Dandelions....

It's that time of year!  When those pretty, little yellow flowers weeds are popping up!  Some areas are littered with them!  And after the pretty yellow flowers weeds mature they turn to a fluffy white!  As kids we would pick them, make a wish and blow!  Scattering the fluffy white seeds to the ground. And those fluffy white seeds become little yellow flowers weeds. The cycle would continue! 

The dreaded "dandelion"!  Yards and grassy areas are riddled with them.  Usually it's the neighbor's yard, and the neighbor, courtesy of bad grass cutting and the wind share them with you and your yard! 
 
Don't get us wrong... we know the dandelion receives a bad rap.  There are plenty of uses for dandelions... the leaves can be eaten in salads; they are high in vitamins; dandelions can be used to make root beer, tea etc etc.  But let's get real... How many of us are truly harvesting and eating the dandelions from our yards?  How many of us are making our own root beer?  How many of us are brewing our own tea? Not too many we would guess!  For most, the dandelion is a weed that takes over our yard.

So... how can a homeowner control dandelions and have a healthy lawn at the same time?  There are many Homemade "treatments" we see shared on Facebook and other Social Media Outlets.  Some sound great, but have mostly proven ineffective and kill the surrounding grass.  Dandelions are stubborn and have deep tap roots, so picking them doesn't work.  And a dandelion digger might not get the entire tap root and is a time consumer!  There are plenty of chemicals out there as well as lawn care companies that can help provide seasonal maintenance.  Chemicals and lawn care companies can be costly, and many homeowners do not like adding chemicals to their lawns.   Honestly, we feel the most effective and least expensive way to keep dandelions & weeds under control... let your grass/lawn grow to 3.5 inches!  Yes, the grass will help smother out weeds.  It might take some time, but within a year, your lawn will look much more lush, and have fewer weeds.  While it might be impossible to eradicate each and every pretty yellow flower weed, your lawn will be healthier and happier!!! We've noticed many of neighbors cut their lawn once a week and each time scalp it to almost the ground.  Leaving a bed of opportunity for not only those pretty yellow flowers weeds, but a plethora of other weeds.

You can see here how a lawn cut short becomes a breeding ground for dandelions

While it might seem like a time saver to cut the lawn short, once a week... you aren't doing your lawn any favors.  You are just creating an area for weeds, not grass, to grow!  It can be as simple and raising the lawn mower blade and taking the time to cut twice a week during the spring and maybe once a week when the rains aren't as plentiful in the summer.  And if the lawn doesn't need cut... don't cut it!  3.5 inches of lush green lawn is much better than a yard of weeds!

Taking care of your lawn is not only good for your investment, but will give you great curb appeal when/if you decide to sell!  The first impression of a weed ridden lawn can give the appearance and expectation of an unkempt home as well!  Even if your home is tidy, updated and fabulous inside... that first impression is so important!  Do yourself and your lawn a favor!  Raise the mower blade! 

SPRING LAWN & LANDSCAPE TIPS

SIMPLE SPRING LAWN LANDSCAPE CARE TIPS

 If you are like Jim and me, you love the sounds of spring.  Birds chirping, lawn mowers starting up, flowers popping color all over the landscape and trees!  No matter how mild or wicked winter might be... Spring is such a welcome season!  

Up until this week (sigh)... the unseasonably warm weather we have been experiencing has given many of us "spring fever"!  While it's still a bit too early to start your lawn and garden care, Spring is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start assessing your lawn, landscaping and garden to make it flourishes throughout the growing season.

Inspect trees and shrubs: Now is a good time to prune broken or damaged branches that occurred during the Winter months.  Believe us, it's easier to do when the foliage is not present.  Be careful, however, to not prune off branches with flower buds that will bloom in the spring.  Prune spring blooming branches, after they flower! Also, make sure to call a professional for any branches that are difficult or out of reach.

Test your soil:  This is a spring task many homeowners do not do... however, every few years it can be beneficial to have a sample of your soil tested for a proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. You can ask your favorite local nursery if they provide this service or even take a sample to a local agricultural extension office.

Fertilize your lawn, trees, and shrubs:  The decision about whether or not to fertilize should be based on the nutrition requirements needed by your soil conditions.

Control Weeds. Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control. (Preen is a good example) When forsythia is in full bloom, it's usually the perfect time to apply crabgrass weed preventer. But remember, this year the forsythia are blooming early, so you might want to wait a bit.

Tidy up Planting beds & Landscaping Around Your House:  Rake up dead leaves and debris from plant beds and from around foundation of your home. Before applying mulch, place weed block to prevent weeds from popping up. Use fresh mulch to cover beds and around trees (no more than 3" depth). Not only will the mulch make your yard look neat and tidy, but it also helps retain moisture in the soil and keep roots protected from the summer heat and insulated during the winter. As it decomposes, it adds natural organic material to the soil.

Inspect your outdoor spigots and irrigation system. Turn on your spigots and irrigation system to make sure it is in working condition and without any leaks.  Contact your irrigation company for proper turn on and the appropriate time frame.

Enjoy the outdoor weather while maintaining your yard:  Jim and I love working in our yard and garden, and many agree a repetitive task like cutting off dead stems or raking leaves help to reduce stress. These tasks are also a good way to get some  exercise... working your arms, legs and heart. 

Taking care of your yard is part of good stewardship of caring for your home!  A nice yard, will give you enjoyment, a feeling of accomplishment and will always provide great curb appeal when/if you should decide to sell.   Enjoy it while you own it, don't just make it a task to ready your home for sale!  Maintaining your lawn/yard and plant beds over time will make it easier to prep your home for sale!