Winter Lawn Fertilizer: Preparing Your Lawn for a Healthy Winter

Key Takeaways

Tips for winter lawn care:

• Strengthen Roots: Winter lawn fertilizer nourishes roots to withstand cold and prepare for healthy spring growth.
• Frost Resistance: Properly applied fertilizer enhances your lawn's resilience against frost and harsh winter weather.
• Nutrient Balance: Selecting the right mix, including slow-release nitrogen and potassium, ensures optimal root health during winter.
• Professional Expertise: Cory's Lawn Service provides expert winterizing to protect your lawn with precise care and application techniques.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

Winter is a critical time for lawn care, and using the right winter lawn fertilizer can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy yard. Whether prepping your lawn for a lush return in spring or ensuring it weathers the cold months unscathed, understanding the benefits of winter lawn fertilizer is key.

Why Winter Lawn Fertilizer Matters

During the winter, your lawn may appear dormant, but the roots beneath the soil are still hard at work. Applying a specialized winter lawn fertilizer provides essential nutrients that:

• Strengthen root systems.

• Enhance resilience against frost.

• Promote healthier, greener growth in spring.

Neglecting winter lawn care can leave your grass vulnerable to damage, making a recovery more difficult and costly when the warmer months arrive.

How to Choose the Best Winter Lawn Fertilizer

Selecting the right fertilizer for winterizing your lawn is essential. Here’s what to look for:

1. Nitrogen Content: Opt for a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content and slow-release nitrogen to sustain your lawn over the colder months.

2. Potassium and Phosphorus Boosts: Potassium and Phosphorus support root health and enhances your lawn's cold tolerance.

When and How to Apply Winter Lawn Fertilizer

Timing and technique are everything when it comes to applying winter lawn fertilizer. Follow these expert tips:

1. Apply in Late Fall: Once your lawn has stopped actively growing but before the ground freezes and your irrigation system is shut off, it’s the perfect time to fertilize.

2. Mow and Rake First: Ensure your lawn is clear of leaves and debris even when applying.

3. Spread Evenly: Use a spreader to achieve consistent coverage, avoiding patches that could over- or under-fertilize.

Professional Winterizing Services by Cory’s Lawn Service

At Cory’s Lawn Service, we understand that winter lawn care can be daunting. That’s why we offer professional winterizing services designed to keep your lawn in optimal condition throughout the cold months. From choosing the ideal fertilizer to expert application, our team has the tools and expertise to protect your grass against winter stress.

Maintaining a healthy yard year-round starts with the right care and attention during winter. With our guidance and services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your lawn is prepared to thrive, even in the harshest weather. Contact Cory’s Lawn Service today to schedule your winter lawn fertilizer application and take the first step toward a greener, healthier lawn.

Understanding the Importance of Turf Density

Key Takeaways

Turf density enhances:

• Soil protection: Dense turf prevents soil erosion and degradation by shielding soil from direct impacts of rain and wind.
• Weed suppression: High turf density limits the space available for weeds to establish, naturally reducing weed growth.
• Aesthetic appeal: A dense lawn offers a lush, vibrant appearance, contributing to the overall beauty of landscapes.
• Durability: Dense turf withstands wear and tear better, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Check out our lawn fertilization and weed control services.

Many variables influence lawn density. Grass can become suffocated and perish as a result of lawn moss. Grass thatch, which is dead grass left behind from mowing, can cause a lawn to become dry, oxygen-depleted, and die in sections. Aerating, dethatching, and feeding your lawn correctly will allow it to breathe, acquire nutrients, and allow new grass to grow.

If you need help learning the importance of turf density, make sure to read on. 

Getting A Thicker Lawn in Five Easy Steps

1. Improve Soil 

Soil testing pays off handsomely in the form of lush, healthy grass growth. Take advice from the professionals and test your soil to get the most out of every step you take toward thicker grass. A soil test provides you with a precise starting point for your lawn's specific requirements, as well as advice for addressing any underlying issues. 

The pH of your soil and other characteristics that might stifle thick growth is revealed through testing. And by following test suggestions, you don't need to guess what you need to do to enhance your soil. 

Your grass cannot absorb nutrients if the pH of the soil is too low. Testing will reveal whether your lawn needs lime or other soil additions to restore pH balance and nutrient availability, allowing grass to grow thick and lush again.

2. Overseed

Overseeding puts grass seed into existing grass to thicken thin lawns or prevent them from becoming thin. New grass fills the gaps, giving it a lusher feel and appearance. This is a great way to improve the condition of your grass and make it thicker. You'll get better performance from grass produced via industry-leading research when you use premium grass seed (along with aeration where the new seed is allowed to fall into the aeration holes for protection from birds and heat).

Always pick a grass suitable for your location, climate, and lawn conditions. For example, if you're growing grass in the shade, shade-tolerant grasses can help you achieve the dense grass you want.

3. Fertilize

Lawn grasses, like other plants, require adequate nutrition. Unfortunately, minerals in the soil are frequently washed away by rainfall and irrigation. Fertilizing your grass regularly during the growing season will provide the nutrients it needs for healthier growth.

4. Irrigate

Once your thicker grass has established itself, you must maintain appropriate lawn watering methods to ensure that it receives enough water and remains thick. Grass seedlings need a lot of moisture to germinate and fill in gaps between existing grass. 

Once established, lawns require around 1 inch of water each week, whether from the rain or through your irrigation system. Deep, thorough watering promotes deep root development, resulting in thicker lawns.

5. Mow Properly 

Using proper mowing techniques allows your grass to grow thick and stay that way. Rather than mowing according to your weekly chores calendar, it's best to mow depending on the specific demands of the grass. 

Mow your grass at the frequency needed to keep it at the optimum mowing height without eliminating more than one-third of it in a single session. Many of the stressors that generate thin, unsightly lawns may be avoided by doing this.

Conclusion 

No matter your at-home lawn care needs, make sure you work with a high-quality lawn services company to get the best results. 

At Cory's Lawn Service, we deliver top-notch customer service in maintaining beautiful lawns and giving our customers the best experience. Contact us today if you need lawn mowing services, lawn fertilization, weed control, yard clean-up, sprinkler repairs, lawn aeration, or residential snow removal!

Summertime Mowing Tips

summer mowing

Key Takeaways

Summertime lawn care offers:

• Sprinkler Check: Ensure sprinklers are correctly aimed to prevent water waste.
• Watering Adjustment: Increase watering times for deeper soil penetration, avoiding short, shallow cycles.
• Fertilizer Application: Apply slow-release fertilizers for sustained lawn nourishment.
• Mower Height: Raise the mower height to reduce stress on your lawn during hot periods.

Check out our lawn mowing services.

Summertime is here and it is time to make sure that your lawn and lawn equiptment is not neglected. It is very common for people to apply that first fertilizer application, set the sprinkler timers for spring conditions, and then think that the lawn will be just fine the rest of the season. But just as the weather changes and gets hotter, your lawn's demand will also change for what it needs to keep the lush green that it had in the spring. Below are some tips that I would recommend to consider to keep your lawn and lawn equiptment in tip top shape for the rest of the season.  

1.) Check your Sprinklers:

Sprinkler_Adjustment-300x219

It is very common for sprinkler heads to mysteriously rotate their direction and start watering the pavement instead of the lawn. This could be due to a mower knocking the sprinkler head, edger clipping the side of it, or even just a loose sprinkler head twisting on its own. Since most sprinkler settings are for early morning it is hard to visually see if all the sprinkler heads are still spraying in the correct direction. To check the system, manually activate the timer and double check that every sprinkler head is running correctly. This might involve manually replacing a broken sprinkler head (approximately $3-$15 per head), or just using a small flat head screw driver and some elbow grease to return the sprinkler to the correct position.

2.) Increase watering times:

If you are starting to see the lawn lighten up in color your lawn might need more water. Double check your watering times from what was originally set for the spring and either add another watering time or extend the current watering times a few more minutes. In the summer it is better to have a deep watering cycle so the roots of the grass extend deep into the soil instead of depending on short shallow watering application. This will help the turf in times of drought, but don't over water to the point where severe runoff is occurring.

3.) Fertilize:

This is a good time to apply a second round of fertilizer to your lawn. Most spring application (quick release fertilizer) will last between 4-6 weeks. It is recommended to apply a slower release fertilizer that will last for approximately 8-10 weeks. Ask your local fertilizer dealer for details about the benefits between quick release and slow release fertilizers to see what works best for your lawn.

mower adjustment

4.) Increase mower height:

While most lawns can handle a shorter cut during the spring, the increased heat and periods of drought will cause extra stress on your lawn during the summer. Think of possibly increasing your mower height just one or two "notches" (approximately 1/4" to 1/2") higher than what the lawn was previously being mowed at.

5.) Check your equiptment:

This is a good time to see if you lawn mower and other equiptment needs any maintenance done on it. Check the oil level, sharpness of the mower blade, air filters, spark plugs, and edgers blades to see if anything needs to be replaced or maintained to help the life expectancy of your equiptment. This can either be done on your own with the help of an operation manual or by a local small engines shop for a rather minimal cost.

The Top 5 Essential Lawn Care Tips for Late Summer

Whether you knew it or not, late summer means a change in how to care for your lawn.

We know, we know. Yet another thing to worry about amidst a pandemic, smoke-filled air, and more. 

Well, we can help with that: get a FREE quote here!

Or, you can help yourself and your lawn with these 5 quick-tips to preserve and prepare your summer lawn for the last run into Fall.

Key Takeaways

Late summer lawn care essentials:

• Proper Watering: Deep, infrequent watering fosters deep root growth.
• Mowing Techniques: Mowing with a higher blade setting promotes healthy lawn growth.
• Attention to Weeds: Addressing weeds promptly prevents them from overtaking healthy grass.
• Fertilization: Late summer fertilization prepares the lawn for fall and strengthens it against pests and diseases.

Check out our sprinler, mowing, weed control, and lawn fertilization services.

What Should You Do for your Late Summer Lawn Care?

1. Watering in the early morning

Nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary. But, you’ll want to start with changing your watering times to the early AM. 

Why? 

This is the coolest time of the day with summer still here, and it will allow the grass to soak up every last drop to maintain throughout the warm day without being affected by evaporation or wind.

Need a recommendation for timing? Try between 4 - 10 AM. Maybe have a cup of coffee first.

Pro Tip: Start to cut your grass at a higher level than before. This will provide more shade for the soil to stay cooler for longer.

Speaking of cutting your grass…

2. When was the last time you checked your lawn mower blade?

Like a good chef’s knife, you want an always-sharp mower blade. We won’t judge you if you haven’t checked all summer. But you’re going to want to see what you’re working with right now because believe or not a clean cut will keep your lawn healthy and help retain water.

Obviously, you can eyeball your blade to determine if it’s dull. Another method is to look at the grass edges after a fresh cut: are they ragged or clean cut? That will give you your answer.

So, how exactly do you go about sharpening a lawn mower blade to retake control of your summer lawn? 

The answer is completely up to you.

A few of the common options are to file by hand, find a blade sharpener drill bit attachment, a suitable grindstone, drop off at a local small engine shop, or any method you’re jazzed to try out. 

Just be careful, okay? You don’t want to prematurely end your hand modeling career.

3. Weeds. The roaches of the lawn care world!

This is the bane of any homeowners summer lawn care routine. Unfortunately, your weed problem is just as persistent as ever now as it was in the beginning. 

But you’re up for the challenge, right?

The tried and true option for weed control is to keep on pulling so it doesn’t grow to be out of control. And to double-down on a an in-lawn broadleaf, spray-on weed killer to keep them at bay.

Pro Tip: If you are pulling weeds, be sure to water down to the roots 24 hours before. This should help ensure you get the entire root. Also, make sure to get the correct spray for the type of weed you are dealing with.

And you’ll want to be mindful of where you spray. If you have or plan to grow other things outside of grass, just be careful of both where you spray and the type of spray. 

It could be a determinate to your vegetable plans. But no one likes broccoli anyways.

4. Add fertilizer, the good kind.

Not all fertilizers are created equal, but you’ll want to find one made especially for late summer heading into the Fall. 

During the warmer months is when your grass experiences rapid growth and damage (heat, insects, etc.) which is why you need to apply fertilizer to keep it healthy. 

Just like your growing teenager, there’s never enough food in the house to keep them satisfied. 

Look for fertilizers with soil-amending properties to slow release nitrogen to give your lawn the boost it needs to carry you through the remainder of summer! 

It will also serve you well to preserve key nutrients for a triumphant return next spring.

5. Give us a call.

Does everything above seem like too much work or a little too late?

We get it. I mean, our slogan is “Hire us and take your weekend back!” for good reason.

It may not be too late to save your lawn or at least get it ready for a better start next spring. 

We love what we do and we like to think we do it well. That’s why we offer a Free Quote here!

No matter what, we hope this was helpful and we look forward to sharing more pro lawn care tips and tricks with you!

With grass-stained clothes and smiles on our faces -- thank you for reading!

- Cory’s Lawn Care Services

How to Repair a Damaged Tree Hit By a Mower

tree damage

Key Takeaways

Effective tree repair strategies:

• Immediate Action: Quick response to tree damage can significantly improve recovery chances.
• Careful Pruning: Proper pruning techniques are essential for removing damaged areas without further harming the tree.
• Avoiding Chemicals: Refraining from applying wound paint or sealants aids in the tree's natural healing process.

Check out our lawn mowing services.

It almost doesn't matter how careful you are or how much you try and avoid nicking trees with a string trimmer or mower, over time it is bound to happen. The key is to not leave the damaged tree unattended, and there is a very simple way to help a damaged tree after a chunk has been taken out by a mower. This situation happen to one of my employees recently, which provided the perfect opportunity to show what should be done if a tree is damaged by a mower. The video below is a real situation where the rear tire of the the mower clipped the base of a tree and took out a 3" chunk of bark. Since the trees in the neighborhood are only a few years old, this damage could end up killing the tree if it is not attended to. It is important to recognize the damage right away and keep the bark that has been torn away from the base. By reapplying this piece of bark, like a missing puzzle piece, and duct taping the damaged area to prevent insects and other diseases from harming the tree during its recovery, the tree should heal over a 3 to 6 month period of being wrapped up and cared for.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPFmqkN6z8g[/youtube]

Re-seeding a lawn in Reno, NV with Scotts EZ Seed

scottsezseed

Key Takeaways

Efficient lawn revitalization offers:

• Easy Application: Scotts EZ Seed simplifies the re-seeding process with an all-in-one solution.
• Adaptability: Formulated for diverse Reno, NV conditions, ensuring growth in various environments.
• Water Retention: The unique mixture retains water effectively, aiding in seed germination and growth.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

This week I decided it was time to reseed my lawn because of damaged dog urination spots, digging, and general dog craziness. In the past, for small dog spots I have generally chosen to use Scotts EZ-seed. This product has worked great for me in the field for small bare spots, dog urination damage, and thin grassy areas. This time I decided to put Scotts EZ-seed to the test by applying a 20lb bag to an approximately 10'x10' bare patch to see if it is worth acquiring the $50.00 bag to fill in a larger damaged area. My hope in this process is to do one of two things:

1) Encourage home owners who may not have the know how or the resources to reseed a larger area by the traditional methods to use EZ-seed

or

2) To see if this product works best only in smaller areas and is therefore not worth the money to reseed a larger one.

The video below will show the complete process I undertook in using Scotts EZ-seed on my lawn. I used the EZ-seed in the proper manner, from the prep work to the watering, in hopes that this product does not disappoint. Since I have seen many of my customers use this product incorrectly, I wanted to make sure that I documented that I have done everything possible to ensure success in reseeding my lawn with EZ-seed. Although this product is expensive, I hope that in a short time I can come out heavily recommending anyone to use this product for larger reseeding areas, instead of the traditional methods.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llgvr9J9XQ0[/youtube]

Reno Lawn Dethatching

Key Takeaways

Reno lawn dethatching promotes:

• Healthier Lawns: Dethatching encourages a lush, green lawn by removing excess thatch that blocks water, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the roots.
• Effective Maintenance: A small amount of thatch is beneficial for moisture retention and protection against the sun, but too much can harm your lawn.
• Optimal Timing: Mid to late spring is the best period for dethatching in cool climates to allow quick lawn recovery.

Check out our yard cleanup services.

If anyone that has not heard of de-thatching or your lawn guy just tells you to get it done yearly, there are some basic ways you can check to see if your lawn needs to be de-thatched before you go spending a lot of money to have it done. Although de-thatching a lawn can be done by a hand de-thatching rake, I would never recommended doing this unless you want to have an aching back after wasting a day. The most prominent way lawn care services de-thatch is by using a motorized de-thatcher also called a power rake. Obviously the ultimate goal for de-thatching is to provide you with a more healthy, lush, and green lawn. So how do I know if my lawn needs De-Thatching?

The most effective way to see if your lawn has excessive thatch is to take a shovel and cut out a small 6"x6" square of turf and examine if the area between the root system and the blades of grass. If this area has over a 1/2" of brown matted build up of thatch as shown in the picture, than it is time to de-thatch your lawn. A small amount of thatch is actually good for the lawn which help retain water and protect your grass from the harsh summer sun. If the build up is too much than it will prevent water, oxygen, and nutrients from getting to the roots. The best time to have de-thatching done for our cool climate is during mid to late spring when the lawn is actively growing and can quickly recover from the stress of de-thatching. More tips can be found once you determine if your lawn needs to be de-thatched.

If you are debating between having your lawn aerated or de-thatched this season, take the quick five minutes to do this test and see if you have an above average thatch layer. Both aerating and de-thatching can be done at the same time and most lawn care companies in Reno like ours, offer more affordable packages if you choose to do both. I have found a good de-thatching video if you want a better idea of how it works.

Customer Service

Key Takeaways

Cory's Lawn Service enhances:

• Customer Interaction: Prioritizes responsive and personalized customer service.
• Service Quality: Guarantees high-quality lawn care tailored to individual needs.
• Expertise and Reliability: Offers professional advice and dependable service schedules.

Check out our lawn care services.

I read an article today on the 8 rules to good customer service, which made me think if Cory's Lawn Service was keeping to these 8 rules? This is a area of a business that is probably the most key for success, because if you don't go out of your way for your customers then your customers will go out of their way find someone who will. I realize there are hundreds of lawn care trucks driving around in Reno everyday, so why should someone choose Cory's Lawn Service to take care of their property instead of the other guy? Before reading this article I prided myself on our over all customer service, and I still do, but I can see there are still some obvious ways we can improve to help our customers. (Quick Story) A few years ago my wife and I were picking out our Christmas Tree from a lot. I have never really thought about desiring good customer service at a tree lot because its a once a year purchase and half the time I forget where we got I tree the year before. Anyway, after selecting our tree I realized I did not have any cash and told the tree guy we would be back to pick up the tree once we went to the ATM. Right then the guy loaded our tree up in my truck and said, "Just bring the money by later this week whenever convenient. You guys have a nice evening". Since that day, I have continued to return to the same Christmas tree lot year after year and recommend my friends there as well.

So, how can a lawn care service provided a similar type of wow reaction? How can we stand out above the crowd? How can we better serve our customers? This is where the lawn care business can not just be about mowing the lawn and getting the job done, because honestly the next door neighbors kid can do that for a lot cheaper. It means, consistently thinking about small things that customers enjoy that you necessarily don't get paid for. It means, owning up to your mistakes and fixing them. It even means, taking the extra time to chat when Mr. Johnson comes outside to pay you.

Although nobody is perfect, as a business owner it is a priority for us to be thinking and applying these steps daily. If you are a current customer who is reading this I want to know if there are ways we are excelling or lacking in our customer service? Let us know your thoughts, good or bad.

Reestablishing The Lawn Care Blog

Cory Bettinghouse

Key Takeaways

Lawn care insights offer:

• Comprehensive Education: Detailed lawn care tips and information for enhanced property maintenance.
• Local Business Insight: Insights into the operations, services, and community contributions of a Reno-based lawn service.
• Customer Service Excellence: Emphasis on outstanding customer service driven by happy employees and accountability.

Check out our lawn care services.

Well it has been over 9 months since Cory's Lawn Service has last blogged, and it is time to get back on the horse and try again. The purpose of this blog is going to be about lawn care, obviously. I want to provide my customers, and anyone else who wants to read, with information and tips about lawn care in Reno. I also want to discuss about Cory's Lawn Service as a local business in Reno, what we are doing, what service we are providing, and what things we are working on  to better serve our customers and community. Since starting Cory's Lawn Service in 2006 I have gone from knowing nothing about lawn care or owning a small business to currently having over 100 repeat customers yearly. Over the years I have sought out the tricks of the trade, advise from other local landscape companies, and learned some good old fashion trial and error. Ultimately I have learned to strive for outstanding customer service which translates first to having happy employees and owning up to my mistakes. I believe that it is specifically because of our customer service, that we have repeat customers year after year. Using this blog is another way that I want to continue our excellent customer service by letting people know what things they can do to help their lawns along with other valuable information, discussions, and tips.

Thank you for taking the time to check out Cory's Lawn Service blog. I know according to the calender we are still at the tail end of winter, but we look forward to the upcoming mowing season, along with helping you with anything that you might need done around your property. I am so appreciative of the customers year after year that trust and enjoy the work we do.

What Is Dethatching?

Key Takeaways

Dethatching enhances lawn health:

• Improved Nutrient Access: Dethatching allows water, nutrients, and air to better reach the soil and grass roots.
• Enhanced Grass Growth: Removing thatch promotes healthier and thicker lawn growth by preventing overcrowded roots.
• Disease Prevention: By removing excess thatch, dethatching helps prevent lawn diseases by reducing the environment that pests and diseases thrive in.

Check out our yard cleanup services.

I had some people ask me about what the benefits of dethatching you lawn are. I found a great WEBSITE that will help with some tips of how to prevent thatch, what it does, and when you should have it done. If you are interested in this service for your lawn in Reno, I would be more that willing to assist.

Lawn Care Tips

Key Takeaways

Insightful lawn care insights:

• Regular Maintenance: Consistent care is crucial for a healthy lawn.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Adapting lawn care techniques for changing seasons enhances lawn health.
• Professional Services: Expert services can significantly improve lawn quality and appearance.

Check out our lawn care services.

Moving into a new home? Have a damaged lawn? Here are a few tips to restoring your lawn.

Clean it up!

Removing all your weed and brush buildup will improve the quality of appearance and help your lawn grow to it’s full potential.

The best time to clear weeds and brush is the spring or fall, when your lawn is thriving. This allows for the lawn to recover quickly and look its best. In preparation for your clean up, mow the entire lawn. Short grass will make de-weeding and surface preparation easier. It will also improve seed germination rates because more seed will make contact with the soil and seedlings will have greater exposure to the sun.

Take care of depressions and holes

Depressions in your lawn can be caused by poor grading, uneven settling, or the decomposition of buried tree stumps, logs, or roots. Mark any irregularities with a flag or stick so you can find them easily when you are ready to level them.

To level small bumps, raise the sod with a sharp spade and remove the necessary amount of soil beneath it. Cut out at least a 2 by 2-foot section of sod. If you lift smaller patches of sod, they will likely dry out and die. While the soil base is exposed, mix in some compost and fertilizer. Watersoak the area using a hose and press the sod back into place. Keep the area watered to prevent lawn brownout.

Fertilization

Apply the fertilizer recommended by the results of your soil. Use a slow-release fertilizer, putting down more fertilizer than necessary will damage your lawn. The excess fertilizer may eventually pollute waterways. If you did not test your soil, apply a slow-release fertilizer with an Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium ratio of 3-1-2. Apply about 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

Microbes and Organic Material

Microbes digest grass clippings, dead grass roots, and stems, providing nutrients your grass. A topdressing of compost mixed with topsoil will add organic matter into the soil without hurting the lawn. Be sure to aerate your lawn after your application. Topsoil and compost can be found at your local nurseries and landscape centers.

These tips should help you on your path to a beautiful lawn! If you don’t have the time, we would be happy to help. Give us a call at (775) 686-0123.