There are many problems that can affect your lawn – some are easy and only mildly inconvenient; others are hard to deal with and can even be hazardous. Read on to learn about some of the biggest lawn care problems and how to deal with them. 

Common Lawn Care Problems

Some of the most common lawn care problems include: 

• Weeds
• Poor soil
• Patches, spots, and stripes
• Fungus
• Shade

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to overcome these and each will require a different remedy. 

Lawn Weeds

Weeds are probably one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about lawn care problems. Dandelions are one among many different types of weeds that can infect your lawn and are truly an inevitable part of a lawn with good water access. You may face dandelions, buttercups, clover, chickweed, yarrow, and many others. 

The bad part about weeds is that, if left untreated, they will spread throughout your lawn and compete with your grass for soil space, water, food, and light. Over time, your grass will degrade, along with its overall aesthetic appeal. 

The best way to kill weeds without damaging your lawn is to use a selective weedkiller or granular lawn treatment that specifies that it kills weeds. The eco-friendlier option is to remove all of the weeds manually, including the root and stem. To be as thorough as possible, some people will prefer to do both methods. 

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is also technically a weed. It is an aggressive, fast-growing grass that thrives in lawns that are cut too short, are unfertilized, and have compact, clay soil. Odds are that you’ve seen this thick grass growing in patches above surrounding lawn grass or sprouting from cracks in sidewalks. 

Crabgrass will make your lawn look unpleasant, full of weeds, and unlevel with big, bumpy clumps. 

It is an extremely hard weed to prevent, but it can be done with pre-emergent chemicals and herbicides (talk to an expert to know exactly which type to use for your lawn), correct mowing height, and proper watering that is deep and infrequent to encourage your lawn roots to grow deeply. 

Crabgrass can be treated if it has already begun to grow, but it is much harder to do so than preventing it in the first place. Treat crabgrass by removing it by hand, using vinegar spray and boiling water, or applying store-bought products. 

Compacted Soil and Poor Aeration

Compacted soil is a big problem which leads to poor aeration and water retention. The soil underneath your lawn can become hard and compact due to high foot traffic or improper prepping. 

Compacted soil will only have 10% open space to hold air and water, leaving the roots of your grass to become fragile, weak, and sparse. You will notice that your grass will grow slower, become thin, susceptible to weeds, and will incur flooding and pooling of water. 

Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix with lawn aeration. A professional will use piston-driven aerators which open small holes in the lawn and loosen the soil. 

Brown Patches, Spots, and Stripes

There are many reasons why patches of your lawn may die, but the main clue to discovering why this happens is often in the shape of the patch itself. 

Animal urine, such as dogs or foxes, can be high in nitrogen which kills grass. Watering these areas that receive this type of treatment from your pets can limit the damage, effectively washing off and diluting the urine. 

If the lawn is established but thin and sparse, you will want to check if you are using the correct grass seed for the pH levels of the soil. Test and adjust as needed. If there are bald spots, you can fill them in with new topsoil and reseed.

Brown spots may be a sign of disease caused by fungal organisms. The giveaway will be rot at the base of grass blades. Deal with this problem by watering early in the morning to ensure it is dry by nightfall. Aerating the lawn will also improve soil circulation and health. 

Stripes are likely a sign of fertilizing and mowing in the same patterns. Overcome this by mowing and fertilizing your lawn in different directions, or by overlapping the alignment of the wheels across the stripes. 

Poor Growth in Shade 

Grass, just like all plants, needs sunlight to grow well. But, it can be tricky when your yard is covered in shade. The solution here is to use the right type of grass. There are grass types that are excellent for shady and sunny conditions, so it is always helpful to recruit a lawn care company for advice on your situation.

Contact the Experts 

There is a lot to keep in mind to ensure the best health and appearance of your lawn, but Foundations Property Management is here to help. We are the experts in lawn care and landscape maintenance; to get help with your own lawn, contact us today! 

Lawn care is an important part of maintaining the beauty and integrity of your yard. It requires plenty of attention and knowledge of the right processes in order to achieve the best results. However, even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to taking care of your lawn. Unless you have a lawn care degree or are a certified professional, chances are you’ll make a few blunders along the way. To help you keep your lawn healthy and lush, the lawn care experts at Foundations Property Management would like to share some of the most common mistakes to avoid.

Mistake #1: Overwatering

While some lawns need extra water every now and then, overdoing it can be a death sentence. Too much water can suffocate the grass and stunt growth. Furthermore, overwatering can lead to disease and an increased need for fertilizer. 

You should only water your lawn when it truly needs it. This means checking the soil often to see if it feels dry before deciding to water it. Watering your lawn too often can lead to pest infestations, root diseases, and can even cause lawns to become too dependent on water. The goal is to keep the lawn’s root system deep and strong by only watering when it’s necessary.

Mistake #2: Not Mowing Properly

One of the most common lawn care mistakes is mowing incorrectly. Mowing your grass too short or too long can have damaging effects. If you mow too short, the sun’s rays can scorch the soil, which can lead to dryness and make it also susceptible to disease. On the other hand, if you mow too high, your grass will have a hard time getting the air, sunlight, and nutrients it needs to survive. The ideal mowing height is between 2.5 to 3.5 inches.

Also, keep in mind your mowing frequency. You should only cut off a third of the grass blade each time you mow or else it will struggle to survive. Therefore, instead of only mowing once a week and cutting too much, you should aim to mow your lawn between two to three times a week.

Mistake #3: Not Dethatching

Dethatching is an important part of lawn care and should not be overlooked. Your lawn can only absorb the fertilizer and nutrients it receives through the soil. If your grass is covered in dead grass and debris, then the necessary nutrients won’t reach the soil. Dethatching allows air and water to pass through to the soil and roots. It also removes thatch build-up, which can prevent disease.

Mistake #4: Not Utilizing Grass Clippings

Many people just get rid of their grass clippings instead of putting them to good use. If left on the lawn, grass clippings can decompose and act as a natural fertilizer. They can also help to preserve water and nutrients in the soil. If you don’t want to leave them on your lawn, you can always add them to your compost bin or use them for mulch.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Weeds

Weeds are an eyesore and, if left untreated, can choke out your grass and other plants on your property. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly pull out any weeds that crop up on your lawn. You can also apply lawn care products that specifically target weeds. 

Mistake #6: Not Aerating

Not aerating your lawn is a big mistake. Aeration allows air and water to get to your soil and grass roots. It also helps to break up the soil that is denser or more compacted. Furthermore, it can help reduce soil compaction and soil diseases. Aerating your lawn at least two times a year can help keep your grass vibrant and strong.

Caring for your lawn can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Knowing which mistakes to avoid can save you a lot of frustration and time. Remember, it takes dedication and careful consideration to have a healthy, lush lawn. From proper fertilization to mowing correctly, these mistakes can be easily avoided with the right amount of knowledge and care.

Mistake #7: Poor Fertilization

Fertilization is one of the most important aspects of lawn care. Applying the right amount of fertilizer at the correct times can be tricky, as over-fertilizing can actually damage your grass. Fertilizer should be applied multiple times a year. However, you should be mindful of your grass type, soil, and climate so that you can determine the ideal fertilizer for your lawn.

Save Time and Avoid Mistakes by Hiring a Professional Lawn Care Company

Many people have a love-hate relationship with their lawns. They love the manicured look of a freshly mowed lawn but also don’t want to spend their entire weekend tending to it. Unfortunately, taking shortcuts or not investing the time to learn how to properly care for your lawn can do more harm than good. 

If you want your lawn to look lush and green this summer, consider hiring a professional lawn care company. At Foundations Property Management we offer customized lawn care services that include lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, and more to homes and businesses in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and the surrounding areas. Call, text, or visit our website to request a free quote! 

Spring is finally here and that means it’s time to get your yard ready for the growing season! After a long, Michigan winter, a thorough cleanup is just what your yard needs. A cleanup of this size involves a number of tasks and is usually only done once or twice per year. Depending on the size of your yard, it can take most of a day, or even an entire weekend, so before you begin, make sure that you clear your calendar and stock up on all of the necessary tools and equipment. 

In today’s blog from the yard cleanup experts at Foundations Property Management in Ypsilanti, we’re going to review some key cleanup tasks and the tools you’ll need to complete them. With the right tools and a plan in hand, you can get your spring cleanup done in no time! 

Debris Removal

The first step in a spring yard cleanup is to remove debris from your yard. This includes fallen leaves, branches, dead vegetation, and any other organic material that has accumulated over the winter. It’s best to do this before you start any other tasks, as it will make everything else much easier. Once the debris is cleared away, it is important to dispose of it properly. Most debris can be composted or recycled, and some cities also offer curbside pickup for yard debris. If you are not sure how to dispose of the debris, contact your local waste management company for assistance.

Equipment Needed: Rake, gloves, and lawn and garden bags. For faster, more effective cleanup, especially between rocks and in tight spaces, use a leaf blower or leaf vacuum. If you have a large area that needs to be cleared, you may want to consider renting a lawn vacuum to help speed up the process. 

Lawn Fertilization and Aeration

Fertilizing and aerating your yard will help to promote the healthy growth of your grass and plants. Aeration involves puncturing the soil with small holes, which allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots more easily. This promotes deeper root growth and a healthier, more vibrant lawn. It also helps reduce soil compaction, which can lead to more serious problems like lawn diseases and weed growth.

Once you’ve finished aerating your lawn, it’s a good time to apply fertilizer. By aerating first, it allows the fertilizer to penetrate deeper and supply the roots with the nutrients your grass needs. 

Equipment Needed: Aeration can be done manually with a garden fork or a hand aerator, or you can rent a power aerator which is faster and more effective.

Tree and Shrub Pruning

The next step is to prune your trees and shrubs. This process involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches in order to maintain health and aesthetics. It’s important to prune in the spring, as this will promote new growth and desirable growth patterns. Regular (at least yearly) pruning also helps to reduce the risk of potential damage from tree branches that could break off due to wind or other factors. 

Equipment Needed: For shrubs and small trees, you can use either pruning shears or a hedge trimmer. Trimming large trees can pose a significant safety hazard. It’s best to rely on a professional tree care company for large tree pruning.

Weed Control

Weeds can be a major problem in your yard and can quickly take over if not managed properly. The best way to handle weed control is to use a combination of pre-emergent herbicides and hand weeding. This will ensure that any existing weeds are killed, as well as prevent new ones from taking root.

Equipment Needed: Protective clothing including gloves, a trowel or shovel for help with removing weeds with deep roots, handheld or broadcast spreader for weed killer application.

Flower Bed Preparation

It is important to prepare your flowerbeds before you start planting in the spring. Doing so will help you get the most out of your garden. The first step is to clear out any weeds, dead plants, and other debris that has accumulated over the winter. After you have cleared the area, you should till the soil to a depth of at least six inches. This will loosen the soil and provide better aeration so that the roots of your plants will be able to spread and take hold.

The next step is to add compost to the soil to help improve its structure. The compost will also help to add nutrients which will help promote healthy plant growth. Once you have tilled and added compost, you should add fertilizer to the soil. Keep in mind that with fertilizer, more is not usually better. Fertilizer should be applied at the recommended rate, as too much can be damaging to plants.

Equipment Needed: Garden fork, hand trowel, rake, and a wheelbarrow or garden cart for transporting debris, fresh soil, or compost.  

Mulch Application

Mulching in the spring is an important part of lawn and garden care. Mulch is a protective layer of material, usually organic, that helps to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Applying mulch at the beginning of the growing season can help your plants achieve their full potential. When applying mulch, it’s important to spread it evenly around the plant. Generally, a layer of two to four inches of mulch is sufficient to provide adequate insulation and weed control. Make sure to keep mulch away from the base of the plant to prevent rot. It’s also important to water the soil before applying the mulch, as this will prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Equipment Needed: Shovel, pitchfork, rake, and a wheelbarrow or garden cart.

Save Time and Money on Your Spring Yard Cleanup

Some people love spending all of their free time working in the yard, but if you’re not one of those people – or if you don’t want to fill up your garage with a bunch of gardening tools, some of which you’ll only use once a year – give Foundations Property Management a call. We provide a variety of landscape maintenance services including spring yard cleanups. From lawn aeration and tree pruning to weeding, mulching, and landscape bed renovation – we do it all! Give us a call today to get a free estimate!