You may have heard of compost, and it brings to mind what people can do with some of their food waste. That's because compost is essentially decomposed organic matter that includes some of that food waste you throw away. It's that compost and what it is made of that helps nourish the soil and feeds those plants or that lawn. Compost can be made on a small scale like what people do with the organic aspects of their trash. It's typically made in a large container. Or, it can be created on a much larger scale. Besides food, compost can also include grass clippings, leaves, hay, seashells, tree bark and twigs, animal manure, and straw. The compost mixture typically consists of two parts of dry material like leaves to one part wet or green material, such as grass clippings. The mixture is then left to decompose. Air movement is important, but the decomposing compost must also remain evenly moist. What makes compost so good for the lawn and other landscape is the microorganisms. Millions of microbes deliver the necessary nutrients to the soil to help stimulate plant growth. With all the nutrients, the grass becomes healthier. Just think of it as vitamins for the grass. To apply compost to a lawn, it needs to be spread with shovels to create a layer across the lawn that is about 1/4" thick. After a rake can be used to ensure the compost is evenly spread. It is good to apply the compost just after seeding and aerating. Because microorganisms are continually reproducing and dying, you can never add too much compost to the lawn. Once organic matter starts to build up in the soil, you can apply compost much less.  Also, you won't need to fertilize and water the lawn while weed, insect, and disease will also decrease. This illustrates another benefit of using compost for the lawn. To get professional assistance with composting, contact us now to find out how we can help you maintain a lush commercial lawn.

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!