How to Prepare Your Lawn for Fall

As summer fades into the sunset and fall approaches its important to prepare your lawn for its long winter nap. Not to mention, the early fall temperatures and common moisture are a great for recovering and repairing any stress the summer time may have brought. With the right bit of care your lawn will be well positioned to pop up again next year.

Now, let’s look at Our Top Lawn Care Tips for Fall:

Mow the grass 

Until the temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees your lawn will keep growing. As long as there is no danger of freezing and damaging your irrigation system pipes, you can keep watering to make sure its optimally hydrated.

Your standard mowing height can be maintained in early fall and then you may want to gradually lower the blade height so that by your last mow you are 1” to 2” lower than your peak height.

Weed Control 

Many spring lawns are get off to a bad start with an onslaught of weeds largely because of the lack of care in the fall of the prior year. The reason being is that weeds germinate in the Fall and like grass love the cooler temperatures to get established. By addressing your weeds in the fall with a herbicide you are getting at them when they are small-seedlings and the weed control can have more efficacy.

As you treat your lawn for weeds, remember to be careful not to apply the control on areas that you have recently patched as it can have a negative effect on those areas where you are looking for growth.

Dethatching and Aeration

Fall is a great time to grow grass and a good time to dethatch provided your grass is still sprouting. Dethatching early with time for new growth is ideal and much better than waiting for the spring when lawns can be very wet and walking on them could do more harm than good.

Aerating your lawn in the fall helps get oxygen, water, and fertilizer to the root system. Fall aeration leads to a much greener and thicker lawn come spring. We advise waiting until October when the temperatures are a bit cooler but the grass can still recover from a little abuse.

Rake the leaves

Once the leaves start dropping from the trees and covering the lawn you want to make sure not to let them sit for too long. Unattended leaves can kill the underlying grass and introduce fungal issues and leave you with a real mess come spring - lots of bald spots and the need for reseeding and resodding.

Fertilize

Fall is the best time to Fertilize your lawn for a few reasons:

• The morning dew provides plenty of moisture and will help work the fertilizer into the soil where it is most effective.

• The grass can use fertilization to grow stable roots before the winter and provide for a green lawn in the spring

• Nutrients can be reserved by your grass so when it awakens in the spring it can get a jump start.

The best time to spread fertilizer is in the evening right after giving your lawn a good mow. You’ll avoid the higher heat of the day and be able to take advantage of that next morning dew. Make sure to leave 4-6 weeks on the calendar before the winter temps start setting in (ground freeze) for the fertilization to take effect.

Patch Bare Spots

Early Fall, when the soil temperatures are still warm from the summer yet mild day time temps and cooler nights prevail, provides a great environment for fast seed germination. Before laying down seed - and we recommend using a lawn repair mixture - make sure you take the time to prep the area and tend to it.

1. Rake it clear of old grass and debris

2. Score the ground with a garden rake to make the surface more porous

3. Scatter your mixture and/or seed

4. Lightly cover with top soil

5. Water area every other day

The Essentials on Fall Lawn Care

Fall lawn care needs to be a priority to make sure you’re off to a fast start next spring, and you may need extra help to manage your lawn during the season. Fortunately, Shady Tree Landscaping & Irrigation can take care of your fall maintenance needs from general lawn care, irrigation shut downs to leaf pick up. 

As a leading New England landscaping and lawn maintenance company, we care about our customer’s lawn and lawn care goals. We then craft a plan to help you manage your lawn as the seasons turn, so you can maximize it health.

We’ve even built a skill on Alexa so you can just ask Alexa to “Open Shady Tree and Rake My Lawn” to schedule our services.

If Alexa isn’t your thing, we're also available to discuss your lawn care needs via more traditional methods. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please send us an email or call us today at 508-359-6082.

5 Tips to Keep Your Lawn Healthy This Summer

Summer brings warm temperatures and long days — and you need to prepare your lawn accordingly. With the right approach to lawn maintenance, you can keep your lawn looking great throughout summer. 

Now, let's look at five things you can do to keep your lawn healthy this summer.

1. Get the Right Grass

Choose cool-season grass for your New England lawn. Or, if you already have cool-season grass, learn how to care for it properly.

Cool-season grass is popular in New England, due to the fact that it requires minimal maintenance and can withstand winter weather. Common cool-season grass options include:

·      Kentucky Bluegrass: This soft, velvety and dark-green grass is great for lawns where there is heavy traffic. So, if you plan to host backyard barbecues and other outdoor events, Kentucky bluegrass may be right for you.

·      Perennial Ryegrass: Like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass is strong and durable. Perennial ryegrass also has a quick germination rate, so it provides an excellent option for large lawns.

·      Fine Fescue: Fine fescue tends to be lighter and more shade-tolerant than other cool-season grasses. Therefore, if you want a versatile cool-season grass, you may benefit from fine fescue.

If you're unsure about which type of cool-season grass is the ideal choice for your New England lawn, help is available. By partnering with a complete grounds maintenance company, you can receive a summer lawn care evaluation, followed by a recommendation on which type of cool-season grass best suits your lawn.

2. Hydrate Your Lawn Early or Late

Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Hot weather can make it tough to keep your lawn hydrated. But, if you water your lawn early or late, you can beat the heat and reduce your risk of dry spots.

In addition to time of day, other factors to consider when you water your lawn in summer include:

·      Amount of Water: Apply about 1 in. of water across your lawn. To measure 1 in. of water, use a rain gauge or tuna can; once the gauge or can is full, you'll know how much water to use.

·      Frequency: Water your lawn at least three times a week. If you plan a summer trip, ask a family member, friend or neighbor to water your lawn while you're away.

·      Sunlight: Tailor your watering schedule to different areas of your lawn. Remember, areas that remain in sunlight during the day require more water than shaded areas.

An irrigation system can make a world of difference relative to summer lawn hydration, too. With an irrigation system installed by a best-in-class lawn maintenance company, you can ensure your lawn stays hydrated in summer.

 

3. Know How to Mow

Raise the blade on your lawn mower. With cool-season grass, mow your lawn with the blade at 2-3 in., so you can grow deep roots and create shade that helps prevent weeds from germinating. 

Along with keeping your lawn mower blade at the proper level, other factors to consider when your mow your lawn in summer include:

·      Blade Sharpness: Check out your lawn mower's blades and sharpen them as needed. If you notice your lawn looks uneven after you mow it, it's likely time to sharpen your lawn mower's blades.

·      Frequency: It takes about three to five days for 1 in. of grass to grow, and in summer, it helps to keep your lawn grass' length at about 3 in.. It may also be beneficial to keep your lawn grass longer in summer, so your lawn is better equipped to survive a drought.

·      Mulching: Mulching your lawn can help keep its moisture levels consistent. Thus, you may want to mulch any time you mow your lawn in summer. 

If you want help with mowing your lawn, a top-notch landscaping company can provide assistance. This company can mow your lawn and take the guesswork out of lawn maintenance. The result: you can enjoy a beautiful lawn in summer. 

4. Avoid Fertilizer

Keep fertilizer away from your lawn during summer. It may be tempting to add fertilizer to enhance your lawn's appearance, but in many instances, doing so may actually cause your lawn to burn.

Generally, fall is the best time to add fertilizer to your lawn. In instances where chinch bugs, chiggers or fleas damage your lawn in summer, certain fertilizers can kill these insects and strengthen your lawn. However, if you need to use these fertilizers, follow the instructions and apply fertilizer only to sections of your lawn affected by insects.

The uncertainty surrounding fertilizer use can be overwhelming, but a professional landscaping company can respond to your lawn maintenance concerns and questions. That way, you can get the information you need to correctly fertilize your lawn.

5. Watch for Lawn Issues — and Address Them Right Away

Keep an eye out for damaged grass in summer. A lawn issue may seem minor, but it can escalate quickly. If you watch for lawn issues throughout summer, you can correct these problems before they cause long-lasting damage.

Summer lawn issues can cause stress, especially if you've committed significant time and energy to maintain your lawn. Thankfully, lawn care experts are available who can uncover the root cause of a lawn issue and resolve it right away. In doing so, these experts can treat damaged grass and prevent it from becoming an ongoing issue.

The Bottom Line on Summer Lawn Care

Summer lawn care can be challenging, and you may need extra help to manage your lawn during the season. Fortunately, Shady Tree Landscaping & Irrigation can take care of your lawn throughout summer. 

As a leading New England landscaping and lawn maintenance company, we learn about your lawn and your lawn care goals. We then craft a plan to help you manage your lawn, so you can enjoy a lush, healthy lawn. 

We're available to discuss your lawn care needs. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please send us an email or call us today at 508-359-6082.

Sources:

 https://www.thedailygardener.com/keep-lawn-green-in-summer-heat

 https://properlyrooted.com/best-grass-seed-for-new-england/

 https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/identifying-5-common-lawn-grass-species/

 https://www.iamgreenwise.com/watering/

 https://todayshomeowner.com/summer-lawn-care-guide/

 https://lawnchick.com/how-often-to-mow-lawn/

 https://weingartz.com/expert-advice/2014/04/when-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blade/

 https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/lawn-care-basics/summer-lawn-care-tips

 https://www.bioadvanced.com/articles/signs-summer-lawn-stress

Best Ways to Stay Safe During a Winter Storm

Since we’re located in Massachusetts, we’re used to the cold weather and winter storms. It looks like the next few months may be filled with snow and we’re here are a few quick tips to help you prepare for the next Nor’easter.

1. Keep watch of the news about pending winter storms. When the forecasters predict a bad one, it is best to over prepare than be underprepared. Follow your local news outlets on social media (if you have one) or have alerts sent to your phone with weather apps. It is also a good idea to have a battery operated radio or TV just in case the power goes out.

2. Stock up on food and liquids. It’s a good idea to buy canned goods and even some non-perishable food.

3. According to the Red Cross, lower the thermostat to 65° F (18° C) during the day and to 55° F (13° C) at night.  If you turn it lower than 50°F, you run the risk of frozen pipes in cold weather.

4. If you have a car or cars, winterize them beforehand. This means you should keep a full tank, replace your tires with snow tires,   You should also have your vehicle checked overall before the winter to ensure your battery, antifreeze, and other parts are ready for the winter.

5. Ensure your family has an emergency plan. This includes having emergency supplies, such as tools, warm blankets and clothes, and medications. Take a look at this checklist from the CDC for a full list of supplies.

Want some further information about keeping you and your family when a storm hits? Check out some other helpful tips from the Red Cross here. Don’t wait you’re stuck inside. Call us today to set up a snow management plan to fit your needs.

Stay safe and warm!

Shady Tree Landscaping is a leader in the snow removal business. Whether it’s a residential driveway, shopping plaza, office building or a condominium complex, we understand the importance of being able to safely access your property.

10 ways to get your landscape winter-ready

If you are thinking about winter as the time for you to sit back and forget about Landscaping, then you may be in for a big surprise. Neglecting your outdoor property needs during winter can affect it come spring. To avoid this from happening, here are a few tips on what you can do on the arrival of Fall frosts. Along with keeping your property ground healthy, you can assemble a winter landscape that not only boasts beauty, but also offers plenty of opportunities to bundle up and get out and garden.

1. Knowing which plants will survive during winter in your zone from the US Department of Agriculture.  USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map  Stocking up your yard with plants can ensure a year round outdoor show, that will fill your landscape with color, textural interest and sculptural beauty. Along with evergreens, you can fill your property with eye catching trees and also draft winter shrubs to infuse frosty scenes with cherry colors.

2. Watching out to make sure that no one walks or drives on your lawn which could possibly kill grass crowns and create bare spots. Also make sure you don't toss salt-laden (which has a high salt content that can harm the grass and lead to bare spots) accidentally on the lawn areas beside walks and drives when taking care of icy conditions.

3. Keep raking all year long to avoid debris build up.  When built up plant debris mixes with snow, the conducive environment will start growing mold and fungus, particularly where leaves have accumulated - all bad news for the next seasons lawn.

4. Tying up your loosely branched evergreens and boxwoods will prevent snow damage. Make sure you don’t use a broom or snow shovel to knock the snow off shrubs, as the limbs may be frozen and extremely fragile. Even the lightest poke at a shrub in such weather can result in substantial damage.

5. Covering thick barked trees in sunny areas with a light colored wrapping helps control frost and prevents sun scald.

6. Prune Trees: Now that the leaves are gone, it’s easy to spot damaged branches. Remove these for a healthier, stronger tree come spring.

7. Protect Against Road Salt by covering evergreen shrubs and small trees near high-traffic areas. Don’t over-apply road salt near tree roots unless it’s necessary to eliminate safety hazards.

8. Mulching your garden and tree beds will act as an excellent insulator and can help to protect roots against frost. If you have the storage space, the leaves you raked up in the fall will be perfect to use as mulch by the winter—and they’re completely organic (and free!). Mulch your planting beds at a depth of 1.5 – 2 inches keeps the roots of your plants warm and protected. As you mulch, be certain not to cover the trunk of any shrub or tree trunks. Mulch holds moisture and can cause trunk and root rot if it is spread too heavily around the base of plantings. For a finished look, contour the mulch by patting it down and compacting it with the back of a pitchfork or rake.

9. Using outdoor lighting can look especially beautiful in winter, even past the holiday season. Consider subtle tones to bring warmth to winter landscaping, or try lighting up walkways and driveways with attractive ground lanterns.

10. Making sure that all your water systems are properly winterized, including irrigation systems. Make certain all water spigots are turned off and covered. If you have leftover organic chemicals, store them away for winter in a place they cannot freeze.

Give us a call today (508) 359-6082 or contact us through the website if you need any help with your lawn maintenance or landscaping projects. We provide complete residential, commercial, municipal and athletic field, maintenance, construction and full irrigation services including installations in Dover, Medfield, Norwood, Needham, Sherborn, Weston and throughout New England.

7 Ways to Landscape your way into Fall

Fall is coming! As the leaves change color, now is also a good time to change the way you care for your lawn in order to prepare it for the cooler weather ahead. As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter,  grass growth begins to slow down. But during this time the grass is also absorbing energy, moisture, and nutrients, and the cool and moist weather helps grass roots develop much better than in summer. Taking advantage of this growing period now will give you a lush, healthy spring lawn. 

 1.     Keep a watering schedule:

Continue to provide supplemental moisture as needed until the ground is frozen. If your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week, you don't need to water. Over-watered lawn may allow diseases to take hold.  But when the weather is warm and dry, continue to water a few times a week. In the case of a new lawn or one that has been over-seeded, maintain regular watering practices to establish roots and promote growth. Let our team at Shady Tree Landscaping & Irrigation provide you with the best way to help you save money on your water bill!

 2. Continue mowing:

Grass slows down but doesn’t stop growing until it frosts over in winter, so keep mowing! In late fall cut your lawn 1 to 2 inches shorter than you have the rest of the growing season and continue to mow shorter until your grass stops growing in early winter. For the last cut, have your lawn cut slightly lower.

 3. Feed the grass:

Cool-season grass will benefit from the application of fertilizer each fall, as the nutrients provided help to ensure vigorous growth in the spring. Use a slow release granular fertilizer, and water the area well unless rainfall is imminent.

 4. Keep weeds under control:

Once the leaves and snow begin to fall, it can be difficult to eradicate future spring weeds. Begin tackling unwanted spring weeds early in the fall, when cooler temperatures and slow-growth provide the ideal environment for them to take over your lawn.

 5. Sow the seeds:

Eliminate bare patches, deter the growth of weeds, and establish new growth each spring by spreading seeds across your lawn each fall. Many patches of lawn can die during the summertime, so it’s a good idea to reseed those areas. Keep in mind, however, that seeds that don’t touch the soil won’t germinate, and it can be difficult to cover an area of grass thoroughly. Contact the Shady Trees team if you want a professionally seeded lawn that will make your yard look brand new!

 6.Don’t forget aerating:

Over the summer, your lawn has probably suffered from some degree of soil compaction and heat stress. When the soil in your lawn becomes tightly compacted, air, water, and nutrients are unable to penetrate it, resulting in brown or thinned grass. Aerating will remove soil plugs from a yard and free up passageways for precious nutrients to reach the grass roots.

 7. Rake the leaves:

It's important to remove fallen leaves from your land as soon as possible. Don't wait until all the leaves have fallen from the trees to start raking. If you do, the leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew, stick together, and form an impenetrable mat that if left unmoved will suffocate the grass and breed fungal diseases.

Have Lawn Maintenance and Care question this upcoming spring? 

Give us a call today (508) 359-6082 or contact us through the website if you need any help with your lawn maintenance or landscaping projects. We provide complete residential, commercial, municipal and athletic field, maintenance, construction and full irrigation services including installations.

Looking for ways to keep the grass green but conserve water at the same time? So are we!

Let our team at Shady Tree Landscaping & Irrigation provide you with the best way to help you save money on your water bill!

Let us upgrade your outdated controller to the latest in Wi-Fi or Cellular technology! It’s time for you to realize what so many of our clients are already enjoying, huge water savings, up to 40% or more. By upgrading your irrigation controller to a new Hunter, RainBird or Weathermatic system the savings can be huge. Controller technologies today automatically adjust irrigation to local weather conditions, so watering only occurs when it’s needed, and never when it’s not. With the optional flow sensors installed, we will know about system breaks, such as broken heads, zone or main lines breaks before you do and send out a technician before incurring costly water bills or damage to your property.

EPA Water Sense-approved! Give us a call today (508) 359-6082 or contact us through the website to ask us what the best option for your situation is whether residential or commercial .