Hardscape Contractors comprehensive program is tailor made for the types of turf and weather conditions in the Omaha area. It includes two applications of pre-emergent in spring to assure a good barrier against broadleaf weeds, crabgrass and foxtail. A top notch insecticide MERIT is used in July-August applications to prevent any grub related problems. The last two fertilizer applications are heavy in essential nutrients to promote root growth and storage through the winter months. All applications are granular.
Although they can be purchased separately, these services are usually purchased in a package or program. We have a comprehensive six-step program that covers most potential problems in your landscape.
Our 6 step program:
March - April
Heavy rate of granular fertilizer plus pre-emergent for the control of crabgrass and foxtail. Also broadleaf weed control if needed.
April - May
A second application of pre-emergent plus granular fertilizer to assure a good barrier against broadleaf weeds, crabgrass and foxtail. Plus an insecticide targeting sod webworm and billbug. Also broadleaf weed control.
June - July
Balanced granular fertilizer (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) with slow release nitrogen to provide summer long feeding. Also broadleaf weed control.
July - August
A top quality granular insecticide (Merit®) for control of white grub and sod webworm. Plus a well balanced, slow release, granular fertilizer. Also broadleaf weed control.
August - September
Balanced granular fertilizer (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). Check lawn for white grub activity and apply insecticide if needed. Also broadleaf weed control.
October - November
Heavy rate of granular fertilizer to stimulate root growth and food storage for winter. Also helps early spring green-up. Broadleaf weed control if needed.
How Fertilizer Feeds Turf
The main course for turf is the fertilizer's Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) formula. However, there's also a variety of secondary and micronutrients needed to keep turf healthy and growing - Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, and Chlorine. Granular fertilizers can contain a blend of nutrient particles, as in LESCO PolyPlus, or each homogenous particle can be comprised of all the nutrients, as in LESCO NOVEX. LESCO PolyVex uses both approaches; it contains a blend of different nutrient particles and individual homogenous particle nutrients.
Nutrient Release
The nutrients in the fertilizer are made accessible to the plant throught a number of natural release mechanisms -- Microbial Action and Soil Temperature; Osmosis; Hydrolysis; and Physical Breakdown. As the structure of the fertilizer pellet melts away, minerals are released into the soil and absorbed by the plant.
Core aeration is one of the most valuable services Hardscape can provide for your turf. With this service, we’ll use an aerator to remove cores (or plugs) of soil about 1/2" wide and 3" long across your whole lawn.
Question: What is lawn aeration?
Answer: The basic idea behind lawn aeration is that, like you, your lawn and the soil under it need to breathe. Providing much-needed lawn aeration for your grass entails dealing with thatch.
The build-up of lawn thatch makes it difficult for your lawn to breathe. Lawn aeration performed in spring or fall helps control lawn thatch. Lawn aeration also reduces soil compaction, allowing water and fertilizer to permeate into the root zone. Grassy areas submitted to constant foot traffic require lawn aeration more frequently.
How does aeration benefit the lawn?
Core aeration will reduce soil compaction and enhance thatch breakdown, thus improving soil water uptake and decreasing water runoff and puddling. Core aeration allows air, water, and fertilizer to better reach the root zone. This stimulates root growth to create healthier, stronger turf grass plants. (right)
How often is aeration needed?
Due to the hard clay soil in the Omaha and surrounding area, we recommend that your lawn be aerated at least once per season. Some lawns may need to be aerated more than once a season, depending on lawn conditions.
When is the best time for aeration?
Spring or fall is the best time for aeration. March, April and May in the spring and September, October and November in the fall are the best months to plan for aeration. Warm days and cool nights along with natural moisture provide ideal conditions for aeration. Mid - summer months tend to be too hot for aeration. Aeration in the summer can cause stress to the turf by depleting moisture.
When is the best time to over seed?
The best time to over seed is in the early fall, after aeration, while the days are still warm and nights are cool. Good seed to soil contact is important. Seed that is watered into aeration holes will have a much higher germination rate than seed that is spread over a lawn which has not been aerated. Overseeing with a blended bluegrass in the fall will make the lawn more disease resistant, more drought resistant, and more insect tolerant.
For more information about these beneficial services, or to order it for your lawn, give Hardscape Contractors a call today!
