sprinklers, 147 soil preparation, 84 Trees as accents, 18, 20 step-by-step, 81-84 Trimming Sod webworms, 182-183 about, 126, 132 Soil choosi ng tools, 128-129 amendments, 72, 74-76 clean up, 132 erosion prevention, 11 safety, 126 ingredients of, 26 string trimmers, using, 133 inoculants, 101 Turfgrass, 32 main nutrients, 28 Turfgrass Climate Zone Map, 34 nutrient problems, 27 pH,26,28,77 V testing, 30 Vertical mowers, 51, 52-53 types, 27, 138 Voles, 186, 187 Solarizing, 70 Sonic warfare, 187 W Soybean meal, 101 Warm arid zone (4), 35 Speedwell, 169 Warm humid zone (3), 35 Spinning sprinklers, 146 Warm-season grasses Spreaders, fertilizers, 86, 88, 103-104 aerating, 54 Spring lawn care, 43 characteristics of popular, 39 Sprinkler systems fertilizing, 95 about, 144-145 guide to popular, 39 can test, 145 mowing height, 122 choosing, 146-147 seeding/ plugging times, 66 See a/so In-ground sprinkler systems
Index • 223
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