Five Lawn Care Tips

Archive for the ‘Weeds and Pests’ Category

Perhaps, moss invasion is the biggest challenge of lawn maintenance.  Even in well-kept and well-maintained lawns, moss still appears.

Causes of Moss Invasion

Moss invasion is, in fact, an indication of a bigger problem. It is caused by both avoidable and unavoidable factors. Among the former are thin or weak grass, poorly drained soils, low soil fertility, too much shade over the lawn area, inappropriate pH percentage and poor air circulation. Avoidable factors are mostly related to poor lawn care management practices. Factors such as lack of or an excess in fertilizer application, irregular mowing and watering pursuits also promote the growth of moss.

Towards a Moss-Free Lawn

Types of moss have different growth patterns and this should be taken into consideration when choosing measures against their invasion. Some moss grow after rainy days, others, on dry days. If you want a moss-free lawn whole year round, an intensive approach is needed. A few important pointers include keeping a well-managed drainage facility, allowing more sunshine into the lawn and raking out moss as soon they are seen.

Fertilizers, when administered properly, can prove to be useful means in fighting off moss. In some cases, it is most effective when applied before the rain. If soil tests reveal that pH levels need to be raised, limestone should be introduced. To some extent, the use of ferrous ammonium or ferric sulfate is an important way in managing the presence of moss.

You must also ensure that areas surrounding the lawn are washed to eliminate the existence of iron sulfate. Modifying site conditions, done through the reduction of shade and the pruning of trees and shrubs, is recommended when the problem stems from too much shade. Doing so allows more light penetration and better air circulation.

Moss growth may also be brought about by the kind of grass used in the lawn. Unlike some grasses, other types actually encourage more moss growth. Thus, evaluating your lawn’s grass would provide you with adequate information to help you address problems regarding moss growth.

Through the use of any or a combination of these measures, you are assured that moss growth is effectively managed.

Mushrooms are fungi that thrive in natural woods and any rotting material, like branches and logs. Their presence in lawns is strongly discouraged primarily because of aesthetic reasons.

Identifying the Problems Caused by Mushrooms

Mushrooms create many problems in lawns, and even among small children and pets.  A lawn characterized by the presence of these fungi will look moist and bedraggled.

Homeowners especially find big and small mushrooms irritating as they make the lawns look spoiled. If their growth is not controlled, mushrooms can occupy a large area in the lawn even in just a short time. This is so because mushrooms have a large life span and they can easily survive given the existence of any organic body in the soil.

Preventing Mushrooms from Growing in the Lawns

Mushroom growth can be controlled with the use of some precautionary methods. These include keeping the lawn free from organic debris, like wooden logs. Aeration of the lawn and handpicking mushrooms as they appear also prevent massive mushroom growth.

Getting Rid of Mushrooms

The rain is the best ally of mushrooms. So in times when the weather becomes too dry or too cold, mushrooms may disappear. The mushrooms that infect the lawns come in different types. These include fairy rings, which grow in circular or semi-circular directions, and inky caps, which are said to be more destructive than others.

Fortunately, mushrooms are without weaknesses. Thus, we are provided with measures to help reduce their presence in our lawns. These include having proper aeration and drainage facility, removing excessive thatch and applying nitrogen fertilizer. Replacing infected soil with clean soil also helps counter the growth of the fairy rings.

It is important that we do not allow mushroom-infected soil to mix with clean areas as pores may spread to the latter.  Certain products, like fungicide containing flutolanil, pyraclostrobin or azoxystrobin, may help us effectively get rid mushrooms. The use of this, however, should be exercised only after a careful reading of the product’s label.

For those who find the use of fungicides ineffective, they make use of time as an alternative approach to treatment. Temporary measures like breaking the mushrooms and using a shovel to uproot them are also considered as equally effective ways in dealing with these unwanted fungi.

Although certain types of mushrooms are beneficial to some plants, they are generally not welcome in lawns.