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Homeowners typically have a long list of chores to take care of as spring approaches — and the top priority for many is a healthier lawn.
Believe it or not, that first robin will arrive soon, and Watkins True Value & Just Ask Rental assistant manager Bryan Dulin says now is the time to prepare for making your green carpet grow.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy lawn requires work and know-how, but the basic process is fairly simple, Dulin said.
To begin with, homeowners should determine the square footage of their yard, research what products and tools they'll need and come up with a plan — then stick with it.
Dulin said it's essentially a four-step process.
Step one begins in February and runs through April. During this phase fertilizers and crabgrass prevention are important, but use caution and follow directions because too much fertilizer can destroy your grass.
Dulin said opinions vary with regard to the right time to get started, but certainly work should begin sometime in the early spring.
Step two takes place from April until June and embraces weed control and a fertilizer regimen. Dulin said controlling weeds during this period can be tough.
"This is when the hard-to-kill weeds like dandelions and clovers thrive," Dulin said. "You have to stop them from the beginning."
Step three, June through August, comprises insect control and continued fertilization.
There are many different products for insect control, including perimeter products that stop bugs from invading from your neighbor's property and those that spread over the entire yard.
The final step takes place in the fall and has to do with giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to make it through the winter.
Dulin said homeowners who stick to the right plan and follow instructions will notice a big difference in the quality of their grass after a single year.
Another issue is seeding, and again there are a number of options depending on sun, shade and other factors. Dulin said many homeowners in this region choose a fescue mix, and he recommends one that bears a "99 percent weed-free" logo.
Spring is the best time to sow grass, and rain-softened soil gives seeds a better chance of taking root once they begin to germinate.
Of course, once the grass begins to grow it has to be mowed.
Getting lawn mowers ready for spring and summer is important as well, and routine maintenance is essential.
Oil, filters and spark plugs should be changed at least yearly, and blades should be sharpened at the start of each season and then as needed. Check all belts and hoses to ensure peak performance.
"The advice I would give is to get your mowers ready," Dulin said. "The season is going to be here before we know it. Now is the time."
Homeowners typically have a long list of chores to take care of as spring approaches — and the top priority for many is a healthier lawn.
Believe it or not, that first robin will arrive soon, and Watkins True Value & Just Ask Rental assistant manager Bryan Dulin says now is the time to prepare for making your green carpet grow.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy lawn requires work and know-how, but the basic process is fairly simple, Dulin said.
To begin with, homeowners should determine the square footage of their yard, research what products and tools they'll need and come up with a plan — then stick with it.
Dulin said it's essentially a four-step process.
Step one begins in February and runs through April. During this phase fertilizers and crabgrass prevention are important, but use caution and follow directions because too much fertilizer can destroy your grass.
Dulin said opinions vary with regard to the right time to get started, but certainly work should begin sometime in the early spring.
Step two takes place from April until June and embraces weed control and a fertilizer regimen. Dulin said controlling weeds during this period can be tough.
"This is when the hard-to-kill weeds like dandelions and clovers thrive," Dulin said. "You have to stop them from the beginning."
Step three, June through August, comprises insect control and continued fertilization.
There are many different products for insect control, including perimeter products that stop bugs from invading from your neighbor's property and those that spread over the entire yard.
The final step takes place in the fall and has to do with giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to make it through the winter.
Dulin said homeowners who stick to the right plan and follow instructions will notice a big difference in the quality of their grass after a single year.
Another issue is seeding, and again there are a number of options depending on sun, shade and other factors. Dulin said many homeowners in this region choose a fescue mix, and he recommends one that bears a "99 percent weed-free" logo.
Spring is the best time to sow grass, and rain-softened soil gives seeds a better chance of taking root once they begin to germinate.
Of course, once the grass begins to grow it has to be mowed.
Getting lawn mowers ready for spring and summer is important as well, and routine maintenance is essential.
Oil, filters and spark plugs should be changed at least yearly, and blades should be sharpened at the start of each season and then as needed. Check all belts and hoses to ensure peak performance.
"The advice I would give is to get your mowers ready," Dulin said. "The season is going to be here before we know it. Now is the time."
