September 2018 - Pugh's Earthworks

Fall is a Great Time to Mulch Flower Beds
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Fall is a Great Time to Mulch Flower Beds

Flower Beds

Fall is a Great Time to Mulch Flower Beds

During the fall, this is the time to give flower beds some much-needed attention. This is the time to mulch flower beds and replant with fall and winter tolerant flowers. Here are some tips on what to do: The first step is to remove all plant debris from the planting bed where you have flowers. This debris can be used as compost material. If you don't compost, then dispose of the plant debris. Remember to also remove any weeds from the plant and flower beds. Next, the soil needs to be prepared for rototilling. If you are leavint leaves as garden mulch, then be sure to shred them first. You can do this by usng a lawn mower to cut them into smaller pieces. One option is to then use what is known as living mulch. This is using live plants in place of conventional mulch. However, leaf mulch doesn't look very aesthetically pleasing when you want to have tidy flower beds. However, it can be less work. Yet, leaf mulch is free versus investing in regular mulch. There's also the choice between organic and inorganic. Organic mulch has shredded wood products. However, you can also use pine needles or grass clipping for mulch as well. Pine needles can acidify soil as they decompose while leaf compost adds nutrients. Then, grass clippings can burn plants as it decomposes and cause nitrogen deficiency in plants. Organic mulches breakdown over time. As they do, this type of mulch releases nutrients and enriches the soil. Normally, you have to apply organic mulches every year to maintain flower beds. Inorganic mulch has stone products and recycled rubber products. This type of mulch can reduce problems with insects around the flower beds. The inorganic mulch can radiate heat from the sun, which may scorch the lower parts of plants. Either use plants that are adapted to this or put organic mulch around the base of the plant and use inorganic mulch in the areas of the flower beds where there are no plants. One downfall with inorganic mulches is that they are more costly initially. However, they also don't need to be replenished every year. Contact us today to find out how we can take care of your fall mulching needs for your flower beds!

By Blog Writer|2018-09-24T17:12:50+00:00September 24th, 2018|Categories: Flower Beds|Tags: Floral Gardens, Flowers|Comments Off

Leaf Removal is Key to a Healthy Lawn
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Leaf Removal is Key to a Healthy Lawn

Lawn Care

Leaf Removal is Key to a Healthy Lawn

Leaves falling on the ground are a message that fall has arrived. And, while the colors are beautiful and the piles of leaves are fun to jump on, they really do have to find somewhere else to live beside the lawn. Leaves are a common part of lawn maintenance. Why Get Rid of the Leaves? There are many reasons why you should remove the leaves from the lawn. It is much healthier for your lawn. This is because if you allow the leaves to pile up on your lawn, they block the sunlight, water, and nutrients from reaching the root system and helping feed your lawn. The lawn needs to breathe but it can't do that if it's covered in leaves. The leaves can even block new grass blades. These leaves may also invite pests and diseases in that are difficult to get rid of. This can lead to mold, brown patches, and lots of insets. Also, it improves the lawn's overall appearance. Lastly, regularly removing the leaves makes for less work than letting them all pile up over time. Removing the Leaves There are many ways to remove the leaves from your lawn. The first way is to rake them off the lawn. This approach tends to get most leaves that have to be bagged up and removed. It's very labor-intensive. The second is to use a leaf blower, which does the job quickly but is noisy. However, as long as you select a good time to do it, such as mid-day, most people have become accustomed to the sound. Alternatively, you can use a mulching mower that shreds the leaves and turns them into fertilizer. Adding a bag to this mower allows you to collect everything and put it in your compost bin if you have one. Lastly, consider assistance from a professional lawn care maintenance company like Pugh's Earthworks who can take care of leaves, mowing, and fertilizing so you can just enjoy how it looks. Contact us today to learn more.

By Blog Writer|2018-09-17T19:20:48+00:00September 17th, 2018|Categories: Lawn Care|Tags: Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Maintenance Nashville TN|Comments Off

Focus on Root Growth in the Fall
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Focus on Root Growth in the Fall

Feed Your Lawn

Focus on Root Growth in the Fall

Throughout the year, your lawn, shrubs, plants, and trees go through growth cycles. And, one of these is in the fall and involves something you don't actually see. That is root growth. Root growth is important because it's what provides a steady stream of nutrients and water to the plants, trees, and lawn. The stronger and larger those roots become, the more they can sustain the growth above ground. To focus on root growth in the fall, here's what you should do: Aerate your grass and lawn area. Because people and lawn mowers are constantly compacting the soil beneath the lawn, which makes it difficult for air, nutrients, and water to get to the roots. By aerating it, you'll be able to stimulate root growth. You can use a walk-behind aerator to cover larger lawns. Fertilize your lawn during the fall to promote root growth. The fertilizer will nourish the roots. It's best to use a spreader to ensure the fertilizer is evenly spread across the lawn. Also, use special fertilizer for shrubs, trees, and flowers. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the fall season and just before the frost sets in. Seed areas that have bare patches. This gives your lawn a chance to build up further strength and add to its root system. Look for grass seed that has a small amount of weed seed mixed in. Be sure to loosen the soil with a rake before laying the seeds down. You will also need to water these areas on a daily basis for a few weeks. Transplant any plants to areas that give them more room to spread their roots out underground. The fall is the perfect time to get this done where temperatures are the most conducive. Remove leaves that have fallen to the ground. These can rot and create issues for the roots by making them sick and blocking passage of water and nutrients to them. You can use a leaf blower or start raking them up into piles to dispose of. Consider saving those leaves up and putting them in a compost bin. This will make great fertilizer later on. We're also here to help by providing all the services you'll need this fall to promote root growth and create a sustainable landscape around your property. Contact us now to learn more!

By Blog Writer|2018-09-09T20:59:16+00:00September 9th, 2018|Categories: Feed Your Lawn|Tags: Grounds Maintenance, Lawn Fertilization, Lawn Maintenance|Comments Off

7 Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn in the Fall
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7 Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn in the Fall

Fertilize

7 Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn in the Fall

With milder temperatures and the need to prepare your landscape for the winter season, fall is the perfect time to fertilize your lawn. Plus, there is fall morning dew that helps add moisture to absorb the fertilizer. Everything you do in the fall can help your lawn make it through a harsh winter season, including giving it the food it needs to support root growth. Here are five tips for fertilizing your lawn as part of your lawn maintenance care during the fall months: Apply lawn fertilizer round two to three weeks before the ground is likely to freeze. You can look online for the frost date for your particular area and then plan accordingly. On average, that means applying fertilizer to your fall lawn around mid-October. Fertilize in the fall either in the morning or the early evening. Fall temperatures during the middle of the day can still be too warm, which could cause the fertilizer to burn the grass. Mow the lawn right before you plan to fertilize. When doing so, be sure to leave some of the grass clippings. This green material can help the roots. Do not fertilize before any scheduled rain. The rain will only cause the fertilizer to run off the lawn and work against your plan of fertilizing it. If it has recently rained, also wait until the grass blades appear dry and then you can apply the fertilizer. Continue mowing throughout the fall season but begin to drop the blade down the lowest setting as the fall season draws to a close. Aerate the soil as well to ensure that the fertilizer, water, and oxygen can reach the grass roots. This gets the essential nutrients where they need to be to further develop a deep root system for your lawn. Use a crank-style fertilizer spreader or a walk-behind drop spreader to make sure the fertilizer evenly covers your entire lawn and doesn't miss any spots. That consistency will give all the lawn roots a fighting chance throughout the winter and into spring. To get professional assistance with your fall lawn fertilizing for your commercial landscape, be sure to contact us today!