Tree service businesses, staffed by certified arborists and skilled technicians, play an important role in preserving tree health, ensuring safety, and contributing to the beauty and value of properties. They offer a wide range of services crucial to trees’ well-being.

Choose a business name that is professional and conveys your company’s focus. It will be on your trucks, uniforms, social media, and documents. Contact Southern Tree now!

Tree service workers face a variety of risks due to their work, including the operation of machinery and equipment, working at heights, unsteady trees that react in unpredictable ways, and electrical exposure from lines atop utility poles. Serious injuries and fatalities for arborists are common, but these incidents can be prevented by setting – and enforcing – strict safety protocols for your employees.

To reduce the risk of workplace accidents, your crew members should receive comprehensive training on tree identification and hazard recognition, equipment operation, proper climbing techniques, and other safety protocols. It’s also a good idea to have a qualified worker (QTW) on site at all times to provide ongoing training and support. The QTW can also conduct a hazard assessment before any climbing takes place, to determine the safest route to the tree’s limbs. This assessment should include weather conditions, as they can present additional challenges like high winds, fog, ice, rain, and sunlight.

Depending on your services, you may use a wide variety of chemicals and fuels to maintain and operate your equipment. These chemicals pose a health risk for your employees and customers when they are incorrectly applied or spilled. Additionally, they can damage nearby vehicles, structures, and walkways. To mitigate these risks, your company should carry general liability and workers compensation insurance, as well as environmental liability coverage if necessary.

Your business property policy should cover the buildings and storage yards associated with your company’s tree services, as well as any tools, equipment, chemicals, or other assets you store on the premises. You may also want to consider adding business interruption coverage, as this type of coverage pays for lost income if your tree services are interrupted by a disaster. When shopping for a business property policy, make sure the insurer you choose offers the best rates and terms for your specific needs. You may also be able to save money by purchasing multiple policies through the same provider. This can be especially beneficial if you have several properties that require similar coverage, such as a home and a commercial property.

Aesthetics

Besides being a vital element in your property’s landscape, trees can also enhance your home’s value and provide privacy. However, it’s essential to choose a reliable tree service provider that will not only maintain your trees, but also ensure that they add to the aesthetic appeal of your property. Fortunately, the professional tree services from Amboy Tree Service will provide you with quality tree care to help you achieve your goals.

The central issues of aesthetics are questions about what makes an object or experience enjoyable. These questions concern the nature of beauty, the concept of taste, and the way we value art or other objects. Aesthetics is also concerned with how we perceive and appreciate natural objects, such as flowers and plants.

In the nineteenth century, philosophers who discussed aesthetics focused primarily on the beautiful and sublime. In later years, the scope of philosophical aesthetics widened to include more general concepts. The most important developments in modern philosophy of aesthetics have been those concerning the relation between aesthetic concepts and other subjects such as ethics, knowledge, and emotion.

Aesthetics is closely related to the philosophy of art, which is concerned with the nature of artistic expression. Monroe Beardsley’s 1958 book on general aesthetics, Problems in the Philosophy of Criticism, emphasized that aesthetic concepts such as beautiful and ugly were not rules or conditions but rather required a certain form of perception and judgment. Frank Sibley’s series of articles on aesthetic qualities, beginning in 1959, also emphasized this view of the purely aesthetic.

More recently, writers on aesthetics have broadened the focus of the discussion to consider more general questions about knowledge, emotion, and value in connection with an awareness of beauty. This development coincided with a change in the approach to art criticism in the latter half of the twentieth century, which moved away from focusing on defining the arts as such and instead focused more on careful analyses of specific aspects of artistic works.

Health

Arborists and tree service companies are trained to assess the health and stability of trees. They can recommend measures like cabling, bracing, or tree support systems to mitigate risks and preserve valuable assets. Additionally, they can assist with identifying tree species that are suitable for a property based on soil conditions and site requirements. This helps to promote the conservation of natural resources and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of a property.

When it comes to maintaining the health of a tree, pruning and regular tree trimming are essential. This prevents diseases and other issues from developing that can compromise a tree’s appearance, structure, or safety. Additionally, pruning helps to promote new growth and stimulates the development of a healthy root system.

Additionally, arborists are trained to identify signs of a tree disease and know how to treat or prevent them from spreading. This includes recognizing symptoms such as discolored leaves, bark canker, early leaf drop, and stunted growth. Additionally, they can recommend preventative measures like fertilization and pest control to protect trees from diseases.

Trees are a significant investment and add to the value of a home. With proper care, they can last a lifetime and provide countless benefits, including shade, beauty, and environmental advantages. Regular inspections help to ensure that trees remain healthy and continue to enhance the quality of life on a property.

In addition to ensuring that trees are healthy, tree services can also provide assistance with planting and landscape design. They can recommend the best species of trees for a specific environment, assess site conditions, and coordinate with other plant health care professionals to establish an integrated pest management program.

Because tree service professionals work with trees that often grow near power lines and homes, they can be exposed to electrical hazards. They also use a variety of chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides in their operations, which can pose health and safety concerns for employees, customers, and the public at large. Additionally, chemical overspray can damage vehicles, structures, walkways, and other property. Insurance coverage for these exposures is crucial for tree service providers.

Maintenance

Trees are a major investment for property owners and provide significant benefits including shade, beauty, tranquility, and increased property value. However, if not properly maintained, they can pose serious risks to people and property. A reputable tree service company can help you protect your trees and ensure their health through regular maintenance, inspections, and other services.

Routine inspections can catch diseases, pest infestations, and structural weaknesses in their early stages, preventing these issues from escalating into costly property damages. During these inspections, you can look for symptoms like discolored leaves, drooping branches, and twig thinning. It’s also important to monitor the soil for any nutrient deficiencies, which may require fertilizer applications.

When choosing a tree service provider, be sure to ask about their certifications, equipment, safety protocols, and insurance coverage. A good sign is if they belong to well-respected industry organizations, as they’ll likely be up to date on the latest best practices. Also, pay attention to the appearance of their trucks and equipment, as this can give you an idea of how professional they are.

In addition to offering regular maintenance services, tree service professionals can assist with planning and landscape design, enhancing outdoor spaces and adding aesthetic value to properties. They can recommend suitable tree species based on factors such as space availability, soil conditions, and desired aesthetics, and provide proper planting and care guidance to prevent potential problems down the road.

During severe weather events or unavoidable circumstances, trees can become damaged or fall onto structures or private property. Prompt responses from tree service companies can mitigate damage, ensure public safety, and facilitate the restoration of affected areas.

Besides pruning and trimming, tree services can include stump grinding to remove the remaining root stump after a tree is removed. This can prevent the formation of tripping hazards or breeding grounds for pests, and it can also allow new sod or plants to be planted on the site. They can also handle other routine maintenance activities such as removing dead limbs, treating for fungal infections and insect infestations, and cabling, which helps stabilize weak branches during storms or high winds.

A septic tank collects waste from your toilets, showers, sinks, and garbage disposal. The waste enters the septic tank, and bacterial activity breaks down most of it.

Heavy solids sink to the bottom, forming a layer called sludge. Oils and grease float to the top and form a layer of scum. Liquid wastewater exits the septic tank through perforated pipes and enters an absorption or drain field. Contact Septic Tank Armadale now!

When people buy a home in a rural area, one of the first things they think about is all that extra space. However, another thing they might need to think about is all the work that comes with a septic system. That’s because septic systems don’t just provide space; they also treat wastewater.

All the wastewater from your home runs through a single drainage pipe to the underground septic tank. There it’s held long enough so that the solids sink to the bottom of the tank and oil and grease floats to the top. The clear liquid left is called wastewater or effluent. The sludge layer on the bottom is what needs to be pumped out regularly as part of your septic system maintenance.

Bacteria in the septic tank create gases as they break down these wastewater contaminants. These gases must be released to prevent a build-up of pressure that could stop or reverse the flow of wastewater. A vent on the septic tank lid releases these gases. It often has a mushroom shape and can be fitted with a charcoal filter to reduce odors.

Once the wastewater has left the septic tank, it seeps into a drain field or leach field. This is a series of perforated pipes in the soil that filters wastewater as it seeps down through rocks, dirt and sand to groundwater.

When homeowners don’t maintain their septic systems, they can cause problems like leaks in the drainage pipes or even sewage back up into their homes. They can also damage the drain field, which requires a lot of money to replace. The most common maintenance tasks include cleaning the inlet and outlet baffles, replacing the septic tank liners and replacing the drain field or leach field.

The best way to prevent septic system maintenance problems is to watch what goes down the drain. Non-biodegradable items like cigarette butts, cotton swabs and sanitary products can cause clogs and prevent wastewater from exiting the tank. It’s also a good idea to only flush toilet paper and other products that are septic safe.

Sludge

A septic tank treats and disperses wastewater from household plumbing. Its inlet and outlet pipes connect to a drain field that disperses the pre-processed wastewater back into the soil. Depending on the size of the septic system and its use, a septic tank can store waste for up to three to eight years before it requires pumping. The sludge layer contains the heavier masses of organic, natural waste that remain undigested. This inorganic sludge can be very thick and will clog the drainage field if allowed to build-up.

A healthy septic tank has no more than 30% of its volume taken up by the sludge layer. The tank should be checked on a regular basis to ensure it doesn’t reach this point. Homeowners can use do-it-yourself tools to measure the sludge level or simply ask their septic service provider when they should plan for the next tank pump-out.

When the bacteria in a septic tank work through the sludge layer, they release methane and noxious gases. This is because sludge lacks oxygen and the bacteria can only digest so much of it before they run out of gas-producing power. The sludge layer also prevents water from exiting the tank through the inlet pipe if it is too thick.

Keeping the sludge layer in the septic tank at a minimum will help reduce the amount of time between tank pumping. However, it is important to understand that the septic system will eventually need to be pumped out regardless of how low the sludge levels are.

It is also essential to avoid flushing non-biodegradable substances down the toilet such as cigarette butts, cotton buds/swabs and menstrual hygiene products. These items can cause septic tanks to fill rapidly and clog the septic drainage system, so they should be taken out of the home and disposed of properly.

There are a number of products on the market that claim to extend periods between septic tank pumping, but most of them contain chemicals that throw the primordial ecosystem of a septic tank out of balance and can disrupt the bacteria’s ability to digest waste. Instead, use a biologically based digestion treatment like Muck Munchers to keep the inorganic waste in your septic tank to a minimum and get it to drain and process more efficiently.

Scum

As the wastewater in a septic tank settles, the density differences between the different components of sewage allow layers to form. A scum layer forms on top, which consists of fats, oils and greases that float. A bulk liquid layer forms in the middle, and a thick sludge layer settles on the bottom of the tank. Each of these layers is distinct, and the septic system is designed to keep them separated from each other.

The scum layer in a septic tank can be as much as 40% of the total volume. It is very clear, greenish-grey or even brown in color, and it generally has a bubbly consistency. It is common for toilet paper and other small solids to float on top of this layer, too.

When the septic tank is functioning correctly, the scum layer is thick enough that it keeps most of the waste materials from entering the drain field, where they would be further treated by microorganisms in the soil. The septic tank also contains a large amount of water that occupies the space between the sludge and scum layers. The septic tank is often designed with an effluent baffle to ensure that the scum layer stays in the septic tank and doesn’t enter the drain field.

A septic tank should be pumped regularly to avoid the buildup of an excessive scum layer. This layer can block the outlet and clog the drain field, which is dangerous for the health and safety of the home’s inhabitants. The frequency of septic tank pumping depends on the size of the septic tank and how much waste it holds, but it should be pumped at least every two to three years with normal use.

If a septic tank doesn’t have a scum layer, it is an indication that it isn’t operating correctly. It may require a thorough inspection of the septic system to determine why it isn’t producing the necessary separation layers. This might involve looking at a tank’s internal dimensions, assessing if the microbial community is healthy, and examining whether chemical additions are impacting bacterial activity.

Effluent

Some companies make and sell biological additives that they claim restore the bacteria balance in a septic tank. However, these are unnecessary because the natural bacteria that reside in human feces already do this job very well.

A septic tank is an underground, water-tight container that holds wastewater for extended periods of time. It provides a quiescent body of water that allows solid waste to separate from the liquid through a process called both settling and flotation. Substances that are heavier than water (grit, unconsumed food particles, oils and grease) sink to the bottom of the tank forming sludge. The lighter substances (human waste, toilet paper) rise to the top and form a scum layer. The clarified liquid between the scum and sludge is known as effluent, also referred to as wastewater. The effluent then exits the tank through the outlet into an absorption area, commonly referred to as a drain field.

In order to maintain a high quality of effluent, septic tanks must be pumped regularly. This prevents the accumulation of solids that will clog the pipes and gravel in the drainfield. When solids contaminate the effluent, it becomes a health hazard to people and pets and can cause unpleasant odors and bacterial growth in the drainfield.

Flowing from the septic tank into the drainfield, the liquid wastewater passes through a series of perforated pipes and gravel beds where it is treated by soil. The soil absorbs and neutralizes disease-causing pathogens, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Septic tanks are more effective than other septic system designs, such as seepage pits, mounds and cesspools. The septic tank is buried beneath the ground and connected to all plumbing connections in your home through an inlet and outlet tee.

Inlet and outlet tees extend below the scum layer to the surface, which causes hydraulic pressure to force wastewater up through them into your absorption field whenever you flush a toilet. The tees also ensure that the scum layer remains in the tank with the sludge layer so that solids do not pass into the absorption field. This helps to reduce the amount of maintenance required for the septic tank and absorption field, and it helps to protect the longevity of the septic system.

Insulation is a key element in your home’s safety, health, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, it can become damaged over time due to pest infestation, moisture, or general wear and tear.

Professional insulation removal removes these contaminated materials without disturbing your home. It also ensures proper disposal and compliance with environmental regulations. Visit Our Website

Over time, your home’s insulation can become worn out and lose its effectiveness. Old, damaged, or contaminated insulation can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew, which can damage your home’s structural components. Removing aging or damaged insulation helps prevent this and ensures that new insulation will be effective.

Insulation removal is a challenging for a DIY homeowner to take on without the proper safety equipment. It requires working in tight spaces, at heights, and with hazardous materials. Failing to follow proper safety protocols can put the homeowner at risk of injury, respiratory issues, and other hazards. This is why it is important to hire professionals with the right equipment to safely and effectively remove your insulation.

The first step in removing your insulation is to prepare the work area. This includes clearing out furniture and covering surfaces that could be harmed by insulation particles. You will also need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a hard hat, goggles or glasses, dust masks, and gloves. These protect the skin and eyes from particles and can prevent irritation during the insulation removal process.

Once the work area is prepared, it’s time to begin the actual removal. For this, you’ll need a hammer or flat-head screwdriver to remove staples holding the insulation in place, and heavy-duty garbage bags to transport the discarded insulation. You will also need a hand-held insulation vacuum to suck up the insulation and ensure that all debris is removed from the space.

This is especially important if you’re dealing with cellulose insulation, which is typically made from recycled newspaper and is extremely prone to dusting. Our homes are not airtight, so any air movement will kick up cellulose insulation and spread it throughout the house. The resulting dust can be a real nuisance, and it can affect your health as well as that of anyone in the household who is sensitive to it.

Professionals can safely and efficiently remove your insulation, leaving behind a clean and dry space to install new, high-quality insulation. They’ll also ensure that all hazardous material is properly disposed of, minimizing the environmental impact and potential for harm.

Preparation is Key

Whether you’re looking to address a pest infestation, renovate your home or upgrade insulation, the process of removing insulation is a time-consuming task that requires preparation. A well-thought-out plan will help you complete the project quickly and efficiently.

The first step in preparing to remove insulation is clearing your attic space of furniture and other items. This will provide you with more space and prevent the possibility of damaging or contaminating objects during the removal process.

You should also consider the type of insulation you’re removing and how best to dispose of it. There are different types of insulation that can be used in homes and businesses, and each type has unique benefits. Fiberglass, cellulose and mineral wool are all common forms of insulation, but each has distinct characteristics and performs differently in different climates.

Batt and roll insulation (also known as blanket insulation) is the easiest form of insulation to remove, since it’s rigid and can be rolled up and put into a waste bin. However, blown-in insulation and other forms of loose fill insulation cannot be removed this way because it’s spread out too widely. These forms of insulation must be sucked up using an industrial vac, and the resulting waste must be disposed of properly.

It’s a good idea to wear protective gear during the removal process. This includes a mask or respirator to avoid breathing in loose fibers, goggles to protect your eyes, and gloves to protect your hands. Depending on the condition of your attic space, you may need to seal off spaces or ensure proper ventilation before you start working.

Once the old insulation is removed, it’s a good idea to inspect the attic space and walls for issues like moisture, mold and pests. Addressing these issues promptly can reduce damage to your structure and improve energy efficiency in the future.

If you’re concerned about handling the logistics of insulator disposal on your own, consider working with a professional service. They’ll handle the necessary paperwork and follow strict guidelines for environmentally friendly disposal. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your old insulation will be recycled and properly disposed of, rather than ending up in landfills.

Don’t Forget the Cleanup

Insulation removal is a crucial part of many home renovation projects. It can be a way to upgrade to more efficient insulation materials, remediate moisture or mold issues, address pest infestations, or prepare for construction work. This process can also help improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs, and facilitate healthy, comfortable living environments for homeowners.

However, it is important to remember that the removal process can be messy and dusty, requiring safety gear like masks, gloves, and eye protection. It is also a good idea to seal off the area you are working in and ensure that dust particles don’t spread to other parts of the building or home.

In addition to the proper protective equipment, you will need a powerful insulation removal vacuum that can suck the old material away. These are available for rent from many hardware stores and equipment rental services. You will also need heavy-duty trash bags and a sturdy ladder to safely reach the attic or crawl space. You may need a flashlight to work in dim areas where the vacuum cannot reach. Lastly, it is recommended that you wear long sleeves, pants, and work gloves to protect yourself from fiberglass particles, as well as a dust mask and a full-face or half-face respirator with a HEPA filter.

If you choose to hire a professional insulation removal service, they will have specialized equipment and the experience necessary to quickly and efficiently remove any type of insulation from your home. They will also follow strict safety protocols to ensure that they and your family are protected from any harmful airborne toxins, and they will handle the waste disposal process for you, ensuring that it is done in accordance with environmental regulations.

If you decide to take on the project yourself, it is a good idea to make sure that your HVAC system is turned off and that the space is as well ventilated as possible during the process. You will also need a power tool to remove spray foam, such as a knife, scraper, saw, or chisel.

Disposal

Insulation can be a dangerous and potentially toxic material, especially in deteriorated or damaged conditions. Proper removal helps protect your family from harmful airborne particles and provides a clean slate for the installation of new, high-quality insulation to keep your home comfortable all year round.

The first step in the process is to identify the type of insulation you have in your home. Different types have varying recyclability and disposal options. For example, fiberglass insulation is typically recycled while cellulose and mineral wool insulation may require disposal as hazardous waste.

Once the identification of the material is complete, it’s time to begin the removal and cleanup process. It’s a good idea to have a large garbage bag available to contain loose fibers and debris as you go. It is also a good idea to wear disposable coveralls during this phase of the process. Wearing these protective clothes prevents direct contact with insulation fibers and reduces the chance of inhalation during the removal process. Make sure to use tools that are designed for the job and seal all of the removed insulation in bags promptly to limit the release of airborne materials.

If you’re planning to perform the removal yourself, renting a dumpster is an excellent option. This will allow you to dispose of the insulation along with any other construction debris such as drywall, spare lumber, and flooring at the same time. The dumpster will make the process easier and more efficient, especially when you’re dealing with a larger project that produces more waste.

Professionals are trained to identify insulation materials and follow strict health, safety, and waste disposal procedures. They’re also experienced with completing the job quickly and efficiently to minimize disruptions to your home.

Lawns can make a property more attractive and provide a great place to play, relax or exercise. It’s important to mow properly, water adequately, fertilize and control weeds and pests.

Perform a soil test to learn the proportion of sand, silt and clay in your lawn’s soil. Follow lab recommendations to correct pH balance, encourage soil fertility and promote grass growth. Visit https://www.primecutlawnky.com/ to learn more.

Lawn care is a year-round process that involves many maintenance considerations. It’s not just mowing and watering – aeration, seeding/overseeding, and pest control are also essential for a lush, healthy lawn. A lawn that is well-maintained can add curb appeal and improve property values. However, many homeowners struggle to keep up with the maintenance required for a beautiful lawn. In order to achieve a gorgeous yard, you need to know what your lawn’s needs are and work with a professional to meet those needs.

Most lawns should be mowed at least once a week, but the frequency of mowing will depend on your location and season. A mowing height between 2 to 3 inches is recommended, as this promotes drought resistance and crowds out weeds. It is important to sharpen your mower blade regularly to ensure a clean cut that reduces fungus development.

A good lawn starts with the soil, and a healthy soil will support a healthy grass. Regular aeration is an essential component of lawn care, as it helps to loosen the soil and encourages deep roots. Aeration can be done in combination with other lawn treatments such as fertilization and weed control, to optimize the results.

Fungicides can be used to treat turf diseases that may occur. However, a properly fertilized, watered, and mowed lawn is unlikely to experience serious disease problems, as most diseases are self-limiting. If a lawn does develop a disease, it is usually because of stress from weather or over-fertilization.

It is also important to have the right grass type for your climate and region. A local lawn care company can help you determine the best grass type for your lawn and provide recommendations for proper watering, mowing, and pest control.

A healthy, dense lawn discourages harmful insects, including snails and slugs, which are attracted to sun-loving turfgrasses. Many lawn care companies apply insecticides to their clients’ yards during periods of high risk for insect damage, but it is important to choose a company that uses targeted pest control techniques rather than applying large quantities of insecticide.

Watering

It might seem obvious, but watering your lawn is crucial to keeping it green and healthy. Ideally, you should water your lawn once a week and make sure the soil is saturated at least to about 6 inches down. This promotes deep roots and makes the grass more drought-tolerant. It also helps prevent thatch, a web of dry brown runners that appears just above the soil. Watering deeply is also the best way to prevent chinch bugs, an unsightly pest that typically infests stressed-out lawns.

Aerating is another important lawn care practice, removing small cores of dirt from the ground to help the roots grow deeper. This is also a great time to add compost, which improves the soil structure and helps plants absorb nutrients more easily.

If your lawn is suffering from weeds or insect damage, it may be time for an application of a broadleaf weed killer or fungicide. It’s essential to use these products at the right time for maximum effectiveness. If you apply a granular product, like Roundup, it should be applied in the early morning after the dew has dried, but before it starts to heat up. Liquid treatments, on the other hand, are most effective when applied when the leaves of the targeted weeds are still wet and warm.

Raking leaves is another essential chore for your yard, as a thick mat of moldy leaves blocks sunlight and makes it hard for the grass to photosynthesize. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the wind while you’re at it and rake as much as possible at once, to avoid having to do it again later.

A lawn needs adequate nutrients to thrive, but mowing and bagging clippings over time uses up the soil’s supply. Soil tests can show you what kind of nutrients your lawn needs, and when to add them. For example, adding lime will restore the soil pH balance to help grasses draw on available nutrients more effectively.

If you don’t have the time to perform some of these tasks on your own, consider hiring a professional lawn care pro. A professional can handle mowing, watering, aeration and weed killing to keep your yard looking its best. Get started by connecting with a local pro through Lawn Love today!

Fertilizing

Lawns require regular fertilizing to promote healthy growth and help prevent weeds. The best way to know what nutrients your lawn needs is to conduct a soil test. This will tell you the proportion of sand, silt and clay in your soil, as well as its nutrient levels. Many at-home soil testing kits are available, but sending a sample to a laboratory will give you more precise results.

After conducting your soil test, you can determine how much fertilizer to apply to your lawn and when. The type of grass you have will also affect your lawn’s nutrient requirements. Some types of grass, such as bluegrass, require more nitrogen than other types, such as fescue.

In general, it’s best to apply slow-acting commercial granular fertilizer once or twice per year. This kind of fertilizer spreads slowly, allowing the grass to absorb the nutrients over several months. It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label, including watering immediately after application. Watering helps wash the granules into the soil and ensures that they reach the roots.

A good time to apply fertilizer is in the spring. This will give the grass a strong start to the growing season and help it retain its color and prevent scorching. However, it’s best to apply a fall fertilizer as well to help strengthen the grass’s root system and make it more resistant to drought and fungus.

Before applying the fertilizer, aerate your lawn to improve its health and appearance. This process involves using a machine that removes small cores of dirt from the lawn to loosen it and allow for better moisture and nutrient circulation. It also reduces thatch, which can block water and nutrients from reaching the ground.

In addition to fertilizing and aerating, your lawn may need additional maintenance, such as seeding or overseeding, weed control, tree and shrub care, leaf removal and winterizing. A professional lawn care company can help you choose the right services and schedule for your lawn’s unique needs. They can also offer advice on other landscaping options, such as adding a patio or deck to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Weeding

Weeds are a fact of life but there are many ways to control them. For annual weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions, and clover, a spot application of a granular herbicide in early spring works well. For perennial weeds, digging out the plants and destroying their roots is usually necessary.

If weeds become too problematic, some companies offer a full lawn care program that includes both fertilization and weed killer treatments. A good lawn care company will use non-toxic treatments and limit the number of chemical applications as much as possible to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful.

Watering is key to any successful lawn care strategy, but the timing of it is critical. The best time to water is in the morning so that the sun’s heat will dry the grass and reduce disease risk. Avoid evening and nighttime watering, as these can encourage fungus and other plant diseases.

A regular mowing schedule is also important for keeping your lawn looking its best. Start with a monthly schedule and adjust it to your lawn’s growth rate, mowing at the right height for its species of turfgrass. Mowing too short can damage the grass and lead to thinning turf.

Fertilizing is another important part of a lawn care program, but it’s important to get the timing right. A soil test will give you insights into your specific soil’s pH and nutrient makeup so that you can target the fertilization process to its needs.

The right weed killer is essential for keeping your lawn free of invasive and unwanted plants. A good lawn care company will only use products that are safe for children and pets and won’t harm the environment.

Insects are another fact of life in a yard, but high populations can be a problem for a lawn. A healthy lawn that uses the BMPs described above will be able to tolerate a small number of insect pests. However, if the grass is under pressure from high numbers of insects, it may need to be treated with insecticides to maintain its appearance and health.