Category: Uncategorized

Having a lush, green lawn can do wonders for the curb appeal of your house and vibe of your home. During the beautiful spring months, your yard will likely look that way without much maintenance. However, keeping your lawn green once the summer heat kicks will require some extra attention to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged and leave your grass yellow and dry. For more helpful tips on keeping your lawn in tip-top shape, contact the experts at Ivy Terra today.

 Protect the Roots of the Grass

The key to a healthy lawn lies in the roots of the grass. Throughout the year, your lawn can be exposed to a multitude of risk factors. These can include arctic temperatures in winter, lack of sun exposure in fall, and too much water in spring.

However, to have a green lawn that can survive in the summer heat, the roots of the grass must be taken care of year-round. Focus on giving your lawn the right amount of water that it needs. Do this by addressing any problem areas quickly before they spread. In the summer months, you can protect the roots of the grass by mowing on a high setting that keeps the blades long. The taller grass will provide shade to the roots during the extreme heat. This shade is crucial, protecting the roots so they can stay healthy and strong.

 The Time of Day Matters

Two of the main factors that contribute to a healthy lawn are proper mowing and watering. What you may not know is that both need to be done at a specific time. Otherwise, they might not give your lawn the benefits that it needs. For example, it is crucial to water your lawn in the morningbefore the summer heat kicks in. This will ensure that your lawn has time to absorb the water. However, if it were watered in the middle of the day, much of the water would evaporate before it could adequately feed your lawn.

The same rule applies to mowing your lawn. To avoid added stress and damage to your lawn, it is important to mow your lawn in the early morning or late afternoon.

Stock Up On the Right Tools

The tools you use to take care of your lawn will play a key role in the end result. First, it is important to service and maintain your lawnmower properly. If the blades are rusty and dull, then it will not cut your grass well. In fact, it could damage your plants and cause them to brown.

Fertilizer

Next, you will want to equip yourself with other tools that will help your lawn maintain a healthy appearance, like fertilizer. Fertilizer feeds your lawn the extra nutrients that it needs to maintain a healthy, lush appearance. Lastly, make sure to check your sprinkler system and address any problem areas regularly. For more information on tools to properly care for your lawn with, contact the experts at Ivy Terra.

Throughout our lives, we spend a lot of time enjoying the grass. Summers at the park, BBQ’ing in the spring, and picnics in the fall are just a few beloved activities that just wouldn’t quite be the same without beautiful, lush grass. However, the grass breeds that surrounds us very rarely comes to mind; until you have your own lawn. The reality is that every kind of grass is as unique as the next. The type of grass you have will determine how to best care for it, which climate it thrives in, and the maintenance that it requires. To get more information on properly caring for your grass, contact Ivy Terra today for any of your lawncare needs!

 

Bentgrass

This type of grass is often associated with golf courses. However, it can be used for residential properties as well. It’s known for its short length (about 1/10”) and soft texture. It is also known for being higher maintenance because of the amount of water it needs, mowing equipment it requires, and specialty tools it necessitates.

Bermuda Grass

Usually found in the south, this type of grass is commonly used for residential lawns. Bermuda grass is beautiful but considered to require higher maintenance, similar to bentgrass.

Centipede Grass

Centipede grass grows horizontally and thrives in areas that are known for humidity and moisture. This type of grass would wither in dry climates, but in the right area can be a great low maintenance option because it requires less mowing.

Dichondra

This warm-season grass can primarily be found in California and Arizona. It can have a lush, green look that is appealing to many homeowners, but it is often associated with insects and diseases.

Fine Fescue

As the name suggests, this type of grass has blades that are very fine and needle-like. They have a high tolerance to shade and is similar to centipede grass because it does not do well in dry heat conditions.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Often found in the north, this grass is known for its beautiful green color and texture. It is popular because of its ability to grow well from seed. However, it does not thrive in deep shade.

Ryegrass

This type of grass can be easily identified by its distinctive shine. It is also known for leaving a white cast when mowed. While it is primarily found in cool-season climates, it may not be found too far north (e.g., Canada).

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine Grass can typically be found in areas that are known for their warmth, like Florida and California. Cold temperatures and lack of moisture can cause this grass to lose its lush, dark green look.

Zoysia Grass

Historically, this type of grass is found in the middle of the U.S. and spreading into the Carolinas. In some cases, it can be located farther north; however, it does not do well in the colder climates. Zoysia is distinctive because it is a slow-growing grass and results in a lawn that has a thick carpet feel.

Lawnmowers are a vital investment in your lawn grooming routine. However, they are not immune to issues and can often have problems related to the engine, weather changes, and even water exposure. These issues may cause you a serious headache when you finally pull your lawnmower out in the spring only to find that it won’t start. While it’s important to take the best care possible when using and storing your lawnmower, issues can occur. These issues can even include your lawnmower not starting. Below you will find some of the possible causes for why your lawnmower won’t start.

Fuel:

While this may be obvious, your lawnmower may need fuel. This is especially true if you can’t get your lawnmower to start after the winter. When you store your lawnmower, you need to drain the engine fuel. Before you pull out your toolbox, check the fuel to save yourself the headache and hassle of pulling apart your mower.

Air Filter:

It’s best to also check your air filters before you dig deep into the engine. Be sure the air filters are clean, as that can be a simple issue to fix. You can easily replace these, and it’s fairly inexpensive.

Spark Plug:

A wet spark plug can cause your lawnmower not to start. Fixing these at home is completely possible, but you should use caution when working with them. You’ll need to clean the spark plug and allow it to dry fully. If the lawnmower doesn’t start or you cannot properly clean it, you can purchase a new spark plug.

Jet Clog:

A clog could be due to dirt or grime that may be stuck. You can clear out the jet with carburetor spray, and if this is the issue, you should be on your way to getting mowing. Use caution and follow the instruction manual to ensure safety.

Carburetor Clog:

If there is a clog in the carburetor inlet, the fuel will not reach the engine. Check the filter in the carburetor to see if it is clogged. If the filter isn’t clogged, be sure that there is no dirt in the tank’s interior. Gas flow can be inhibited by dirt, particles, or grime that has built up.

If do-it-yourself lawnmower maintenance is not for you, you are not alone. Between having the right tools, the time, and the mechanical know-how, it takes a lot of time, patience, and energy to fix a lawnmower.

To save yourself the headache and time, specialized lawn programsare a great option. Lawn service companies can provide you with unique lawn care programs at intervals that work for you. It doesn’t matter if you just have a lawn or if you have a lawn, garden, and patio area, there are programs that can be easily catered to you. Instead of dealing with having to spend your Saturday off mowing the lawn, kick up your heels and let the professionals perfect your lawn, so you don’t have to.Contact Ivy Terra today for any of your lawncare needs!

You do not want to be the neighbor with the worst lawn on the block for a variety of reasons! Dead grass can be an eyesore to neighbors and passersby. Depending on your climate and the state of your grass, you may be able to revive it. However, some grass can be dormant and may need to be replaced. If possible, reviving dead grass versus replacing it can save you time and money in the long run. However, not all grass can be salvaged and may need to be replaced. Below you will find the most helpful options for how to revive dead grass.

How to Revive Dead Grass

Weeding:

Grass and weeds both need water to live and grow. If you have weeds, they can suck the water away from the grass. Pull the weeds and see if this helps with getting your lawn the hydration it needs.

Aeration:

In addition to nutrients, your lawn needs air to grow. While it seems like common sense that your grass would have enough air to grow, the roots also need air to survive. The root health is what determines the health of your grass above ground. When the soil below your grass gets compact, aerating can really help bring air to the roots of your grass.

Fertilization:

Lawns need nutrients to flourish. They need a consistent supply of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to grow effectively. Depending on the issues you are having with your lawn, it may be deficient in one or a combination of all three.

Mowing:

This can help fertilize your lawn even though it may seem like you are just mowing dirt. Mow and leave the clippings behind to act as a natural fertilizer. The left-behind clippings decompose and absorb into the lawn. The nitrogen-rich nutrients can help bring life back to your lawn.

Spreading Compost:

This can help change the soil below your grass and give your grass the nutrients it needs to grow again.

Signs of Dormant Grass

If you think your grass is dormant, there are a few signs that can help you confirm if it actually is. First, you can tug on your grass to see how deep the roots are. If you can freely pull out the grass without any tug back, your grass is likely dormant. Second, if you try and water your grass regularly and it just won’t come back to life, it may be dormant. Dehydration is what can kill grass off as it needs the nutrients to grow and sustain strong roots. Dormant grass needs to be replaced as it cannot be revived.

However, if you are unsure if your grass can be revived or if it is completely dormant, it may be time to call the professionals.  Ivy Terra professionals can assess your lawn and determine which treatments are best. Turning to professional lawn experts can save you time and money in the long run as they are skilled and experienced in lawn care. Contact Ivy Terra today for any of your lawncare needs!

Lawn funguses can destroy your lawn if not addressed properly, and the sooner the better to minimize damage. Here are some signs of lawn fungus diseases, and the best ways to keep them under control.

• Patches of silver-gray or bleached-white turf
• A pinkish cast to your lawn
• Purplish-brown spots with lighter centers on grass blades

Healthy lawns have an easier time standing up to fungus diseases, so regular fertilization, aerating and mowing with a sharp blade are helpful (mowing with a dull blade can shred grass tips, making it easier for fungus spores to enter the plants). It’s also important to water less often and more deeply, since fungus spores spread in water.

If fungus disease does appear, a prompt fungicide treatment can improve your lawn’s chances for recovery and decrease the potential for long-term damage. Please call us right away if you suspect fungus disease in your lawn. If fungus disease does appear, a prompt fungicide treatment can improve your lawn’s chances for recovery and decrease the potential for long-term damage. Please call us right away if you suspect fungus disease in your lawn.